Unlike shopping for other home needs like home appliances or furniture, granite countertops don’t come with a set price tag.

We all want the best prices for any product we want to buy, and it’s natural to shop around for the prices of granite countertops at different granite suppliers in your area. But how do you know if you are getting a good deal?

It’s easy to get confused and frustrated as you continue researching prices to find the right fit for your project and budget. Of course, you want beautiful granite that suits your kitchen design, and a stone company that measures your kitchen countertops accurately, custom cuts and fabricates (including all cutouts needed for the kitchen sink, bathroom vanities etc.) completes the final installation with care and precision.

But it’s not so cut and dry. You also want a company that listens and problem solves when you voice concerns about your new countertops at any point in the process. Bottom line, the educated consumer is searching for price that includes all the above (and perhaps a little something extra that makes the price especially compelling).

That said, let’s go over a few tips for unpacking and understanding different granite quotes. This important skill will help you get the best value for your money. The more you know, the better prepared you will be to get the precise color and look you want for your kitchen or bathroom at the right price.

What Colors Are Included in the Advertised Per Square Foot Price of Granite?

It’s a common practice at some low-end fabricators to stock a few super cheap, commercial grade granite colors so they can advertise such low price advertisements to get you into the door.

Of course, once you visit the store, you’ll probably be more drawn to the higher quality granites, which are in higher price ranges. This is a classical bait and switch tactic.
Not all fabricators believe in this type of practices. It is your job to figure out who is a genuine stone fabricator with real passion for the stone and their profession, and who is just trying to make a quick sale at the expense of the client’s satisfaction.

Don’t get discouraged just yet! There are still some reputable stone fabricators in St. Louis area where you can get a quality granite installation without requiring a bank-breaking budget.

Is it a 3cm Granite or 2cm Granite?

Find out if the advertised price is for 2 cm or 3 cm granite. 2 cm (3/4″ thickness) granites are less expensive than the 3 cm (1 1/4″ thickness). Most of the stone installers in Saint Louis area use 3 cm because it is more durable and creates a better aesthetic.

Does the Fabricator Allow You to Choose Full Slabs of Granite?

Reputable granite fabricators will invite you to choose the slabs that go into your kitchen so there are no surprises once it’s installed.
Some granite suppliers, especially big box stores, require you to choose from small samples. Selecting granite from samples is not a good idea; natural stone can differ significantly from slab to slab–and even from one corner to the other on the same slab. Your selection should always be based on the full slab.

The cheapest stone suppliers (cheap home improvement outlets) will even install your countertops from pre-edged granite blanks imported from cheap labor countries. You simply can’t get custom cuts and shapes for your kitchen countertops with this method, so steer clear of any companies who are using this trick to offer suspiciously low prices.

Do The Price Include Measurement and Installation?

Some granite fabricators publish lower prices but add on a templating fee (measuring fee) and a transportation fee to make up the difference.

Let’s say you got prices from fabricators A and B on your 50 sq. ft. of countertops. Fabricator A’s price is $45 per sq. ft. while Fabricator B charges $39 per sq. ft. But fabricator B adds in a measurement fee of $200.00.00 and a transportation charge of $200, then his actual price is $47 and not the advertised $39.

Don’t you agree that an upfront pricing is better than several add on items later?

Is Sealing of the Countertops Included?

You need to have peace of mind with your new granite countertops that they are protected against stains, so make sure to ask if a fabricator’s per sq. ft. price includes application of sealant.
Thanks to Nano Technology, some very effective sealers have recently come onto the market. For example, Dry-Treat Sealer offers a 15-year stain protection warranty. Make sure you know what type of sealer your granite installer uses. A quality stone fabricator will always use the effective sealers, even though the wholesale costs for these products are costlier.

Is the Sink Cut-Out and Undermounting Included?

When getting a quote, ask it the price includes cutouts and polishing for an under-mount sink, cooktop (if you have one), faucet holes, grommet holes for computer cables, and any other cuts you may need.

It is standard practice to add costs for cutouts since some projects may only a single sink cutout while others have multiple cutouts required. But you need to make sure you know which are included in price you are offered.

Other cutouts to note are outlets. If your kitchen countertops have full height back splashes, there will likely be electrical outlets that require cutouts. This is small detail that can add up before you know it if it’s not included.

Which Edge Profiles are offered for that Price?

