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Granite's natural beauty, durability, and infinite variety of patterns and colors make it one of the most desired and practical countertop materials. Granite, along with several other natural stones is one of the easiest countertop materials to maintain and, with proper care, will stay new looking for years.

When it comes to finishing your kitchen countertop with granite you have several options to consider.  The main options consist of a large, solid slab.  Solid slabs require professional installation, and the labor and materials cost can become extremely expensive. Granite tile is by far the most economical route to take. Most granite tile countertops are made up of small 12” x 12” tiles and a front edge cut and polished by hand. This method, although inexpensive, is very time consuming and the resulting edges are never perfectly smooth. That’s where Lazy Granite comes in.

We have automated the edging process to produce perfect bullnose and ogee edges every time. Lazy Granite pre-fabricates large granite tiles in several sizes and configurations, making your kitchen install a fast and painless process with edges that will impress even the toughest mother-in-law. Your counters will have a luxurious look and feel that only a slab granite top can give you, but for the price of tile! Installing Lazy Granite in your kitchen is guaranteed to make your neighbors jealous... and you can tell them you did it yourself!

Not sure how many tiles you will need to order for your kitchen?  No problem! We have highly trained estimators that would love to help you figure out the details!  Simply stop by one of our showrooms, or email us a diagram of your granite counters.  It’s that easy!

Lazy Granite gives you the beautiful and elegant look that only slab can provide. Tile components are made from only premium A-grade granite, color-matched for a seamless flow and available in over 14 designer colors. We use granite only from large lots to ensure shade flow and consistency. Each order goes through rigorous quality control standards to minimize shade variations and is then securely shipped in custom-designed packaging materials.

Once you place your order, rest easy knowing you have the top guys in the industry hard at work for you!  We'll carefully package everything up and ship it to you direct! Not enough?  Shipping to the continental U.S. is FREE on orders of $600 or more!  In a matter of days you'll have luxurious granite tile counters that will enhance the beauty of your kitchen and increase the value of your home, and you can install it yourself!

On top of everything else, Lazy Granite gives you the look of slab for significantly less cost and investment - up to 75% less than the cost of granite slab! Unlike granite slab, there are no hidden costs. You don’t need to purchase an entire slab only to use a portion of it!  With Lazy Granite you order only what you need, reducing cost and waste.  Once you have it installed, all you need to do is a few basic cleaning and maintenance procedures to keep it looking new for a lifetime.

Other than gentle cleaning, all you need to do is reseal with a penetrating stone sealer at least every year or two to prevent staining.  This type of sealing is standard for granite or any other natural stone such as marble, travertine, and slate. Granite is porous and must be sealed with a penetrating stone sealer after installation. This will protect the granite from staining or scratching and will also maintain the beautiful shine.

Seal with a penetrating stone sealer, such as Stone Care International Stone and Grout Sealer.  To clean your Lazy Granite countertop, use a cleaner recommended for that will gently and safely clean while sealing and protecting the granite. Always use a neutral cleaner with a pH between 7 and 10.

 
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Granite's sturdiness and superbly vivid designs are the primary explanations why this natural material remains typically the most popular option for kitchen counter tops. Granite can also be probably the most resilient gemstones to warmth, stains and abrasions, and that's why it is a firm favorite for most kitchen surfaces.
 
An all natural stone quarried far underneath the Earth's surface, the granite kitchen counter top you select continues to be on the 1000 years within the making - therefore it is bound to stand the ages! Unlike synthetic imitations, an all natural material for example Granite offers incomparable beauty and originality - no two pieces are ever exactly the same making your kitchen area counter top stylishly distinctive.
 
When choosing a company by which to purchase your new granite counters, make certain they're experienced, are proud of their items and provide top quality granite from around the globe. They ought to offer installation services and assist you in finding the grade, color and a number of edging finishes. Granite's recognition is everlasting and it is one which will prove to add significant value to your house.
 
Color
 
Probably the most distinguishable aspects of granite is its diverse color scheme. Based mostly on a stone's mineralogy, the colours typically connected with granite vary from moderate beiges and rose pinks, classic black-and-whites to saturated yellows, wealthy vegetables as well as multi-colors.
 
Granite is quickly recognisable by its striking flecked or "pebbled" appearance. Its texture is definitely an unshakable manifestation of quality, stimulating interior beauty in almost any home.
 
