Friday, August 29, 2014

Choosing the Best Granite Fabrication and Installation Company



When you want granite counters in your Edina home, there are several companies out there you could go to for granite and its fabrication and installation. So what are a few things to look for when you are making the decision about which company to hire? We here at Universal Stone have a few suggestions for you.

Word of Mouth Recommendations
Ask your friends, family, neighbors and colleagues if they’ve had granite counters recently installed and, if so, what company they used. Ask specific questions about the entire experience. Did the company keep them informed of what was going on and where they were in the process? Were the employees available to answer questions? What was the end result, and would they recommend the company to others?

Another great word of mouth resource is the Internet. There are many review sites out there, so positive and negative experiences are all just a mouse click away! You can read up about what other people thought of the company and their overall experience, not to mention what the company did (or didn’t do) to resolve any issues that came up along the way.

Portfolio, Samples and Bids
Ask the granite counters company for a portfolio or samples of their work. Take a good long look at them to see if they are producing quality work. Also, it’s a good way to figure out if their style of work matches what you are looking for in granite counters.

Make sure you get several estimates from a few different companies. Remember that the lowest bidder and estimate are not always the best ones to go with. You get what you pay for, after all!

For more information on granite counters in Edina, call Universal Stone at 952-746-4690, or you can contact us for a Free Quote.

Friday, August 1, 2014

How to Choose the Best Granite Edge Profile



When you are having new granite countertops installed in your home, you might think your decision-making is done after you chose your granite slab. But there is still at least one more decision to make: what kind of edge profile you want for your new counters. As an Apple Valley granite fabricator and installer, we offer 12 different edge profile options. Some work better than others, depending on what you are using your counters for or what look you are trying to achieve.

Straight Edge
This type of edge profile is the most basic, but it’s nice because it is so simple but elegant. This is a great option if you want most of the focus to be on your granite, your cabinetry or some other focal point.

Half Inch Bevel
This type of granite edge profile is more subtle and has more of an angle, but it is a good pick if you are going for a more modern look for your kitchen or bathroom. This is an especially good choice for bathrooms, especially if there is a smaller vanity. It adds an interesting element to the look and feel of the room.

¾ Inch Bevel
This is an excellent edge profile to help show off your granite, especially if the granite pattern appears to be “moving” with long and wavy lines.

Half Bullnose
If you want to add more “drama” to your room, this is the edge profile for you! It will show off the thickness and high quality of your granite countertops. Plus, it is good for kitchens because the edge makes it easier to wipe crumbs off of it and into your hand or a cleaning rag.

For more information on granite in Apple Valley, call Universal Stone at 952-746-4690 or contact us for a Free Quote.