Posted by Beth Jackson on Sat, May 01, 2010 @ 09:26 AM
Why cover up your old grungy countertops with granite chips and plastic? Real granite is not as expensive as you think. A complete custom cut & Installed 3CM Granite countertop, 50 sq ft with EVERYTHING included -- starts at just $2099. That includes taxes. Thats the best granite transformation -- REAL GRANITE at an affordable price.
Did you know that some of the glue and materials used in countertop resurfacing is VERY Flammable? Granite is an all natural material. It is rock. It is stone. Fake granite resurfacing scratches VERY easily, while the only thing that will scratch granite is granite itself or something sharper like diamonds.
Don't believe us? Grab a sample from a local Charlotte 'granite' resurfacing company and test it for yourself. Compare it to a real 3CM rock sample of GRANITE. When we put a flame against a sample of fake resurfacing granite, a black smoke came off -- and when we put a simple house key against it, it scratched instantly. This was some damage just within a few minutes with the sample. Imagine years later.
The real 3CM Granite countertop in the video below is over hundreds of years old. This granite was blasted out of the earth, polished, cut into a granite slab, shipped to our shop and then custom cut to fit your kitchen. It did not come in pieces -- it is one complete slab. It fits perfectly in your home. This is real 3 CM Soild Granite. Not pieces or chips of material glued together. This has a lifetime warranty through mother nature.
The only way you can really transform your kitchen is with REAL granite. 3CM Granite is not as costly as it used to -- and with us, we offer wholesale pricing to each customer. A 50 Sq Ft kitchen, with a new stainless steel undermount sink, custom cut 3CM granite, cut for the undermount sink, installation of sink, choice of any of 6 edge treatments, removal and disposal of old countertops, disconnection of plumbing, one day installation and a choice from several popular granite colors --- taxes, materials, installation and labor INCLUDED -- would be $2099.
WOW :)
Let us save you money and transform your kitchen with high quality materials and perfect installation.
How can we have such great prices?
Come see the granite slabs we have in stock for yourself.
We choose the highest quality slabs -- we turn away any granite slab that we see as 'unacceptable'.
We have the best installers and granite fabricators in Charlotte.
TRANSFORM your CHARLOTTE KITCHEN with GRANITE
The Real Granite Transformations - Charlotte NC
Posted by Beth Jackson on Tue, Mar 30, 2010 @ 08:17 AM
This beautiful baltic brown granite kitchen was just installed in Charlotte for homeowner Fowler. We also installed the tile backsplash, which accents their granite and floors perfectly.
If you look at the tile, you will notice the new outlet covers the Fowlers also had installed. Usually, outlet covers are an afterthought -- most people do not think about replacing them. By replacing the outlet covers with new outlet covers that match the tile, you can add depth and beauty to your new transformed granite kitchen.
Check out the video of their granite installation below, showing their granite bar supports, tile backsplash and a close up on the granite countertop itself:
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The Fowlers also chose to protect their granite with a 15 year granite sealant. This 15 year sealant can be applied after the granite is installed. It has a 15 year warranty directly through the sealant manufacturer. The granite sealant wll protect your countertops and keep it looking new, shiney, and stain resistant. :)
Baltic Brown granite is typically a Level II granite color. It originates in Finland, processed in Italy.
Posted by Beth Jackson on Thu, Mar 11, 2010 @ 11:59 AM
Check out these granite countertop kitchens we have installed in Indian Trail NC and surrounding cities! This granite countertop was installed in Brandon Oaks community, in Indian Trail:
Granite countertops can instantly increase your home value. Do you live in Indian Trail? Many Indian Trail homeowners are frustrated with the value of their home. During the housing boom, many families moved to Indian Trail and into new homes, but due to the decline in building, their home value's have declined. How can they regain value? How can they sell their Indian Trail home for more?
Once your neighbor has granite, they will be able to sell their home for more --- while if you try to sell your own, you will be missing this granite feature and will have more difficulty.
Granite countertops can be an easy solution. We can install granite countertops into your home in just one day -- and that includes the removal of your old countertops. There are many granite countertop colors to choose from.
