Welcome to Countertops of the future
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Click here for Information on Quartz or Solid Surface Countertops
Countertops of the Future provides information about beautifying your home with the elegance of custom Granite, Wood, Concrete or Quartz kitchen countertops,
vanities, and fireplace surrounds. Granite or Quartz countertops and vanities add style and beauty
to your home and make it a showcase that personifies quality, luxury and good taste. Whether you are remodeling or involved with new construction, granite countertops will make a beautiful addition and increase the resale value of your home.
Granite Countertops
See the many colors of granite or quartz in the galleries.
See over 70 granite colors and styles of granite from our granite gallery in colors like Labrador Antique, Blue Eyes, Blue Bahia, Azul Macubas, Juparana Fantastico, Aurora, Labradorite Green, and Galactica Blue.
Granite Colors include
Labrador Antique granite, Blue Eyes granite, Ault Brachia granite, Ault Macias granite, Aurora granite, Labrador Green granite,
Galacticca Blue granite, Amadeus granite, American red, african red, american black, Angola Black, Angola Gold, artic blue, polar blue, aurora, Labrador Antique
granite, Blue Eyes granite, Blue Bahia granite, Azul Macubas granite, Japarana Fantastico granite, Aurora granite, Labradorite Green granite, Galacticca Blue
granite, azul macuba granite, azul imperia granitel, bianco romano granite, bianco sardo granite, Balmaral Red granite, Baltic Brown granite, Blue California
granite, blue star granite, blue renoir granite, Bethel White granite, Bianco Sardo granite, bianco romano granite, Black Galaxy granite, Blue Eyes granite, Blue
Pearl granite, Blue Bahia granite, blue caramel granite, dark mahogany granite, desert storm granite, gallio ornemental granite, gallio granite, veneziano granite,
Blue eyes granite, blue pearl granite, blue star granite, emeral pearl granite, gallio florence granite, gallio nepoleon granite, gallactica blue granite, galaxy
black granite, galaxy silver granite, ghibi granite, canadian mahogany granite, emerald pearl granite, golden beach granite, golden leaf granite,
golden persia granite, impala granite, juparana fantastico granite, juparana bordeaux granite, kashmir gold granite, kashmir white granite, labaradorite green granite, lapidus granite, louis blue granite, maduri gold granite, monet, granite ocean green granite, rainforest brown granite, rainforest green granite, roman gold granite, golden leaf granite, golden persia granite, ice green granite, ivory fantasy granite, jage green granite, juparana classico granite, juparana dark granite, juparana mahogany granite, juparana tobacco granite, juparana renoir granite, new ventian granite, renior blue granite, roman gold granite, sahara gold granite, saphire brown granite, louis blue granite, maduri gold, granite mahogany blueeyes granite, blue eyes granite, monet granite, new brown bahia granite, new ventian gold granite, renior blue granite, roman gold, sahara gold, santa rita, st cecilia, cecilia gold, stonewood, saphire brown, shivalkashi granite, silver cloud granite, silver sea green, granite spectolite brown granite, stecilia granite, stecilia gold granite, stone wood granite, stonewood granite, tan brown granite, tropic brown granite, twister green granite, volga blue granite, warehouse granite, wildwest green granite, verde jewel granite, verde lapponia granite, verde peacock granite, volga blue granite, verde san francisco granite, violetta granite, ubatuba gold granite,verde butterfly granite, verde gape granite, verde jaco, granite verde jewel granite, verde lapponia granite, golden ray granite, golden beach granite.
More information here..
Popular name brands for quartz countertops are listed below
DuPont Zodiaq is 93% pure quartz crystal, which gives Zodiaq a natural depth and radiance without the imperfections common in unimproved stone.
Cambria's natural stone surfaces are perfect for kitchen countertops because Cambria is stronger
than granite and, unlike granite, Cambria is non-porous, making it one of the safest surfaces for food preparation available.
Silestone leads its category in innovative ideas for a product that already is known for its ingenious physical properties and customer benefits. Silestone offers the most colors in natural quartz; the most innovative sink installation methods, and a 10 warranty.
