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.

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.

Why Are Granite Countertops So Popular?

You can’t open a home remodeling magazine or watch a home remodeling show these days without hearing about granite. Granite this! Granite that! But there are several good reasons granite countertops are so popular. We fabricate and install Twin Cities granite countertops, so we can list a few arguments for why granite is a great choice for kitchens, bathrooms and more!

One of the main reasons we love installing granite countertops is because they are so durable and long lasting. If properly cared for and maintained (which is easy to do!), they can last you for several decades, and they will remain looking as good as the day they were installed if you are vigilant about cleaning up spills and making sure they are sealed on a regular basis.

Granite countertops are also quite affordable these days. They can add beauty and elegance to your home but you won’t break the bank or your pocketbook when you buy them and have them installed. So you’ll get beautiful counters without having to pay high prices.

Another great perk to having granite countertops installed is that every slab of granite is unique. No two slabs will ever look exactly the same, thanks to the way granite forms. So even if you get the same color granite as a friend, it will not look exactly like your friend’s countertops. Your own unique style and taste will shine through!

Granite is also known as one of the strongest stones out there. It is bacteria, heat, stain, burn and scratch resistant, so these types of counters are great for families of all shapes and sizes. However, you should still put a pot holder under hot plates.

For more information on Twin Cities granite countertops, call Minneapolis Granite at 612-822-3135 or you can contact us for a FreeEstimate.

Time to Select Your Granite!

One of the most fun parts about having new granite countertops installed is picking out the slab of granite. Victoria homes are greatly enhanced when granite is installed! Here are a few of our favorite granite selections.

Amadeus

This slab of granite is the best of both worlds. It has some dark gray through it – almost black – but the dark shades are offset by a lighter gray. This is a great choice for kitchens or bathrooms that have dark-colored or light-colored cabinetry. It will match with just about anything!

Emerald Pearl

Emerald Pearl is a great choice when you like the elegance of black and dark gray but you want to jazz it up a bit with some color. There are shades of green and blue throughout this slab, but usually it is darker in color. This is great for homes with lighter-colored cabinetry and would add timeless beauty to your kitchen or bathroom.

Crema de Oro

If you are more interested in having light-colored granite, then Crema de Oro might be your best best. While it has shades of gray through it, the gray is usually pretty light in color. This would be a great choice for homes with darker-colored cabinetry. The light granite countertops with dark cabinets would look quite elegant!

Verde Peacock

Want to add just a bit more color besides black, white or gray? Verde Peacock might be a great decision! This granite usually comes in a beautiful shade of green and, like the name suggests, the pattern can almost resemble a peacock’s tail in some ways. This is a great option if you still are not sure about what color cabinets you’ll end up with because it will look amazing with dark or light cabinetry.

For more information on granite in Victoria, call Universal Stone at 952-746-4690 or get a Free Quote.

Granite Perfection: Finding the Best Slab for Your Countertops

Picking out the perfect stone for your granite countertops in your Victoria home can be a challenging task. But we here at Universal Stone have a few suggestions on how to find the best one to fit with your personal tastes.

First of all, take a long look at your cabinetry. Are you getting new cabinets or are you keeping your old ones? Either way, you want to make sure your granite countertops match your cabinets. A more modern look is to have dark granite countertops with light brown or white cabinetry. Or you could try the reverse: light granite countertops with dark cabinetry. Try to visualize what you want the room to look like when the renovations are completely finished. What color granite countertops do you have in your vision?

Then, come and visit Universal Stone’s showroom to see the options we have in stock for your granite countertops. You will want to remember that no two slabs of granite are exactly alike. So you will always have unique granite countertops no matter which ones you pick out! Plus, when you visit our showroom, you will have an opportunity to ask us any questions you might have!

No matter the size of your family or home, granite countertops make a fabulous addition. Not only are they gorgeous looking and timeless, but they are also stain, scratch, burn and heat resistant, making them a practical choice as well. They are an excellent choice for busy families that are always on the go or for less busy families that spend more time at home. But the best part about granite countertops is they will last for years to come if they are maintained and cleaned properly. 

So when you need granite countertops in Victoria, call Universal Stone at 952-746-4690 or Request a Free Quote.