Someone tell me about granite countertops!

[Chefzhat]

I'm getting quotes right now on a granite countertop for my kitchen island. I love the look but know absolutely nothing about them! So, if you have granite could you tell me your experience?

I'm curious about care, cleaning, types of edge you have, color, and if you feel like sharing, approximate cost. I'm only doing an island about 3' x 5'. The rest of the countertops are ceramic and limestone.

Thanks for your help!

Debie

[swquilts]

We have granite countertops and I really like them. Be sure to get references from the installer. The place you buy the rock from sometimes contracts out the installation. Our granite will have to be replaced since the subcontractor did a poopy job.

It's very easy to clean, I just use Windex with vinegar. A dark granite will show fingerprints a lot more than a lighter one.

Have fun! You will enjoy it and it looks soooooo cool!

[Guest]

Debie,

We put in honed absolute black counters when we redid our kitchen a few years ago. My first choice had been soapstone, which has a similar look to the honed absolute black, but after seeing a sample of the granite, I knew what I wanted. I picked an eased edge which is very simple and goes well with the lines in my kitchen. As much as I like it, and I would use it again, it is more prone to chipping than other edges. Yes, I have pit a few chips into the edges of my counters. The good news is that they can be repaired!

Maintenance is a breeze. Our counters were well sealed after installation and now I use Windex or a home made mixture of water, isopropyl alcohol and a few drops of liquid dish detergent to clean them.

I don't remember what it cost. In looking at stone, there are tremendous differences amongst the different varieties of granite and price differs between different suppliers. I visited a number of stone suppliers and found one that stood out with their customer service and competitive prices. Looking at granite was an aduslt field trip for me. So many different kinds and some are just breathtakingly beautiful. In addition to the cost of the stone, you need to factor in the price for fabrication. The choice of edge can have a significant effect on the price, as well as cut outs for sinks and cook tops.

My suggestion is to go with it and use granite!!! Since you are only doing the island, even if you pick a very expensive variety, the cost will still be within reason.

[funnybone]

This is the second time I have granite and I wouldn't want anything else. I was told to clean with dish soap and water. You can set hot things down and it doesn't scorch.

You're best to visit a place where you can choose your own granite and pick your own slab. You'll get the best price because you are dealing with the supplier. Our cabinet maker (last house) sent us to a "granite-yard" and they did the installation as well. All granite was the same price, no matter the coutry of origin. Don't be fooled by "oh, this one is more expensive because . . . " unless the supplier is telling you that and not the contractor. There are so many different ones to choose from. Try to get a piece big enough so that you don't have seams an so that you can see the pattern in the slab. If there are too many seams, you are being ripped off with end pieces. You will have to decide on the type of edge you want as well. It's just personal preference. Have fun.

[Laurielee]

chezfat for that size you should beable to fairly inexpensive if you dont want to do the bullnose (round) edges that is where the cost comes in. I built a new home and have extensive granite (a huge kitchen). If I recall it was $3500 for the slabs of granite and $7000.00 to have it polishe to get the rounded edges. (this was DH must have) I wouldnt have done it and put the money elsewhere I do love it. it is so easy to clean, and it is great if you want to roll out any kind of dough. It does require yearly cleaning and sealing. I have dark reddsh brown cabinets and the granite is a swirl of tan, black mauve and almost purple, It is so pretty.
laurie

[Laurielee]

funnybone is right if you can go directly to a granite yard, vs a kitchen shop you will save a lot of money.

The other reason I like all the swirls in my granite, is shows less of everything than if I had a solid color, which was an important factor. I like the sold black or mottled black but I felt it would show everything.

Laurie

[Chefzhat]

Thanks! I'm not worried about the cost so much, I just didn't want to hear thousands and thousands

I can't wait. The stone guy is coming to the new house next week to measure and give me a price. He has his own stone yard, so his prices are pretty good. My friend just used him and she had her whole house done - kitchen, entranceway, masterbath - and she's thrilled with the results.

Thanks for the input!!