Granite countertops can be installed into your kitchen and bathrooms for a very affordable price. Check out our recent granite sale for more information.
Posted by Beth Jackson on Thu, Feb 25, 2010 @ 07:22 AM
Are you a "natural stone person" or are you an "engineered stone person"?
Written By: Bob Faust
Actual Photo of a Granite Boulder Rock
Many people have asked me the differences between natural and engineered stone. Both are great choices for your kitchen countertops as they are both hard durable surfaces that should give you a Lifetime of service. Compared to other options, such as Formica or laminate tops, which may only last has little has a couple of years. Even "solid surface " tops do not last long. Solid Surface countertops are easy to hide the countertop seams, but will appear dull or plastic like and do not hold up to heat and or cutting (which last I checked happen quite often in a kitchen).
Quartz Countertop
Between the premium surfaces, (Granite or engineered stone and quartz), the costs can be a non issue as some engineered stones are both higher and in some cases lower then exotic granites. The maintenance aspect ,which is almost always highlighted by the engineered and quartz people, can easily be neutralized by the addition of "Lifetime sealer" application which makes both materials comparable.
The biggest difference between the materials is the cosmetic differences. While all engineered materials are uniform in appearance and are manufactured to engineered specifications, natural stones are almost always different. Even from the same block of granite stone, you will have many different shades and patterns as well has colors.
So when selecting the crowning glory of your kitchen, decide first "What kind of person are you?" If you want uniformity and consistency then perhaps the engendered stone or quartz materials best suited for you. But if you embrace the diversity that only Mother Nature can provide, feel free to consider natural stone, such as granite, for your countertops.
Posted by Beth Jackson on Mon, Feb 22, 2010 @ 08:44 AM
Granite countertops versus concrete countertops
By: Lisa Dean
Recently I had a customer ask about the difference between using granite for her counter tops vs concrete counter tops. After some research on my part, I found there are quite a few differences between granite countertops and concrete countertops, the biggest difference being cost. The upkeep with concrete counter tops requires a lot of work as well.
Concrete countertops:
The biggest advantage I can find in using concrete is the wide variety of colors to choose from.
The concrete can be tinted to any color you choose to use in your countertop. There are a few textures to use as well. After these two advantages, I could not find any other advantage over using concrete rather than granite.
Concrete is one of the most expensive types of countertops you can use. The average cost is $100 per sq. ft. Compare that to the average granite installation at $45 to $55 per sq. ft., you can see the big difference. The other biggest disadvantage is the up keep. You must seal the concrete on a regular basis. Depending upon your time spent in the kitchen, you may have to seal it every month. This can get costly depending upon your sq. footage. Concrete countertops are not usually a few days process. After the template and molds are made, they must be poured and cured before being brought out to your home for installation. As far as cleanliness, concrete is the middle of the road.
Granite countertops:
The number one reason for using granite is the look.
If you are selling your home, the fastest way to impress the buyer is with granite countertops. Besides tile, granite is the oldest material used in building to date. There are many different types of granite to choose from. Most granite comes from Brazil, India, and Italy. Other countries with granite quarries are Africa and China.
The cost of granite varies depending upon the rarity and supply and demand. The average cost of granite installed is between $45 and $55 per sq. ft. There are a few texture techniques available for granite. Leathering, river rocked, honed, brushed, and of course, polished are a few of the finishes available with granite.
Another advantage of granite is that granite is virtually scratch resistant. You can cut and prepare food right on the surface. The only two things that scratch granite are granite and diamond.
Remember, if you ask for a piece of granite to use for a decorative piece, you must put some type of protective covering on the underside of it to protect your granite countertops. Granite is also heat resistant. Hot plates and skillets could be placed right on the surface without damage. Granite is the most durable and best looking source for your countertops. The most important advantage, I think, in using granite is that no two slabs are exactly alike so, your granite countertop is a one of a kind countertop.
Posted by Beth Jackson on Wed, Feb 10, 2010 @ 11:01 AM
New Charlotte Homes are being installed with Granite Countertops!
