Decorating your bathroom after installing granite tile floors

Bathroom decoration with granite tile floors

Granite flooring certainly brings about an elegance to a room. The natural stone gives a bathroom an instant upgrade. While a granite floor does stand out, the rest of the bathroom design plays an important role in enhancing the collective look. After all, granite can do a lot for a room, but if it is surrounded by outdated, unmatched fillings, you won’t be maximizing the look of your brand-new floor. Here are some ideas for decorating your bathroom after installing granite tile floors.

The major items

If you are committing to a complete bathroom overhaul, there are major pieces that you will need to pay attention to. You already took care of one major piece (the flooring), but cabinets and countertops are the next items to review.

granite tile floorsCabinets practically always come in a wood form, but what shade of wood will work well with your granite tile floors? Typically, solid brown cabinets work very well with black granite. Black cabinetry compliments grey granite and light brown cabinetry compliments tan or light grey granite. When shopping for new cabinets, take a sample of your granite floor with you. This will give you an up-close look as to how the two will match and it will help you envision the combo.

Countertops can be tricky, as there are many options available. On the cheaper end, laminate countertops match well with granite tile floors. Specifically, a dark grey laminate. On the more expensive end, a different stone type can be an outstanding countertop option. For example, limestone, travertine or marble. Again, you’ll want to compare flooring to countertop options. Granite floors can match with granite countertops; however, you risk having too much granite.

Fixtures

Regarding fixtures, you might not have to change too much. White generally goes very well with all granite floors. Assuming your toilet, tub/shower are white, you can likely keep those where they are. As a result, you’ll save money and stress pertaining to those specific fixtures. You can get creative with a shower, but that one is really up to you.

Remaining fixtures, such as lighting, faucets and towel holders are easy to update. Any conservative, solid-colored versions of these should match well with your granite floor. Each item is subtle, but each does play an intricate role as the finishing touches to your bathroom remodel.

Accessories

Accessories are fun and flexible. The good news is they are more so replaceable than any other aspect of a bathroom. Therefore, there is less pressure when purchasing accessories. Rugs, shower mats, towels…all interchangeable.

Grey rugs coincide well with black granite. Vise versa, black rugs will look good with grey granite. Lighter granite opens the bathroom up to lighter accessories. For instance, lime green or light blue mats or towels can beautifully compliment a tan granite tile floor.

At the end of the day, do it your way

Ultimately, it’s your house and your bathroom. Make it the way you want! You and your family will be in the bathroom most frequently, so make it appealing to you and your family. The above tips and guidelines help with your vision, though, your preferences and opinions are going to make you most happy and satisfied with the completed effort.

If you need help executing your vision, Granite Artists is here for you. You can purchase granite tile floors and countertops from our store. We’ll also install it for you. Contact Granite Artists today! Also, visit our blog for additional helpful information.

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Everything You Need To Know About Granite Countertops

What to know about granite countertops

So, you’re in the market for new countertops. You should take a close up look at granite. Chances are you won’t have to look any further. Before you take a look in person, let’s enlighten you to the many perks that come with granite countertops.

We’ll cut straight to the chase. Granite offers:

  • A look of elegance and comfort
  • A plethora of design options
  • Durability
  • Hardness
  • Heat resistance
  • Scratch resistance
  • Protection against moisture (if sealed)
  • Easy maintenance
  • An appeal that your home just didn’t have before

Appearance

Granite countertopNow, let’s elaborate some. First off, the most endearing aspect of granite is of course its appearance. It offers much more, but at the top of a consumer’s check list is most often going to be appearance. Go ahead and check it off.

Granite countertops will give your kitchen, bathroom, or home bar a vastly improved look. They will certainly take over the look of a room, and only in a good way. One really cool fact about granite is that every slab is different. Moreover, your granite countertops will truly be unique.

Granite can be purchased in numerous different hues and etches. The natural stone is generally chosen in gray, black, white, or tan hues—the colors of stone. Granite does not necessarily stand out in color (you won’t find it in red of blue), but it does stand out in design and naturally beauty.

