4 Key Factors to consider while choosing Granite Countertops

So after hours of research, you have decided to use Granite countertops in your new Toronto home.

Its a decision you wont regret for sure. But by no means, is the process going to be as simple as youd imagined.

The number of choices in colours, patterns and textures alone can take a person hours, if not days to go through.

Today, granite is available in as many as 100 different colours, many of which are previously unseen. While muted tones are a timeless choice, much can be achieved by playing around with colourful granite in other areas of the home.

Today, we look at 5 lesser known granite colours which can be termed exotic by all means.

While newer less expensive choices have mushroomed around it, Granites popularity remains unfazed. However, in an attempt to confuse buyers, a lot of myths have been perpetrated, mainly by manufacturers of other countertop materials.

The granite countertop and the backsplash will be the focal point of your Toronto kitchen design. Get it right and you will achieve bragging rights in the neighbourhood. Get it wrong and it will be a criminal waste of time, effort and a significant amount of money.

At a time when engineered stones like Quartz are being touted as a worthy successor to the Granite craze, it silently continues to outsell any other material used in countertops in Toronto and other parts of Canada.

Granite countertops are considered to be an indicator of a kitchens worth. They last for years and give your buyers a hassle free countertop material. So consider the above mentioned factors and you will be able to sell your Toronto home for a good price.

The obsession with Granite countertops for homeowners in Toronto was never limited to the Kitchen.

Thanks to the exceptional durability and resistance to heat and imperviousness to water, Granite countertops have innately found their way into other areas of the home like fireplace surrounds and most importantly, the bathroom.

One of the reasons behind the popularity of granite countertops in Toronto is that it is one of the toughest stones in the world.

It is extremely resilient to heat, does not get scratched easily and doesnt get stained either. Irrespective of what you spill on it, you can take a microfiber cloth and wipe it clean within seconds.

Tiles are an inexpensive choice as compared to Granite slab countertops. But do they offer the same benefits as slabs do? Moreover, if you can replicate the look of a granite slab at a reduced cost, wouldnt it be a better choice?

Rather than getting hung-up on choosing the best of the two, choose what works for you. If you would like to use granite in your kitchen, do it by all means. Thousands of homes in Toronto still use granite. Its a matter of personal taste and preferences.

However, if you are planning a remodel to improve the quality of the living space and especially, if you have no plans to sell the house in the near future, then every decision that you make has to be a measured one. After all, you wont be remodelling the home every few years.

Remodelling the kitchen can be an exciting journey for the first timer. Theres so much to choose from. Appliances, cabinets, tiles and of course countertops. Like most homes in Toronto, if you have decided to go with the countertop material that is used in almost 75% of new Kitchens, then let us help you take the guess work out of it.

Granite countertops are preferred for outdoor use due to their durability, aesthetic appeal and ease of maintenance. Do not let false propaganda and internet myths fool you into believing that you need to do something special to care for your outdoor granite table top or your countertop.

With all the contradictory information, myths and horror stories floating around regarding the cleaning of granite countertops, youd imagine that youd have to be a savant to be able to maintain the sheen of the countertop in your Toronto home.

Investing in granite countertops for your kitchen is a wise decision. It enhances the value of your Toronto home in the eyes of a potential buyer, gives you as much as 100% ROI on the investment and most importantly, provides you with years of stress free kitchen maintenance.

The main reason why Granite sits pretty on most of the kitchen counters, not just in Toronto, but in most parts of Canada and America, is because it is an extremely durable and resilient natural stone that requires very little maintenance.

On HGTVs popular TV Show called House Hunters, couples have openly declared their love towards granite countertops. A few have gone to the extent of refusing to buy homes that do not have them. Wow!

Cost is not always an indicator of quality. This is especially true, when it comes to natural stones like Granite. So, if you have decided to install a granite countertop in your home in Toronto, how do you ensure that you get the quality that you desire?

You might have nailed down the basics. A sink, a refrigerator, patio furniture, a grill or cooking space and last but not the least, a countertop to help you serve the meals without withering under harsh weather.

An outdated kitchen is a dampener. Apart from the fact that it significantly impacts the resale value of your Toronto home, it also reduces productivity. Everyone likes to work and move around in a smartly designed kitchen that is functional and attractive.

