Thursday, August 28, 2014

Say NO to prefab Granite

Raw full size granite slabs vs. prefab slabs


Prefabs are produced in bulk, mainly in countries like China, and shipped to the United States at very low prices. These counters are also considered to be of reasonable cost, since the labor cost of custom fabrication is not really needed. The convenience of prefabs are great for the common and simple bathroom vanity, but are they equally economical in a kitchen?

The layout of a kitchen is the determining factor of whether prefabs are economical or not. A small galley kitchen might be easily re-modeled with prefabs, if one 8 foot stretch of granite can be installed along each side. This works because the two separately manufactured prefab granite countertops are most likely not from matching slabs of granite. In a galley kitchen, the walkway separating the two tops could be enough space to fool the eye into thinking that the prefabs are the exact same color.


Any custom kitchen will be hard to cover with prefabs as well. If there are wall outcrops, varied countertop widths, bar tops, or a peninsula, you will find that prefabricated countertops carry a high waste factor. Furthermore, while prefab peninsulas are generally available, you may find the cost per square foot of material to exceed what you would pay for raw slab material, even when you end up with a prefab that is bigger or smaller than what you needed.


www.Southwest-Granite.com
Ultimately, a kitchen will look better with custom cut and fabricated granite slabs over the prefabricated counter. In order to get what you pay for, and be happy with your project, starting from scratch is really the best plan for stone kitchen countertops.


A message from the owner of Southwest Granite:

At Southwest Granite, we value our customers and we offer our customers the best products at the best price.  We recommend raw full size granite slabs that we will fabricate to your exact specifications and install at your home or office. You will pick your own unique slab, choose from many different edges and a finish that a prefab can never match. We will install prefab if that is what our customer requests, but please be aware that a prefab counter will have more seams because of the size restrictions of the available prefab slab. The colors are limited for prefab, no unique colors just generic colors. Unlike full size granite, typical prefab slabs come with finished edges on two or three sides, a square or bullnose edging only. You will have a unique, custom countertop, island, bbq, fireplace surround and more when you choose a raw full size Granite Slab.

Monday, August 25, 2014

Cozy up to your fireplace!

COZY UP TO YOUR FIREPLACE WITH A GRANITE MAKEOVER!



Tired of that outdated brick or tile. Who wants to cozy up to a boring outdated fireplace?








With cool Fall evenings and long Winter months right around the corner... are you ready to cozy up to your fireplace? Get ready and update your home instantly by remodeling your fireplace with the beauty and durability of Granite. Ask us about remnant slabs for your fireplace, tabletops and more. www.Southwest-Granite.com





Ask us about our granite remnants for your fireplace makeover! www.Southwest-Granite.com 


Saturday, August 16, 2014

GRANITE - it's not just for your kitchen countertop!


GRANITE -  it's not just for your kitchen countertop!  Besides beauty and durability, Granite is used for buildings, headstones, monuments, statues and so much more.

Q:  Why is granite used for monuments and so much more?
A:  Because it will stand the test of time and it's the earths most beautiful natural stone. You can carve, engrave, and polish granite and it will last for thousands and thousands of years.

Click on the link below to see the History Of Humanity on 416 granite panels.



Click on the link below to see more on Mount Rushmore





Check out our website:  Southwest Granite

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Granite Edges

GRANITE EDGES

WHAT EDGE WILL YOU CHOOSE?





Granite edges for countertops are available in many shapes. The detail of the shape of granite countertop edges will affect cost, function, and cleanability. 
Stone edges are a design element that you get to choose prior to fabrication. The edge or profile that you choose can have a dramatic impact on the look and feel of your granite counter tops and your kitchen. 
Granite countertop edges can be simple or complex, with curves or sharp angles. 
Edge names can vary depending on the granite fabricator or contractor. 
If you see an edge you want, take a picture and show us to ensure you get exactly what you want.








Chiseled Edge also know as Rock Pitch is popular for rustic designs and outdoors style edge. 
It can also be slightly polished to smooth the sharp edges a bit.




Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Granite counter with Chiseled Edge


Chiseled Edge






This is an edge you don't see everywhere but it sure is stunning! Chiseled edge is one of the many edges available to finish your granite installation. We recommend this for outdoor kitchens and bbqs and also for indoor beverage/wine bars and fireplace. Lets not forget how nice this edge looks in a kitchen, bath or laundry room or for a desk/table tops.










The Chiseled edged is rough and looks like a naturally broken piece of granite.





Perhaps the most natural or rustic edge is chiseled. However it can have a crisp sharp look when paired with contemporary or modern design.



Below is a custom beveled edge, it has a chiseled edge and smooth edge. You can see the chiseled edge has some polishing done to smooth out the rough spots and also to help blend with the edge that is not chiseled. 





Call us for more information on Chiseled Edge Granite!
www.Southwest-Granite.com