Granite has continued to grace kitchen countertops for decades. This is not surprising since the stone is not only gorgeous to look at but also very durable. The pyramids in ancient Egypt were built using granite and it is among the most popular choices of materials for kitchen countertops till date. Here are some reasons why homeowners love getting granite countertops for their kitchen:

A huge variety to choose from

One of the biggest reasons for granite’s popularity is that this natural stone is available in a wide variety of colors. This means that you can take your pick from variegated browns, deep red, midnight black, mottled white or vibrant blues. There is a granite color option to match every kitchen’s décor. Granite is composed of several different kinds of crystals. This is why the granite color may vary a lot depending on which crystal makes up the larger part of a given stone piece. The various crystals which might make up a piece of granite include quartz, mica, feldspar etc.

Extremely durable and minimal maintenance

Granite is essentially a natural stone boasting of a holocrystalline structure. This basically means that all the crystals making up this stone aren’t fully developed and merge into each other. The crystal structure of granite with this distinctive interlocking lends it extreme durability. This interlocking also contributes to the characteristic grainy appearance of the natural stone.

You may end up damaging your knife while cutting something on a granite countertop but the stone will remain unaffected. It doesn’t show wear and tear or scratches till a sledge hammer is taken to it. With a granite countertop, you will be able to enjoy working in your kitchen without worrying about any damage.

A sealed granite countertop does not have a porous surface. This means that it does not soak in any dirt, grime or bacteria which are commonly present on kitchen countertops.

Family-friendly kitchen countertop

If you have young children or toddlers in your family, then a granite kitchen top is perfect for you. Kitchen is an area where kids might like to help out and this in turn could lead to a lot spilling. Also, older people in the family may accidentally place a hot vessel directly onto the kitchen countertop. Either ways, granite is strong enough to take such abuse.

 

If you’re building a new kitchen or remodeling an existing one, one of the main elements to consider is the countertop and the material to be used for it. There are various materials to choose from, and granite is one of the best available. There are many reasons for this, with the most apparent one being that it adds aesthetic value to any kitchen with its beauty and elegance. Color is not an issue since granite is available in many shades. This versatility allows builders and designers to apply granite and blend it beautifully with other aspects of the kitchen, like the walls, cabinets, flooring and other décor.

Benefits of granite countertops

Durability – Granite is a hard substance, so the surface cannot be damaged easily, neither by heat nor by force or sharp objects (like knives). This makes it extremely durable. Moreover, because of it’s durability and aesthetic quality, the value of granite countertops is also everlasting.

Adding beauty and value to your home – As mentioned already, granite can really enhance the beauty of a home with its grand and elegant look that adds class and finesse.

Sanitary – Since granite is a non-porous stone, its surface can be cleaned very easily. This makes granite countertops one of the most sanitary options. A simple cleaning regularly will ensure that there is no dirt or bacteria on your countertops.

Never fading color – the color of the stone will never fade, keeping your kitchen looking in tip-top condition for as long as you have that kitchen and keep it clean. Since granite lasts so long and you won’t be changing your countertops very often, it would be advisable to pick a color that complements the different colors that you many choose for the other aspects in your kitchen.

Stain resistant – sealed granite is stain-resistant, making it super easy to clean and maintain. All you need is to wipe the countertops with warm water and mild soap/detergent using a towel after every cooking session.

Repairable – granite stone can be repaired if ever there was enough force applied on the countertop to damage it.

The kitchen is a common space for the entire family, and granite provides a safe surface for any member of the family preparing to cook as well as a homely and warm feel. Granite countertops are a good investment for any home.

Granite is a natural stone that is famed around the world for its aesthetically pleasing qualities. Granite is highly versatile as it can be used for flooring and as a countertop in kitchens, bathrooms, and even on walls. Premium forms of granite may be pricey to install, but the long terms benefits in terms of durability and the value it will add to your home is clear. Granite normally has five differing grades of quality so you need to be careful to ensure that you are purchasing the right kind of granite.

Durability

Granite is one the toughest and most durable forms of materials known to man. Granite is heat and scratch resistant as it is created under tremendous heat and pressure. In fact, if you drop a knife or some other sharp material on granite, materials that would normally damage other forms of flooring, the knife and the other materials are liable to get dulled.