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Kitchen and Bathroom Countertops in Toronto - Stone Masters

Atlantas & North Georgias Premier Countertop Specialists

Virtual Granite Kitchen, T&J Granite Countertops on-line tool, helps you decide which color granite is best for you.

One of the most difficult tasks for granite countertop customers is selecting the granite color that will look best in their kitchens. The Virtual Granite Kitchen tool lets you choose from among 30 different granite colors, wall colors, cabinet colors and appliance colors to find the best choice of granite for your kitchen. Match the kitchen colors to your homes kitchen and then click each granite color to see how the granite color matches you kitchen's decor. We are sure you will still have questions, so please call Hannah or Heather at 706-283-8009. We will be happen to make your kitchen dreams come true.

T&J Granite Countertops fabricates and installs granite countertops, quartz countertops, Dupont Zodiaq, Cambria, CaesarStone, Hanstone, GEOS Recycled Glass and SileStone, Countertops for Atlanta, Athens, Augusta, Greenville, Anderson, Cashiers, Asheville, Brevard, Hendersonville, Lake Toxaway, and Highlands, and other cities in North Georgia, Southeast North Carolina, and South Carolina. We also are dealers for Levi sinks. We provide quartz and granite countertop installation in residential and commercial buildings for new construction or kitchen remodeling. Thank you for choosing T&J Granite Countertops!

T&J Granite Countertops 1029 Falling Creek Circle Elberton, Georgia 30635 Phone 706-283-8009 FAX 706-283-8011hbrown@tjcountertops.com hshaw@tjcountertops.com

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Virtual Granite Kitchen , T&J Granite Countertops

We're a family-owned retail tile and stone showroom located in Kent, Washington. We provide a wide range of quality products to homeowners, designers, and contractors from Seattle, Tacoma, Kent, Renton, Auburn, Federal Way, and the greater King County area.

We have a great selection of ceramic and porcelain tiles, granite and marble tile for floors and countertops, andtravertine tiles for showers, floors, and backsplash projects. We can help you order solid surface countertops in granite, marble, and quartz. We have many decorative glass, metal, and stone tile and mosaic options on display. In-store designers can assist with design and layout ideas and product selection and answer many installation-related questions. We stock installation supplies, including thinset mortar and no-seal grout, as well as shower waterproofing kitsWedi and Schluter Kerdi.

Unlike the big box home improvement stores, we deal exclusively with tile and tile products; so we have consistently better selection, better information, and better customer service. Stop by today and see what's in store!

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Welcome to Tile Lines! - Countertops, Glass, & Porcelain ...

These are some of the areas we service

Aldine, Algoa, Alvin, Anahuac. Arcola. Atascocita. Austin County. Bammel. Barker. Barrett. Baycliff. Baycity.

Bayou Vista, Bayside Terrace, Baytown, Beach City, Beaumont, Beaumont Place, Bear Creek, Bellaire,

Bellville, Blackberry, Brazoria County, Brenham, Brookside Village, Brownwood, Bunker Hill Village,

Calder Highlands, Central Gardena, Chambers County, Channelview, Chateau Woods, Clear Lake Shores, Cleveland, Cloverleaf, Coady, Conroe, Cove, Crabb, Crosby, Cut and Shoot, Cypress, Decker Prairie,

Deco, Deer Park, Dickinson, Dunham, Dyersdale, East River, Edge Lake, Egypt, El Lago, El Campo,

Evadale, Fort Bend County, Four Corners, Fresno, Freeport, Friendswood, Galena Park, Galveston, Galveston County, Gilburg, Grace, Grangerland, Gum Grove, Hamshire, Hardin, Harris County, Hastings, Hawdon, Hawthorne Field, Hebert, Hedwig Village, Hempstead, Higgins, Highlands, Hillcrest,

Hillshire Village, Hitchcock, Hockley, Houmont Park, Houston, Honey Island, Huffman, Hufsmith, Humble, Hunters Creek Village, Iowa Colony Jacinto City, Jacob Settlement, Jamaica Beach,

Jersey Village, Johnsue, Katy, Kemah, Kingwood, Kinwood, Klein, Kohrville, Kountze, Lake Anahuac

