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Also, this might be worth your while if you can get samples of specific slabs:
TEST CASE
It would be wonderful if everyone who sold granite was ethical, truthful and fully informed about every type of stone they sell. Unfortunately, thousands of different types of stones are on the market today, and obtaining reliable information about each is difficult.
There is a simple test procedure that can give an accurate picture of a stone’s performance as a countertop. Take a sample of the stone before applying any sealer. Put a teaspoon of water on the stone and observe for darkening and absorption. If the stone starts to darken immediately, it’s very porous, and not a good candidate for a kitchen countertop. If it takes several minutes to darken, the stone will be an adequate performer if properly sealed. If the stone does not darken after 30 minutes, it’s an excellent performer and may not need sealing at all.
Next, take half a lemon, squeeze out some juice and leave the cut lemon and juice on the stone for 30 minutes. Drip vegetable oil onto the stone as well, and let it sit for half an hour. Any signs of acidic etching or oil staining will indicate that this particular stone is not an outstanding performer as a kitchen countertop.
The final test is specially for black granites. Pour a puddle of acetone onto the stone, and wipe the surface thoroughly with a clean rag. If the rag shows black or grey coloration, then the stone has been doctored with an applied dye or wax, and should not be used for a kitchen countertop. The late stone expert Maurizio Bertoli popularized this type of testing, and we’re grateful to him for the knowledge he shared.
Also, I'd recommend doing a chip test on samples yourself and see if you can replicate the vendors results in your home using your stuff. I'd imagine you would dent/damage your pots and pans before you chipped your counter.
I thought the same thing until we went to look at the different slabs. The fabricator actually chipped a piece of Bianco Antico to show me how fragile it was and I was shocked. He also had a sample piece about 4x4 inches that he broke in half without much force. This doesn't mean that if you have it in your kitchen you will have major chipping and or cracking issues but it does happen.
Also the lighter colors are more prone with staining but I plan to reseal my granite 1-2 a year so I should be covered there.
What colors are in your kitchen? The Bianco Antico looks like it has a lot of rust/warm tones. If the rest of your kitchen has a very warm palette, it may be too much.
The Alaska white is more neutral (and would be my preference in most circumstances).
As you've likely seen, there can be enormous variation from slab to slab, so if you want to post pics of the actual slab options you have, I'm sure we'd all be happy to opine.
Here are some pictures of our messy kitchen and the granite that we picked out today.We went with the Alaskan White and I think it will look great! The part of the granite that has the darker veins will go on the island.
I'd do quarter round or eased depending on what style you think you want to have at home. Eased is more modern than quarter round and, IMO, looks better but it's whatever you have in mind.
our granite guy told me half bullnose is very popular edge for them but I was thinking it is a little dated - looks like formica. Eased edge is nice but it is more prone to chipping.
Anyone have any experience with metal and or kitchen installation? We are getting our countertops installed soon and I need to install some supports around the dishwasher. The dishwasher is at the end of the cabinet run and doesn't have any support on the right side because that is where the oven cabinet is. I attached sample picture of a bracket that I need to do. My question is should i go with angle iron, angle steel or will a 1/8" aluminum be good enough?
Anyone have any experience with metal and or kitchen installation? We are getting our countertops installed soon and I need to install some supports around the dishwasher. The dishwasher is at the end of the cabinet run and doesn't have any support on the right side because that is where the oven cabinet is. I attached sample picture of a bracket that I need to do. My question is should i go with angle iron, angle steel or will a 1/8" aluminum be good enough?
Go as heavy duty as you can. Why go with aluminum when there's no real reason to? I'd do iron or steel, just paint it with primer and paint to prevent rust and get it to blend in to everything.
Edit to add: I'd even add one that mounts to the studs on the wall if you can. There's nothing wrong with over building things in your house, you won't regret it in the future.
Thanks! It's called Super White. It's often sold as granite, but is technically a quartzite (not to be confused with man-made quartz products - it's still a natural stone).
It's kind of a ridiculously expensive stone, but my friend co-owned a large stone fabrication business. I got them at cost and bartered photos (I had a photog biz, and they were having a baby) for part of the price. Win.
Had them installed at the last house before we put it on the market, got UbaTuba granite, and a tiered sink (wish my new house came with this style sink). i think total we did for around $1,800, sink was Craigslist brand new in the box still, faucet was a close out at HD, and the granite was like $35/sf installed.
If we had stayed there the only thing i would have different is a different style faucet, still wish i had the sink thing was huge on the deep side.
We literally have the same old sink as you did! I want to get rid of it so bad, but I have pay for the wife's bolt-ons first!
we chose Super White aka White Fantasy, it was amazing the tile pros that tried to argue that quartzite was the man made stuff. We chose the eased/pencil edge. Installer eff'd and did a half round and had to fix while it was in place - big nightmare, but ended nicely. Remember with white - seal-seal-seal!!!
That looks nice! So you got quartzite or granite? How much was it per square foot?
Quartzite. It was labeled as a "Premium" stone...just fantastic!! $83/SF installed (less than 50 SF). The guy worked his butt off on it. Apparently this is pretty structurally weak stone (lots of veining) so there are many reinforcement rods machined into the underside.
I use Miracle Sealants 511 sealant, probably every 3-4 months. Its quick and easy...and worth it.
If it is a structurally weak stone what is the benefit of Quartzite over Granite? I always thought people choose Quart, Quartzite over Granite because it's a lot stronger.
I can't speak for Quartzite, but Quartz is non-porous since it's an engineered stone which means you don't have to worry about staining or sealing. It is also claimed that since Quartz is non-porous, it's more sanitary...but properly maintained granite shouldn't be any less/more sanitary IMHO.
Just go with what looks best to you, and just be in the know on what sort of upkeep your choice will require. I don't think you can really go wrong.
If it is a structurally weak stone what is the benefit of Quartzite over Granite? I always thought people choose Quart, Quartzite over Granite because it's a lot stronger.
wife and I couldn't agree on a granite slab, both liked this quartzite - at that point strength didn't matter. This slab had a lot of veining which were the weak points in themselves, not the stone itself - if that makes any sense; maybe other quartzite's don't have the same veining...not sure...maybe I had smoke blown up my rear to make me think he worked so hard on it - bottom line is we liked the stone, we were ok with the price and we love it installed.
Engineered quartz just had a fake look to it back when we were looking, didn't want it in the kitchen, but I'd do it in a bath with no problem...and will be this winter.
Looking at those pics brings up bad memories...that glass tile backsplash...what a PITA!!!
Everything you just said about quartite "This slab had a lot of veining which were the weak points in themselves, not the stone itself" is the same thing as granite. I totally agree quartz looks and feels fake to me as well and that is why we choose granite.
So here she is:
1st picture is the original kitchen
2nd picture is the kitchen we put in
3rd - 5th picture is what it looks like now.
My brother in law works at a custom cabinet shop and he resprayed the kitchen to white diamond with gray glaze. He sprayed the cabinets at home and doors and drawers were painted at his shop. We went with Alaskan White Granite with 1/4 round edges. We are extremely happy with the outcome.
We literally have the same old sink as you did! I want to get rid of it so bad, but I have pay for the wife's bolt-ons first!
