How to Buy Cheap Granite Countertops

Granite is the ideal stone for your countertop, it is extremely hard wearing and durable, available in lots of beautiful colors and designs, and although it can be quite expensive for premium quality it is possible to find cheap granite countertops if you just do a bit of homework and look around a bit. A large marketplace with numerous suppliers and substantial discounts creates a price range that allows almost anyone to have granite countertops in their home. Many suppliers of discount granite countertops have maybe three or four different price ranges, which are known in the trade as tiers. The top tier will be the premium granite at the highest price, which can be for all sorts of different reasons, color, country of origin, fashion and pattern are all factors towards the pricing of the countertops. Very often the granite in the lower priced tiers can be just as beautiful and hard wearing, it really is just a question of individual taste and style. It is also cheaper to buy stone which has been cut thinner. Often the thickness of the stone is partially what determines the higher granite countertop prices. These are generally cut at around three centimetres, but it is possible to buy cheap granite countertops which have been cut to the thinner size of two centimetres, these are usually laminated to plywood for extra strength, but once fitted are just as durable and effective as the thicker countertops and it is virtually impossible to tell the difference if finished correctly by a professional fitter.

Once you have chosen your granite countertop it is very important to look after it properly in order to maintain its beauty and longevity. There are various products available for cleaning granite countertops and you should be advised by your supplier as to which is the best for your particular product. It is wise to use a penetrating sealant about once a year, which will have been recommended by your supplier. Never use a stone sealer which will penetrate the stone and cause a cloudy surface. Remember that the shine on the stone is caused by the expert polishing and not by a coating.

The best way to clean the stone is by using warm water with a small amount of washing up liquid. Never use harsh chemicals or abrasive bathroom type cleaners, as this will damage the surface of the stone and spoil the whole effect. Never leave acidic foods on the surface, such as lemon juice, vinegar and soft drinks. Always wipe up spills as soon as possible using a soft cloth to prevent stains. Also be careful not to drag pots and pans across the surface of the stone as this can cause scratches and deface your countertop. It is wise to get into the habit of using coasters and mats for drinking cups, pots and pans to avoid any unnecessary spillage.

Granite is a natural stone that can add color themes and warmth to the ambience to your kitchen. Although traditionally they have been fairly expensive compared to synthetic materials, many cheap granite countertops have the same quality as more expensive ones and with the increasing number suppliers and substantial discounts, there is now a price range that allows anyone to have the luxury of granite countertops in their home. With clever design and careful planning, homeowners can enjoy the benefits without the traditional large expense for many, many years, it is really possible to find an affordable granite countertops price, and no matter what your personal taste and style, there is a granite color and style perfect for you and your home.