Check out this installation that Frankie just did for Georiga Mills Lot 29. This is a new Charlotte home in the process of being built. Within just a few months, there will be a new Charlotte home owner living in this home.
When you are looking to sell your home, you need to think about the potential buyers mind. If new homes are being installed with granite countertops as a standard, then they will automatically assume you will have granite countertops. Granite countertops are important for all Charlotte homes, new and old. Just by adding granite to your home, you will add value -- and in turn, be able to sell your home for more.
If you are looking to buy a new Charlotte home, then you are looking for the best "deal". A home that has it all can easily be found throughout Charlotte. Granite countertops are a classy feature being sold as a standard in many homes. Check out the videos below to see a granite installation we just did for a new home in Georgia Mills, built by Adams Homes.
Maybe this will be your new Charlotte home?
Check out these videos, detailing the process of our granite installation. This granite kitchen was installed by Frankie. Frankie is an expert granite fabricator and installer. He is from Columbia, SC and installs many of our granite countertops throughout the Charlotte and Columbia area.
Here is the before video:
Here is the during video -- watch as our seams come together. We have the best granite seams in Charlotte. Our granite countertop seals are barely visible.
Here is the finished product. Granite countertops completed and installed in Georgia Mills, and Adams Home community in Charlotte.
Posted by Beth Jackson on Tue, Feb 09, 2010 @ 12:48 PM
Looking to Sell your Charlotte Home?
Let Granite Countertops Open your Eyes
Written by: Paulette Faust
Next time you think of it, pick up a newspaper or magazine advertising homes. Take a look for a phrase you won't find: 'Synthetic Stone countertops' or 'Engineered Stone countertops'. Why not? You'll certainly see the words Granite Countertop or Marble or Natural Stone. I wonder why?
Oh, that's right. They add value to your most expensive investment.
I often get phone calls from people selling their homes; they want to do something to make their Charlotte home sell quickly! This market is difficult for anybody to sell and sell profitably. Are you in the right location is one of the questions to ask yourself. If you are lucky enough to answer yes to that question, than will granite countertops be the key to selling their Charlotte House?
Granite Countertops are "in" and people love to see that you have taken care of your Charlotte house by updating a kitchen or bathroom. To help you sell your Charlotte home quicker granite would be a perfect upgrade and it help to increase your asking price by as much as 10%. Quick and easy upgrade, granite countertops can be installed in your existing Charlotte home in 1 day. The decision on color, edge treatment and sink configuration will be an easy choice with pictures of current jobs recently completed as well as taking a good look at the entire slab of granite to get your perfect piece of the earth.
If you want to put your hard earned money into giving your Charlotte home an edge over the competition on the housing market than kitchen and bathrooms are the places to get the biggest bag out your buck. And Granite Countertops will help you go that extra mile towards selling your Charlotte Home.
Posted by Beth Jackson on Sat, Jan 30, 2010 @ 11:57 AM
Charlotte Homes Need Granite!
Granite Countertops are becoming a must-have among Charlotte homes. Charlotte homeowners and builders alike are starting to see that Granite Countertops do not cost as much as it used to.
While your builder may have tried to charge you thousands for granite in your home -- a typical Charlotte home owner can also purchase new countertops for one, low, whole sale price.
Charlotte homes are now typically being built with granite countertops and what is called a "gourmet kitchen". Inside this gourmet kitchen, the charlotte home owner can enjoy a custom tile backsplash with 3CM granite counters.
If you have a charlotte home, now is the time to remodel!
Charlotte Homes Need Granite!
Just check out these photos of Charlotte homes!
Posted by Beth Jackson on Tue, Jan 19, 2010 @ 01:50 PM
Light Granite Colors and Granite Levels
Written By: Lisa Dean
The pricing of your granite usually depends on the level or type of granite you choose. Most granite companies have several granite levels. Granite level or price is not determined by color, but by quality of the stone. You can read more about granite levels and how they are priced by reading Bob's blog at: Granite Countertop Prices and Granite Levels
New Venetian Gold is just one of many light color granites. New Venetian Gold has a gold background with quartz, garnet, light brown, sometimes rust or orange colors throughout the granite color. New Venetian Gold also has a sporadic pattern showing very little movement.
When choosing your color of granite, you should consider your floors and cabinets over the maintenance. With darker cabinets and floors, your best choice would be light color granite. This light color granite will give more of a contrast between the countertop and cabinets.
New Venetian Gold and Sante Cecelia are two very popular light color granite colors. Both granite colors are typically Level II pricing. Both colors do have more movement than a Level I Color.
With lighter color cabinets, a darker granite will stand out more than the lighter granite. Tan Brown and Tropic Brown are the most common darker granites to use.
Here are some photos of New Venetian Gold (a lighter granite color with gold):
New Venetian Gold Granite Slabs
New Venetian Gold Granite Installed
Light Color Granite Maintenance
Most customers go with darker granite over the lighter granite. I find this is due to maintenance more than anything. As the darker color granites do have easier maintenance, with the proper sealer, the lighter color granites can have the same type of maintenance. There are other factors over maintenance that should guide you in your granite color choice.
As granite is a form of a rock, granite will absorb liquids. When using granite in your kitchen, a proper sealer should always be applied. The lighter the granite, the stronger the sealer should be. We use a one year sealer on our granite as our standard. We have a fifteen year sealer and a lifetime sealer available at an additional cost. The fifteen year sealer will protect your granite for fifteen years with proper care. The lifetime sealer, Granite Shield, will protect your granite for the life of your granite, again as with most sealers, with the proper care. When using lighter granite such as New Venetian Gold, Sante Cecelia, or one of the many exotic granites, the fifteen year sealer or Granite Shield would be a very wise investment. With these sealers, you can go use most commercial cleaners on your granite. The sealers also keep the granite from absorbing liquids, which in turn, keeps your granite from staining.
When choosing your granite, let your likes and dislikes dictate your decision, not the maintenance of the granite.
Posted by Beth Jackson on Wed, Jan 06, 2010 @ 03:27 PM
Choosing Tile Backsplash || Design, Shape and Size
Written by: Lisa Dean
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There is so much to learn when choosing your tile backsplash, especially if you are adding it to go with your new granite countertops. One of the first things to consider is color or shading. Do you want the tile to match your granite countertops or do you want the colors to contrast with your granite countertops? When deciding this, you must take into consideration your wall, cabinet, floor, and granite color.
For example: A kitchen with white cabinets, dark granite countertops and dark floors may look best with a contrasting lighter tile color. The color difference between the dark countertops and light background would make both items stick out, while still complimenting the entire kitchen.
Another item to consider when choosing your tile backsplash is the size and shape of your tile. Smaller kitchens usually work well with 4 x 4 squares or subway tiles, while larger kitchens can handle any size or larger tile shapes. -resized-600.JPG)
When choosing the size, take into consideration the height from the surface of your countertops to the bottom of your upper cabinets. If you have 18" or less, small tiles, like 4 x 4 or smaller, will be able to be shown completely, whereas larger size tiles may have to be cut to fit the smaller space. 4 x 4 tiles or subway tiles tend to look best with smaller heights. If you have 18" of space or larger, between the countertop and cabinet, then you will have more space to show the complete tile and more of the tile pattern.
If you have any questions with the height between your countertop and cabinet, please call us and a design specialist, such as myself, can help you with your tile design and show you what tiles would fit best for your space.
Another thing to consider when making your decision is whether to use ceramic tile or natural tile. Ceramic tile has easier maintenance than the natural tile, but with the right sealer on your natural tile, the natural tile can be just as easy. Ceramic tiles also come in glossy, semi-glossy, & matte finishes. Natural tiles tend to have pits and crevasses, which would be filled in with grout to complete the tile. You will have more choices in color when using ceramic tile but, with the right assistance, you can also find the perfect color in natural tile as well.
Choosing your tile backsplash can be a time consuming task but it can be a fun process. The best thing to know is that there are many options regarding tile color, design and sizes to choose from. It may take a few different times reviewing shapes, sizes, designs and colors before finding the perfect tile backsplash and granite combination.
Here are some photos of different granite countertops and tile backsplashes designs we have installed:
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