Thursday, July 29, 2010

Italian and Egyption Marble are Popular in India

Marble is running tendency in all over India, Upper middle class to high class looking for an imported marble. Egyptian and Italian, these two countries marble are mostly in demand. There are other countries marble also in good demand such as travertine from turkey, Black marquina from Spain, Light Emperador/Dark Emperador from Spain, classic beige etc.

Here we mainly have Italian Stone. Egyptian marble varieties like Omani marble, Galala, Golden Cream silvia, Sunny dark, zamzam, Khatmya, Samaha, Sunny light, Triesta, Fantastic Beige etc. Omani and Galala have huge demand in Indian market particularly in upper middle class and among the builders. People found it good stone in conditions of stability, & price.

Galala marble obtainable into beige color and one of the most famous and demanding marble in beige stones where as on the other hand Italian marble is prior choice of High class families because it represent luxuriousness. It initiates the different colored varieties like Black Portoro , Blue Argoshi , Botticino Royal , Botticino Classico , Perlato Royal , Perlato Sicillia , Navona Travertine , Dyna , Breccia Onicitta , Breccia Aurora , Bianco Statuario , Venatino marble,Golden Spider,William Grey,Grey Flurry,Noce Travertine,Velvet Beige etc.

Monday, July 26, 2010

Individuality of granite countertops


One of the most obvious choices for a kitchen countertop is granite slabs, because they can withstand the wear and tear of the most often used room in the house. Granite is a stone material that comes for the Earth, and has been around as long as any other kind of rock. Granite is formed when rivers of molten magma travel into cooler locations, after which the magma cools into a mixed-material slab.

Granite slabs can be found in many locations of the world, and people have been using it to make slab countertops for ages. Granite slabs can be found in shades of white, browns, red, green, blue and black, with all sorts of different swirls and designs that make each piece unique.

The most popular granite countertop shades are probably brown and beige tones, which work well with many kitchen colors and allow for many different redecorating ideas in the future. Black and blue granite slabs are increasingly popular, with darker woods becoming popular again in bathrooms and kitchens. Granite countertops also have patterns that can be both large and small, which may look better in different sized kitchens.

The granite slabs needs to be reserved at the time of decision, or they may not be available later. It’s impossible to find a specific match of a color found in a decorating magazine, since they are all unique. The uniqueness of granite countertops is one of the features that make them so appealing, though, because it makes each kitchen totally unique. In a land of rugged individuals, it is no surprise that a rugged and unique stone like granite would be the most popular choice in kitchen countertops.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Adding Value To The Home With Marble And Granite



Granite and marble countertops are expensive. They cost more than other kitchen countertops such as laminate and Formica kitchen countertops. However, in the long run the investment on granite and marble kitchen countertops does pay off.

The cost of granite countertops can range from $ 60 to & 120 per square foot. However, given the fact that homes with granite kitchen countertops and granite floors have a higher resale value most homeowners do not mind spending a little extra on granite countertops.

The other advantage of installing kitchen countertops made of marble and granite slabs are that they are extremely durable and last for many years. So unlike regular kitchen countertops they do not have to be repaved and re-laid every few years.

Granite and marble are increasingly becoming the best kitchen countertops. In fact most apartments in California these days install California countertops in most of their units.

Granite countertop fabrication and installation is a tedious process that requires professional services. Most suppliers of granite countertops also add the cost of fabrication and installation in the initial charges. As soon as the granite countertop is installed, homeowners also need to make sure that the surface is sealed. This will make it impregnable to kitchen spillages.

Friday, July 9, 2010

Granite countertops Estimates

Below you will find a diagram representing a kitchen countertop area to give you a visual idea of how to measure and calculate the square footage to get an estimated area of your countertops. Your application may be somewhat different but you will be able to relate it to your kitchen or bath countertops. The main idea is to understand the standard depth of the countertops is 26”, remember to add the back splash, and to know that cutouts like a sink or a rounded bar top will be included in the cost. If you have these measurements, you can figure the approximate square feet of granite it will take for your project. Granite prices are quoted by the square foot and each color or pattern will vary in price. The more figure in the granite and the harder it is to find, the more it costs. Installed prices should run $50-75 per square foot.

How To Calculate the Square footage of countertops

Notes:
- Standard width of countertop = 26 inches
- Standard height of splash = 4 inches

A. Square inches of splash - Length of back splash + Length of end splash = total splash length
- Total splash length x 4 in = sq in of splash
B. Square inches of countertop
- Length of counter x 26 in = sq in of countertop
C. Square inches of bar area
- Length of bar at longest point x Width of bar at widest point = sq in of bar

Total square footage = (A + B + C) divided by 144


Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Varieties of Granite

Granite, a holo-crystalline quartz-bearing plutonic rock, has - 10 to 50% of quartz as its component, the alkali feldspar/total feldspar in the ratio between 65 to 90%, and the modal concentration of other minerals is less than 10%. Cutting of granite follows the processing. The cutting of granite has been made easier by the use of steel abrasives. Use of such tools enhances cutting of granite, saves time and lends smoother edges. The granite is cut into thin slabs by multi-blade gangsaws, and using various types of granite cutting blades available in the market.

Granite is available in three main varieties of granite, which are as follows-

Biotite-granite
Includes quartz, plagioclase, biotite and K-feldspar.









Hornblende-granite

Also called Syenitic granite, contains hornblende as well as mica.








Tourmali
ne-granite
Composed mainly of Tourmaline, this variety of granite exhibits a wide range of colors and is very rarely available as white or colorless variety.







Of these three varieties, Biotite-granite is most prevalent and forms a very suitable building stone for durability and decoration. These rocks, by reason of their massive nature and homogeneous grain, are eminently adapted for monumental and architectural work as well as for massive masonries. Their wide range in appearance and colors – white, pink, red, grey, black, etc. renders the stones highly ornamental and effective for a variety of decorative uses.

Monday, July 5, 2010

Different Colors Of Granite Color Tops

A granite countertop is almost certainly the best choice for a kitchen counter in a new home. The stone is very durable and has lot of artistic appeal.

Granite is made from molten rock, mixed with a range of minerals and hardened over time. It is available in a wide mixture of colors and patterns. The choice of granite for a kitchen countertop depends on the individual's budget as well as well as the quantities necessary.

The most commonly used slabs of granite for kitchen countertops are shades of brown and beige. The advantage of picking out a granite kitchen countertop in these colors is that they provide the kitchen a look of sophistication.

Natural colored granite slabs are help in making a kitchen look larger. These should be used in small kitchens. Brown colored granite slabs are a enormous choice in homes where the flooring is dark colored. The light beige granite kitchen countertops set off bottomless colored tiles.

Black granite kitchen countertops are always well-liked as they are a picture of elegance. Granite slabs in this color are obtainable in fine solid black as well as black with attractive patterns made by stones, crystals and striations.

Black granite slabs for the kitchen countertops are typically more luxurious than the natural colored slabs.

Maroon or red colored granite kitchen countertops are also favorites among most home owners. It is one of the most exclusive granite countertop materials; though it is a great choice for kitchens. A red granite kitchen countertop against light colored walls can create the countertop the focal point of the room.

Blue granite is fast becoming a favorite among designers and homeowners. This is because blue granite kitchen countertops work well with almost all home decors.

Green is almost certainly the least popular among the granite slabs to be used for kitchen countertops. It comes in various shades, from pale sea green to deep bottle green, and also a wide range of patterns.