Homeowners around the country love granite countertops. These beautiful natural stone countertops boost the resale value of your home, increase the beauty of your kitchen and bathroom, and will last a lifetime. Choosing the perfect slab of granite can be difficult if you do not know what to look for.
Many people think that looking at granite samples will help them in making a decision; however, if you only look at samples, you will not see all the details that are present on a slab. In order to make an informed decision, you must look at the slab in its entirety. Here are the top 3 reasons why you should look at the full slab of granite before purchasing and signing in an installation contract.
You will not be able to determine the different granite colors and color variations present if you only look at a small sample piece of granite. For example, one sample may only show blotches of white and gray; however, the slab of granite may also have shades of black and flecks of reds. Furthermore, one slab of granite can be significantly different than another slab of granite. Because granite is a natural stone, it can have a slightly different mineral makeup, which can make it darker or lighter, depending on the minerals contained in the slab.
When shopping for granite, it is important to inspect it up close as well as from a distance. Certain types of granite can look different from a distance and may have hues and shades that are only noticed from a distance. If you choose a piece of granite based on a sample piece, you may find yourself surprised after the installation. The granite could have colors that do not coordinate with the colors in your kitchen, bath, or other areas of your home.
Granite can have flecks, specks, and swirls. Determining what will look best in your kitchen or bath can help increase the odds of you loving your new granite countertop and granite backsplash. Make sure you look at the various patterns found in a slab of granite and consider how it will look with your current decorating scheme. Ask yourself will this piece of granite work well or should you look for a different piece of granite. The answer to this question will help you choose the best granite pattern for your kitchen or bath remodeling project.
After you have walked the granite yard and looked at the different patterns available in granite countertops, you will be able to determine the best look for your kitchen and bathroom granite countertops. Carefully consider your options as what looks good in a granite yard may not look great in your home. For example, if you lean to a minimalistic style, a busy countertop may not fit with your overall design.
Granite was created deep within the earth millions of years ago. As pressure and heat were applied to minerals, they combined and created what is now used as a natural countertop material in homes around the world. Due to the nature of granite, there will be beauty marks and flaws in slabs. These marks are one of the main reasons why granite is so revered as a countertop material. However, certain marks may be unacceptable to certain buyers.
Inspecting the entire slab of granite will help you determine the best piece for your kitchen or bathroom. By visually identifying each beauty mark and determining if it adds or takes away from the overall beauty of the slab will help you choose the best granite slab for your unique tastes. It will also help prevent you from getting stuck with a countertop that you do not love.
As you can see, it is vitally important to view the actual granite slab that will be installed in your kitchen or bathroom. Granite countertops are an investment and will last a lifetime when properly cared for; therefore, it is worth the extra effort of choosing your granite slab.
Any reputable granite fabricator will recommend that you look at individual slabs to ensure your complete satisfaction. Before making your final decision view a variety of granite slabs, including different colors and patterns. Once you have determined which granite slab will work best in your home, make the purchase and be ready for a custom installation that adds value and beauty to your home.
