Marble Countertops, Quartz Countertops, or Granite Countertops; deciding on countertops is not easy. You can choose among the different materials, each with advantages and disadvantages. In addition, the stakes are high because this is a long-term investment with a hefty price tag.

Why You Should Not Buy Granite Countertops From Lowe’s

Granite countertops from local stores and other merchants such as Lowe’s store appear to be a reasonable price per square foot to many uninformed consumers. You may pay with confidence from them because they are a huge business that offers low prices, an easy online ordering service on their website, and offers a warranty. What is the worst-case scenario? You’ll be shocked to realize the sign that not everything is as it appears.

Selection Of Granite Countertops

Natural stone can be an international piece of art. Lowe’s granite store offers only 27 alternatives. Due to their great degree of consistency, several of these choices are referred to in the industry as “commodity granite.”

You Don’t Get Good Quality At An Affordable Price From Home Depots Like Lowe’s

Never purchase quartz, marble, and granite countertops based on a website or store price. Ascertain that you receive the best deal available by comparing the item’s price to its quality. You get a superior quality product at a lesser price when you work with us since you can choose the specific material utilized in your project.

To ensure the fabricator’s quartz, marble, or granite countertops store remains well-known, the fabricator goes above and beyond to ensure customers satisfaction. Additionally, you retain entire control over the outcome, which you can affect at any point along the way. Finally, some fewer intermediaries profit from your price increase.

The Samples At Home Depots Like Lowes Are Not The Same As The Actual Granite Slabs

Proven in many cases, paying for expensive granite countertops installed from a store like Lowes or other big box stores is not a good thing because you will receive a limited selection. Never rely on samples or pay rash purchases based on them. Utilize your time and inspect the slab for a complete image of the material you’re getting. A slab example may only show a piece of the slab, which may be radically different from the remainder. Another option is that the slab used has the same “color,” but it came from a different batch and had a completely different appearance. Thirdly, granite comes in a variety of grades and prices. Grade A items are considered the best since they contain the fewest defects. You do not get a complete perspective of the process because you cannot see the installed granite countertops. If the granite color, such as beige granite, contains a lot of scratches and dents, this is a significant issue.

Installation of Granite Countertops

The big-box stores cannot install your countertops, whether for the kitchen or island. Certainly not. If you sign a contract with Lowes store or Home Depot, they will subcontract the work to other third-party fabricators. It is not uncommon for fabricators to subcontract the installation to a third-party service provider. Now, consider: When something goes wrong, who do you contact? Is Lowes the manufacturer or the installer? Working with a local granite countertop company that uses its installation crew is a reasonable alternative.

Home Depot and Lowe’s Both Outsource The Countertop Fabricators

A granite countertop purchased from Lowe’s or other home improvement stores is not manufactured there. Then they hire a fabricator and installer without informing you of their identity. Generally, these fabricators and installers offer the least expensive services. This instance can lower building standards, manufacture, and installation. Consider that they get money based on the volume of things they sell and not from their services.

By purchasing from a direct supplier, you will be able to work directly with the local fabricator and installer, both of whom are industry experts. As a result, fewer issues will arise and will achieve quality control. You are capable of foreseeing and anticipating the outcome.

Rather than paying for a granite countertop outsourced from China, it is better to have it done by professionals from a stone company, which can help you save money and safeguard your warranty. It is also easier to claim a warranty if you buy from a stone company within your town or your country. If you are from Arizona, it will save you more time and money to negotiate for warranty repairs and other services from local stores instead from another country like China, where many commodity granites are outsourced.

Lowe’s Are Not Natural Stone Experts.

When you get countertops at Lowe’s or another home improvement stores. You are almost certainly dealing with shop personnel or “Sales Person” who has been trained to sell countertops in their particular manner.

When you buy directly from the manufacturing and installation facilities, you deal directly with the professional. This concern is a significant reason to avoid granite countertops purchased at any home depot. If you want the greatest outcome for your countertops, you should consult the people who manufacture and install them. You wouldn’t receive surgery through a hospital secretary, would you? No. You’d like to chat with the doctor personally. Identical circumstance. Make your dealings with a professional. This way, you can save up time and money.

Why You Should Buy at Stone Boneyard vs. Lowe’s Countertops

Countertops Fabrication

A laser, diamond-tipped saws, or water-powered blades are required to cut granite. The art and science of fabricating solid surface granite slabs are inextricably linked. Installing granite in your home is a long-term investment that will pay you for decades.

Lowe’s Store:

Engages the services of a third-party contractor to measure, cut, polish, and install your countertops. Frequently, this contractor will subcontract portions of the work to a third-party, further decreasing responsibility, causing delays, and increasing the cost.