CaesarStone offers numerous advantages over natural stone. Stronger, more durable, cleaner, safer, and more consistent — it's the "Six-Million-Dollar-Man" of stone surfaces. In addition to its superior performance, CaesarStone has greater consistency than natural stone which is veined and prone to flaws.
Legacy is at home as a high performance countertop in your dream kitchen, as a magnificent tub or shower surround, in the master bedroom, bath or as a stunning family room floor that can take all that a typical family can deliver over many years of active living.
Technistone Countertops Technistone was developed specifically for the Kitchen and Bath industry with today's sophisticated homeowners desires and needs in mind.
To answer some of your questions about granite and quartz countertops and help you plan your kitchen or bathroom upgrade, we have assembled some helpful information
and planning tips for you. These include how to calculate countertop area, a granite colors and patterns gallery, granite countertop fabrication and finishing
tips, granite countertop installation tips, granite countertop edge styles, and site preparation tips. If you have more questions, please call us at
the number below. Click here for tips..
Granite is sold in slabs to insure the grain and color of all of your countertop surfaces match, but
your cost is calculated by the square foot area of your countertop. If the particular slab your countertops were made from measured 54 square feet and you
countertop area measured 50 square feet, you would only be charged for 50 square feet.
The square footage includes cutouts for sinks or drop-in appliacnces like some cook tops. Don't forget to count the back splash in your estimate. Click here to print a PDF worksheet to help you calculate the area of your cabinets(you will need Adobe Reader). After you measure the cabinets and calculate the square feet of surface, we can give you the cost per square foot of the granite you select to figure your cost. The cost of granite varies according to color and pattern chosen.
Several factors affect the price of granite, but the most important are supply and demand. Supply is the affected by the accessibility of the quarry, the
uniformity of the stone within the quarry, and the stone's workability. A granite that is exquisitely figured, one that contains rare colors (e.g. blue), or one
that is found only in a third world country will be more costly.
Once a customer has selected granite as their countertop material, the next step is to
choose a color. The color and pattern for your kitchen countertops is a very personal choice. Most of the time, but not always, the top will be the focal
point of the kitchen. Patterns and colors vary greatly so there will always be a piece of granite that will fit in with your decorating ideas. Granite Countertops
Unlimited has over 70 styles to choose from
Granite Colors and patterns
Granite is a primordial stone with naturally occurring variations in color and
pattern. These variations, referred to as 'movement', should be expected and are the source of its natural beauty.
Also, keep in mind that the veining in the granite can effect color perception. Sometimes two different grain sizes occurring in the same slab will appear to be of a different color. Mineral concentrations may cause patches that appear darker or lighter.
Every slab of granite varies somewhat within any given color and pattern. If you are unfamiliar with granite,
a granite slab ordered may not be identical to a sample you are shown. While the samples are intended to represent the quarry's product, each slab may differ slightly in color and veining. Indeed, even a single granite slab will have color variations from one end to the other. This lack of predictability gives the product its unique character and adds an element of nature into human-designed spaces.
Click Here Granite Color Sample Gallery
For this reason, we recommend that you take the time to select the slab intended for you
countertops. We will escort you through the granite slab warehouse where you can choose the best granite slab for your countertops. That is the only way to
make sure you get exactly what you want. While color options are numerous, it's usually best to choose a specimen that is stocked locally because of the cost
difference. If a slab has to be special-ordered, the freight would be prohibitive and the lead-time could be several weeks. In addition, the customer would have to
agree to accept the color and markings sight unseen.
Fabrication and Finishing
Fabrication costs can significantly affect the final price. Generally, the
more complex the shape of the project and particularly the shape of the finished edges, the higher the price will be. (Click here for edge styles and prices).
Fortunately, a single thickness plain polished edge makes an excellent appearance and most customers choose this standard. Occasionally, a customer will want
a custom edge pattern, possibly to match the edge to detailing on the cabinetry, and this can also be done. But keep in mind that if the fabricator has to buy
custom cutting bits, he will add their cost to the price. Granite is usually polished to a high gloss finish.
Fabricators may sell finished pieces, but
slabs are always sold intact. The price includes the cost of transportation, making field measurements and templates, cutting, polishing, delivery, and final
installation. The total material required is determined by the layout and the amount of waste. The fabricator will try to lay out each job so as to minimize waste
yet maximize the natural beauty of the veining and pattern.