Natural sources offer varied looks and charming qualities, giving a 1-of-a-kind appeal that merely can not be duplicated with a machine, however, you can be assured topping supplier buy and install just the finest grades of granite.


 
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It is fairly easy to seal the granite kitchen countertops Denver suppliers offer. It is so easy that most of the tools and supplies you need for this project are already in your arsenal, and if you are missing any tools, they can be easily found in any local hardware store. By taking this project on yourself, you can save hundreds of dollars and still get professional results.

Cleaning your granite is the first step in sealing your countertop. It is very important to make sure that your granite is clean and dry before you seal it. You can use any type of granite cleaner on your countertop, but the best results come from a product specifically designed for natural stone. Black diamond granite counter cleaner is the most highly recommended cleaner that promises to never leave any harmful residues.

Before sealing the granite countertop it is a good idea to clean the countertop twice allowing time for it to dry in between cleanings. waiting about one hour in between cleanings will ensure that the cleaner has penetrated the stone giving better surface and subsurface protection.
After the granite countertop is completely clean you can move onto the sealing portion of the job. To get the professional results you desire you need to use professional grade products that are designed for natural stone. Granite sealer is a great product that will not alter the appearance of your natural granite countertop's gloss or stone. Granite countertop sealer is easy to use, and does most of the work for you. The best sealers have a spray top that make it so much easier to cover the counter without having to pour it out of a container with a flip top.

 
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By Dara Summers

Granite countertops are popular because of their beauty and durability. If they are cleaned regularly and well maintained, they will keep their polished look for many years. However, sometimes grease and soap residue build up, causing the surface to become dull and faded. Scratches and extended exposure to sunlight can also cause dullness. There are ways that you can restore the look of your granite.

Granite-Polishing Powder
If you have dullness caused by light and surface etching, granite-polishing powder may be able to remove it. Be sure to check with the manufacturer of your countertops before you use it, because the powder is somewhat abrasive. Normally, abrasive substances should not be used on granite. However, granite-polishing powder can remove shallow scratches, stains, and residue.

If the manufacturer approves the use of the powder, mix it with water to create a paste. Then wipe it into the countertop with burlap or a felt pad. Note that some polishes are designed specifically for light or dark stone, so be sure to choose the right one for your surfaces.

Acetone
Often kitchen countertops, particularly near the stove and sink, become dull from grease, oil, or soap. That is why regular cleaning with water and gentle dish soap are important. If the problem has gotten past the point of regular cleaning, you can use acetone, which acts as a solvent to dissolve oily stains. Scrub the surface with the acetone, using a soft cloth, and then rinse with warm water, and dry with a clean cloth.

Resealing
Granite countertops need to be regularly resealed. Most experts recommend that this be done at least once a year, or more if you notice that water is no longer beading on the surface. When you purchase your countertops, find out if your retailer has a maintenance plan that provides regular resealing.

If you choose to do the resealing yourself, check with the manufacturer or retailer to find out what product they recommend. Before applying the sealant, clean the surface. Apply the sealant with a rag or a spray bottle slowly and evenly. After it is fully dry, you can apply additional coats if you feel it is necessary. It is essential that you cover the surface in an even coat. After the sealant had dried completely, you can apply as many as three additional coats to provide the most effective protection.

Refinishing/Repolishing
If your countertop is badly faded, it may require professional treatment. Sometimes acidic substances cause deep etching that can only be removed by repolishing or refinishing. This requires specialized equipment, so you should call a stone restorer to do it. Contact the company that sold and/or installed your countertops to find out if they handle this, or can recommend someone who does.

Once your surfaces are restored to their previous luster, remember the importance of regular cleaning and care. If you have an outdoor kitchen with granite surfaces that are regularly exposed to sunlight, purchase a cover to protect it from the elements. These simple precautions will save you time and money.

About the Author:
Dara Summers is the VP of Sales and Marketing at Premier Surfaces, the premier source for Atlanta granite countertops and granite countertops in Alabama. Premier Surfaces is dedicated to providing the highest level of quality in both products and service. Visit Premier Surfaces at either of their Atlanta, Huntsville, or Birmingham granite showrooms or learn more about the company's selection of Birmingham granite at http://www.premiersurfaces.com/.

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