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	<title>DirectBuy Kitchen Remodeling Blog &#187; Granite Countertops</title>
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		<title>How to Buy Granite Kitchen Countertops</title>
		<link>http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/blog/kitchen-countertops/how-to-buy-granite-kitchen-countertops/</link>
		<comments>http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/blog/kitchen-countertops/how-to-buy-granite-kitchen-countertops/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 18 Sep 2011 16:21:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Karen, Kitchen Remodeling Pro</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Kitchen Countertops]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Direct Buy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DirectBuy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Granite Countertops]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kitchen Remodeling]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/blog/?p=3452</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Choosing a kitchen countertop is one of the biggest decisions you will make in the kitchen remodeling process. It is a big ticket item, and can often be the single most expensive piece in the kitchen-including even the appliances! ]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong></strong><a href="http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/countertops_is.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-3468" title="Granite Countertop" src="http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/countertops_is.jpg" alt="Granite is a great choice for kitchen countertops" width="349" height="231" /></a>Choosing a <a title="kitchen countertop" href="http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/counters.aspx" target="_blank">kitchen countertop</a> is one of the biggest decisions you will make in the <a title="kitchen remodeling" href="http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/" target="_blank">kitchen remodeling</a> process. It is a big ticket item, and can often be the single most expensive piece in the kitchen-including even the appliances! Granite kitchen countertops are a popular choice, for many reasons. Here is why to choose granite, and how to buy it once you have made the decision.</p>
<h3>Why Choose Granite?</h3>
<p><a title="Granite countertops" href="http://www.discounttiledirect.com/granite-tile.aspx" target="_blank">Granite countertops</a> offer a distinct look found in a elegant and upscale homes. While the price per square foot may run slightly higher than other materials, it is worth it because of the improvement you&#8217;ll see immediately in your home. You can choose a dark color, which hides crumbs and even potential water stains.</p>
<h3>How to Buy Granite</h3>
<p>Once you have decided that you want to have a granite countertop, you will need to measure out the required space. When paying for it by square foot, be sure not to include the costs of any cutouts such as where the <a title="cooktop" href="http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/discount-stoves.aspx" target="_blank">cooktop</a> or even the sink will go. Granite is almost always professionally installed, and should only be attempted by experienced builders.</p>
<p>Choosing granite is a great choice for your kitchen countertops, and will create an elegant and classy look for your kitchen.</p>
<p><a title="DirectBuy" href="http://www.directhomediscount.com/" target="_blank">DirectBuy</a> offers a wide selection of top-quality <a title="kitchen remodeling" href="../../" target="_blank">kitchen remodeling</a> products from leading manufacturers and their authorized suppliers – all at prices that can save up to 50% off retail.</p>
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		<title>Working a New Kitchen Countertop into the Budget</title>
		<link>http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/blog/kitchen-countertops/new-kitchen-countertop-budget/</link>
		<comments>http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/blog/kitchen-countertops/new-kitchen-countertop-budget/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 27 Dec 2010 14:19:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Karen, Kitchen Remodeling Pro</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Kitchen Countertops]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cabinets]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Direct Buy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DirectBuy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Granite Countertops]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kitchen Flooring]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kitchen Remodeling]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/blog/?p=2541</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There is a wide range of material options for new countertops.  Budget for fabrication and installation plus any edge detail you want added to your design.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a title="kitchen remodeling" href="../../" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/granite-countertop.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-2110" title="granite countertop" src="http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/granite-countertop-300x198.jpg" alt="Granite is a beautiful countertop material." width="300" height="198" /></a>Kitchen remodeling almost wouldn’t be complete with a new kitchen countertop.  This area is usually one of the largest in the kitchen and can make or break a kitchen design.  Since it is a large space, it can also be quite expensive depending on the type of material you choose.</p>
<h3>Material Matters</h3>