Lake Jackson, Lakeview, La Marque, La Porte, League City, Lelavale, Liberty County, Louetta,

Lumberton, Lynchburg, Magnolia, Magnolia Gardens, Mantu, Manvel, Martha, McNair, Meadows Place Melendy, Midline, Missouri City, Monroe City, Mont Belvieu, Montgomery County, Morgan's Point, Mostyn,

Mt Houston, Nassau Bay, Navasota, Nederland, New Caney, New Hope, Nona, North Houston,

Oak Ridge North, Oklahoma, Panorama Village, Pasadena, Patton Village, Pearland, Pine Forest,

Pine Island, Pinehurst, Piney Point Village, Pittsville, Plantersville, Pleak, Plum Grove, Port Bolivar,

Port Neches, Porter, Porter Heights, Prairie View, Rayford, Richmond, River Terrace, Rock Island, Roman Forest, Rose Hill, Rosenberg, San Leon, Santa Fe, Satsuma, Seabreeze, Seabrook,

Sealy, Sheldon, Shenandoah, Shepherd, Shoreacres, Silsbee, South Houston, Southside Place,

Splendora, Spring, Spring Valley, Stafford, Stagecoach, Stowell, Sweeny, Sugar Land, Tamina,

Taylor Lake Village, Taylor Landing, Texas City, The Woodlands, Tiki Island, Tomball, Village Mills,

Victor, Voth, Waller, Waller County, Webster, Welmar, West Columbia, West University Place,

Wallisville, Wharton, Wigginsville, Willis, Woodbranch, Woodson, Yarboro

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Laminate Countertops

Western Washington 24602 Pacific Hwy South Kent, WA 98032 (Map) 253-681-6400Telephone 253-681-6455Facsimile Monday-Friday 8 AM to 5 PM Saturday 9 AM to 1 PM

Oregon 11802 SE Jennifer Street Clackamas OR 97015 (Map) 503-654-2245Telephone 503-654-5912Facsimile Monday-Friday 8 AM to 4:30 PM Saturday by Appointment

Our experience w/Contour couldnt have been more positive!! - Ottley, Hillsboro

From 1 to 10 Excellent! - Gallagher, Renton

Installation and professionalism was above excellent. - Gilbo, Federal Way

Contact Us

The primary function of a showroom is to aid clients in making decisions.

Our convenient showrooms are the best place to make the numerous decisions in selecting a countertop that fits your needs. With so many surface selections, colors and styles, edge profiles, sinks and faucets and custom options, a brochure is simply not enough.

MAKE YOUR SELECTIONS WITH CONFIDENCE. Our countertop consultants understand the kitchen process and will help you determine the best countertop solution for your home.

We encourage you to bring along your countertop or cabinet layout drawings and any helpful samples such as a cabinet door, flooring, accent tile or paint chips, anything to help make the decision process a little easier.

Drop by and see us, there is no need to make an appointment.

Washington

24602 Pacific Hwy South Kent WA 98032 (map)

Tel: 253-681-6400 Fax: 253-681-6455 Hours: M-F 8:00-5:00 PM Saturday Noon to 4:00 PM

Oregon

11802 SE Jennifer Street Clackamas OR 97015(map)

Tel: 503-654-2245 Fax: 503-654-5912 Hours: M-F 8:00-5:00 PM Saturday by Appointment Only

Or use this form to e-mail us with your questions or comments or for more information.

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Contact Us | Contour Countertops Inc. | Kent, Washington

Best value

Durable

Resists water

Easy to install yourself

Easiest cleaning & upkeep

Hundreds of color & style options

Easily sand out dents, chips & scratches

Nonporous

Virtually seamless for easy cleaning

Integral backsplash & sink options

Wide choice of colors & patterns

Resists stains & bacteria when treated & properly sealed

Great for baking preparations

Rich visual texture in a range of colors

Most durable option, resists scratches

Nonporous

Easy cleaning

Feels like natural stone but requires low maintenance

More consistent color & pattern than natural stone

Visible edges

Visible seams

Less heat-resistant than quartz or granite

Can split if vein is stressed

Visible seams

Scratches are hard to remove

Visible seams

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Kitchen Countertops at Lowe's: Granite, Quartz & Laminate

Are you searching far and wide for those perfect laminate, solid surface, quartz or granite countertops in Maryland, Baltimore, DC or Northern Virginia?