Stone Boneyard:

You’ll find a better product and save money.

Countertops Quality And Design

Like quartz and marble, a granite countertop is a work of art in and of itself. It should represent your personality and contribute to the overall beauty of your home. You would not spend hundreds of dollars on a rock if you desired the countertop shown in stock photography and television.

Lowe’s Store:

A big box store such as Lowe’s store frequently funds activities such as cooking shows to make their products appear more ubiquitous and familiar. As a result, you’re likely to have seen at least 20 or 30 variations on the same countertop design in this shop. Their slabs are formulaic and conventional in design.

Stone Boneyard:

Each tile and slab is custom-cut to precisely match your home counters’ size. We do not sell generic features of counters since we never manufacture the same countertop twice. You can expect unique, durable, and solid surface counters from us. We want to provide you with a countertop that you will be proud to display.

Tips For Buying Granite Countertops

Don’t overlook your countertops, whether you’re undertaking a complete kitchen makeover or a minor tweak. Apart from the floors and cabinets, this is the area where most people congregate. You cook in it, store kitchen implements, and dine from it. Previously, granite counters alternatives were more limited. With the help of a few local shops, a broad array of designs, colors, and cuts is now available. Whichever styles you choose for your home, you’ll get long-lasting counters installed. Granite stone is an excellent choice of material if you want to make a statement with your kitchen backsplash.

Avoid Under-Mount Sink

Avoid adding an under-mount sink if you want to save money on your granite counters. The granite slab would need to be precisely carved to fit the sink to make this work. As a result of the additional trimming, the cost of your counter will increase. Consider replacing your current under-mount sink with a new model. You must install this before purchasing the granite counters.

Use Thick Slab

Granite countertops are available in a range of thicknesses. The 34-inch-thick components are more frail and delicate. They require laminated edges and support to increase their stability. These can help you save money in the short term, but they may result in more costly difficulties in the long run. It’s comparable to repairing chips and cracks. Damage can happen when the thickness is less than an inch. Opt for a thicker countertop rather than a thinner one.

Be Mindful Of The Tiniest Cracks

Do not settle for a less-than-perfect countertop. Ascertain that your new slab is free of hairline fractures. Some people do not attempt to look at these at all. These small cracks will likely become larger and cause additional damage. Slabs less than an inch thick are more prone to this problem. Ascertain from the vendor or fabricator whether these flaws can affect the counter and could potentially cause injury.

Choose Seamless and Solid Surface Counters

While this feature may increase the overall cost, it is well worth the additional money for many customers. Certain individuals desire smooth counters. After a while, seams lose their allure due to wear and tear. After five to ten years, you’ll want to change your counters due to their durability.

Tips For Maintaining Your Granite Countertops

To guarantee that your granite counters last for many years, you must understand how to maintain them properly. When it comes to doing the best practices, it’s critical to understand what constitutes appropriate behavior. You may receive inconsistent advice regarding whether or not to use a glass and hard surface cleaner, with some recommending it and others advising against it. Some propose using a granite-specific cleaner, while others say you don’t need one.

Tips For Disinfecting Your Granite Countertops

Cleaning your counters is critical if you want to eliminate bacteria distributed by food, drink, and unclean hands. You can quickly accomplish this by using hot water and dish detergent. Daily sanitization of the counters using this solution is recommended. Alternatively, you might use a stronger disinfectant in a 50/50 solution with water. Additionally, add 91 percent isopropyl alcohol to the mixture. Allow several minutes to dry before cleaning it clean with a dry cloth and water. It would be best to avoid cleaners and bleach-containing ammonia at all costs. Another option that some individuals select is to use green cleaning products.

Best Practices For Your Granite Countertops

• Avoid abrasive or harsh cleaning agents or sponges. This practice may result in surface damage to the granite. This category includes ammonia, bleach, and ammonia-based cleaners. These substances will dull the granite and erode the sealant, causing it to disintegrate. It’s critical to remember that the more aggressive the cleaning, the faster your sealant will degrade.
• Ascertain that the countertop is adequately sealed. While we recognize granite is a hard stone, it can be damaged and soiled by mold caused by oils, spills, and stains, despite its remarkable durability. You can avoid this by sealing the counter. Add a few water droplets to the surface to test if this works. This practice signifies that your seal is secure. After a few minutes, it can be resealed if it becomes saturated.
• Even if your counters have been sealed, immediately wipe up any spillage. Even if it is sealed, it will not remain sealed eternally. Maintaining the cleanliness of the surface can help it stay longer, which will help you save money when it comes to maintenance.
• Clean counters with a washcloth or microfiber cloth dampened with warm water and mild dish soap. These are good since they are soft enough to avoid scratching.