On one hand, a granite counter top is a superior upgrade for any home. It is highly durable and offers great variations of natural grain, color and deep veining which will always put it at the top of the list, for homeowners and their kitchens.
But, granite counter tops are one of the most expensive kitchen counter top options. And, it is not as trouble free as one might think. For example, rigorous notice must be taken when choosing granite to ensure there are no cracks or large pits. Also, for a surface that resists stains, heat and scratching, a normally scheduled sealer will need to be applied.
In other words, though granite is stone, it needs to be used with some discretionary caution.
Average current price, at the time of this writing, is to 0. Per quadrate foot. Distinction of price is based on availability and style of cut.
On the other hand, there are some frugal and equally overwhelming options on the shop today that will give your kitchen a granite or stone look without the granite price.
Engineered Composites: At to per quadrate foot looks like stone and will fool all but the most discerning eye. The process of engineering involves mixing a small amount of natural granite with additional colorants that will mimic the natural grain, vein and depth of color. Engineering a slab allows for the buyer to have designer's options in respect to option of color, density and shaping. This will still need some degree of sealing.
Laminate: A laminate counter top price tag (- per quadrate foot) is much lower than granite or the engineered composite but can contribute a fantastic, maintenance free surface. Laminate uses a high tech recipe of copying the visual characteristics of granite by taking benefit of impressive printing technology. These fabricate advancements allow for decorative edging and integration of the kitchen sink.
Custom fabricate is unlimited and this granite imitation will not need sealing and is much more wear resistant.
Polymer Slabs: This overwhelming option is not only affordable ( - per quadrate foot) but ready for home owners who want the granite look but do not want to do a major kitchen demolition. These are convention designed sheets of a granite look alike, that fits over the existing counter top.
Installation takes only about a day with impressive results. Polymer sheets consisting of a mix of stone and polymer are created, that is lightweight and will resist roughly anyone together with ultimate temperatures of both hot a cold, scratches and stains.
Solid-Surfacing: The value in this frugal granite counter top option is that it provides superior fabricate flexibility at an affordable price ( - a quadrate foot). Perfect for that unusually shaped counter top, it can be formed to fit with invisible seaming. It's made from a plastic resin that is combined to imitate the look of stone rather than the specific visual properties of granite. It's a non porous surface that has excellent stain resistance.
Coating System: This is a overwhelming option (8. Per 50 quadrate feet of application) that requires no stone whatsoever. An ingenious theory of layering paint that will give your tired old counter an impressive new stone look.
This recipe is sold as a 3 part package theory which includes: 1. A base coat - this coat gives the counter top a new strong sealant and adhesive surface for the next 2 applications. 2. decorative Chips - This layer provides the texture, look and depth needed to give the counter top a stone appearance. 3. Quit Coat - This final application provides the sealing and protective properties giving the final counter top strong and beautiful protection an active kitchen needs.
Granite counter tops and these ready frugal variations have come a long way to ensure quality, and durability. Based on your kitchen fabricate goals and Diy interest, there is a granite or capability look alike to fit every budget and style.
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