Durability

As granite is a natural stone, it is extremely hard. In fact, granite is among the hardest of stone countertops. Quartz is right by its side; however, no other stone countertop matches granite’s hardness. Granite’s hardness makes it durable and resistant to scratches. Even the biggest of impacts will not damage granite. Certainly, no common kitchen or bathroom mishap will harm it.

Ultimately, it is so difficult to damage granite, making its life expectancy practically infinite.

Easy Maintenance

Another benefit of granite is its ease of maintenance. Granite countertops do not require any special cleaning supplies. The typical water, soap and sponge method will do the trick. One important note, however, is that granite is porous. Porous, meaning liquids can penetrate the surface if not cleaned right away. For this reason, it is important that you have your granite countertops sealed. A protective seal will prevent all types of liquids from penetrating its surface.

Sealing is an added cost to installation, but it is well worth it in order to maximize the pristine condition of granite. It is also recommended that granite be re-sealed every year or two to keep it best protected.

Purchase & Installation

Granite is difficult enough to install to where you will want to hire a professional to execute the task. The stone is considerably heavy, plus, cutting granite to shape a counter requires tools and precision. Given its look and durability, granite is among the pricier countertop materials. Generally speaking, granite is found to be more expensive than limestone and travertine, but less expensive than quartz and marble. All in all, the benefits of granite, especially the aforementioned appearance and durability, make it worth every penny. Keep in mind, granite countertops are an investment, not a quick buy.

Hopefully you’ve learned a ton about granite. If, however, you have questions or would like even more detail about granite, reach out to Granite Artists. Our experts have answers to all of your questions. We provide knowledge, but also granite supply and installation. Contact Granite Artists today! Also, please visit our blog for additional helpful information.

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Is Granite permeable?

Granite is known to be an elite countertop material. There is a reason granite is so common all throughout U.S. homes. It is durable, appealing, and encapsulating. But, is it water-resistant? Before you install your granite countertops or floors, you probably want to ensure such an innocent thing as water or moisture won’t ruin your granite. Or any other liquids for that matter. Here’s what you need to know about granite’s permeability.

Is granite permeable?

Is granite permeableIn short, granite has very low permeability. This means liquids have a very difficult time penetrating its surface. Now, is granite 100% water-resistant? The answer is no. Water can seep through the surface over time. It is difficult, however, for water to seep through. Only if granite is exposed to a liquid for a lengthy time period would it allow the liquid pass through. Therefore, simple precautions such as cleaning a spill immediately or running a wet sponge across your granite countertops after a cooking session will prevent liquids from seeping through. After all, an additional benefit to granite is its very basic maintenance.

Testing granite’s permeability

Speaking of simple tasks, a very simple process exists to test the permeability of granite countertops. If you’re interested, drip a few droplets of water onto the granite. You’ll get an instant result. If the droplets scatter or run, your granite needs to be sealed. If the droplets keep their form, your granite is in good shape and does not need to be sealed. Scattering water will evidently cover a greater area, giving it more opportunity to find a spot to infiltrate. If a liquid gets through, it could cause cracks or unwanted color spots to the granite.

 Sealing costs

Sealing your granite countertop will cost anywhere between $75 to $400, depending on the size of the countertop. The low end pertains to do-it-yourself sealing. In this instance, you would just need to purchase the sealant along with a couple of other basic supplies. However, professional sealing is recommended. It may cost towards the higher end, but it will be well worth it as a professional will get the job done properly. More often than not, if you can afford granite countertops then you can probably afford a re-sealing every one or two years (as professionally recommended).

Granite’s permeability, or lack thereof, is yet another reason to grace your home with its presence. In comparison to other top selling countertops, granite is arguably the most well-rounded. Quartz is right there with it, though, quartz generally costs more than granite. Marble is beautiful, but its costs more as well, plus marble has a few more drawbacks than granite. All in all, there is a lot to like about granite, including its resistance to water.

Granite Artists

For your granite needs, contact Granite Artists. We sell granite and we install granite. You can trust us to fulfill the vision for your kitchen or bathroom. You can reach out to us by phone, website, or you can visit our showroom in Plano, TX. Granite Artists looks forward to helping you!

