Granite countertops can add tremendous value to your kitchen owing to its innately elegant and stylish look. If you are a novice in the world of home decorations and have never had a countertop installed by a professional, there are some super useful tips to prepare your kitchen for a granite installation. Your suppliers will brief you about their own individually formulated pointers to ensure a hassle-free and smooth installation, however there are a few generic factors that will reduce the inconvenience and stress if acted upon religiously.
The first step of remodeling your kitchen to include a granite countertop will be to detail and measure your existing countertop. You have to ensure that the countertop surface is clear and free from clutter on the day the measurements happen. If you want any alteration in the size, space, shape or cut of the top, the professional will have to be informed immediately so that the necessary modifications can be incorporated in your remodel plan. Detailing is extremely crucial while preparing for a countertop installation. You have to be clear about the look you want for the kitchen along with the finer nuances of each aspect that will contribute to that look. Determine the sink type, cooktop genre, faucet holes along with the edges and backsplash. If you are planning to have new cabinets installed as part of the remodeling process, they have to be fixed before measurements are taken for your countertop.
The granite professionals will make a template for you based on the overall decor of your kitchen, current countertops and/or new cabinets. This process will ensure that they have adhered to precise measurements and will give you a chance to make any changes if the template is not in tandem with your preferences. You have to get your sink, faucets and stove in place before beginning the actual fabrication and installation process. There may be a few places that may not be perfectly draped by the new countertops and leave some gaps. These may be areas behind the backsplash or painted cabinet tops below counters. They can be fixed by either adding tiles to cover bare areas or painting them. On the actual installation day, there will be a lot of tedious clearing and cleaning work. You will have to practically remove everything from your kitchen including food items stored in cabinets, cookware, crockery, plants and artifacts to clear the way for an effortless and less obstructive installation process. It is a good idea to protect new appliances with drop cloths or plastic sheets to prevent them from being damaged in the installation process. All electrical appliances must be switched off and the kitchen door should be closed to make the room completely inaccessible.
Br prepared for a rigorous cleaning session once the installation is completed. Going through the entire process of remodeling your kitchen may have seemed like an arduous and cumbersome task, however the results are more than worth it and will offer your home a smooth, warm and clean look.
Showing posts with label custom granite. Show all posts
Showing posts with label custom granite. Show all posts
Friday, May 29, 2009
Questions and Answers About Granite and Radon
There have been several reports on TV and in newspapers about radon and granite countertops and the possible dangers associated with it. You may have heard snippets of information but haven't gotten a lot of details. If you have granite in your home or are thinking about adding it, such reports may rightly worry you. Below are some basic questions you may have about radon, granite, and how it all affects you.
What is radon?
A good question. While you may have heard the word and some reports about it, you may not necessarily know what it is or how it may affect you or your family. Simply, radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas. It's primarily found in the soil and can often be found in low concentrations in basements of the Midwest and East.
Is radon found in granite countertops?
Apparently low concentrations of radon gas are emitted by granite. This may make sense in view of the fact that radon does occur in the earth. However, the granite used in the United States (including countertops) emits very low concentrations of the gas. Such low levels of environmental radiation are deemed safe by the government.
Is radon dangerous?
Technically radiation in any form can be harmful if the concentration levels and exposure time are high enough. Note it has more to do with the concentration, exposure levels, and duration of exposure than the radiation itself. We're all exposed to radiation in some form on a regular basis. Every time we step into sunlight, for example, or turn on the TV. Radiation exists throughout our environment so it's more the quantity of radiation and time we're exposed to it that counts.
Keep in mind too that radon gas does not work like carbon monoxide. It will not build up suddenly in the middle of the night undetected. Even in a basement, if it's properly ventilated, the levels of radiation should not be a problem.
Will radon soak into my food?
Radon cannot absorb into food in its natural state. Radiation has to first be dissolved into water before it can be absorbed. If food is left on the countertop, it can't absorb any radon being emitted.
Is my granite countertop safe?
Modern studies show that the concentration levels of radon emitting from granite are not enough to cause worry about health risks. As mentioned above, low concentrations of radiation are common in many natural products like soil and even foods such as potatoes and bananas. The amount of radon emitted should not be enough for serious concern. If, however, you do feel you need to be concerned about the concentration of radon in your home, contact your local area radon organization for help.
This overview of what radon gas is, where you find it, and what it can and cannot do will hopefully provide you with some much-needed answers. While radiation is nothing to take lightly, studies show that there should be no need to fear for your family’s health if you already have granite countertops or plan to install them in the near future.
What is radon?
A good question. While you may have heard the word and some reports about it, you may not necessarily know what it is or how it may affect you or your family. Simply, radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas. It's primarily found in the soil and can often be found in low concentrations in basements of the Midwest and East.
