A Little Background on Solid Surface Countertops

Solid surface countertops have been around for over 25 years, and are a product of the plastics industry.  Most of these countertops are made from thin sheets of plastic, laminated to wood or wood by-product substrates.

Popular brands of solid surface countertop materials include:

Solid Surface Repair

Fixing a blemish in a solid surface countertop is extreme simple, due to its overall impact resistance.  Cigarette burns can be sanded away, and scratches can be easy buffed out.  Virtually any type of damage can be repaired.  There does not seem to be another countertop substance so resilient.

Solid Surface and Your Health

Because this material is “non-porous,” it does not allow food or liquid to become trapped in it.  So, it prevents the build up of bateria, mold, and various germs that can be hazardous to your health.

Some Unfortunate Negatives

• It can be damaged by excessive heat
• It doesn’t have the charm of an all-natural material, like granite
• The production of plastic is not always environmentally friendly

What are Some Solid Surface Alternatives?

Many people prefer natural materials like granite and marble.  Although these materials can be very beautiful, they tend to be costly and difficult to repair.  Often times, people opt for solid color laminate plastics, but these don’t offer many advantages and cost about the same as regular solid surface countertops.

For more information on countertop materials for your home, contact Master Stone Crafters, your premier countertop provider in Georgia.

Does granite stain?

Yes, but on the other hand, all countertops do. Some granites are more porous than others, however, the highly polished kind are very resistant to staining, especially when sealed.

“Oil” stands as granite’s biggest enemy: cooking oils, olive oil, bacon grease…they all have a terribly negative effect on the material. If oil happens to seep into a granite countertop, it is possible to remove it, and sometimes it even vanishes on its own.

Nevertheless, a regular sealing will virtually always stop oil from harming a granite countertop. How should granite be sealed? Apply a clear sealer with a cotton rag, and rub it into the surface. Your granite top should only need sealing about twice a year. Such an easy thing to do, to preserve the beauty of your granite countertop.

What if a granite countertop is chipped?

Often times, children and sometimes even adults manage to crack or chip granite. When these accidents happen, most people tend to throw away the granite chunks in pure frustration. However, you should never discard this debris. Collect all of it, and make sure to call your granite fabricator. Clear-colored epoxies can be used along with the granite chips to reconstruct the top.

Are there granite “look-alikes?”

Yes! Many manufacturers are producing a countertop material that is a hybrid of natural stone and synthetic resins, that hold the stone chips together. These new products are quite stunning, and have many great qualities, but when doing a side-by-side comparison with real granite, you will quickly discover that this product comes close, but is clearly not Granite.

There is no solid answer to the countertop question. Perhaps, your kitchen remodeling project will call for a blend of all different materials. However, a beautiful, sturdy, and natural material like granite, is truly hard to resist. If you have any more questions about Granite Countertops, we’ll be happy to answer your questions. Please note we primarily service the Atlanta Metro area.

Some Stone Cold Facts

• The word “Granite” comes from the latin root word “granum,” meaning “grain.”
• It is often imported to the U.S. from Europe, Africa, Brazil, and other parts of the world, that are rich in  natural stone.
• The hardness of granite is so great, that it is only rivaled by diamonds. (which are used to cut and polish granite.)

The Performance of Granite in the Kitchen

• able to handle intense heat like pots and pans, just off the stove.
• extremely stain resistant to oil and hot grease.
• has a cool, smooth surface that is excellent for rolling pastry dough.
• its finish is unlikely to wear off.
• resists bacteria

Granite as a Design Element

Since no two pieces a granite are alike, it works wonderfully as a unique element of design in the kitchen.  There is a gorgeous richness and texture to granite that isn’t seen in other materials.  Also, the fact that granite is an all-natural substance, makes a cooking and eating experience seem so much closer to nature.

Granite Countertops and Your Wallet

Your investment in granite should pay you back at least three times what you invested, and If you are planning on selling your home, often times, buys will be willing to pay more once they see the granite countertops.

Thinking about Granite in Your Kitchen?

Your first step should be choosing an appropriate color.  Even though granite is usually consists of neutral tones, perhaps you will find that a more vibrant color goes well with your kitchen design.

Since you are using such a superior product, such as granite, you should consider what type of sink might work well with it.  An undermount stainless steel sink (and stainless steel faucet) is a popular choice, as it looks beautiful, and is easy to clean around.

Next, you might want to consider upgrading your cabinet hardware.  The handles and knobs ought to reference the granite tone - it’s a great way to bring the whole kitchen design together.

All in all, Granite is a natural, elegant, and extremely durable material that remains unmatched by any other countertop option.

If you are considering granite countertops in your home, contact Master Stone Crafters, your natural stone countertop experts in the Atlanta, Georgia area!

There’s nothing wrong with planning a trip and having fun, but in the long run, you get more sustained enjoyment when you make intelligently planned upgrades to your everyday life. I recently heard a couple talking about how they had an epiphany later in their lives and decided to “use the good china every day,” and when you think about it, that makes a lot of sense. Why preserve the subtle pleasures for some future date or special occasion? Enjoy life to the fullest every day, and this can be done in simple but satisfying ways.

Having your powder room and/or kitchen countertops upgraded to natural stone is a fantastic way to make the most of your living space. Natural stone like granite, marble, limestone, soapstone, and travertine provide a warmth and visual appeal that is truly profound, and people who decide to have natural stone countertops installed are stunned when they see just how much of a difference they make. Instead of these rooms being purely utilitarian spaces that serve their purpose in a sterile and uninviting manner, they are transformed into places of genuine beauty that you enjoy entering.

To live your life to the fullest you need to like your surroundings. When you look around your home and see exactly what you want to see, you feel great. We know from the feedback that we hear from our clients that you will immediately recognize the upgrade to your quality of life when you have natural stone countertops installed by a creative and experience professional. Thoroughly enjoy each moment that you spend in your kitchen and vanity with natural stone countertops.