Company News Archives - Page 3 of 43 - Granite Craft Direct UK

What is Modular Granite?

When choosing worktops for your kitchen, you will come across several options. One of these will most likely be modular granite. These mini slabs are prefabricated and pre-sealed. They have shaped front edges and there are sections available to fit your sink and other cutouts. If you are not sure whether or not modular granite is for you, it’s important to consider the pros and cons as well as those of granite slabs. Some of the pros The main advantages of this type of granite are the price and the fact that DIY installations are easier than they are with granite slabs. This is largely due to the fact that they come in smaller pieces which are not as heavy as full slabs. They are also pre-sealed which means that you don’t have to worry about any additional work after the installation is complete. Now for the cons If these

Pros and Cons of Natural Stone Tiles in your Bathroom

While you may not spend as much time in your bathroom as you do your kitchen, it is still one of the most important parts of any home. Not only is hygiene a major factor, but a beautiful bathroom can also help boost the value of your property. Here are some of the pros and cons of investing in natural stone flooring in this room. Benefits of stone floors in your bathroom The number one benefit of stone tile floors is the fact that they are known for being water resistant, if not waterproof. Wood, carpet and similar types of flooring are simply not suited for areas of your home where water is a factor. Stone is also known for its durability and the fact that these floors are easy to clean. Not to mention the fact that these floors will add a clean, elegant and luxurious touch to the

Bathroom Worktop Options, Pros and Cons

Even if you have a small bathroom, worktops are essential. Not only is it important to choose worktops that look good, but also materials that will withstand the high levels of humidity in this room. Here are some options as well as the pros and cons associated with each worktop type. Laminate These surfaces are popular because of their price. Of course, cheap is not always the best and these surfaces are known for proving especially inferior in terms of strength and durability. Concrete These types of surfaces are durable and they can look amazing. However, this means that they need to be professionally installed and treated in order to prevent damage or excessive wear. Concrete is not naturally elegant and this means that the surface needs to be honed, polished or an epoxy coating needs to be applied before you will enjoy beautiful worktops. Natural stone Marble, granite and

Choosing Worktops for your Kitchen

If you want to install new worktops in your kitchen but you don’t know where to start, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of each option. There are plenty of choices out there and there is no ‘one size fits all’ option. Here are some choices as well as their pros and cons to help you make an informed decision. Laminate These worktops are cheap and installation is easy even if you don’t have experience. On the downside, they are considered ‘cheap’ and they are known to chip and peel. These are not ideal as a long-term solution. Ceramic tiles Another inexpensive options, ceramic tiles are also easy to install. That said, the grouting in between can easily stain and they are also prone to cracking. Granite slab Solid granite is durable and elegant. You also don’t have to worry about dirt getting into any seams. One potential

Benefits of Natural Stone Flooring

While brick flooring is a popular choice in various settings, natural stone has different benefits to offer. If you are considering installing stone floors in your home or business, here are some of the top advantages you can look forward to. Variety Natural stone flooring is available in various materials and colours. You can take your pick from marble, granite, quartz and limestone. Each type of stone offers its own unique aesthetic appeal, colour options and veining patterns. Elegance There is no doubt that natural stone floors will transform an average room into an extraordinarily elegant space. If you want to add that luxurious feel to the room, stone floors are definitely the way to go. Textured surfaces The textured surface of these floors makes them even more visually appealing. The natural variations of stone surfaces add to their beauty and unique appearance. When you choose these floors, you can

Repairing Granite Worktops

Granite worktops are known for being durable and lasting many years. Like all surfaces, however, it is important that they are properly cared for in order to keep them looking their best. Damage may occur if these worktops are not properly protected and maintained. If such damage occurs, it does not mean that the worktops need to be replaced. You can try some DIY repairs depending on just how extensive the damage is. In order to fill cracks or scratches, you will need a granite patch kit. Ask your granite supplier for their recommendations in order to ensure best results. You will need to mix the dry stone until you achieve the correct colour. Next, you need to add liquid binders to the stone mix followed by a catalyst. Press this mixture into the granite area that needs to be repaired. Use a razor to gently scrape away any excess

Cleaning Tips for Different Stone Surfaces

Different types of stone worktops require varying degrees of care. If you are not sure how you can best take care of your surfaces, here are some cleaning tips for granite, quartz and marble worktops throughout your home. Granite surfaces Keep your granite worktops clean by cleaning daily with a mild mixture of dish washing liquid and water. You can make a mixture and apply it using a spray bottle. Wipe down your worktops after food preparation and always use a soft cloth. Avoid harsh cleaners and never cut directly on these surfaces. If your surfaces become stained, for whatever reason, you can use a commercial stone poultice or use as per the instructions. Remember to re-seal your granite worktops regularly to protect them. Marble worktops Wipe up any spills right away and make sure that you re-seal your marble worktops regularly. Always use mild dish detergent when cleaning as

Choosing Vanity Worktops for your Bathroom

Your bathroom is one room in your home that might be frequented by your entire family as well as guests. This is all the more reason why hygiene is so important. In order to maintain a hygienic environment and to make your bathroom easy to clean, you may want to consider natural stone worktops. If you are not sure what types of stone to use, here are the pros and cons of each type. Marble Marble is a beautiful natural stone and it is known for maintaining a cool temperature. It is also excellent for giving a smaller room a more spacious appearance. To clean, all you need to do is wipe these surfaces with a soft, clean cloth on a regular basis. You can use a mild detergent but make sure that it is suited for use on marble. On the downside, marble is more porous and can stain

What Type of Stone is Best for Coffee Tables?

Your coffee table is not only practical, but it also a stylish addition to your home. When choosing the materials for this table, you will notice how many options are out there. Natural stone is becoming increasingly popular. If you don’t know whether you should choose granite, quartz or marble, here’s what you need to know about each type of stone. Granite tables Granite is known and loved for its strength. It is also highly stain resistant. It can withstand heat very well and water marks do not easily form on these surfaces. You can take your pick from a wide variety of colours and natural veining means that your table will be truly unique. Another advantage is the fact that you don’t have to worry about this surface fading. Since it is somewhat porous, granite surfaces should be sealed regularly. Quartz Much like granite, quartz is another durable surface

What Causes Grouting to Turn Yellow?

When wall or floor tiles are installed, there are gaps between each slab. These gaps are filled with grouting. Of course, just like natural stone surfaces, it’s also important to take proper care of the grouting in between. If you notice discolouration, the following causes could be to blame. Bath and body products Soap, shampoo and similar products can cause grout to become discoloured. Shampoos that contain colouring agents can easily discolour many surfaces, including the grouting between your tiles. Wax or sealant Some products that are designed to seal the grouting between your tiles but, after several years, they lose their initial appeal. This is due to the fact that some products contain polymers that may discolour over a longer period of time. Type of grouting Some types of grouting are more prone to yellowing than others. Epoxy grout, for example, is far more prone to discolouration. Cleaning solutions