Is radon found in granite countertops?
Apparently low concentrations of radon gas are emitted by granite. This may make sense in view of the fact that radon does occur in the earth. However, the granite used in the United States (including countertops) emits very low concentrations of the gas. Such low levels of environmental radiation are deemed safe by the government.
Is radon dangerous?
Technically radiation in any form can be harmful if the concentration levels and exposure time are high enough. Note it has more to do with the concentration, exposure levels, and duration of exposure than the radiation itself. We're all exposed to radiation in some form on a regular basis. Every time we step into sunlight, for example, or turn on the TV. Radiation exists throughout our environment so it's more the quantity of radiation and time we're exposed to it that counts.
Keep in mind too that radon gas does not work like carbon monoxide. It will not build up suddenly in the middle of the night undetected. Even in a basement, if it's properly ventilated, the levels of radiation should not be a problem.
Will radon soak into my food?
Radon cannot absorb into food in its natural state. Radiation has to first be dissolved into water before it can be absorbed. If food is left on the countertop, it can't absorb any radon being emitted.
Is my granite countertop safe?
Modern studies show that the concentration levels of radon emitting from granite are not enough to cause worry about health risks. As mentioned above, low concentrations of radiation are common in many natural products like soil and even foods such as potatoes and bananas. The amount of radon emitted should not be enough for serious concern. If, however, you do feel you need to be concerned about the concentration of radon in your home, contact your local area radon organization for help.
This overview of what radon gas is, where you find it, and what it can and cannot do will hopefully provide you with some much-needed answers. While radiation is nothing to take lightly, studies show that there should be no need to fear for your family’s health if you already have granite countertops or plan to install them in the near future.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
5 Points to Consider When Transporting Granite Countertops
Granite countertops are known for their durability. However before they are installed, they are quite fragile. Most of the granite shops which offer installation services also include the provision for transportation. One should understand that with the right preparation and equipment the slabs can be installed without much difficulty. Granite is considered to be rigid by nature. And with proper support, it will resist cracks.
When you are installing granite slabs for cabinets, there should be proper support for the granite; otherwise the stone can be damaged. Without any support, the granite will have cracks. Both glass and granite should be transported on a vertical edge. If the granite is laid on its back, then there will be cracks, when the vehicle comes across bumps on the road. In order to support the stone and provide a frame to the stone, the professional users take help of A frames. The frames are made of wood so that there is solid support for the stone.
Most A frames are built with a 10 degree angle which helps in supporting the granite slab. The vertical and the horizontal supports are clamped together and hold the granite in place so that it is not removed from its place even if the road is bad. Most A frames are large and can be carried with help of pickup trucks. If you are using the granite slab for the counter, then it will be large in size. In case of Undermount sinks, there will be polished granite which is safe for transportation. Polished cut-our granite are not as fragile as ordinary granite.
There are chances that the drop-in sinks, faucets and cook tops crack on the road. If the granite is used for small vanity tops, then they can be carried without the A frame. The granite should be vertically placed in the unpolished edge. The bottom of the granite should be laid on even, flat surface so that there are lesser chances of cracks and scratches. In case of SUV and minivan, the granite slabs should be put on the rear seats and the other seats can be used for giving support to the slabs.
If you are carrying the granite all by yourself, you will need some extra help. It will be impossible to carry the heavy slab all by yourself. When you carry the granite to the car, it should be carried vertically. You can lift both the sides together to give proper support to the heavy slab. Before you carry the granite to the car, you should inspect the slab carefully and see if there are any cracks or holes. Once you carry it outside the shop, it will be your sole responsibility. When you plan to carry the granite top, you should use proper support like an A frame along with clamps and a vehicle which is spacious. If it is a big granite slab, you will need space. The rear seat should be used for carrying the granite slab so that the whole slab can be kept properly.
When you are installing granite slabs for cabinets, there should be proper support for the granite; otherwise the stone can be damaged. Without any support, the granite will have cracks. Both glass and granite should be transported on a vertical edge. If the granite is laid on its back, then there will be cracks, when the vehicle comes across bumps on the road. In order to support the stone and provide a frame to the stone, the professional users take help of A frames. The frames are made of wood so that there is solid support for the stone.
Most A frames are built with a 10 degree angle which helps in supporting the granite slab. The vertical and the horizontal supports are clamped together and hold the granite in place so that it is not removed from its place even if the road is bad. Most A frames are large and can be carried with help of pickup trucks. If you are using the granite slab for the counter, then it will be large in size. In case of Undermount sinks, there will be polished granite which is safe for transportation. Polished cut-our granite are not as fragile as ordinary granite.