Debie

[RebeccaT]

I love mine. I can't tell you about price, since they were in the house when we bought it, but I really like the look of them and have been very happy with mine.

Ours are a darker color, a brown/black mottled look, if that makes any sense. I like that they always look clean, but I will say that it's hard to see where I have missed a spot! It looks like this:



It's great with our cabinets, which are a honey color, and coordinates nicely with our pale yellow walls. We also have it as flooring in our powder room, and as an accent around our fireplace.

I know you'll be happy with your granite!

[d_ferrero]

I have what Rebecca has (it's Baltic Brown) and I absolutely adore it. I didn't get mine sealed (my contractor recommended against it until/unless we have children as it is apparently costly to have re-sealed). I clean it as others have mentioned -- Windex or Cinch with a warm, damp rag.

[bmonczka]

Something to think about when the stone guy comes out....make sure since it's an island that he won't be putting any seams in it. Nothing looks worse than a big seam right where it shouldn't be! If he's good he will use a full slab and cut it to fit your island not put 2 pieces together with a big ugly seam in the middle! Some granite guys (or girls!) charge by the slab others charge by the linear square foot, which is usually around $80/lsf for common stone types. More exotic stone choices are usually more with good reason. I really like my granite, its a dark brown/black- looks like crushed coffee beans! Easy to carry for especially with an undermount sink (about $350-500) since you just swipe the crumbs right in! We'll defintely do granite in our next house- probably the honed black granite as someone mentioned above- I love that look. Or maybe concrete which is pretty cool looking too!

Go to the granite yard to pick out your specific slab- that way you'll be able to pick the one with the swirls and uniquenesses (not a word I realize ) that you like- especially on an island where it's one big showcase of the stone. A sample piece can look very different from the end product depending the slab they use. Bring a cabinet door or something to put against the slabs- it's amazing how even the same granite can be so different from slab to slab. Have fun!

[alicerh]

Does anyone have Silestone or know anyone who does? It looks like granite but is very stain and scratch proof. I saw it at Lowes but have heard it is great.
Alice

[Rottlover]

I also have the Baltic Brown granite and LOVE it !! Not only does it look great, it is extremely practical. I clean it with just warm water using a microfiber towel and it looks beautiful every time. Given the pattern, its hard to tell when it is dirty (until the sun shines on it).

[Chefzhat]

Rebecca, I love the color of your granite! That's sort of what I'm looking for, black with flecks of reds, oranges, etc. Can't wait, I get to go choose my slab next week.

It's been a busy week - I've settled on paint colors, cabinet color for entertainment center, ceramic for floors and countertop/backsplash, carpeting, lighting, and have chosen the railing system for the stairs and the decorative columns. Whew.

Debie

[Jazzmatazz49]

We are drawing up house plans, and I've about decided on Avanza or Zodiaq(quartz) for countertops. It never has to be resealed, it is harder than granite, and is a manufactured product so you can choose the exact color and design. It costs a little less than granite. My friends who have it swear by it, and I'm fairly sure that's how I'm going to go.

[cas]

We were looking at the Zodiac but ended up not getting
it because it didn't look like the real thing, granite.
We choose Uba Tuba and love it. Just clean it up with a wet
towel. Our guy told us not to use any cleaner on it
even windex.

[buffygirl]

We have Ubatuba as well and I clean with a microfiber cloth and a cleaner I purchased at Restoration Hardware, Diamond Shine or something like that. It leaves the counters beautifully shiny with no spots.

BK

[Chefzhat]

Yipee! Went to pick out my slab today and luckily they had a remnant piece of my color that can be used - so half price for meeeeeeeeee!

I chose Amazon Brown - a bit darker than the Baltic brown. It shows more blacks and rust reds. The slab has some cool gradiations and patterns.

Today the carpet gets a final measurement, and then I'm done picking out stuff for the house. Finally!

Thanks for your help everyone!

Debie

[Kayla]

Yay Debie!

And of course... once you've gotten it all finished, you're going to show ALL of us

Kayla