Wouldnt it be great if you could get the exact styles you want for your kitchen and bathroom countertops AND get them at a price that makes you feel good?

Look no more,

Express Countertops Fabricates and Installs Our Own Countertops, Saving You Time and Money!

Click here schedule a quote (its free PLUS we offer shop-at-home convenience!)

Add it all up and you have the ultimate in countertop value. Serving customers throughout the Baltimore, Maryland, Washington DC & Northern Virginia region.

We carry everything from granite and marble countertops to quartz, soapstone, concrete and laminate countertops! We even carry all of the major brands including:

Click here for our current specials >>

Click here schedule a quote (its totally free, no obligation)

At Express Countertops our FREE in-home consultations throughout MD/DC/VA will allow you to see, feel and experience each type of countertop on your home in person!

No matter where you are in MD/DC/VA, we have the perfect countertops to help you transform your kitchen or bathroom into your favorite room in the house.

Shop by Color, Type or Manufacturer at our Swatch Gallery

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Express Countertops

Granite Transformations manufactures superior engineered granite countertops, composed of the world's highest quality granite and quartz, combined with ForeverSeal, a polymer resin that we designed specifically to ensure the durability and lifetime use of our products. This means that our granite countertops are nonporous, stain and scratch-resistant, and unlike ordinary granite, our slabs never require sealing.

It's time to give your kitchen or bathroom the makeover it deserves! The ease of Granite Transformations' revolutionary installation process will make your kitchen or bathroom remodeling project simple, fast and stress-free. Our granite countertops are installed directly over your existing ones in as little as one day, so there's no messy demolition, and you'll never be without your kitchen. In addition to kitchen countertops, our granite surfaces can be used virtually anywhere in your home, and are perfect for bathroom vanities, tub surrounds, shower walls, floors and fireplaces, among other areas. In addition, we have a wide selection of mosaic tile backsplashes and cabinets to complement any granite color you choose. So why wait to get the kitchen or bathroom of your dreams?

A FREE In-Home Design Consultation from Granite Transformations will give you the opportunity to see our products in the context of your home. Our design consultants will help you pick the best color and style combinations, so you can watch your dream kitchen or bathroom come to life before your eyes. Check out our vast array of granite countertop colors.

Visit our photo gallery to see examples of our completed kitchens and bathrooms.

Read about theTop Kitchen Design Trendsand How to Create a Timeless Kitchen Design from our blog.

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Granite Countertops for Kitchen & Bathroom Remodeling

Granite, Tile, Quartz & More at Bath, Kitchen and Tile Center!

Are you looking to update your interior space? Installing new countertops can give any room an instant facelift, adding to its beauty and functionality. When you need new countertops for your kitchen or bathroom, count on the home improvement professionals at Bath, Kitchen and Tile Center.

At Bath, Kitchen and Tile Center, were experts in countertop installation and replacement. Our experts can help you select the best bath or kitchen countertops to meet your needs and match the remaining room decor and expertly implement the new design for you, on time and on budget. Weve been installing custom countertops in Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey homes since 1963 and have the experience and skill to help you with any project. To get started, schedule your initial consultation today!

Click here to learn more about our showrooms

When youre installing new countertops in your kitchen or bathroom, the number of options available can be daunting. Not only do you have to worry about the style youre trying to achieve, but you also have to consider what you are going to be using your new custom countertops for. The material you select may be great for a guest bathroom, but awful for a kitchen island in terms of maintenance and care.

At Bath, Kitchen and Tile Center, we help you weigh the options of different countertop styles and the materials to best match form and function.

Granite countertops exude elegance in any home. Granite comes in a range of almost 3,000 colors and carries a weight that ensures it will last a lifetime. While granite is usually associated with a high price tag, its increasing popularity has reduced costs.

Granite is a good choice for kitchen countertops, especially if you plan to use your kitchen primarily to prepare food. With a high hardness rating, granite countertops are very resistant to scratches and other damage.

Read more about granite countertops.