There are chances that the drop-in sinks, faucets and cook tops crack on the road. If the granite is used for small vanity tops, then they can be carried without the A frame. The granite should be vertically placed in the unpolished edge. The bottom of the granite should be laid on even, flat surface so that there are lesser chances of cracks and scratches. In case of SUV and minivan, the granite slabs should be put on the rear seats and the other seats can be used for giving support to the slabs.
If you are carrying the granite all by yourself, you will need some extra help. It will be impossible to carry the heavy slab all by yourself. When you carry the granite to the car, it should be carried vertically. You can lift both the sides together to give proper support to the heavy slab. Before you carry the granite to the car, you should inspect the slab carefully and see if there are any cracks or holes. Once you carry it outside the shop, it will be your sole responsibility. When you plan to carry the granite top, you should use proper support like an A frame along with clamps and a vehicle which is spacious. If it is a big granite slab, you will need space. The rear seat should be used for carrying the granite slab so that the whole slab can be kept properly.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Top Ten Tips for Marble Maintenance
There are many people who opt for marble flooring while building the house. They look aesthetic and elegant. However, keeping them in immaculate condition can prove to be a daunting task for the homeowners. With prolonged use the marble floors develop stain marks and cracks and if these are not treated in time the problem can worsen. To ensure the longevity of the marble floors the owners need to adopt some basic maintenance methods.
First of all, the homeowners need to understand that marble is somewhat different from the other stones. A natural stone needs different treatment than other kinds of flooring. It is delicate by nature and hence one should not use harsh chemicals to clean it. The homeowners should not use the acidic cleaning solutions for cleaning the marble floors. It may result in etching and scratching.
Secondly, the homeowners should not use plain city water to clean the marble flooring in their homes. The city water often contains chemicals that are not suitable for cleaning marble floors. If he uses city water the floor may be left with a chemical residue. It will make the floor look dull and damage it as well.
Another thing the homeowners should know about marble flooring is that these floors do not react well to the all purpose floor cleaners. Some cleaning solutions are sold in the market that is specially developed for marble cleaning. These are the solutions which need to be used. The label directions can help the person in determining the aspect ration for dilution.
It would be advisable for the marble floor owners to buy mild cleaning solutions that can remove the stains of substances like soft drinks and coffee. It would be best to make use of a pH neutral product. To clean deep stain marks a person can use heavy-duty cleaners but these should be used occasionally and with caution.
Another useful tip for cleaning marble floor is using soft clothes. There is no reason to use abrasive pads for cleaning marble floors as it will be detrimental and can make the marble lose its luster. After cleaning the floor with mop that is wet with cleaning solution, it needs to be rinsed properly. Then it should be mopped dry to remove any water stains.
Another thing the marble floor owners need to keep in mind is that even after cleaning the floor may be left with residual marks. These can be eliminated with specialized stain removers.
One more thing the marble floor owners can do for ensuring the longevity of the marble floor is adopting preventive care methods. Marble floors can get damaged if they come in contact with heavy and sharp materials. Therefore, the owners can use walk-off mats to prevent scratch formation on the surface.
It would be a good idea to use mats on marble floors that absorb liquids and also catches soils and dirt from the footwear. The mat needs to be long enough to cover the floor. The marble floor owners need to be careful about maintenance during rainy seasons and winter in particular.
With proper maintenance marble floors will last for a longer time and can prove to be the pride of your house.
First of all, the homeowners need to understand that marble is somewhat different from the other stones. A natural stone needs different treatment than other kinds of flooring. It is delicate by nature and hence one should not use harsh chemicals to clean it. The homeowners should not use the acidic cleaning solutions for cleaning the marble floors. It may result in etching and scratching.
Secondly, the homeowners should not use plain city water to clean the marble flooring in their homes. The city water often contains chemicals that are not suitable for cleaning marble floors. If he uses city water the floor may be left with a chemical residue. It will make the floor look dull and damage it as well.
Another thing the homeowners should know about marble flooring is that these floors do not react well to the all purpose floor cleaners. Some cleaning solutions are sold in the market that is specially developed for marble cleaning. These are the solutions which need to be used. The label directions can help the person in determining the aspect ration for dilution.
It would be advisable for the marble floor owners to buy mild cleaning solutions that can remove the stains of substances like soft drinks and coffee. It would be best to make use of a pH neutral product. To clean deep stain marks a person can use heavy-duty cleaners but these should be used occasionally and with caution.
Another useful tip for cleaning marble floor is using soft clothes. There is no reason to use abrasive pads for cleaning marble floors as it will be detrimental and can make the marble lose its luster. After cleaning the floor with mop that is wet with cleaning solution, it needs to be rinsed properly. Then it should be mopped dry to remove any water stains.
