[et_pb_section][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”on” use_custom_gutter=”off” custom_padding=”0|” padding_mobile=”on” allow_player_pause=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”off” make_equal=”off”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_post_title admin_label=”Post Title” title=”on” meta=”on” author=”on” date=”on” categories=”on” comments=”off” featured_image=”off” featured_placement=”below” parallax_effect=”on” parallax_method=”on” text_orientation=”left” text_color=”dark” text_background=”off” text_bg_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.9)” module_bg_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0)” title_all_caps=”off” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” custom_margin=”0||0|” custom_padding=”0||0|” /][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” custom_margin=”0|||” custom_padding=”0|||”] [shareaholic app=”share_buttons” id=”21407147″]

Granite countertops have become a hot commodity over the years, but shopping for granite countertops can be tricky. There are so many options available, you want to make sure you get the highest quality for your money. Use the following checklist to help you make a good purchase.

• Buy your sink before you buy your countertop. According to a granite countertop fabricator in Greensboro, for a perfect installation of the countertop, the manufacturer/provider needs to know what kind of sink you’re using, or planning to install. Countertops made for drop-in sinks require less granite cutting, and can be less expensive.

• Check price information from multiple providers before buying. The price of granite countertops varies a lot, and it’s because of the different fabrication costs that manufacturers have. The raw granite has the same price across the SUA, but the cutting and shaping processes required to create a countertop are priced differently by every manufacturer.

• Chose your countertop in person. Don’t ever base your decision on samples alone. Each natural stone has a unique look, and even small differences in shading or veining can have a big impact on how your countertop looks. Samples are always helpful, but never 100% reliable for the overall look. Go to the location of the provider and see the stone with your own eyes. Touch it. Is the texture nice? Look at the edges. Are they smooth? The pictures that manufacturers put on the web don’t tell the whole story.

• Focus on quality. A countertop is a long term investment, much like a front door; once you’ve installed it, you’re not likely to replace it anytime soon. If you choose a good quality product offered by a reliable provider who installs it well, you will enjoy it for decades, or even for a lifetime. It’s better to overspend on a countertop than it is to settle for a compromise for the sake of appearances.

• Get slabs from the same lot. Most manufacturers will number the granite slabs they sell. Prefer those pieces that are numbered consecutively because it means that they had been cut one after the other. They will have the same texture, color, and quality. Also, find out where the granite comes from. Italy and Brazil tend to be regarded as the best sources for enduring and beautiful granite. These also happen to be the most expensive. Other good providers include South Africa, Spain, Russia, and the US.

• Ask the provider for maintenance tips. A helpful provider will recommend a cleaning product and regimen – and also offer professional maintenance services that can fix small cracks, repair damaged edges, and re-polish a dull surface.

Reference this checklist before you go shopping for granite countertops, and refer to it as often as you have to. You won’t be disappointed with your new countertop.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]