Sinks
There are two types of sinks used with granite countertops, refirred to as drop-in and
under mount( shown). Sinks may be stainless steel, composite, or a number of other materials.
When choosing a sink, it is vitally important to make certain that the sink will fit in the cabinet in which it is to be mounted. Keep in mind that the cabinet must always be wider than the sink, i.e. a 30" sink will not fit in a 30" cabinet. There must also be ample room available for the faucet of your choice and any other accessories you may select. We carry a complete line of Mind's Eye and Blanco sinks for any application. Click here more information about sinks
Cook tops
If a cook top is to be mounted in the granite, be sure that there is room inside the cabinet to hold the top and any pop-up vents that will be
installed with it. If the top is replacing an existing top, be aware of the differences in thickness of the two materials. Any upper cabinetry that
currently rests on the existing top will probably not reach the granite, so adjustments will have to be made. Allowances must be made for the thickness of a
back splash when measuring for the placement of these fixtures. If thicker granite is used, a wider space will be needed.
The sink and kitchen appliances
built into the countertops like a cook top or drop-in range must be on the job site before a template can be made.
Installation Considerations
All ordinary cabinets with frames that are securely fastened to the wall will easily support granite countertops. The weight of an average person
standing on the cabinet puts more strain on the cabinets than a granite countertop.
Counter tops are measured in much the same way as other solid surfaces.
First, a template must be made to use as a pattern. For this reason, base cabinets must be permanently anchored in place before measurements can begin. They are to
be installed only by the fabricator who will assume responsibility for a proper fit. Improper installation of kitchen countertops may void the manufacturer's
warranties and result in damage to your fine surface or other areas of your kitchen, such as cabinets, drawers, sinks, and fixtures.
It will take 3 to 4
weeks to complete the installation after measurements are taken, so be sure to allow sufficient lead time for the project to be completed. If anything goes wrong
during the fabrication process, or if the top is damaged and has to be replaced, that time will be extended.
Because granite is usually sold in slabs no
more than 10' long, most countertops will require at least one seam. And since granite is sold in rectangular pieces, using seams may also reduce the costs, as in
an 'L' shaped corner. Sometimes a seam can be placed at a sink bowl to make it less conspicuous.
Seams will always be visible in granite. Their visibility
is affected by the granularity, color and pattern of the stone. Seams on a small, uniform grain or dark color will not be as noticeable as they will on a larger
variegated grain or lighter color. A dramatic pattern with swaths of color will similarly highlight seams more than a uniform pattern.
back splash
The
back splash is usually made from the same granite used for the counters, but it can be ceramic tile, or some other product. It may be attached to the counter or to
the wall, but in either case the seam between the counter and the back splash will be sealed with caulk. The standard height for a back splash is 4" although
they're frequently made higher if the customer desires. A tall back splash is sometimes used behind the kitchen range or sink to protect the wall from grease
splattering or other stains.
This may be modified to suit personal taste, but it must be stipulated before the template is made.
Granite can be cantilevered up to 14" if it's a large piece with sufficient support on the fixed end. It should never be cantilevered where it might receive
excessive stress, however, such as where someone may be tempted to sit on it or use it as a step stool to change a light bulb. In these cases, it must always be
supported.
It's always best to assume the worst and add proper support on any extension over 6". An unsupported span of no more than 36" is
usually acceptable as long as the stone is supported on both sides of the span.
Granite countertop Edges and overhang
Most counters are installed with a
standard overhang of 1" with a standard or custom edge. A special edge creates an additional installation challenge and usually results in extra cost.
See prices of special edges here.
Dishwashers should not be attached directly to the granite countertop, but be side-mounted to adjoining cabinets. Special
brackets are available from the dishwasher manufacturer for this purpose. Drilling into the bottom of the stone can cause stress cracks and discoloration in the
surface of the stone.
Site Preparation
On new construction, the base cabinets must be permanently anchored in place before a template can be made. On a
remodel project, existing tops may be removed prior to measurement. Any sinks, faucets, cook tops, or any other item that requires a cutout or a hole in the top
must be on site and readily available at the time the template is made. The fabricator may need to take some items with him to complete the fabrication.