Moisture resistant

After granite has been properly sealed, it is terrifically resistant to moisture and water. It is an excellent candidate for use as a countertop in moisture-prone rooms such as the kitchen and bathroom. It is very resistant to moisture absorption, and you can easily use soapy water and acid wash to remove tough stains on the surface. You should avoid using bleach, ammonia, and any other products that have the potential to remove the sealant on the granite. This will expose to more moisture and cause the stone to deteriorate.

Bacteria and dirt resistant

As granite is extremely resistant to pores, the material barely attracts any dirt and bacteria making it an extremely sanitary material. This also makes it very easy to clean and stains can be removed relatively easily. It is excellent for people who suffer from asthma and other types of allergies.

Value

Floors and countertops made from granite add an incredible level of aesthetic value to your home. Granite can form a number of beautiful shapes and designs that will give your home an extremely classy look. In addition, if you have premium granite countertops and floors, it will have an impact on the price of your home if you ever need to sell. However, you need to be careful to not purchase soft granite or lower grades of granite as they don't offer the same level of benefits. The creation of granite is also very eco-friendly, making it perfect for the 21^st century.

There are so many ways in which you can enhance your existing concrete flooring and concrete polishing is one of them. As far as concrete polishing is concerned, the clean and simple look seems to be popular for both residential and commercial construction. The most commonly used color in concrete polish is natural gray and majority of the polished floors do not utilize any other color or design element. Interior designers believe that concrete is highly minimalistic as far as design and color are concerned.

As far as flooring is concerned, less is definitely more. This is why polished concrete is so brilliant. It has a clean, toned-down appeal which can make a huge impact. The polished and smooth surface of concrete offers enough shine for brightening up what was once a cold raw material used only in industries.

Colored concrete overlays

Among the quickest and simplest ways of completely overhauling the feel and appearance of your residential flooring lies in the use of concrete overlays. These concrete overlays help in enhancing the look your existing concrete floor by making use of special polymer coatings.

These are typically called ‘colorful concrete overlays’ as the interior designer homeowner will have the freedom to pick from various designs and colors and can create a purely customized finished product!

Polished concrete

Polished concrete is another excellent way to upgrade existing concrete flooring in your home or office space. The products which are utilized for creating this particular effect make your flooring look super smooth and shiny, very similar to high-quality waxed surface.

Generally, this type of concrete flooring is applied by technicians by buffing down the existing surface to give it a high shine. It is possible to do this with old floors as well, provided they are in good condition. You can further customize the effect of polished concrete flooring by using color.

Decorative styles in concrete polishing

Even though applying color on polished concrete continues to be an evolving trend, there are unlimited design opportunities and a vast color palette for polished concrete floors that you can choose from.

Concrete dyes have gained much popularity primarily because of polished concrete. A dye has characteristics such as better solubility and smaller particle size in comparison to a stain. This enables deeper penetration of the dye into the concrete floor and a resulting stronger and more vibrant color development.

Hardwood floors can lend a certain charisma to a home. Beautiful and shiny, they not only make your home stand out from that of your peers, but also increase the value of your house. If you are looking for hardwood floor options, you can check out our extensive collection of high quality hardwood floors.


Say you have installed hardwood floors. Don't think that your work ends here. Hardwood floors are strong, but you also need to look after them. There's nothing much though. Just a few things here and there and your hardwood floors will serve you for years. Here is a small list on how to take care of your hardwood floors.


Things you must do

• Wipe all spills on the hardwood floor immediately, do not keep them for long.
• Sweep, vacuum or dust mop the hardwood floor at least once a week. If you are using a vacuum, ensure that the vacuum head is made of felt or brush.
• Use dustmats either inside or outside your house to trap the dust or dirt from footwear.
• If you have a pet, keep its nails trimmed (to prevent scratches on the floor).
• Protect your hardwood floor from direct sunlight.
• Furniture legs should be covered by furniture protector pads.
• Occasionally, clean the hardwood floor with a special hardwood and laminate floor cleaner. After cleaning, apply a coat of polish.
• Maintain a humidity level of 35 percent-55 percent in your home.
• Clean stubborn spots and stains with a mineral spirit. Next, clean the area again with a hardwood and laminate floor cleaner.

