Wednesday, March 27, 2013
There’s no doubt that granite is one of the most popular countertop choices on the market today, but how much do you really know about this popular stone? We have compiled a short list of facts about the granite that we offer here at Ball Homes.
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Ball Homes currently offers nine different granite selections. One of the wonderful features about this popular stone is that no two pieces are alike. As they carve the stone from the mountains, the colors, veining patterns and movement will change. The samples in the design studio do not begin to show the color, movement, and variation that they will have in a large slab, so there is always the possibility that the actual color of the stone will vary up to a full shade from what is in our Design Studio. That is part of the innate beauty of the product and what enables our buyers to further personalize the look of their new home.
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Granite is an incredibly strong and durable option for kitchen countertops, but it is also a porous surface, which means that spills and stains can seep into the stone and discolor it if not treated properly. Be diligent of splashes and spills to avoid deep stains. Avoid letting citrus or alcohol products sit on the granite surface as it can etch and dull it. Granite surfaces are heat
resistant and scratch
resistant, but not heat
proof or scratch
proof. Make sure you use caution when it comes to placing hot items directly on your countertop. For tips on how to clean and maintain your granite surfaces, read our
previous blog post here.
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As added value for our homeowners, Ball Homes will install your granite countertops with a protective sealer already on it. There is no initial maintenance on the countertops in your home, but like any home, there will be upkeep down the road. Homeowners will need to reseal their granite countertops about once a year—an easy project almost anyone can do. Click
here for a tutorial video on how to properly seal your granite countertops.
What do you think about granite countertops? Do you have them in your home? Let us know on our Facebook page!
Friday, October 5, 2012
Granite has become one of the most popular types of countertops in kitchen décor. Granite countertops are gorgeous additions to a home, with each piece like a unique work of art. Because granite is available in so many colors, homeowners have many options to choose from. Granite is also very durable and resists heat. This makes it great for kneading dough, making roll-out cookies, and other tasks that need a cool countertop for best results.
There are many ways to clean granite counter tops and keep them looking shiny and brilliant. Just avoid using cleaners that are too harsh, they can damage the sealant and dull the finish. Here are some simple steps to clean your granite surfaces and restore their shine.
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Granite is a porous surface. This means that stains can quickly set in and become trapped if not immediately wiped away. Be diligent of splashes and spills to avoid deep stains as these can often be nearly impossible to remove. Avoid letting citrus or alcohol products sit on the granite surface as it can etch and dull it.
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To keep granite countertops clean, use a microfiber cloth to dust off the surface. Wipe down the granite countertop daily and as needed using water.
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If you’d like to use more natural cleaning supplies in your kitchen, use a mixture of vinegar and water in a spray bottle for a safer alternative to harsh chemicals. Using common all-purpose cleaner or ammonia can scratch and pit the surface of your countertops.
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Use coasters under all glasses to prevent stains on your granite surfaces. Keep hot items off of granite; always use a trivet or hot pad for protection.
Although it may sound like an inconvenience, caring for your granite countertops is quite simple when made part of your regular routine. The better you exercise regular maintenance, the longer your countertops will remain pristine.