<p>It’s important to understand the range of material options so you can budget for a new countertop.  On top of the material, you will need to budget for fabrication and installation plus any edge detail you want added.</p>
<p>Unique and exotic materials will cost more.  Granite, onyx, and marble are some of the more expensive materials.  If you just can’t live without that expensive granite for your new <a title="countertops" href="../../counters.aspx" target="_blank">countertops</a>, save money elsewhere by choosing less expensive <a title="kitchen cabinets" href="http://www.directkitchencabinets.com/" target="_blank">cabinets</a> or <a title="flooring" href="../../flooring.aspx" target="_blank">flooring</a>.</p>
<p>Getting the kitchen countertop of your dreams isn’t unachievable.  You simply need to make it the top item in the remodeling budget and move the other items down on your list.</p>
<p><a title="DirectBuy" href="http://www.directhomediscount.com/" target="_blank">DirectBuy</a> can help you with your <a title="kitchen remodeling" href="../../" target="_blank">kitchen remodeling</a> on many levels. With products from leading manufacturers at savings of up to 50% off, there are many ideas for <a title="home improvement" href="http://www.directhomediscount.com/kitchen-remodeling.aspx" target="_blank">home improvement</a> that will make a big difference in your design</p>
<div><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php" onclick="window.open('http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?pub=&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.directkitchenremodeling.com%2Fblog%2Fkitchen-countertops%2Fnew-kitchen-countertop-budget%2F&amp;title=Working+a+New+Kitchen+Countertop+into+the+Budget', 'addthis', 'scrollbars=yes,menubar=no,width=620,height=520,resizable=yes,toolbar=no,location=no,status=no'); return false;" title="Bookmark using any bookmark manager!" target="_blank"><img src="http://s3.addthis.com/button1-bm.gif" width="125" height="16" border="0" /></a></div>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Keeping Your Granite Countertops in Good Shape</title>
		<link>http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/blog/kitchen-countertops/granite-countertops-in-good-shape/</link>
		<comments>http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/blog/kitchen-countertops/granite-countertops-in-good-shape/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 17 Jun 2010 20:29:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Karen, Kitchen Remodeling Pro</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Kitchen Countertops]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DirectBuy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Granite Countertops]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kitchen Counter Tops]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kitchen Remodeling]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/blog/?p=1801</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Granite  is the most popular choice for kitchen countertop material.  If you’ve installed granite in your kitchen, take the necessary maintenance steps to keep it beautiful and protected.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a title="Granite" href="http://www.discounttiledirect.com/granite-tile.aspx" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/cleaning-granite-counter.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-1802" title="cleaning granite counter" src="http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/cleaning-granite-counter-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" /></a>Granite is the most popular choice for kitchen countertop material.  If you’ve installed granite in your kitchen, take the necessary maintenance steps to keep it beautiful and protected.</p>
<h3>Helpful Tips for Maintaining a Granite Kitchen Countertop</h3>
<p>Many countertop surfaces are sealed after installation.  Your stone fabricator should be able to tell you if it was sealed, and if so, what type of sealer was used.  Impregnating sealers penetrate the surface to provide an additional level of protection.</p>
<p>It is important to immediately wipe up any spills on the counter and not allow acidic liquids to remain on the surface.  Use only cleaners or soaps approved for use on granite.  You might periodically need to re-polish or reseal the countertop, but maintaining your countertop on a daily basis will ensure lasting beauty for years to come.</p>
<p><a title="DirectBuy" href="http://www.directhomediscount.com/" target="_blank">DirectBuy</a> has a great selection of <a title="kitchen furniture" href="http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/furniture.aspx" target="_blank">kitchen furniture</a> and other <a title="kitchen remodeling" href="http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/" target="_blank">kitchen remodeling</a> products. You can purchase most everything you need for a fabulous kitchen design – <a title="appliances" href="http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/appliances.aspx" target="_blank">appliances</a> , <a title="flooring" href="http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/flooring.aspx" target="_blank">flooring</a> , <a title="countertops" href="http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/counters.aspx" target="_blank">countertops</a> , <a title="kitchen cabinets" href="http://www.directkitchencabinets.com/" target="_blank">kitchen cabinets</a> and more – all at savings of up to 50% off retail.</p>
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		<title>Revitalize Your Kitchen with New Countertops</title>
		<link>http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/blog/kitchen-countertops/revitalize-with-countertops/</link>
