Granite Countertops
Ask Danny, Design and Decor, Interior, Kitchens and Baths, Video by Danny Lipford
One of the first questions people often ask at the start of a kitchen renovation is “can I get granite countertops on my budget?” The answer to that question is yes a lot more often now than it once was because Granite has become more affordable. Technical advances in the tools used to fabricate it have reduced the labor involved and therefore the overall cost. It’s hard to beat the look of granite but it’s also one of the most user-friendly surfaces for things like rolling dough and pastries. And because it’s stone, there’s no fear of burning or scorching it with a hot pan. However, while Granite is scratch resistant, it can be scratched and the surface can also be stained by things like coffee. In fact it needs to sealed at least once a year to maintain the finish. Granite comes in a large variety of colors, but the lower prices are limited to a few choices, some starting at $35-$40 a square foot. But the price can go as high as $300 a square foot depending on your selections.
March 26th, 2007 at 3:32 am
Yes, this is true, granite has come down in price in some cases. In my experience as a designer, I have seen some granites be quite porous, some much more than others. The sealing advice is a great suggestion. I’d probably go one step further and get a sample to bring home and let various food products sit on it for 24 hours to see what does or does not develop. The reason is, it is sometimes difficult to tell when the sealer is no longer effective, as it wears away with use, and perhaps with one not paying attention. Experiment with your sample!
Jenn Says:April 9th, 2007 at 11:07 am
Great idea, I would’ve never thought to “test out” the samples! But what do you do about bugs and pests that are bound to be attracted by food sitting out? Would testing them in the garage work or would that defeat the purpose since the climate of the room where the tops would be installed probably needs to be considered?
Nicholas Roussos Says:April 9th, 2007 at 11:28 am
Maybe you could put it under one of those cake dishes, but that might also effect the conditions as well. I’d think that if you just left the food sitting on it for 24 hours, not too many bugs would be attracted to it. Then again, that probably depends on your experience with bugs (it’s worse in some places).
April 10th, 2007 at 5:45 am
I’ve done this quite a few times, as I must be careful about what materials I recommend, and I have never actually seen bugs scattered around the sample the next day. I usually leave it for 24 hours. Here are some of the things I’ll put on the sample (get as large a sample as you can!)
coffee
balsamic vinegar
worcestershire sauce
wine
lemon juice (probably more important for marble)
ketchup
olive or other oil
I think that is usually all I use to apply to a sample. Why those products? Truly, I have no idea, my thinking was just that some were colorful, some were acidic, plus the oil, I tried to imagine substances where I’d “see” a stain, in a worse case scenario. I suppose that’s it.
But, no bugs! And, sure, if you have a large pot to put over it, go ahead, I don’t think it matters if it is exposed to the air or is more confined.
Actually, you could put it in the oven or microwave too to let it sit there overnight. Good solution!
June 15th, 2007 at 12:07 pm
The product names for a granite cleaner and a sealer were mentioned on CBS Morning Show. Please suppy the manufactures name.
Thanks,
J. Grote
November 27th, 2007 at 12:32 pm
We are attempting to use granite tiles with epoxy as the “grout” to leave a minimal line. We are finding as we experiment that ground granite in the epoxy helps hide the line the best. And for 13 linear feet of countertop it cost under 100.00. so if it doesn’t work there not alot lost. Will send pics when we attempt to actually place it in the kitchen.
August 30th, 2008 at 7:34 am
Deb T,
Mixing ground up granite in the epoxy is an excellent solution to hiding the line/junction of the granite tiles.
I had heard of this years ago and had completely forgotten it until you brought it back to mind.
I have a question though. Where do you get ground up granite? Is matching ground up granite available from the company that makes/supplies the tiles you’re using?
We are considering the Tile Option. The only drawback that Beverly see’s with tile, IS the grout line will be contrasting, which she’s doesn’t want visible. Another object to tiles, is in cleaning the counter top in the grount line areas and mold. Butting the tiles up against each other is preferred in our instance.
Hopefully, your project will give you the results you expect for many years of use.
Thank you Deb T for your solution.
Dan & Bev