All stone countertops need to have the edge profile shaped and polished. There are simple edges like Eased Edge, Half Round edge and then there are more decorative edges like Ogee Edge or Cove DuPont Edge.

Some granite companies charge extra even for standard Eased Edge even though you can’t get counters installed without an edge polish. Other fabricators offer 3 to 4 edges in the standard quote. Make sure you ask about this often-overlooked aspect.

Will You Have to Buy Your Own Supports for Overhangs?

If you have an island, upper bar area, or peninsula that overhangs beyond 10″, it needs to be supported by steel braces. Reputable stone companies will advise you about the need of adequate support for granite with longer overhangs. This is important for the safety of your family and the durability of your new granite.
Some low-end fabricators may not even mention the need for supports. On the other hand, stone companies that care for your safety and their reputation will discuss it even if it adds some extra cost.

Is There a Warranty on the Final Installation?

You need to have written warranty on the final installation, so be sure to bring the subject up before making your final decision on a fabricator.

In Summary:

Many homeowners simply make phone calls to different granite companies in their area to check the granite prices per square foot and make their decision based on whoever is cheapest. They don’t realize how many variable factors go into these prices.

In order to make an educated granite purchase, you need to see the stones offered in order to know if they meet your expectations. It’s also a good idea to see the granite fabricator’s facility to see if they have decent equipment and craftsmen and learn more about the company’s experience and legitimacy.

Just calling around and getting prices per square foot is not going to help your granite project. You need to know the real, bottom-line price for the entire installation in order to accurately price shop.

About Arch City Granite & Marble

Arch City Granite & Marble, Inc. has been fabricating and installing granite in the St. Louis area for the past 11 years. We’ve installed more than 4000 granite and other stone countertops for homeowners, custom builders, and remodeling contractors.

Our goal is to offer the best value for our customers’ money and be the highest quality granite fabricator in the St. Louis metro area.

We stock more than 100 colors of premium granite slabs in our St. Louis and O’Fallon locations. Checkout our prices. You’ll be pleasantly surprised that, at the end of the day, our all-inclusive granite prices are actually competitive with the prices advertised by low-end fabricators.

The post Granite Prices: What’s Included and What’s Not? Understanding Your Granite Quote appeared first on Arch City Granite & Marble.

Source: Arch City Granite

As outdoor kitchens continue to grow in popularity, people naturally want to install granite countertops right next to and all around their outdoor grills, sinks, refrigerators and fireplace. And why wouldn’t they? Everyone knows that granite countertops are as durable as they are beautiful.

But it does raise an interesting question: How do you protect granite countertops from the elements?

If you’re like a lot of people, you might think that granite is impervious to the weather. After all, it comes from the great outdoors. In reality, however, the hot summer sunshine, rain, snow, sleet and freezing temperatures that St. Louis sees can damage granite.

Here are a few tips to help you protect your granite countertops from the elements and keep them looking fabulous for as long as you live in your home (and beyond):

• Make sure your counter fabricator uses an exterior glue on all the edges. Otherwise the constant cycle of freezing and thawing, freezing and thawing can cause your countertops to separate from their bases.
• Keep your countertops covered all winter long. Snow and sleet can really do a number on your granite and cause it to wear down more quickly. The less you allow it to land on your countertops the better.
• Provide shade during the hot summer months. You don’t necessarily have to purchase custom-made covers (although it’s probably the best way to protect you countertops), but you should try to use umbrellas or awnings to keep the sun’s rays off the countertops as much as possible.
• Seal your countertops. Sealing your countertops is simple, and you can do it in about 20 minutes.
• Keep your countertops clean. Sure, granite countertops are extremely durable, but they can still stain if spills are not quickly cleaned up. And if a spill–mustard, wine, juice, etc.–is left to bake in the summer sun, the damage it can do to your countertops can be more severe.

If you take these steps, the granite you have installed in your outdoor kitchen should stand the test of time. If you do notice that your outdoor kitchen countertops have become a little worn due to being exposed to the elements, don’t worry. It is possible to have them resurfaced by your granite fabricator.

Want to know more about protecting your outdoor countertops? If so, be sure to contact the experts at Arch City Granite & Marble today.

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Source: ArchCity Granite

If you’re building a new house, make sure to carefully consider the island among the kitchen design ideas you are exploring. Here’s a look at several innovative kitchen island ideas, each designed to meet specific needs:

The island with a sink. If you love to cook, consider installing a kitchen island that is equipped with a sink. Having a second sink to complement your primary sink makes cooking and cleaning up a lot easier.