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How to cut and prepare granite

Granite is an outstanding countertop choice, but it is a bit pricey. Thus, many granite customers opt to cut and install granite on their own in order to avoid paying a professional. The DIY route is fine as long as you know what you’re doing. Advanced woodworking knowledge and experience is preferred for a project such as cutting granite. Experience with a power saw is key as well. Don’t allow ambition or negligence to get the best of you, as the use of unfamiliar machinery can of course be dangerous. If you are qualified then you have the green light to cut your own granite. Here’s how you do it:

Gather needed supplies

Most importantly, you will need the granite. Make sure you have enough—one slab should do the trick. Granite is heavy, so you will likely need more than just yourself to transport it to the working area and into your home.

A radial saw or a wet saw will give you the easiest and most precise cut. A diamond cutting blade needs to be used to cut granite. You can find this particular blade at your local home improvement store for around $50. The diamond cutting blade will lessen the vibration when sawing. The last thing you want is for a vibration to throw you off line and ruin the cut. This can set you back considerably as you’ve essentially wasted part of the granite. Think of how tough it is to write with a shaky hand…a vibrating saw is much tougher to handle and the repercussions are much worse.

Of course, you will want safety gear. A mask to protect your face from dust, gloves to grip and control the saw, and goggles to protect your eyes. Do not risk your well being by ignoring safety gear.

Other supplies include a tape measure, a level, a polishing compound, polishing stone and pad, measuring tape and a seam filler.

Measure

cutting granite stoneMeasure your countertop dimensions very carefully. A measurement mistake can screw up the entire project. Accounting for sinks and faucets is difficult, but important. This part is tricky so you’ll want to do yourself a favor and measure accurately.

It would not be a bad idea to at least hire a professional for measuring and shaping. At the end of the day, executing the project is more important than saving money.

Cut

With your circular saw with a diamond cutting blade in hand, begin cutting based on the measurement lines. The diamond blade can cut in contours and can best shape granite in its desired form. It is also helpful to cover the edges with duct tape before cutting. As a result, the granite will not chip and it has a better chance at keeping its form.

Polish

Lastly, you polish the granite. Polishing is most effective with the use of an automated edge shaping machine. This machine will simplify an otherwise difficult job. Once polished, the granite is ready to be installed. You’ve successfully readied your granite.

Whether you choose to do it yourself or if you want to have granite professionally installed, Granite Artists can help. We offer a wide selection of granite slabs. We will also install the granite if you would like.

Contact Granite Artists today to begin to process of improving your home.

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Basic Tips to Maintaining Quartz Countertops

Maintaining Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops are popular but pricey. While there are more expensive countertop materials available, quartz is towards the top of the list in cost. Reason being, the unique stone is both attractive and durable. Consumers have flocked to purchase quartz countertops because they desire a long-lasting countertop that can be easily designed to fit their home. Quartz is worth the investment; however, the homeowner does have some responsibility in ensuring quartz maintains its worth overtime. Here are a few maintenance tips to ensure your quartz countertops stay in prime condition:

Clean up spills right away

White quartzYou should do this regardless of the type of countertop, but make sure you clean up any spill as soon as possible. Lingering stains will cause the design to fade. Plus, the longer the stain remains, the tougher it will be to clean it. This is the simplest of quartz maintenance techniques. Don’t risk the health of your quartz countertop due to the simple negligence or laziness of not cleaning up a spill.

Do not place hot items on the quartz countertop

One fallback to quartz is that it is not heat-resistant. For this reason, anytime quartz comes in contact with a hot object, it will be damaged. Keep your pots and pans on the stove top where they belong. A heat shock will cause the countertop to crack.

Avoid cleaning products with strong chemicals

When cleaning quartz countertops, be sure to avoid cleaning products with strong chemicals. Avoid bleach, oven cleaners, furniture polish and all other cleaners with a significant chemical influence. Vinegar is a good alternative to clean quartz if you need to use anything besides warm water. Chemicals will cause quartz countertops to wear. Quartz’s standout shine will become dull and your countertops will become less attractive due to a user error. This does not mean to avoid cleaning altogether; you should clean your quartz countertops routinely. Just wet a sponge with warm water once or twice a week and you’ll keep them in good shape.