Please note that any delay in acquiring the accessories may also delay the installation, the countertop installer will not normally be responsible for connecting
of dishwashers, cook tops, or plumbing, and no changes can be made once the installer takes his measurements and makes the template. All cuts are final; it is
impossible to reattach a piece of granite that has been cut from the slab. Additionally, once the granite is glued in place on the cabinets, moving it is very
difficult and risks damaging the cabinets.
Quartz Kitchen Countertops
Granite Countertops Unlimited features quartz countertops by Technistone®.
Technistone was developed specifically for the Kitchen and Bath industry with today's sophisticated homeowners desires and needs in mind. Technistone engineered stone combines the desirable characteristics of both solid surface products such as Corian® with natural stone products such as Granite and Marble. In bringing together these qualities, Technistone eliminates the weaknesses of both.
Depending on your life style or commercial application, quartz countertops may be a bettter choice than ganite. Read on to learn more about this superior
man-made countertop material.
Click here to see Technistone Color Chart
Click here for Planning tips
What is Technistone?
Technistone is made using a combination of 93% Quartz, Quartz Silica, Granite or Recycled Mirror4, combined with 7% resin, colors and
binders. This mixture is pressed into 52" x 120" x 3/4" or 1 1/4" sheets using Brenton's proprietary vibration vacuum compression process. The sheets are then heat
treated, cooled, ground (calibrated) and polished to a high gloss shine. Each sheet is then individually inspected under bright lighting for any flaws or possible
defects. Technistone is the finest material available for your interior hard surfacing needs.
*Starlight Series.
quartz countertop surface Leader
Technistone is the world leader in quartz surface innovations, with a reputation for excellence and quality worldwide. Our newest colors, Brown Pearl and Nordic,
are recognized as two of the most beautiful and innovative colors yet to be developed in the Natural Quartz industry. Technistone continues "Leading the way" with
unprecedented and unlimited possibilities in quartz surfacing.
Technistone is #1 in Quartz Countertop Performance
UNLIKE GRANITE
•Technistone is 99.9% solid. There are no crevices
or voids in Technistone for micro-organisms such as
Salmonella and Staph to grown in.
•Technistone is NSF 51 certified (National Sanitation
Foundation) for use in restaurants.
•Technistone cannot be stained by oils, wines, sodas,
and is unaffected by most acids and household cleaners.
•Technistone is color consistent, therefore design
issues such as conflicting grains, veins (movement) and
fissures are eliminated.
•Technistone is over 4 times stronger flexurally.
•Technistone comes with a 10 year warranty.
UNLIKE SOLID SURFACE
•Technistone is scratch resistant.
•Technistone is heat and scorch resistant.
•Technistone has long-lasting, durable, high gloss
Quartz Countertop Care and Use
Technistone is 99.9% solid and nearly impossible to stain. Residue on
the surface appearing as a stain is most often topical. These topical stains are easily removed with a white non-abrasive scrubber and any one of the many
household cleaners available today (i.e. Mr Clean, 409, Simple Green, Fantastic, etc.).
Technistone is heat and scorch resistant and under normal cooking
conditions is not affected. A hot pot accidentally placed on Technistone momentarily, (though not recommended or guaranteed), is unlikely to cause the surface any
harm. Exposure to extended or extreme heat can affect the beauty of any surface. To ensure optimum performance, excessive heat must be avoided. Technistone
requires the use of trivets and/or hot pads when using electric countertop cookiiig devices or when placing hot pots or pans on the countertop. Your Technistone
countertop is extremely durable. Follow these simple guidelines and it will remain beautiful and trouble-free for years to come.
Uses
RESIDENTIAL:Kitchen Countertops, Islands and
Table Tops, Bathroom Vanities, Tub and Shower
Surrounds.
RESTAURANTS:Dining Tables, Bar Tops, Vanities,
Partitions, Walls, Food Preparation and Serving
Areas.
FAST FOOD INDUSTRY: Table Tops, Serving
Preparation and Beverage Station 1bps.
HOSPITALITY: Work Tops and Sterile Prep Areas.
Technistone Quartz colors and patterns
Technistone is made with natural quartz materials.
