GRANITE SHOWROOM IN IDAHO

Shopping for Granite Kitchen Countertop From Your Local Granite Fabricator:

When considering Black Countertop for your next remodeling project, whether it is a kitchen countertop or facing a vanity, a bit of research and window shopping will help you acquire a fantastic product with a price that fits your budget.

• Find a Fabricator; The first step is to find a fabricator, or installer, that will bring the granite from the manufacturer to your home. A fabricator will often shape and polish the stone to your specifications and make sure the piece is cut to fit your needs. An in-home estimate is a way to ensure the proper dimensions and décor are taken into account.

• Slab Showrooms; Many fabricators work directly with a manufacturer that has a slab showroom, which are large slabs of granite that have yet to be cut into counters or tiles. Slab showrooms offer a wide variety of styles, colors and patterns, and in choosing a specific slab; the consumer can control the quality of the stone. In beginning to shop for granite, you may find a manufacturer showroom first, which can then lead you to a recommended fabricator.

• Choosing the Right Granite Slab
Granite has become an popular choice in the world of remodeling. It offers customers colors, patterns, durability unlike any other. It is especially popular for kitchen and bathroom remodeling jobs, as it makes an ideal countertop. For countertop purposes, the ideal choice is a granite slab, which allows for a smooth installation and little to no seaming. This option can be costly, in the range of $50 to $160 per square foot. The tips and tricks can help any homeowner choose a granite slab wisely and cost-efficiently.

• Buy Locally; With the advent of online-shopping-is-better, it seems any purchase made online can be done less expensively than purchasing locally. As for granite slabs, the weight alone will tack on a hefty shipping cost, so when possible, shop in a local manufacturer's slab showroom.

• Take Care with Color; An advantage of granite is that it is available in an extensive array of colors and can suit any décor. But when purchasing a granite slab as an investment piece, it may be wiser to side on the neutral colors. Not only will they improve the resale of a home, but in the short-term the more popular, neutral colored slabs tend to be less expensive.

• Decide on a Finish; There are four main finishes for granite slabs: polished, brushed, honed and flamed. Each finish has its own advantages, so be sure to choose the finish that fits your lifestyle. The most popular choice finishes is the polished finish.

• Decide on the Counter's Edge; A fabricator can offer several different edge options, many of which are rounded and polished, so there are no hard, sharp corners that can cause future injury.

• Slabs do Not Equal Continuity; Ideally, a granite slab would be large enough to fit the dimensions of the counter space, creating a smooth look with no seams. However, in custom-fit situations, the average-size 10-foot slab will not be large enough, and fitting pieces together may happen. If this is the case, be prepared for not only seaming, but a slight difference in pattern or color of the granite, as the multiple slabs used for the project might not be identical

• Make Sure The Order is Right; When purchasing a granite slab, it helps to check and double check your agreement with the fabricator. Will the fabricator seal the granite? Is the granite slab you picked out in the showroom the slab that will be in your kitchen? What are the fees for installation, delivery and taxes? These details can adjust the pricing considerably.

• Consider Alternative Options; In the end, if a granite slab is not for your project, there are alternatives. Consider using granite on an island instead of the counter. Pre-fabricated granite counters offer a less expensive option, if working with a standard-size counter and tiles are an inexpensive way to enjoy granite in your kitchen.

The Cost of Granite Countertop:

• Granite Countertop Granite is an ever-popular choice: for installation in home improvement projects across the country, especially as durable material for kitchen and bathroom countertops. Once sealed, this versatile product resists staining along with wear and tear. But what is the price tag for such a lasting and beautiful stone?

• The Advantages Granite Countertop: Granite Countertop is a naturally-occurring stone that is quite hard and durable, making it an excellent choice for construction and renovation projects. It can withstand heat and cold, resists chipping or cracking and when properly cared for, can last a lifetime.

• The Cost Estimates: Granite Countertop As with any home improvement project, seeking estimates from several reputable installers or manufacturers is the best option to get the proper range of Granite Countertop costs in your area. Because Granite Countertop is available in such as vast variety of colors and styles, the price range can be great.

• Slabs: The premium is slab granite, which is cut in a giant piece and fit to your specifications offsite. The slab is then brought into the home or building and professionally installed. This service typically starts in the $50 to $60 per square foot range and moves upward to $120 to $160 per square foot.

• Pre Fab: Prefabricated granite can save the home improvement consumer some money, as these pieces come pre-cut (often with a backsplash, finished edges etc.) to fit a standard-size space. Many times these are thinner end-products then the traditional slab, and often are only available with the popular patterns. Prices begin at $25 to $30 per square foot and continue up.

Steps to Replacing a Countertop with Granite Countertop:

Granite is versatile and durable natural stone that will add style and beauty to your kitchen or bath, and give you and your family years of performance.

1. Measure accurately; The most important aspect of countertop replacement is fit, so be sure to accurately measure your countertop space, taking into account any extra space needed for tiling a backsplash, or cutouts desired for a sink or stovetop. Even if you are having a consultant or fabricator visit your home to measure the space, be sure to measure it on your own for comparison.

2. Swapping counters; Your old countertop will be removed upon delivery of the new granite counter, and a reputable installer will perform this task for you. If the new granite countertop is a do-it-yourself project, you will need to remove the old countertop. Prior to removal, double check that the plumbing, including the sink, garbage disposal, dish washer, etc., is properly disconnected. Start by unscrewing the counter in all of its corners, and break the line of caulk where the counter meets the backsplash with a knife. Gently prying the old counter from the frame, and be sure to have a helper nearby to aid in lifting the old counter.

3. Sub-board; Granite is extremely heavy, so most granite installations will include a sub-board installation, usually of ¾" plywood. Again, a fabricator or installer will include this step in their installation process. For DIY, be sure to have accurate measurements and cuts, so there is no sub-board overhang off the frame. Some DIY consumers choose to use 1" by 3"

4. Install granite; The actual installation of the granite countertop is a several-person job, due to the sheer weight and technicality of the install. Experts will mount the sink and insert the backsplash before setting the new granite in place. If there are any seams, these must be leveled beneath the counter, and the pieces will then be glued into place with epoxy or silicone. The seams will be filled with an epoxy mixture, which can be tinted with color to closely match the granite hue. The backsplash, if used, is then glued on and caulked in the seam between the counter and the wall. Swapping an old countertop for a countertop can be a hefty challenge, but any good DIY customer that is well-researched can complete the task, or have an expert standing by for assistance.