Ensure no sharp objects come in contact with the countertop

Quartz is not scratch-resistant either. Knives or other sharp objects coming in contact with quartz will result in scratches. If you are accustomed to cutting foods on your countertops, then a simple fix would be to buy a cutting board. Cutting boards are inexpensive and will be worth the purchase to sustain the beauty of your quartz counters.  Additionally, abrasive cleaners can cause damage. Instead of using a scrubber, use either a soft cloth or a sponge. Quartz is very durable; however, it is not invincible. Executing these simple tactics will keep your quartz countertops in top condition.

If you are interested in upgrading your home with quartz countertops then Granite Artists is the company to reach out to! We offer other countertop options, but quartz is, of course, a popular selection. Our experts will give you all the specifics you need before making the purchase. Once your quartz countertops are bought and installed, remember the above tidbits to ensure it stays looking as good as new.

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Quartz VS. Granite: Which is the better buy?

Quartz vs. Granite

One of the longest running, most epic and greatly debated rivalries in home modernization history is quartz countertops vs. granite countertops. The two countertop types have been at the forefront of consumer selections for many years. It’s tough to pinpoint which is more popular or more satisfying among buyers. Each has more strengths than weaknesses, and each has the power to upgrade a home from average to great. It’s like comparing the Empire State Building to the Sears Tower–they’re both awesome. Despite the lack of separation between the two countertops, we’ll try to break it down well enough to convince you of one selection over the other.

Durability

Granite ArtistsQuartz: Quartz is not 100% natural, but, close to it. Quartz is found to be 95-97% natural, making it naturally durable. It is non-porous, meaning difficult to stain. You’ll still want to clean up any spills right away—Quartz is difficult to stain, but not stain-free. The fact that quartz is not heat resistant is one vulnerability, though, that’s about it. Quartz should last for the lifetime of the home without having to be routinely maintained.

Granite: As opposed to quartz, granite is 100% natural. However, quartz is slightly stronger than granite. Both are practically invincible. Unless you opt to take a bulldozer to them, both can withstand just about any impact. Granite is porous–you’ll want to scrub and clean granite somewhat regularly. Granite is also best kept if re-sealed every year or two. To make you waver even more, granite is heat resistant, unlike quartz.

Durability Winner: Quartz, by a nose.

Design

Quartz: The greatest selling point for quartz is its ability to be customized. Homeowners can choose from an array design options. They can also recommend a design to have manufactured specifically for their home. If you want to add a personal touch, quartz is your best bet.

Granite: The greatest selling point for granite is its uniqueness. No two granite slabs are the same. Furthermore, you will never run into a granite design that matches that of your own home. Design options are basically unlimited for granite. Granite offers a cozy, dynamic feel to a kitchen.

Design Winner: Plead the 5th! This one comes down to personal preference.

Price

Quartz: Price is always the kicker, right? Not so fast. You’ll find quartz and granite to be relatively similar in this category as well. Taking into account an average sized kitchen, the total job to have quartz installed will cost anywhere between $1,500 and $5,500 (per homeadvisor.com). Per square foot, quartz will cost between $60 and $90.

Granite: A total job to have granite installed will range from $2,000-$4,000 (per homeadvisor.com). Granite generally costs between $50 and $70 per square foot. Each slab of granite is going to be similar in quality, thus, pricing is often steadier. Quartz, on the other hand, can range in quality. A manufacturer will adjust pricing based on the quality of each quartz slab.

Price Winner: Granite is the better bargain. As long as it is maintained, you’re paying less for just about the same.

So, there you have it. Even after an extensive comparison, there is no definitive victor. The best suggestion is to check out some samples and go from there. You have knowledge of each countertop’s background, now you just need to decide which is best for your home.

If you’re looking for a quartz or granite source, contact Granite Artists. We’ll help you find exactly what you are looking for and we’ll provide it to you cheaper than anywhere else.

