Picking Your Granite Color

You want to find a granite warehouse with a large selection. Make sure they have full slabs of granite for you to see. When you visit, bring your cabinet sample or a door from your existing cabinets. Hold the sample up to the granite, you should be able to tell right away if it is a good match or not. Don’t settle for something that you may not like. This is something that will be a defining element of your kitchen and you need to find a color that appeals to you.

Ask the granite warehouse to pull 5 or 6 slabs for you to view. Make sure the slabs are the same color and point out any dark/light spots or any pattern that you do not like and that you would like to exclude when they cut your kitchen. You may also request a revisit once they measure your kitchen so you can see the cuts they are making and how that will affect your color pattern.

Granite Countertop Maintenance*

A solid quality countertop can define a kitchen. The inclusion of a granite counter top will add class to the most modest of kitchens. They are available in a number of colors and are extremely durable (although periodic sealing is usually a must). Although there is some maintenance involved, granite kitchen counter tops are elegant and timeless.

For Daily care -- stone countertops, daily maintenance consists of simply wiping with a damp cloth or sponge. It's recommended that the countertop be cleaned using a stone soap once per week.

If your countertop has a polished finish, you can keep the gleam by applying a stone polish. It's easy to use, you simply apply, allow to dry, and then buff to a shine once a month or so.

Citrus juices & vinegars contain acid that if left unattended, could etch your countertops. Oils can also leave a stain on your counters. Bottles of oil or items containing oil, grease, etc. should be placed on a protective surface while cooking.

*This is the first in daily tips for kitchen design.

Federal Brace's Brickyard supports any countertop.

Ok. So we broke all the molds on our latest in elevated supports, The Brickyard Countertop Support. Although southern born and bred, The Brickyard does not take its name from drag, stock or even kart racing (but it would be cool if it did). The south is where bricks are made and we are proud of our brick making! The Brickyard is made of steel and symbolizes the strength of brick - made from cinder, fire and ash. This mighty look surrounds the oval at the Indianapolis 500 and now you have this steel powerhouse for your granite and concrete bar applications. Our bracket will hold up against weather and is a durable and strong carrier of stone or granite.

When you hold this bracket in your hand you know you’re holding something strong. You need something strong to hold up your granite. You want something with a strong foundation. Well, look no further than this beast for your next kitchen, bar or office remodeling job. It looks great indoors and excellent outdoors. When you are ready to fire up your grill, this is a wonderful outdoor support. A perfect addition to any Floating Countertop, granite application or stone bar – it is a master addition to the Federal Brace line.

A hulk of a design, with three holes that give it a modern spacious look, in keeping with our Euro-modern designed brackets. Clearly American-made - you will not find a more beefy support anywhere in the market. Trust your instincts and put this in any construction or work area you may find. You will not be disappointed in this beautifully crafted, confident support.

Click here to check it out: THE BRICKYARD