The Process of Buying A Granite Counter Top for Your Kitchen

In order to install granite counter tops in your kitchen, you should gather as much information as possible so that you are well informed. It is important to understand that the sample of granite you look at in the showroom does not represent exactly what you will have in your home. Each piece of granite is unique. This is part of its appeal.
The differences in each piece of granite are due to the way granite develops. Granite forms below the surface of the Earth. Crystallization occurs under intense heat. This crystallization gives individual pieces of granite its different textures and colors.
Installing granite is different from the installation of other counter top materials like Formica. As in all remodeling work, a design is created to work from. When granite is part of the plan, a template is then made after the lower cabinets are installed. This template (which is the shape of the top of your lower cabinets) is actually used to cut the granite to the correct size and shape. As you can imagine, the accuracy of the template is a critical part of the installation process.
There will be many advantages to a granite counter top in your kitchen. The hardness and durability of granite is beyond compare and of the utmost importance in the overall appearance of granite counter tops. The hardness of granite helps the counter tops look brand new for many, many, years. A word of caution is in order, though. You might be tempted to cut meat and other food directly on the granite counter top because it is so hard and durable. Don't. It is so hard that the granite counter top could actually dull the knife blade!
If you plan to retain your existing cabinets and only change the counter top, you might question whether the existing cabinets can support the heavy granite. This should not be of concern since only a thin piece of granite is actually used for the counter top.
Once you have decided to use granite for your kitchen counter tops, it is important to understand the process involved in purchasing the granite. You should be prepared to:
1. Choose the basic color of the granite from samples.
2. Choose the style for the edges of the granite. There are basic default edges and then there are fancier, custom edges at a slightly higher price should you choose to upgrade to these.
3. Provide dimensions for the space where the granite will be installed. For an accurate quote, it is important to provide actual dimensions.
4. A precise measurement will be taken in your kitchen so that an accurate template can be made in order to cut the granite.
5. Approximately 7 – 10 days later, the granite counter tops will be completed and ready for installation.

After the installation of the granite counter tops is complete, you will enjoy these counter tops because they add beauty to your kitchen and are easy to care for.