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Why Choose Quartz for your Kitchen

With the many DIY Flip programs on the internet, people are becoming more aware of the different types of kitchen and bathroom countertop installations available. If you live in the area of Plano TX, we, at Granite Artists, are proud to present top of the line options for a kitchen remodel or a bathroom remodel, like quartz and granite

BEST MATERIALS ON THE MARKET:

Kitchen made with quartz counters

Quartz

Quartz is one of the hardest of earth’s minerals, which makes it very durable. Prior to being used for countertops, it is ground and combined with pigments, polymers and resins. This makes an extremely hard material that is nonporous and resists stains from things such as tea, coffee, and other liquids that can be damaging to ordinary countertops.

Because of their hardness, this type of countertop is resistant to cracking and/or chipping. Available in grays, earthy browns, and vivid colors, the finish can also be customized from matte to highly polished.

Granite

Predominate colors of granite are white, gray or pink. Formed inside of a volcano, it is an igneous rock that is tough and hard, making it an ideal choice for a countertop. Granite is exported from countries around the world and is also found in the United States. The cooling of this volcanic material is what forms the textures and various colors found in this stone.

Chicago is one of the locations in the United States that produces granite. This particular granite shows a higher record of hardness and durability and is more resistant to scratches and chips than other types of granite material. Although it must be re-sealed every two years, in between it can easily be cleaned by using a damp cloth.

Because of its ability to resist heat, scratches and cold, granite is the choice of pastry makers and homeowners alike for their kitchen counters. In addition, its durability, hardness and natural resistance to weathering also makes it an excellent choice for outdoor use.

What We Do

At Granite Artists, we assist our customers in selecting the right type of materials for their kitchen counters and/or bathroom counters. We understand how important it is to have an attractive kitchen remodel or bathroom remodel that will not only be long lasting but will add additional appeal to the overall look of the area, like quartz or granite.

When you contact us for assistance we assign an artist who will explain the type of materials we handle. In addition, he or she will offer various suggestions, and designs, which will allow you to choose exactly what you are looking for. You can be assured that whether you choose quartz or granite, you will receive first-class materials.

As a licensed and certified company, we are well known in the Plano, TX area and invite you to visit our showroom to check out our vast selection of quartz and granite. We also invite you to visit our website to read reviews from our satisfied customers.. It is our goal to furnish our customers with the very best countertops on the market.

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Dress Up the Kitchen for The Holidays

Dress Up the Kitchen for the Holidays

For many homes, the kitchen is busier than ever during the holiday season. With family and friends in and out of your home, it’s hard to keep your kitchen neatly decorated for the holidays. Here are some fun tips for getting a bright, joyful look while keeping your counter-tops clutter free.

Vases

Granite and natural stone counter-tops complement decor with a very elegant feel, so if these are your counters you’re off to a great start! Granite gives a luxurious, grandiose allure to any size kitchen. To give your counter-tops a little sparkle of holiday cheer, try adding a few glittered seasonal vases or a small string of twinkle lights in or around decorative vases.

Holiday Drinks

Wine and cocktail glasses are a fun way to add festivity and class to your kitchen space. Start by setting up a tray with a drink station in the corner or bar area of your counter-top. Holiday glasses with wine charms or trinkets and garland can bring a homey welcoming feel to your visiting family and friends.

To the Window and the Wall

By focusing on the window and wall decor, you can add a lot of personality without sacrificing any kitchen space. Popular trends now include woodland themed silhouettes of deer, or simple scenery artwork. Even just one small collage of 2-3 winter pieces can make a gorgeous display to show off your kitchen and counters.

A Little Flame

Don’t forget the candles. Nothing adds warmth to a space like a candle display. A great way to complement a natural stone counter is by using earthy tones and materials, so think pine cones, holly, or garland surrounded by candles on a wood tray. When you decorate a heavily used area focus on less is more and look for elegant pieces that add a lot of flair in a little bit of space.

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A Final Tip

By decorating on a tray with any of these tips listed above, it’s easy to relocate the decor when you need counter space for cooking or a buffet line, and it can instantly become a centerpiece for your table. There are many options for when you decorate for the holidays. Choose decor that coordinates well with your style, and the color of your counter-tops and kitchen. You should also keep in mind the size of the space you’re decorating and remember that less is more. Most importantly, give it personality. Use your kitchen to express your holiday cheer.

 

Contact us if you have any questions on how you should spice up your counter-tops! Be sure to browse through the rest of our blog to see more helpful tips.

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