____________________________________________ Kitchen Granite Countertops and Bath Counters For a kitchen contractor - Remodel a Kitchen or else Kitchen Countertop Contractors for your kitchen and bathroom countertop projects including granite and stone counters. Kitchen cabinets for stock cabinets or Custom kitchen cabinets for higher end installations, or Kitchen remodeling projects for all common kitchen projects. The presence of the granite counter top in the kitchen is becoming more a more of an fixture in the modern home. There are many reasons for this increase in popularitiy, traceable to its advantages. First, since granite is a natural product, stone, there is the fact that it has the ability to adapt with many decors – such as the bath, with or without other stones, bar counter tops, and many counter surfaces that could benefit from its solidity. Granite creates a sense of exquisite beauty and is elegant among many style of surroundings.. The hardness of granite, another big advantage. Mainly composed of quartz, granite offers excellent wearability and high resistances to heat, scratching, discoloration and most stains. For all practical purposes, its usually stays the same over time, unlike many other materials. Too, granite is surprisingly customizable even as hard as it is. The contour of inner and outer radius’s, arcs, free form designs and special accents can all be formed continuously on the slab – not an option on laminates, for instance. Granite edging alone can form a prominent aspect whether in the kitchen or elsewhere. Another plus of granite is the uniqueness of selection. A product of nature, its varieties are vast and impressive. Though many solid surfaces attempt to mimic it, the depth and reflectivity only tends to emit from the real thing. A note on gloss Granite counters are typically believed to have a sheen of high gloss. Though the room lighting does play (for both natural and artifical) keep in mind that its sheen can be less than high, and the surface can be honed (not polished) and textured as if the dealer has these capability, though all installer/suppliers fabricators may present this as an option. As a rule, granite companies deal in other stones as well, such as marble, travertine, and slate which is also placed as counter tops. Be sure to consult with your professional on the advantages and properties of each of these as an alternative as they relate to your particular kitchen application. And as always, get more than one opinion.       Chicago Cincinnati Los Angeles San Francisco