The island with built-in cabinets. Storage space always seems to be at a premium in the kitchen. Islands with built-in cabinets can make it easier to keep your kitchen organized.

The squat, rustic island. It seems like kitchen islands are getting taller and taller. But if you want to add a touch of rustic style to your kitchen, consider going with a squat island that sits several inches below your other countertops. It can make smaller kitchens seem more airy and spacious.

The stone island. Islands crafted entirely of natural stone such as marble instantly become your kitchen’s vocal point–strong, sturdy and stunning.

The classic country island. One of the benefits of working with natural stones such as marble, granite and soapstone is that they complete a country look. Combine your classic cupboards with natural stone countertops for a look that is straight out of traditional country home. The classic country island has constantly ranked among the most popular kitchen design ideas for decades.

The classic contemporary island. For a look that is as cosmopolitan as it gets, consider topping your counters and kitchen island with slabs of crisp, white granite or marble. This works especially well if your cupboards and cabinets are sleek and painted white as well.

The blond and black island. Another twist on the classic contemporary is combining blond wood cupboards with black soapstone or granite countertops. It’s one of the kitchen design ideas that is contemporary but still warm and welcoming.

These are just a few of the ways you can incorporate a fashionable and functional island into your kitchen design ideas. For more help and ideas, contact us at Arch City Granite & Marble today.

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Source: Archcitygranite

It also lends light to rooms, makes small spaces appear larger than they are and can be easily incorporated into both classic and contemporary decor.

On the other hand, it can also be a mistake to decorate with white. White granite counters, for example, can show stains, clash with your cupboards and create awkward color combinations if you are not careful about how you incorporate them into your kitchen.

If you are considering installing white granite counters in your kitchen–with all their beauty and durability–consider the following three questions and then stop by and talk to the experts at Arch City Granite & Marble:

Can you live with the drama? There is nothing boring about white. If you are going to invest in white granite counters, you are investing in a dramatic look in your kitchen. Whether the drama created by the white granite counters makes you feel comfortable or uncomfortable depends largely on your other decorating choices. But one thing is for sure: White will deliver dramatic feelings.?

Can you keep your counters looking clean? While it is true that white granite counters are incredibly easy to care for–mostly because all granite counters are durable and easy to clean–it is also true that white counters will show dirt, dust, smears and smudges more than any other color of granite countertops. So while it is easy to keep your white granite countertops clean, it may take a little more work to keep them looking clean all the time.

Are you creative? One of the great things about white granite countertops in your kitchen is that they provide you with a plethora of decorating ideas. Your white countertops can be incorporated into both classic and contemporary designs. They work well with sleek, cosmopolitan cupboards as well as hand-crafted, traditional cupboards. In other words, once your white granite countertops are installed, you will probably be inspired to change your kitchen’s design every few years. So get ready to be creative.

If you’ve answered the questions above and are ready to welcome the magical color of white to your kitchen, contact the granite countertop experts at Arch City Granite & Marble today.

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Source: Arch City

Or maybe you you just want to hedge your bets and go with the African Rainbow.

Yes, when it comes to the color of your granite kitchen countertops, you’ve got options.

Luckily, you’ve also got access to experts with extensive experience helping people choose, fabricate and install the perfect granite kitchen countertops. Here are some tips from the experts at Arch City Granite and Marble on selecting the right color:

Pay attention to the details

Choosing the right color is all about nuance. You need to make sure you understand how the paint on the walls interacts with the flooring and how the flooring interacts with the cabinet finish–and how the granite you choose will interact with everything. Try to find samples of each color in your kitchen–including your appliances–and bring it to the showroom with you.

Visit a showroom

The Internet is a wonderful tool, but it simply can’t capture every detail when it comes to a slab of granite. Make sure you visit a showroom and inspect the granite with your own eyes. Bring your kitchen color samples with you and put them all together next to granite slabs you like. You will be surprised how you notice subtle nuances.

Look up at the lighting

The lighting you have in your kitchen will go a long way toward determining how your granite kitchen countertops appear. When you are selecting your color, talk to your fabricator about the kind of lighting you have and remember that granite with significant whites and golds works well with limited light. Dark granite does well with lots of light.