Another thing the marble floor owners need to keep in mind is that even after cleaning the floor may be left with residual marks. These can be eliminated with specialized stain removers.
One more thing the marble floor owners can do for ensuring the longevity of the marble floor is adopting preventive care methods. Marble floors can get damaged if they come in contact with heavy and sharp materials. Therefore, the owners can use walk-off mats to prevent scratch formation on the surface.
It would be a good idea to use mats on marble floors that absorb liquids and also catches soils and dirt from the footwear. The mat needs to be long enough to cover the floor. The marble floor owners need to be careful about maintenance during rainy seasons and winter in particular.
With proper maintenance marble floors will last for a longer time and can prove to be the pride of your house.
Marble Can Enhance the Worth of Your House
A home is a priceless possession. But, at times, you need to evaluate the value that your home carries. This evaluation is essential for two reasons. When your friends come to your house, you understand whether your house is ‘worth’ appreciation or not. Yet another time you understand what is the worth of your house – this is when you decide to sell the house.
The effect of recession is there over almost every industry and the real estate industry cannot be an exception. The prices for real estate are at an all time low. This however has prompted the buyers to hunt for a good home in a bargain price. This has intensified the need to maximize the value of your house if you are looking to sell it.
Well, the best way to do it is to spend as little as you can to maximize the value of the house. Marble flooring is certainly the best step to that end. There are thousands of reasons that will convince you about that. Let me enumerate a few for you…
Floor is one of the most important places in your house. This is not where you look down; rather this is where you put your foot. So, this needs to be a good one. In fact, they should be good, beautiful, durable and easy to maintain. Only marble can allow you to have a great floor which will be looked up upon.
One of the advantages of the marble flooring is that it is not essential to transform it for a long time. It is durable and it retains the shine and beauty over the years. There are different colors like black, white, yellow, green and dark. They are suitable to be used in kitchen, bathroom and in fact in any other room of the house.
Marbles can be of various kinds and can have distinct characteristics. In fact, each of the marble is excusive; they differ in color, pattern, and texture and in almost everything. However, when it comes to shine, the Indian marble seems to have an edge over other categories. This is why this kind of marble is so popular across the globe. When you use this marble you don’t have to go for a polish at all as it has a natural glow which can enhance the ambience of even extremely mundane surroundings.
Apart from such a wide range of color and texture, the marble can also add elegance to the look of the house. This stone has always been associated with royalty from the ancient ages. So, when you bring marble in your house, you become a part of a heritage that is thousands of years old.
Another big factor with marble is that it can be used for other purpose than flooring. So, even if you lack the opportunity to restore or transform flooring you can still use marble to decorate the house. Marble can be placed under the table or anywhere you want to draw the attention of the visitor to.
This is why the sale of marble flooring has been increasing at a magnum pace for the last five years. Naturally, you will get thousands of buyers ready to buy your house with a touch of marble with it.
The effect of recession is there over almost every industry and the real estate industry cannot be an exception. The prices for real estate are at an all time low. This however has prompted the buyers to hunt for a good home in a bargain price. This has intensified the need to maximize the value of your house if you are looking to sell it.
Well, the best way to do it is to spend as little as you can to maximize the value of the house. Marble flooring is certainly the best step to that end. There are thousands of reasons that will convince you about that. Let me enumerate a few for you…
Floor is one of the most important places in your house. This is not where you look down; rather this is where you put your foot. So, this needs to be a good one. In fact, they should be good, beautiful, durable and easy to maintain. Only marble can allow you to have a great floor which will be looked up upon.
One of the advantages of the marble flooring is that it is not essential to transform it for a long time. It is durable and it retains the shine and beauty over the years. There are different colors like black, white, yellow, green and dark. They are suitable to be used in kitchen, bathroom and in fact in any other room of the house.
Marbles can be of various kinds and can have distinct characteristics. In fact, each of the marble is excusive; they differ in color, pattern, and texture and in almost everything. However, when it comes to shine, the Indian marble seems to have an edge over other categories. This is why this kind of marble is so popular across the globe. When you use this marble you don’t have to go for a polish at all as it has a natural glow which can enhance the ambience of even extremely mundane surroundings.
Apart from such a wide range of color and texture, the marble can also add elegance to the look of the house. This stone has always been associated with royalty from the ancient ages. So, when you bring marble in your house, you become a part of a heritage that is thousands of years old.
Another big factor with marble is that it can be used for other purpose than flooring. So, even if you lack the opportunity to restore or transform flooring you can still use marble to decorate the house. Marble can be placed under the table or anywhere you want to draw the attention of the visitor to.
This is why the sale of marble flooring has been increasing at a magnum pace for the last five years. Naturally, you will get thousands of buyers ready to buy your house with a touch of marble with it.
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