Find a Countertop Installer

Granite Countertops

2006-11-19T14:33:00.000-08:00

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!

Considering a Stainless Steel Countertop?

2006-11-10T14:57:00.000-08:00

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 not cost to you.

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Find the Best Countertop Installer!

2006-11-02T14:05:00.000-08:00

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!

Concrete Countertops

2006-10-28T13:44:00.000-07:00

Concrete countertops have a warm, natural look that is similar to natural materials like wood, stone, and brick. Stains, a variety of colors, additives for texture, and epoxy coatings can give concrete the look and feel of quarried stone such as marble, slate, granite, and limestone.

The great thing about a concrete countertop is that it's much less expensive than the natural stone or wood countertops on the market. They can be made to fit any custom cabinetry and are poured onsite.

But isn't concrete that flat-gray, crackled boring surface? Not anymore. The stains and colors can be added to the concrete and the surface can be done in a high-gloss or semi-gloss coating to give you just about any look you want. You can choose your edging abd the thickness of the counter, all without breaking the bank.

The surface is perfect for hotter items because it's heat resistant. But excessive heat can cause chipping on the surface. You can imbed a trivet or a cutting surface directly into the concrete, anywhere you need it. Concrete countertops can be coated with a silicone sealer to minimize staining.

If you need to find a local concrete countertop expert, post your project request with us today - or give us a call at 866-663-4711 if you have questions!

Find a Countertop Contractor

2007-12-31T12:12:00.000-08:00

When people need to find a Kitchen or Bath Countertop Company for a counter installation project, they usually have to pick up their yellow pages. Or they'd ask for a referral from a friend.

These days, it's not so easy to find the best countertop company. With more and more homeowners going to the Internet to search for information, it made sense to offer an Online Contractor Network. So, we created ConstructionDeal.com several years ago to help you!

On our website, you can:

Post your Countertop Installation project in just minutes!

Receive bids from local Counter Top Contractors.

Meet with prospective Countertop Installation Companies and make your decision.

You save time by not calling contractors at random from your outdated phone book!

You save money by getting multiple bids from several counter companies - you'll have the option to go with the best bid!

You do all of this -- for free -- on the Construction Deal website...

Many homeowners would love a new counter for their kitchen or bathroom. But many don't know where to turn to find a local company that can install a new countertop for them. Our network of installers work with granite, slate, marble, stainless steel, butcher block, tile, and laminate countertop materials and more. Whether you're just sick of your old wornout counter or you simply want to improve the look and value of your kitchen or bath by adding a new surface, a countertop installation company can help.

When you need new kitchen countertops, think of Construction Deal and place your project with us!