Ask a lot of questions

Your granite kitchen countertops are an investment in your home’s aesthetics and value. They can last a lifetime–yours as well as your home’s. Choosing the right color is important, so lean on the experts with whom you work. Ask them lots of questions. They’ve helped countless others just like you find just the right color for their granite kitchen countertops.

To start looking–and asking–for your countertops, contact the experts at Arch City Granite & Marble today.

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Source: Elle Decor

For 2015, Pantone’s Color of the Year is Marsala, a deep earthy red inspired by the wine of the same name. Here are some ways you can use Marsala when decorating around granite countertops.

• Use your granite countertop as inspiration for a coordinating neutral. Find a brown, black or gray that coordinates with both Marsala and your granite. With your neutral and Marsala in hand, you can find other coordinating colors to match it.
• Select a piece of fabric, a picture, or something else that contains Marsala and your neutral. From that inspiration piece, you can pick out a palette of colors to make decorating easy.
• Go online and check out color coordinating websites. Many of them will show you what colors go with Marsala and give you suggestions for coordinated palettes.
• Marsala is a color that goes very well with natural elements. Weathered wood brings out the rich tones within this color. Golden tones and bright greens play well against this rich earthy hue. Dark wood tones also help bring out the glow in the Marsala.
• White brings a nice contrast to the Marsala. Consider painting trim or selecting linens that are a crisp white. It will allow the Marsala and your granite countertops to have center stage.
• Use Marsala to brighten up a focal wall. It will grab anyone’s attention as they enter a room. It makes the perfect background for fine works of art, a valued collection, or an intimate seating group. In the kitchen and dining room, this rich red will bring warmth and intimacy.

The rich, earthy tones of Marsala work well with modern, minimalist and traditional decors. That is why it is so versatile in decorating granite countertops.

If you are looking for granite countertops to go along with an earthy Marsala kitchen, Arch City Granite & Marble can help. They serve homeowners, contractors, and interior designers throughout the Greater St. Louis metropolitan area.

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Cleaning products are marketed as marvels of modern engineering. However, household cleaning products can have harsh effects, causing rashes on your skin, deterioration of the ozone layer and leaving dull spots on sterling granite countertops. So, what’s a homeowner to do if store-bought cleaners can’t be trusted? Make your own! Here’s how to clean granite countertops:

Try baking soda and water

It sounds too simple to be true, but this mixture actually works. A little baking soda mixed with water to a paste consistency is a great way to keep your granite countertops clean.

Use an eco-friendly dish washing detergent and warm water

If baking soda and water don’t provide enough of that “freshly cleaned” scent you’ve come to associate with clean countertops, try mixing some non-acidic dishwashing detergent with warm water and gently wiping your countertops with a soft cloth or sponge. Not only will this work, but your countertops will smell lemony fresh.

Try some rubbing alcohol

You can try mixing rubbing alcohol with a touch of environmentally friendly dish washing detergent. Not only will this solution clean your countertops, but it’ll also provide a “clean” scent you won’t get with baking soda and water. Alcohol works wonders as a disinfectant.

But, before you rush out and buy a batch of baking soda, some eco-friendly dishwashing detergent and a bottle of vodka, there’s something you need to know — acid can cause significant damage to your granite countertops. So make sure that whatever you purchase isn’t acidic. Also, don’t use abrasive products as these can leave dull spots on your counters.

Of course, the best way to keep your countertops clean and stain-free is to wipe up any spills as soon as they occur, and then use one of the recipes listed above to make sure there isn’t any leftover, hidden remnants of the substance seeping into the pores of your countertops.

You can learn more about cleaning your granite countertops from the experts at Arch City Granite & Marble, Inc.

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If you’re lucky enough to notice, you can quickly wipe up the spill and prevent a stain. But if you don’t notice, if the foreign substance remains on the granite for more than 20 or 30 minutes, you’re likely to wind up with a stain.

Source: Houzz

Yes, stains happen, and when they do, you’ve got to know how to remove them. Lucky for you, the experts have advice to help people like you remove all types of stains from their granite countertops.