Because of the random variation in nature, the color, patterns, particulate shapes, sizes and shade will vary. These variations are an inherent characteristic of
all quartz products and are to be expected. These variations in no way effect the performance of Technistone.
Technistone Characteristics
Heat Resistant
Scratch Resistant
High Gloss Shine
Stain Resistant
Consistency in Color
Chemical Resistant
10 Year Warranty
Technistone
Quartz Countertops installed in residential applications have a limited 10 year warranty from the date of installation. This warranty guarantees Technistone
countertops to be free from any manufacturing defects during this period. All warranty claims must be inspected and approved for warranty by an authorized
Technistone representative to insure installation is in compliance with Technistone USA Inc.'s fabrication and installation specifications. Damage caused by
negligence, abuse, and/or extreme heat is not covered under this warranty.
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Custom Granite
Kitchen Countertops, Quartz Countertops, Blonco sinks, granite cleaners and sealers featured by Granite Countertops Unlimited of Elberton, Georgia serving North
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GRANITE Slabs
We carry over 70 different colors and patterns of granite slabs. Click here to
see our granite slab color gallery.
Granite is the most durable of all the stones. Granite's rich colors, unique patterns and strength make it an ideal choice for floors, kitchen counter tops, or exterior cladding. Granite is also extremely low maintenance. Each stone has its own mineral make up that creates the granite slab colors and structure.. Colors of granite slabs include Amadeus, Azul Bahia, Blue Bahia, Balmoral Red, Baltic Brown, Bethel White, Bianco Sardo, Black Galaxy, Blue Eyes, Blue Pearl, Dynamic Blue, Emerald Pearl, Ghibli, Giallo Veneziano, Golden Leaf, Imperial White, Juparana Colombo, Juparana Fantastico, Kashmir Gold, Kashmir White, Labrador Antique, Multicolour Red, Nero Impala, Rustenburg, Nero Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Black, Paradiso Bash, Paradiso Classico, Rosa Porrino, Saphire Blue, Silver Sea Green, Spectrolite, Tropical Brown, Najran Brown, Tropic Brown, Verde Lavras, Verde Marinace, Verde Sao Francisco, Verde Tropical, Verde Uba Tuba, Violetta, Labrador Antique, Blue Eyes, Blue Bahia, Azul Macubas, Japarana Fantastico Aurora, Labradorite Green, and Galactica Blue,.
MARBLE slabs
Marble has been valued for thousands of years for it's rich palette of colors. Marble is however more porous than granite.
For this reason, we highly recommend that you NOT put marble in the kitchen.
Marble stones consist of limestone that has undergone heat and pressure. A transformation process takes place when the weight of overlying material, pressure from crystal collisions and heat from the earth's core generate temperatures in excess of 1800şF. Texture of marble depends on the form, size and uniformity of grains. The element components of marble determine the color of the stone. Generally calcite and dolomite marbles are of pure white color. Variations of whiteness of pure marbles are due to the mixture of foreign substances. Such impurities form streaks and clouds. White Cabrera, Emperador Dark, Alabama White, Crema Valencia. Click here to see our marble gallery.
TRAVERTINE slabs
Travertine is generally used for floors, walls, countertops and for outside as cladding and pavement. Travertine is generally filled
with grout before it is honed or polished, which produces a uniform surface more like other stones. Unfilled travertine is also quite beautiful, and is often seen
as exterior surfaces of buildings. Travertine stones result from hot spring water penetrating up through underground limestone. When the water evaporates, it
leaves behind layers of dissolved limestone and other minerals, giving it its banded appearance. Travertine stones are generally light-colored beiges and tans.
Colors include Nocce Vein Crosscut, and Classico Crosscut. Click here for our travertine gallery.
Onyx slabs
Onyx was originally used to describe
only black and white banded Chalcedony (Quartz), with wide and flat bands of color. Today, however, stone cover under the term of Onyx has expanded to to include
many types of semi-translucent to translucent banded varieties of many different stones. This includes other types of Quartz as well as Calcite, Marble and
Travertine (often called Onyx Marble) and even some Alabasters. This stone is made of glassy lime carbonate and generally is seen in crystal layers in a variety of
colors including green, yellow, gray, honey and white with yellow, brown and green shadows. Click here for our onyx gallery.
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