Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Countertop Comparison

Which is the Easiest to Clean?
Laminate, wood, tile, concrete, stainless steel, and granite are the most common materials used for home counters. When choosing a surface, appearance and price are always the top priorities. However, homeowners should also consider the sanitary properties of each material.
In an experiment published by the Hospitality Institute of Technology and Management in 1999, each of these six materials was tested to see which was the easiest to sanitize. A sample of each surface was treated with E. coli, the bacteria responsible for food poisoning. Afterward, each sample was washed with regular dishwashing soap and a washcloth and then rinsed. This simple wash and rinse experiment replicated common household cleaning practices.
After each surface had been washed and rinsed, samples were taken from each material to determine which had retained the most bacteria.

Granite performed the best, with less than 0.003% of the bacteria remaining after simply cleaning with dish soap. The retention of the E. coli was from most retained to most removed as follows:
1. Laminate
2. Wood
3. Tile
4. Concrete
5. Stainless steel
6. Granite

In the next part of the experiment, the washed and rinsed samples were cleaned with a solution of vinegar and water. This test simulated the cleaning practices of commercial kitchens. Again, laminate, wood, tile, and concrete did not perform as well as stainless steel and granite samples. In this test, stainless steel proved the most effective, with 0.0000005% of the bacteria remaining, compared to 0.00002% on the granite.

In both cases, the amount of E. coli remaining on the surface is well below sanitation guidelines and would be considered safe. Cleaning the laminate, wood, tile, and concrete with vinegar removed as much bacteria as soap and water did on the granite and stainless steel surfaces. Homeowners should reflect on their own cleaning practices when selecting a countertop material. Cleaning a solid surface, such as granite or stainless steel, will only require a mild detergent. Laminate, wood, and tile will require harsh chemicals for the same result.

It’s no surprise that stainless steel performed well in these tests—it has been the surface of choice in the commercial kitchens for years. However, granite’s sanitary properties may surprise some. Unlike stainless steel, granite is available in a wide number of colors and designs. Granite is popular in homes because it doesn’t show fingerprints and will never dent or scratch. When shopping for new counters, it is tempting to choose a material based on looks alone. That’s why some homeowners are surprised to learn that naturally beautiful granite is also safe, sanitary, and easy to maintain. The “greenest” kitchen countertop is also the cleanest and it has become the top choice for home countertops.

5 Reasons You Should Have Granite Countertops in Your Kitchen

Finally! We no longer wish to live in those ugly houses from thirty or forty years ago! We all want to have beautiful bathrooms and kitchens with recessed lightning, honey glazed cherry or maple cabinets, stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. If you don’t have the budget to have it all, you should at least get your new granite countertops.

And there are 5 reasons for that:
Granite countertops are the number one selling point if you ever decide to put your house on the market. No matter if it’s going to be in a year or in ten years – your granite will look like new even then. It will provide beauty and elegance that will be appreciated for a lifetime.
Granite is made entirely of natural material. With today’s trend to be “green,” you will not only have a gorgeous kitchen it will also be environmentally safe. Since each piece of granite is different in color, your countertops will be unique and distinctive.
Granite is the most durable, chip and scratch resistant material. It is also heat resistant which means you can set hot pots directly on it. Natural stone is also immune to freezing, thawing, mold and mildew. In fact, no other material lasts longer. It even has a lifetime warranty! Try to beat that with laminate.
Granite is easy to clean and maintain. All you need to do is to clean the surface with mild household cleaners (a few drops of dishwashing detergent or Murphy’s Oil Soap) and water. All adhered materials like gum, food, nail polish or paint can be scraped away with a plastic putty knife. It’s that easy. Preserving your natural stone is even easier: wipe down a topical sealant once a year. It will also enhance the surface sheen.
It’s the most popular kitchen countertop because it is affordable! When dealing directly with the factory, you pay wholesale and keep the change. With prices starting at $20 per square foot, you no longer need to buy cheap laminates every ten years. Even if you add a nice edge to it, you are still looking at the price that is within your budget. If you are not able to find a direct importer of granite in your area, you can always have your handyman do the drawing of your kitchen countertops and order custom made pieces online and have them shipped to you. Don’t be afraid of the shipping cost. Even though the natural stone is heavy, the shipping is relatively low (approximately $350 within continental US).

There is no substitute for the dramatic effect that can be achieved by adding natural stone accents to your kitchen. You know perfectly well that every time you throw a party, most of your guests will be in the kitchen with you. Why not give them that atmosphere of relaxed comfort and elegance to enjoy? And as for you – you will love your new granite countertops and will have that ultimate satisfaction every time you enter your kitchen.
Granite kitchen counters

How To Draw A Layout of Your Kitchen Counters

Draw A Layout of Your Kitchen Counters
If you’re looking to install granite countertops, most fabricators now ask you to provide a layout of your existing counters for a free phone or email estimate. Drawing your kitchen counters may seem complicated, but with these tips, your layout will be ready in no time.

Start by drawing your counters as simple rectangles and squares. Graphing paper works best, but a clean sheet of printer paper will be good in a pinch. The layout doesn’t have to be to scale, but try to keep the right proportions. Sketch every counter, including islands, peninsulas, bar tops, and ledges. Indicate the placement of your appliances with clear words. This will help you keep track of your measurements and gives the fabricators a visual representation of your kitchen.

Mark the sink as a rounded rectangle. With laminate counters, the sink is mounted from above. Granite counters allow you to choose between top mounting and under mounting the sink. Under mount sinks require a polished cutout that exposes the pattern and color of the granite. Because sinks are available in a multitude of sizes, shapes and styles, most sinks include a template for the cutout. For the purpose of your drawing, size and shape do not matter, but you should specify top mount or under mount.

Most kitchens have a backsplash, a section of granite that lines the wall behind the sink. Four-inch tall backsplashes are the most common, but several options are available. Some homeowners opt for full backsplashes that cover the wall from the counter to the overhead cabinets, and others elect not to have a backsplash at all. Backsplashes have a practical purpose as protecting the walls from water or covering the wall bumps.

Backsplashes are commonly installed wherever the counter meets a wall, but they shouldn’t stand against appliances or wooden panels. The easiest way to indicate backsplashes on your layout is to draw a narrow rectangle along each counter. If you’re not sure which backsplash option is best for your kitchen, ask your fabricator to estimate the price for multiple options.

If your kitchen includes a cooktop (as opposed to a stand-alone oven), mark its location with a labeled rectangle. Due to the size of the hole, cooktop cutouts are normally fabricated at the installation site.

Finally, mark the finished edges with an “X.” Because granite is a solid surface, profiles can be carved along the exposed edges. Granite fabricators can produce an array of finished edge profiles that range in price. Mark any edges that would be exposed except edges where the counter meets an appliance.

Be sure to include information about your options: granite color, backsplash size (4”, full, or none), and finished edge profile. These choices will be necessary for an accurate estimate. Also include your contact information, including your full name, address, phone, and email address.

That’s it! Before you send your layout to the fabricator, you’ll need to take some measurements. A tape measure works best, and it may help to have a friend around to hold the other end.

Granite Care and Preservation

Granite Care and Preservation

Granite Care:
Clean surfaces with neutral, mild household cleaners, few drops of dishwashing detergent or Murphy's Oil Soap®" and warm water or use natural stone care products.
Too much cleaner or soap may leave a film and cause streaks. If this happens, clean up excess soapy film with clear, warm water and a clean sponge or rag.
Dry the surface after cleaning with a soft cloth.
Clean spills immediately.
Don't use bleach, vinegar, lemon juice or other cleaners containing acids or ammonia such as Windex. The high acid content can dull the finish.
Do not use abrasive scouring powders or liquids; these products contain abrasive chemicals or ammonia that may damage the surface. If required, use a non-abrasive cleaning product and a Scotch-Brite® Blue "no-scratch" pad. Do not hesitate to apply hand-pressure needed to rub out any marks.
Adhered materials like gum, food, nail polish, or paint can be scraped away with a plastic putty knife. Rinse the surface with clean water to remove residue.
Avoid contact with harsh chemicals, such as: bleach, paint strippers, oven cleaners, or drain cleaners.

Granite Preservation:
Preserving your natural stone is simple. Apply topical sealant or coating every year. It will also enhance the surface sheen.
Sealing the surface of the stone creates a moisture barrier. It eliminates moisture penetration, slows down or eliminates staining.
If there are any pores on the surface of the stone, apply a penetrating sealer. One-step formula designed to deeply penetrate the pores of the surface creates a superior stain protection barrier. It will enhance the appearance and it will last for many years.

Do I need extra support added to my cabinets to support the weight of the granite?

Granite counter tops support
Most cabinets should be strong enough to support the weight of granite countertops. Additional support will be needed for any overhangs larger than 10'', or if you are having granite installed on a half wall with overhang to create a sitting area. If at the final measure appointment you do not have adequate support, your estimator will let you know what kind of support is needed and where you can get it.

How many seams will I have in my new countertop?

Granite counter top seams
Granite slabs are up to 130” x 70” and seams are necessary in most cases. The fabricator will try to do the least amount of seams for your kitchen or bathroom. When a seam is necessary, the installers will match the granite so it flows as if it was one piece.

Granite counters edges

There are wide variety of edge styles. We have several default edges as well as more elaborate, custom edges that you can upgrade to for a small additional price. Please see our Edge Profiles page for more information about the kinds of edges we offer.

Can I re-use my existing sink?

