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Granite countertops. It's usually the only description one needs when describing a renovated kitchen. Whenever anyone embarks on a kitchen remodel, new granite for the counters seems to be a prerequisite.

What's so special about granite and why does everyone want it?

Advantages of Granite Kitchen Counters

• Granite is a gorgeous natural stone and it's perfect for the kitchen. There are tons of colors and grains to choose from and no two counters end up alike. The beauty of granite counters is unsurpassed which explains why it's usually the number one choice for anyone remodeling a kitchen.

• Granite countertops are resistant to bacteria. The natural stone is not as porous as, say, a wood butcher block countertop might be. It's easy to clean off the counter and prevent passing any microbial content to other food or surfaces on the counter. Stainless steel and granite are the best at preventing the spread of bacteria.
  

• Some countertop materials can be easily scratched, including some other natural stones like marble. A kitchen countertop sees heavily and regular use in most homes, so having a sratch resistant surface is very important.

• Granite countertops are also capable of handling high temperatures and this heat resistance is invaluable in any kitchen.
  

• For the same reasons that the granite surface is resistant to bacteria, it's also very easy to clean your granite countertops.
  

Disadvantages of Granite Countertops

• Granite is a great surface for a counter, but not every home is the right style for a a kitchen with granite.

• Granite seams are commonplace. Seams are inevitable on natural stone. However, the seams can be filled with epoxy and color-matched to help the seams appear less visible.

• It can be very expensive to purchase and have granite counters installed.

• Sealers are required on granite counters and so this adds to the maintenance requirements.

If you're looking to add granite countertops to your kitchen (or bathroom), consider posting your project for free on Construction Deal. You'll receive several bids from local countertop installation companies which saves you time. Having multiple bids to choose from means that you'll save money.

Find a granite countertop installer today!

Labels: Countertops, granite counters, granite countertop

Many people want a granite countertop, even if they don't have the correct kitchen style to support it. Granite is a gorgeous material but many people have been going a different route. For those with a more modern taste, stainless steel has been gaining in popularity. A restaurant would probably be the first thing one might think of when it comes to a having a stainless steel kitchen countertop.

There is a reason most restaurants use this material. Durability, stain and water resistance, low maintenance, a myriad of size and shape choices are just a few of those reasons. It's also very easy to clean and you can put a hot plate or pan on the surface without worry of damaging it. Because it's easy to clean, it's great for preventing bacterial growth. The non-porous surface prevents germs from taking hold. If you have a stainless countertop installed, make sure the surface is at least 18 gauge and has eight to ten percent nickel in it.

There are also drawbacks to having a stainless steel counter. It can be considered a little too modern. People love to have their appliances with a stainless steel cover, but not the reflective and large surface of their counters. It can be considered to look too "industrial." Stainless is not cheap, either. Even though it seems like a bare metal, it requires a lot of have it made and installed. And in a restaurant, a chef might slice and cut directly on the stainless steel surface, but it leaves a scratch or mark. A homeowner might be more worried about the extra cuts and dings that a chef would not be concerned about.

However, if you consider yourself a serious at-home chef and you like the modern look of stainless, it can be a great addition to any kitchen. The nice thing about the neutral look of the metal is that you can change your cabinets to almost any other color or material and the counters will always match. If you plan your kitchen's lighting scheme right, the reflective nature of the surface will increase the illumination and make your kitchen sparkle.

For total costs on having a new stainless steel countertop installed, be prepared to pay anywhere from $75 to $100 per square foot.

If you need to find a local Stainless Steel Counter Installer, look no further than Construction Deal -- we'll connect you with quality countertop companies at no cost to you.

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Labels: Counter Installations, Countertop Material Options, Stainless Steel

It's very important to plan for your countertop installation project. If it's time to replace your kitchen or bath countertop, you'll want to make sure you have the right specialist for the project. Using these tips can ensure your new counter is installed without any problems or complications.

• First, post your countertop installation request with Construction Deal. It's a fast, free, and easy way to get multiple bids from counter contractors in your area.
  

• When you receive calls from countertop companies, make sure they come out to your home to view the job before giving you a quote. There's no real way for them to give you a decent estimate without reviewing the room, getting dimensions, and determining the thickness and edging. Get a bid, in writing, from at least 3 countertop contractors.
  

• Ask for and contact all the references provided by the counter company. These references will let you know how well the company performed their duties and what to expect on your project. Keep in mind these references are all happy customers provided by the countertop company. But it's important to validate that they are, indeed, happy clients and do really exist. And it's important to gather details and information they provide to get a feel for how well things will go for you.
  

• Talk with the installer about the best materials to use for your application, your climate, and your homes style. "You get what you paid for" usually applies to countertop materials. All counters have advantages and disadvantages. Many popular countertop styles, like granite and other stones, need some maintenance.
  

• Get a complete, detailed breakdown in your estimate so that you'll see how much money is being allocated for the counter and how much for the labor. Compare each estimate with the other to make sure you're getting a good deal and not paying higher labor costs.
  

• If your state requires it, make sure your countertop specialist has a license to perform the work in your home. It's the best way to make sure you're dealing with a professional from the beginning.

Keep in mind that problems do arise on any remodeling project - the countertop company may discover problems that were not visible before work began. But by following these countertop installation tips, everything should work out and you'll have a beautiful counter that will last you many years and improve your home's value.

Post your project - for free - on Construction Deal to talk with a local countertop installer. Good luck with your kithcen or bathroom remodeling job!