Here’s their advice:

• Prevent them — The easiest way to remove stains from your granite countertops is to avoid them in the first place. Always use a coaster for your glasses and cups, wipe up any spills immediately and make sure to seal your countertops on a regular basis. It’s true what they say: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
• Clean any organic stains — Those stains caused by spilled coffee, wine, fruit juices or even water can be lifted with hydrogen peroxide, which is available at any grocery store, and a clean cloth. The hydrogen peroxide will work its way into your countertops and remove the stain.
• Clean oil-based stains— Those slick, shiny stains caused by cooking oils, milk and most synthetic products can be cured by using a poultice compound, which is available at hardware stores. The compound will work its way into your countertops and remove the substance that is causing the stain.
• Remove stains caused by hard water — Hard water stains can be buffed out with a 0000-grade steel wool, which you can find in any hardware store. Scrub the countertop surface gently, and the water rings and stains will disappear before your eyes.

Stains happen, and when they happen on your granite countertops it’s important to take the necessary steps to remove them as soon as possible.

If you find that the stains don’t come out with your initial efforts to remove them, don’t panic. Contact the experts at Arch City Granite & Marble. They have experience dealing with granite countertops that can help you if you need to replace areas that have been permanently damaged.

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Source: Houzz

It’s no wonder, then, that your kitchen countertops are often cluttered with all the artifacts of your daily living. Mail piles up, homework gets left overnight and dishes air dry instead of getting put away after dinner.

It’s enough to make you wish you had a plan for de-cluttering your kitchen countertops. Well now you do:

Have an at-home “inbox”
You know how well an inbox works in your office, right? Well, the same principles can apply in your kitchen. Put a basket on the counter and make sure that it’s where you put your mail, notes from your kids’ teachers and other daily correspondence. Having it all in one pile will go a long way toward keeping your counters clean and orderly.

Wash dishes as you go
Dirty dishes and those that have been washed and left on the counter to dry are probably the most common causes of cluttered counters. One way to address this is to wash the dishes as you go, and then dry them and put them away immediately. Not only does this shorten your after-dinner clean-up routines, but it also keeps dishes from piling up on your limited counter space.

Accessorize
Sometimes a simple hook can go a long way toward helping you de-clutter. Install hooks in the ceiling from which you can hang your pots and pans. Put some hooks on the inside of your cupboards and use them to hang towels and even some utensils. Accessorizing your kitchen with hooks is a simple way to de-clutter.

Have a junk drawer
Sometimes there simply isn’t a place to put something, so it gets left on the counter and creates clutter. The best place for these items is in a junk drawer, a place where anything and everything can live so it’s out of site.

Clean your countertops every night
If you clean your natural stone kitchen countertops every night, you’ll be forced to clean up the clutter. And why wouldn’t you? Natural stone countertops–like those available through Arch City Granite & Marble, look great. So de-clutter and enjoy them!

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Marble, that magnificent, soft, all-natural stone that is known for its stunning aesthetics, requires a particular type of cleaning and care—one that isn’t too difficult or too time consuming but is nevertheless imperative to ensuring that your countertops never fail to impress.

Here’s a look at three “dos” and three “don’ts” for you to follow when you’re cleaning your countertops:

Do take steps to protect your marble countertops

One of the easiest ways to keep your countertops clean is to take the steps to prevent spills and stains before they happen. So put coasters and hot pads under any container that’s full of a liquid, seal your marble countertops (if your marble requires it) and clean up any spills immediately.

Do keep your cleaning solution simple

All you really need to clean your marble countertops is a soft cloth or sponge, warm water, a non-abrasive, high-end cleaning agent and chamois. Mix your cleaning agent with the water, wipe down the countertops and then buff clean with the chamois.

Do polish your marble

One of the easiest ways to make sure the magnificence of your marble is readily apparent is to polish it. You can use a simple chamois dipped in water or a combination of baking soda and chalk.

Don’t rely on generic, cut-rate commercial cleaning products

Generic cleaning products cost less and claim to work as well as their higher-end counterparts. Don’t use them. Many contain acids and alkalis that will scratch and degrade your countertops. Protect your marble countertops by using high-grade cleaning products.

Don’t use general-purpose products

Some will say that you can use vinegar, bleach and ammonia to clean your marble countertops. And while it’s true you can, the fact is you shouldn’t. General-purpose cleaning products can wear down your countertops, permanently damage them and dull their shines. Be particular about which agents you use.

Don’t use abrasive agents or pads

Using abrasive tools to undergo a deep-cleaning effort might be tempting, but it can also leave a lasting impact on your countertops. Abrasive agents and scouring pads can leave your countertops scratched.

Keeping your countertops clean isn’t a matter of luck. It takes the right tools and knowledge. To learn more about keeping your countertops clean, contact Arch City Granite & Marble.

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