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How To Choose The Perfect Granite Work Surface
By Edward
Green
My Grandmother used to say to me "Nothing cheap is good and
nothing good is cheap". This ring true when dealing with the
purchase especially on the internet of Granite Work Surfaces. In
fact of all stone so read carefully.
Natural stone is graded as to it's suitability for a given task.
It is also graded regarding the region of the world it originated
from. This is a grade for general use but more for stone
professionals to advise architects, surveyors etc which products
to use for maximum efficiency in the building or home.
When buying on the internet you are usually shown samples of the
very best, Granite, Marble, Limestone etc. You must be aware that
this stone is probably not what you will receive. Firstly, the
stone is batched. You need batched stone to get the consistent
pattern throughout the surface. If you were to buy stone today
and return for stone a month later to complete your project you
will invariably get a mismatch that can look horrendous
especially with the larger crystals such as blue pearl granite.
Always make sure you are receiving the same batch and have it itemized on your order. Also if the installer chips a corner or
scratches the surface you will generally need a replacement
piece. If the batch isn't available you may have a problem.
I have received numerous calls lately concerning the fading of
black granite counter tops. Black granite should not fade. Black
granite imported from Asia is sometimes doctored with dyes and
oils to darken the surface. The fading is nothing more than the
dyes and oils being removed. Unfortunately, the only fix is to
re-polish the top. This can be costly.
Before purchasing a granite top perform the following test to
find out if it has been doctored.
Get a clean white cloth and apply some acetone (nail varnish
remover) to the surface of the granite. If any residue or black
color is observed on the top, do not accept it, it has been dyed.
Take a piece of the "granite" you want to test and
spill a few drops of lemon juice onto it. If you see that under
the drops of lemon it develops very quickly dark spots, it means
that it's a very absorbent stone and I would advise you against
it. If it takes, say, a minute or so to be absorbed, then you're
dealing with a level of absorbency that's easily controllable
with the application of a good quality impregnating sealer.
So, in short be careful where you place your order and always
seek specialist advice. The void between a good stone and a bad
stone is huge, the price between a good stone and a bad stone is
smaller than you think but can be costlier.
If you are in any doubt give me a call I will try to help 07968
503887
About The Author
Edward Green owns and operates the highly successful Marble
Master Ltd Company. Marble Master specializes in Restoration and
Refinishing of all types of natural stone and consultancy
services to Architects, Restoration Companies and Interior
Designers. http://www.marblemasteruk.com
Marble master is a natural stone
consulting and restoration company. We operate in the UK and
provide low cost solutions to problems involving Marble,
Limestone, Granite and all other natural and engineered stone.
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