Quartz is an engineered stone available in even more colors than granite! It has a nonporous surface that resists scratching and staining, and is low-maintenance. Quartz does not require annual sealing like natural stone. Its longevity and beauty make it a viable option for many homeowners.

Read more about quartz countertops.

DuPont Corian and solid surface countertops are solid acrylic you can mold into any size and shape. Because its a solid surface, damages can be repaired easily. Scratches can be buffed out by hand, cigarette burns can be sanded away, and severe damage can be repaired almost every time. The solid plastic surface is nonporous and makes the material resistant to food and liquid stains. Better yet, the surface will inhibit the growth of bacteria, mold, and germs.

We are the only DuPont platinum dealer in Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland, and one of their top 10 dealers in the country! If youre looking for Corian or another DuPont countertop, were your go-to team! Read more about Corian countertops.

Durable and easy to clean, ceramic tile provides an inexpensive countertop option popular with many homeowners. You can design tile countertops with almost any pattern and/or color scheme. Ceramic countertops require a bit more care than other materials, as the individual tiles can chip or crack and grout lines in between the tiles can become stained. However, you can easily replace individual tiles.

Read more about tile countertops.

Laminate countertops are made of synthetics cut to size and finished on the ends. Easy to clean and maintain, laminate countertops are inexpensive and available in a variety of colors. Unfortunately, chips or scratches can be very difficult to repair, and seams often show after bonding.

Read more about high-pressure laminate Formica countertops.

Read more about high-pressure laminate Wilsonart countertops.

For that classic country look, wood countertops provide warmth unmatched by other materials. Hardwoods such as maple or oak are the most common choices for wood counters. While water and stains can damage them over time, wood countertops are easy to clean and can be sanded and resealed as needed.

Read more about butcher block countertops.

Often seen in historic homes, soapstone countertops are making a comeback in modern homes as a material for both countertops and sinks. They require regular maintenance with applications of mineral oil, but they have a rich, deep grey color and a luxurious smooth feel that fits well with any style.

Uncommon in many homes due to their high price tags, marble countertops are most often used in small applications such as bathrooms, fireplaces, and insets. Marble requires sealing, but it creates a classic and elegant look.

Read more about marble countertops.

We custom make our own bathroom and kitchen countertops at Bath, Kitchen and Tile Center, so we can easily make the counter of your dreams a reality. Our designers work with you to select the material you want, and our licensed and bonded technicians will craft your custom countertops in the shape that best suits your needs. Throughout Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland, customers have come to us for counters of all kindskitchens, bathrooms, wet bars, built-in desks, and much more.

If you want to add a touch of beauty and elegance to your home with new countertops, call us at 800-282-8656 for a design consultation today.

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Countertops - Bath Kitchen & Tile

Made from one of the hardest minerals on earth, quartz countertops are arguably the most durable option for kitchens. They're also some of the most eye-catching. They come in a wide variety of colors, including fire-engine red and apple green, as well as earthy browns, blacks, and creams, with sparkles and veining for the look of granite or marble. But unlike natural-stone slabs, which are mined, these slabs are engineered in a factory. Their primary ingredient is ground quartz (about 94 percent), combined with polyester resins to bind it and pigments to give it color. For some designs, small amounts of recycled glass or metallic flecks are added to the mix. The resins also help make these counters stain and scratch resistantand nonporous, so they never need to be sealed. Compare that with granite, the reigning king of high-end countertops, which typically requires a new protective top coat at least once a year.

In the past, the biggest knock against quartz was that it lacked the patterns and color variations you get with natural stone. But that's a moot point now, with all the manufacturers offering multihued slabs with enough flecks, swirls, and random patterning to make them almost indistinguishable from the real thing. They were once available only with a polished finish; now you can get one with a honed, sandblasted, or embossed treatment. So if it's the look of matte limestone, textured slate, or glossy granite that you want, there's a quartz countertop for you. Read on for help picking one to match your budget, your cooking and cleaning needs, and your style.

Granite-like movement in black and gray gives this quartz countertop a bold, traditional look.

Shown: Bellingham, about $75-$80 per sq. ft. installed; cambriausa.com for dealers.

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Easy-Care Kitchen Surface | All About Quartz Countertops ...