Monday, November 28, 2011

Adding Value to Your Home With a Granite Countertop


A major upgrade trend in home remodeling is the installation of granite kitchen countertops. These countertops are incredibly durable and last a very long time. In fact, the likelyhood of your granite countertop in your lifetime or even your child's lifetime is slim, at best.

Granite kitchen countertops used to be a sign of wealth in a home, but granite countertop installations are now available for many different types of budgets. Installing granite has really taken off in the last few years thanks to reality TV cooking shows set in high-end kitchens. When looking at new homes, buyers often view the existence of granite countertops as a big plus when decided whether or not to buy, which is why installing these types of countertops is such a good idea. They provide a return on their investment, whether you live in your home for the rest of your life, or if you decide to sell and move elsewhere.

Universal Stone is a company that specializes in the installation of granite kitchen countertops.
Take a look at some of the testimonials Universal has received from satisfied customers, and get in touch if you're interested in installing granite countertops in your own home.

Monday, November 21, 2011

Cleaning a Granite Countertop


Granite countertops were once a feature found in expensive homes owned by the affluent. In recent times, however, the price of granite countertops have come down and there is a type of granite coutnertop for any budget.

One of the most popular reasons for going with a granite countertop is its natural beauty. In order to keep your countertop looking good, though, you'll need to keep it clean. Cleaning a granite countertop is extremely simple and, with the right tools, can be done in a few steps.

First, you'll need a bottle of Windex and a soft white cloth. With the Windex bottle eight inches away from the granite countertop surface, spray some Windex onto the surface. Using the soft white cloth, wipe the granite countertop down until it looks clean.

You can also use vinegar in place of Windex if you'd like to clean more quickly and you don't mind your countertop smelling like vinegar.

A daily cleaning of your granite countertop isn't necessary. If you see spots or stains, though, it is usually a good idea to get them cleaned up as soon as possible.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Granite Countertop Colors



Granite countertops are made from 100% natural granite. Because of its natural origin, you might think that granite only has a select few colors you can choose from. That, however, is far from the case.

Granite comes from many different locations in the world, each with its own unique granite color characteristics. This opens up a multitude of possibilities in terms of colors and natural design patterns. African Red Granite, for example, is mostly red with black, white and gray specs mixed in throughout the stone. Blue Perola Granite mixes black, gray and a green/yellow color into a wavy pattern, of sorts. Seaweed Green Granite mixes several shades of green into a pattern that very much resembles a seaweed-covered sea bottom. The colors go on and on and reach into the hundreds.

If you're interested in learning more about our granite color selection and how much it would cost to get a granite countertop installed in your home, contact us via our Quote Request page.

Monday, November 7, 2011

Granite Countertop Durability


When installing a granite countertop in your home, you know you're getting one of the most durable countertop surfaces there are. In terms of kitchen countertops, granite is one of the hardest surfaces that can be used, and its tough characteristics make it one of the most popular choices for new home owners or those replacing their kitchen counters.

Granite countertops can stand up to a number of different challenges, such as heat from pots and pans, sharp objects, or stains. Granite is also bacteria resistant. Selecting granite as your countertop of choice means you're investing in a countertop that will last for several lifetimes. You can learn more about installing a granite countertop in your home by visiting our website.