Reusing old kitchen sink on new countertops
Yes, you can re-use it but we don't recommend it. New sink will make the kitchen countertops look better. The countertop installation is the perfect opportunity to replace your existing plumbing fixtures. In addition, once the countertops are in place, it will be very hard to replace it later.

If I perform my own existing countertops removal, how much do I have to remove?

Removing granite countertops

All countertops, build-up, screws, nails, and backsplashes must be completely removed. If wall patching or skim coating is needed after everything is removed, it will be easier to complete before the granite countertops are installed.

Can I use a cutting board on my granite countertop?

Granite cutting board
We don't advise that you do any cutting on your granite countertops. Granite is extremely hard, which results in the quick dulling of your kitchen knives.

What do I need to consider when buying natural stone?

Because it is a natural stone, granite has been blessed with a remarkable natural beauty. Inherent in such natural products is a certain lack of predictability. Clients who are less acquainted with the material expect the granite ordered to be identical to the picture or sample they were shown. Although sample stones are intended to be representative of the quarry's product, the material quarried at one time may differ slightly in color and veining from the sample. Moreover, even a single marble or granite slab will possess a certain amount of color variation from one end to the other.

What is bacteria-resistance capacity of granite?

Granite bacteria resistance

According to a recent study conducted by the Hospitality Institute of Technology and Management in Minnesota (an organization that develops educational materials and research for the retail food industry), if bacterial contamination of the kitchen countertop is a concern, granite is a good choice. The study measured the bacteria-resistance capacity of six common countertop materials. Each surface was contaminated with E.coli (nearly 2 billion of the microorganisms), washed and rinsed with soap and water and then sanitized with a vinegar-and-water solution. The results speak for themselves.
Surface microorganisms eliminated by cleaning:
Stainless Steel: 85,113,804
Granite: 79,432,823
Laminate: 498,884
Ceramic Tile: 293,765
Concrete: 32,810
Wood: 2,080

Why is there such a variation in the prices of natural stone?

Granite prices
There are many factors affecting the price of stone, mainly availability, supply, color and freight. Some stones are readily accessible, while others exist in remote locations. Due to weather conditions, some natural stones are only accessible during certain times of the year.

Granite countertops installation process

Granite Countertop: The process of getting new countertops from FactoryPlaza.com

Select Your Material
To select the color click on Granite Colors or please visit our showroom.

Get An Estimate
To get an Estimate, we can either send a representative out to your home or business and measure your existing countertops or cabinets or if you have a layout drawing with measurements, you can fax or email it to us.
An example of a layout drawing.

Sign a Sales Order
Once we receive a signed Sales Order we can put you on our calendar. We usually have about a 10-day turnaround time.

Template
On the specified date, our representative will come out to your location and create an exact "template" of your countertop to ensure the best possible fit. You will need to be all ready by this date - all appliances should be on-site for accurate measurements. The home owner (or designated decision-maker over the age of 18) must be present during the entire template process.

Installation and Completion
We will install you new countertops on the specified date. The home owner (or designated decision-maker over the age of 18) must be present during the entire installation process for walkthrough and signoff on the job. Installation of natural stone surfaces does not include removal of your old countertops unless agreements have been made to do so. After installation is complete, the crew will clean up the work area to leave your home or business as it was found before installation. During the final walk through, the crew will explain proper care and maintenance of your new countertops. Once you are fully satisfied, the crew will collect the remaining balance due.

The advantages of choosing granite

About granite countertops:
Incredibly durable. It provides a carefree surface that is easily maintained.

Heat resistant - you can set hot pots directly on it.

Highly resistant to common household stains. If sealed properly and regularly, it is impervious to stains.

Immune to freezing, thawing, mold, and mildew.

Granite is over 150 times more bacteria resistant than plastic laminate, concrete, tile, or wood.

The Hospitality Institute of Technology and Management shows granite is second only to stainless steel in cleanliness.

Won't scratch with normal use. Granite is the second hardest material on earth (second only to diamonds), making it scratch resistant.

Sealing of granite is as simple as wiping down your kitchen counters and only needs to be done once a year.

Saves money. You don’t have to buy cheap laminate countertops every 10 years.

The fact that other solid surfaces attempt to make their products look like granite speaks volumes about which product is the most beautiful.

Naturally beautiful even after 50 years. It provides beauty and elegance that will be appreciated a lifetime. Since each piece of granite is different in color, your countertops will be unique and distinctive.

Adds value to your house.

Granite is a natural material.

What is granite?

Granite is an igneous rock, which means that at one time during its development, it was melted like volcanic lava. Unlike lava, however, this melted rock never reached the surface, it remained trapped inside the earth, where it slowly cooled and crystallized. The end result is a very uniform, speckled stone that ranges in color from black and gray tones to pinks, browns, reds, greens, and whites. Granites are quarried throughout the world in the form of huge blocks and then reduced into slabs. Granite slabs are then carefully crafted by fabricators who process them into the final product.