1. They add value to the home depending on the countertop you put in. You can go
cheap with tile, which looks good and is cost effective and you can make your
kitchen look great. However, if you go with marble or granite, you will really
change the look of the kitchen and make it something people really envy. That is
what you want when you want to raise the value of your home if you want to sell
in the future.
2. They are easy to install. All you have to do is measure properly and make
sure you got the sink in the right place. Then it is pretty much just a matter of
putting the counter on the countertop and securing it. That is as easy as it can be
sometimes and that is something that really makes putting in countertops a great
addition to a remodel. With a couple hours work, you can completely change how
a kitchen looks and raise the value of a home.
3. There are so many options out there that you can literally have a kitchen that
looks like no other kitchen in the world. This is especially true if you use granite
countertops because every granite countertop is like a snowflake; there is none
other like it in the world. A great countertop can make the kitchen unique and that
will make the entire house unique for you.

When you are doing a remodel, you need to make sure you look at putting in new
countertops because they can make or break a remodel for you.

1. Do not take out the old sink until you have ensured that you have turned off the water, kept a buck for excess water and are ready to do the measurements.
2. With a measuring tape, you will need to know how much of a lip your kitchen sink has on the countertop. This is the rim and outside edge of the sink and usually it will be one inch wide, although sometimes it is flush with the countertop.
3. At this point, measure the inside of the opening of the existing sink from the front to the back, then from side to side. As well, measure the depth of the sink because this is important when you are putting in the pipes under the kitchen countertop.
4. Now, remove the faucets and handles and get the measurements of these if they are not attached to the sink itself. You will need to know how far they are from the sink and how wide and long they are.
5. When you take out the old sink, measure the dimensions again to make sure you got the measurements right. The measurements you take here should correspond with your previous measurements.
6. Take out the countertop and put in your new kitchen countertop but before you do that, make sure you cut in the measurements for your kitchen sink.

It is important to remember that these instructions are for putting in the same sink you had before. If you are not putting in the same sink, then you will need to measure in your new sink. Sometimes the measurements will be included on the box, making it much easier for you. As well, templates are often included to make it very easy for you to put in the sink in your new kitchen countertop. By measuring twice and cutting once, you can make this very easy on yourself with your new kitchen countertop.

Granite is a truly unique type of material that many homeowners choose to get for their home because it is strong, scratch-resistant and resistant to heat. Not to mention the stone has some amazing designs in it that can dazzle your eye and really make your kitchen look amazing. So, here are some interesting facts about a truly amazing material.

1. Granite is one of the hardest substances in the world. In fact, the only thing that is harder than granite is diamonds. This is what makes granite so sought after as a countertop. For the simple fact that it is extremely durable and it cannot be damaged by scratching. You can cut on a granite countertop because it is so hard and durable.

2. Granite comes in many different colors thanks to the composition and minerals within the rock. Colors range from pink to gray and black. There are no two slabs of granite that are alike, making each granite countertop something completely unique.

3. Granite is found all over the world and is one of the most common minerals that can be found in the Earth. Some of the most common areas where granite is harvested include Brazil, Norway, India, Spain and the United States.

4. What many people may not realize is that granite is actually radioactive. Since granite is a natural stone, it has a small amount of radioactivity to it, but it is so small that it poses no threat or health risk to humans. Don’t worry, if you have a granite countertop you won’t suddenly see your food mutating into something else.

5. Granite has been used for thousands of years. As far back as the Ancient Egyptians, granite has been harvested and used in a variety of structures, including pyramids in Egypt.

6. Granite is one of the most highly sought after types of rocks for rock climbing because it is very strong and there is very little chance of it breaking away while climbing on it.

This is a truly an amazing material that can make your kitchen look amazing. With a granite countertop, you will have something that no one else has. Yes, there are other granite countertops but others will not have a countertop that looks like yours. Each granite countertop is unique, as well as resistant to scratching, heat/burning and they are very easy to clean. Go with granite when you are getting a new countertop put in.

When you are about to do a kitchen renovation, one of the most important things to consider is what you are going to use for material for your countertops. This is very important because there are a vast number of things to consider. Do you want a countertop that does not burn, do you want one that is easy to clean, or are you looking for one that is affordable? Well, when you are doing home improvement, you should consider granite as one of your top choices.

So, what is granite? Granite is a rock that contains several minerals including quartz, mica and feldspar. What makes granite interesting is that it does not contain the same amount of minerals in each piece of granite and it can vary greatly. This results in granite having many different colors and no slab of granite looks alike. How granite is made is when magma rises up from the core of the Earth due to seismic activity, it begins to cool and harden under a lot of pressure within the Earth. Some interest facts about granite include the fact that it is found on every single continent, it is the oldest building material on the planet and only diamonds are harder and more durable than granite.

This is why people will choose granite for their countertops. Granite is impervious to water, so they do not burn with hot pots on them and they are very easy to clean. All granite countertops are sealed so that water will not drain into the stone of the rock, although if it did it would just evaporate out. In addition, granite is scratch resistant and will retain it’s shine for many years.

Now, how does granite compare with other types of countertops? This is important when you are thinking about a kitchen renovation. First, granite is more expensive than other type of stones and tile countertops. However, granite is far stronger and more durable than plastic countertops and tile countertops. In addition, these other types of countertops are susceptible to stains and burning. If you are going to be choosing a countertop for your home improvement project, and you do not mind spending a bit extra, then you cannot go wrong with granite countertops. That extra cost is worth it because it can raise the value of your home as well.

Half Inch Bull Nose

Eased Edge

3/8 Bull Nose

Full Bull Nose

Granite Countertop Edge Choices

There are numerous granite countertop edges available. One can choose from various shapes, lines, curves, angles, and styles. The type of edge one chooses depends on the level of simplicity, elegance, or drama desired.

The eased edge is a straight edge that is most often used on granite backsplashes. It is simple, but elegant and works perfectly for almost any backsplash.

The quarter round, or 3/8″ round, is the most standard form of granite countertop edge as well as the most popular. This edge is a straight harsh line that does not incorporate many curves. The quarter round edge is a simplistic choice, is normally lower in cost, but also provides a beautiful aesthetic to counters and kitchens.

On the other hand, the full bullnose edge incorporates a softer roundness. Also very popular, this edge curves rather than maininting a straight edge line. Furthermore, the demi-bullnose edge incorporates a smaller or partial curve. The full bullnose and demi-bullnose edges are also generally less expensive than some of the more intricate edges.

In contrast, the ogee edge offers depth, elegance, and drama by including a small divet within the edge. Traditionally a more expensive choice, this granite countertop edge comes in various styles and designs. The ogee edge can add more detail to one’s countertops.

In addition to the ogee edge, the bevel edge also offers detail, depth and richness. One of the most expensive edges, the bevel lends a more unique and dramatic look to granite countertops. Also, the bevel can be purchased in standard form or as a 45″ edge. The 45″ edge is one of the most dramatic as it includes a steep downward angle.

If you do not find what you are searching for with the already constructed edges, one can also customize a granite countertop edge. Custom edges can be simple or extremely detailed. There are many designs to choose from. However, the more elaborate and intricate the edge, the more time it takes to polish, cut and create the proper aesthetic. Furthermore, with increased time comes increased cost.

Granite countertop edges provide the finishing touch for creating a beautiful granite countertop. There are a wide array of styles, cuts, and shapes to choose from. If you are searching for a simple and cost effective solution, a quarter round or bull nose edge may be the right choice. If you are looking for more drama and detail, an ogee, bevel, or custom edge is sure to please.