Things you should not do

• Do not apply ammonia-based cleaners, wax based polishes, bleach, detergent, oil soap or acrylic cleaner on your hardwood floor. Acidic materials (vinegar) and abrasive soaps should also be avoided.
• Do not keep furniture with hard domes or metal tips on the hardwood floor.
• Do not use vacuums with hard heads or beater bars.
• Do not walk on the floor with spike heels, heel taps or other sharp objects in your shoe or footwear.
• Do not use plastic mats, foam back mats or rubber mats because they might collect moisture and discolor the floor.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your hardwood floors remain in good condition for a long time.

Granite is one of the most widely used stones in homes because of their sturdiness, the choice of colors and textures as well as the ease of polishing and maintenance. Granite countertops add a touch of elegance to your home. Be it in the kitchen or elsewhere, granite countertops make the space look classy and beautiful. If you are renovating or building your home and need granite countertops, it is best to go for custom fabrication. What is the difference between prefabricated and custom fabricated countertops? Is custom fabrication better for homes? Read on to find out more. 


What is custom fabrication of granite?


Prefabrication refers to readymade countertops and cut slabs of stone that can be bought and directly installed. If you are in a hurry to get work done on your home, them prefabricated stone is a great idea. These stones are mainly used in large scale projects which need identically cut stones for various home units. They come in precut shapes and sizes, with edges already finished to perfection. 


Custom fabrication of stone refers to cutting, polishing and shaping them into different sizes and shapes. Custom fabricators use slabs of stone which are then made to order for customers. Granite is the most common stone used for custom fabrications, mainly or home and kitchen installations. 


Why should you choose custom fabricated granite countertops?


Custom fabrication of granite has a lot of advantages and benefits when compared to pre-fabricated stone. This is especially true of countertops that are made completely of granite. Here are a few reasons on why you should consider getting custom fabricated countertops for your home:

• Variety – You get a wider variety of colors and textures to choose from when getting custom fabricated stone. Prefabricated granite usually comes in limited colors and is usually plain, without any patterns or textures
• Choice – Prefabricated granite always comes in standard sizes, shapes and finishes. They cannot be customized and have to be used as they are. Custom fabrication allows you to choose sizes and shapes and source stone slabs accordingly. You can also go for unique or offbeat finishes and cuts for your countertop, which is only possible with custom fabrication. 
• Customization – As the name itself suggests, custom fabrication allows you to play around with every single aspect of your countertop, unlike prefabricated ones. Aloes, custom fabrication allows for smoother cuts and fewer seams for a better overall finish for your countertop. 

You can choose quality custom fabricated granite countertops from Busenbark for your home to make your space look and feel unique. 

When it comes to flooring, very few options can rival the soft and comfortable feeling that a carpet provides. Carpets manage to make your house look luxurious and cozy at the same time. Added to that, carpet is also easy to install, cost-effective, fairly easy to maintain and versatile. Plus, it's great for sound insulation. 

The kitchen is one of the most important areas in the house and choosing a countertop for it can end up being a painful task. However, if you were to ask any countertop expert worth their salt, they would suggest you go with a granite setup. Granite countertops are durable, resistant to scratches, and also add  beauty to your kitchen décor. 
Now, with that out of the way, there is also the issue of choosing the right kind of granite countertop. Well, luckily, here are some guidelines to hep you make the right decision. 

Thickness & edges 

Standard granite countertops come in two thickness options; 2 cm and 3 cm. The thicker option costs more, however, it is stronger and heavier. The thinner option, on the other hand, will need support to raise the thickness of the granite edges. Speaking of edges, you can also choose what kind of edge you require. Standard options include beveled edges, chiseled edges, rolled edges (polished) etc. 

Color

Of course, a granite countertop that does not match your kitchen décor would just ruin everything. Fortunately, you have plenty of options when it comes to color. Since, granite is a natural stone, you have plenty of natural variations with regard to color and pattern. You can choose between solid patterns, veined patterns, and speckled patterns, depending on what suits your overall look.Ideally, your countertop should contrast your kitchen cabinets. 

Quality

Most importantly, check your granite countertop for quality. Once you install a granite countertop, changing it becomes difficult. It's always better to spend some time looking for irregularities and problems, then spend money on replacements. Here are some of the things you need to check for: