Kitchen Granite Countertop Cleaning

Among many home owners and contractors, granite is the countertop material considered the best choice. Its easy care and cleaning make it extremely versatile, And its natural beauty is unmatched by manufactured materials.

"We're seeing that consumers, particularly in Europe, are gearing towards surfaces with texture, such as the Volcano Finish," says Lorenzo Marquez, v.pymarketing for Cosentino North America, in Stafford, TX.Countertops, like many aspects of a home's d�cor, are a very personal decision, so it's important to offer a range of style and color options. This year, monochromatic colors are hot, while navy adds a splash of color.Both quartz and solid surface satisfy these demands, agrees James Rogers, residential marketing director, Surfaces Division, LG Hausys America, in Atlanta, GA. He notes that "hard and shiny" has emerged as the hottest trend in recent years.Rogers believes that color and pattern can only take a manufacturer so far, and sees a movement toward more interesting textures than what are traditionally found in hard surface materials. "We are investing heavily into developing new textures that turn the countertop from not simply a visual expression, but a multi-sensory experience that will now include touch," he says.And it's gorgeous! The countless colors and patterns can make it difficult to choose just one. Many samples have large clear crystals that give a depth and texture unmatched. The color textures mix with the depth textures to make a canvas you can stare at all day long, and constantly find new features.Ed Rogers states that summer's hottest color was definitely navy, and anything aquatic inspired. "Colors such as our Deep Ocean, which is a rich navy, work in any design application," he says.James Rogers notes that solid surface manufacturing has also stepped up to produce clear-chip technology, which replicates the look of natural minerals as well as colors and patterns that vary and have directional movement, similar to natural stone.ON THE SURFACETo summarize, granite is the most beautiful, durable, and versatile countertop material on the market. Brand new, it's sparkle will draw the attention of everyone you invite into your home. But fail to care for it, and the shine will eventually dissolve into a dull boring surface that can never be repaired. So do seal your granite each year, never use ammonia based cleaners, and try to be aware of anything that might have grit that can scratch.Imagine that horrible sound of a scratch being formed as you innocently slide something from here to there, the sound that tells you - oops it's too late, it's already done.LG Hausys America also announced that, by the end of the first quarter of 2011, the company will have a fully-operational facility outside of Atlanta, dedicated solely to the production of its Viatera Quartz Surfaces. LG already has a manufacturing plant nearby which produces its HI-MACS acrylic solid surface.

To summarize, granite is the most beautiful, durable, and versatile countertop material on the market. Brand new, it's sparkle will draw the attention of everyone you invite into your home. But fail to care for it, and the shine will eventually dissolve into a dull boring surface that can never be repaired. So do seal your granite each year, never use ammonia based cleaners, and try to be aware of anything that might have grit that can scratch.

Author: Scott Hares