Granite Countertops in Cincinnati, Ohio
Do you appreciate the splendid look that granite countertops can add to your home, not to mention how they can increase its value? There are so many choices. Discount granite countertops in the Cincinnati area are a smart choice. They can make the project one which requires little investment but is guaranteed to bring maximum returns.
Discover how granite countertop installers near Cincinnati can help transform your kitchen or bath with ease.
THE BASICS OF GRANITE COUNTERTOPS
If you are considering changing out your kitchen or bathroom countertops, the choice is clear. You may well consider granite as your countertop material.
Granite is quite literally cut directly from the ground. As such, it is easy to see why each piece varies in color, consistency, and texture.
The majority of granite comes from Brazil. However, there are some types of brown granite which originate in China. Other types of granite can even come from places like Italy or India.
When the granite is mined, the slabs are saw-cut, resin is applied to fill any pits, and the slab is cured in a huge oven. Following the curing process, granite slabs are polished and buffed to bring out their natural beauty.
There are countless shades of granite so you can find a color which complements the room, adding warmth and depth. Granite’s natural veining is a part of its beauty. Since granite can vary considerably, it is usually a good idea to personally choose your slab. Looking at photographs may give you a sense of the aesthetics but may obscure the finer details.
If you’ve decided on granite countertops, the Cincinnati Countertops and Cabinetry by Design team is here. We can assist you in choosing the perfect slab for your project.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF GRANITE COUNTERTOPS?
Perhaps one of the biggest “pros” regarding granite countertops is that each and every granite slab is unique in some way. Each features its own colors, patterns, and individual lines. This means your granite countertop won’t look exactly like anyone else’s countertop.
The uniqueness of each slab piece means there are so many shades and colors you can choose from. This makes it easy to find one which blends perfectly with your kitchen or bath décor. Granite countertops also can add considerable value to your home and are a big plus should you ever want to sell.
Granite is an extremely hard surface and is much less susceptible to scratches. This means it can take your normal wear and tear of kitchen use better than most countertops, while also resisting heat fairly well.
It is amazingly easy to clean and maintain. Granite is very resistant to stains when properly sealed, repelling liquids rather than absorbing them. As long as your granite is properly sealed, you can use them without worry.
WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES OF GRANITE COUNTERTOPS?
Granite countertops are known for their beauty and durability, but they do have some drawbacks. If not properly sealed, the porous surface can absorb liquids like juice, wine, or oil, leaving permanent stains. Bacteria can also thrive in unsealed or poorly sealed granite. Some people find granite “cold” to the touch, as the natural stone pulls heat away from the skin.
Granite can also break during fabrication, though it’s rare. Unlike man-made countertops, granite may have seams, but an experienced professional will minimize them. Additionally, granite countertops can be more expensive, especially if the stone is rare or hard to quarry.
GRANITE VS. SOLID SURFACE OR QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS
Granite countertops are 100% natural, mined, cut, and polished, while quartz is 95% ground natural quartz and 5% polymer resins. Granite offers a wide variety of natural colors and patterns, while quartz can be customized. Both are similarly priced, with granite installations ranging from $2,000 to $4,000 and quartz from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on size and choice.
Quartz is considered more eco-friendly due to local manufacturing and shorter transportation distances. Compare this with granite, which is often imported. For maintenance, granite needs daily cleaning with soap and water, while quartz is more durable and less porous but can be damaged by heat.
Solid surface countertops, made from 33% polymers and 66% minerals, are less dense and typically cheaper than granite. However, they aren’t as durable or luxurious. They offer a functional option for tighter budgets.
What Things Should I Consider Prior to Choosing My Granite Countertop?
Budget
It can be difficult to shave costs on slab granite countertops. Granite is a premium product, but it can be less cost prohibitive than some expect. In fact, wholesale and discount granite countertops in the Cincinnati area offer immense value with a low initial investment.
Another way to hold down the cost of granite countertops lies in minimizing edge treatments. Since complex edge treatments increase the price of granite countertops, simplicity helps to make a project more affordable.
Dimensions
The “average” size of a natural granite slab used for countertops is about:
- Nine feet six inches long by five feet, and
- Six inches wide and are about 1.25 inches thick.
In some cases, the thickness of the granite will vary slightly from one area to another. This requires your installer to “shore up” parts of the slab so the entire slab is properly supported. However, when finishing granite countertops in the Cincinnati, Ohio area, our installers ensure a perfectly level installation every time.
Décor and Style
Granite countertops come in many unique colors, making it easy to find one that matches your kitchen or bathroom. Granite from China is usually cheaper than that from Italy or Brazil.
Rarer colors like blues, purples, and reds are more expensive, while beiges and greens are more affordable. Popular options include Kashmir Gold, Crema Bordeaux, and Galaxy Black. For a modern look, consider sleek colors like white, black, or grey.
The edging style, such as straight, beveled, or bullnose, also affects the aesthetic. With so many options, we’re here to help you choose the right one.
How We Can Help You With Your Countertop Project?
If granite countertops are your vision, you have a partner for success! The Countertops and Cabinetry by Design team can guide you. We are your partner from the selection process through the granite countertop installation.
We work with clients on all kinds of granite installs, including:
- Granite kitchen countertops near Cincinnati,
- Bathroom granite countertop installation,
- And more.
When you arrive at Countertops and Cabinetry by Design, you will hand-select the perfect granite slab for your remodel. We will then create a kitchen or bath template for your granite countertop installation. The template uses your actual countertop dimensions to rough cut the granite into more manageable pieces. With this template in-hand, we can then begin cutting the granite to the exact dimensions of your countertops.
Edges and sink areas are hand-polished by our skilled professionals, then the finished product is delivered and installed.
At Countertops and Cabinetry by Design, our approach to your countertop replacement is unmatched. And it’s vastly different than that of our competitors. You simply won’t find a more thorough and professional granite countertop installer near Cincinnati.
Our goal is to professional level service with minimal disruption. We strive to customize your project quickly, minimizing the amount of time your home is in disarray. Most of all, we will do everything in our power to simplify changing out your kitchen or bathroom countertops. This makes the process as painless as possible.
Be sure to reach out to our experienced design team to discuss your project today.