		<comments>http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/blog/kitchen-countertops/revitalize-with-countertops/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:19:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Karen, Kitchen Remodeling Pro</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Kitchen Countertops]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Certamic Tile]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DirectBuy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Engineered Stone]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Granite]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Granite Countertops]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kitchen Counter Tops]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Marble]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/blog/?p=935</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Replacing your existing kitchen countertop is a great starting place for a remodeling project.  Select any of the beautiful stones at your disposal to revitalize your kitchen today. The important thing is to select a countertop material of high quality to ensure it will last for years to come.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-942" style="margin-left: 8px; margin-right: 8px;" title="countertop-group-1" src="http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/countertop-group-1-300x191.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="191" />Refreshing and <a title="revitalizing your kitchen" href="http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/" target="_blank">revitalizing your kitchen</a> doesn’t mean you have to gut the entire room and start from scratch.  Certain elements in the kitchen can be remodeled to give you an entirely new look and feel.  One of the more noticeable parts of the kitchen is the <a title="countertop" href="http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/counters.aspx" target="_blank">countertop</a> and you can install a new top for a fresh new look.</p>
<p><strong>Popular Kitchen Counter Top Materials Include:</strong></p>
<p>1.    <strong>Granite</strong>- long the industry standard for kitchen counter tops, granite gives a sense of elegance to your kitchen.  Granite is heat and stain resistant and comes in thousands of colors.  The more exotic the granite, the higher the price tag but there are many beautiful types of granite available to fit any budget.</p>
<p>2.  <strong> Engineered Stone</strong> – the primary component is quartz which is very durable.  This type of material is available in a wide range of components and is heat and scratch resistant.</p>
<p>3.  <strong> Ceramic Tile</strong> – very easy to clean and available in hundreds of colors and designs.  One item to note when using ceramic tile pieces for your countertop is the addition of grout joints.  Make sure they are sealed as well to minimize staining.</p>
<p>4.    <strong>Marble</strong> – exotic and classic, marble can make a stunning design element in your kitchen.  It is softer than other stones so you should make sure it is sealed appropriately to prevent staining.  If you are apprehensive in using marble for you main countertop, consider using it as the top for your kitchen island.</p>
<p><strong>Choose High Quality Counter Tops</strong></p>
<p>Replacing your existing <a title="kitchen countertop" href="http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/counters.aspx" target="_blank">kitchen countertop</a> is a great starting place for a remodeling project.  Select any of the beautiful stones at your disposal to revitalize your kitchen today. The important thing is to select a countertop material of high quality to ensure it will last for years to come.</p>
<p><a title="DirectBuy" href="http://www.directhomediscount.com/" target="_blank">DirectBuy</a> offers a wide range of kitchen counter tops and other <a title="kitchen remodeling" href="http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/" target="_blank">kitchen remodeling</a> products at savings up to 50% off retail. With savings like this,  you can choose top quality to create the kitchen you&#8217;ve always wanted.</p>
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		<title>Counter Tops &#8211; Choose Your Edging Style</title>
		<link>http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/blog/kitchen-countertops/counter-top-edging/</link>
		<comments>http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/blog/kitchen-countertops/counter-top-edging/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 23 Sep 2009 17:14:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Karen, Kitchen Remodeling Pro</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Kitchen Countertops]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bevel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Counter Top Edging]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Demi BUllnose]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DirectBuy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Flat]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Full Bullnose]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Granite Countertops]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Half]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kitchen Remodeling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ogee]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wholesale Kitchen Countertops]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/blog/?p=916</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Many homeowners opt for granite countertops when remodeling their kitchens and most believe there are only two types, square and round.  There are many types of edging profiles available and you should have a look at all of them to ensure you select one which suits your taste. ]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-924" style="margin-left: 8px; margin-right: 8px;" title="countertop-group-3" src="http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/countertop-group-3-300x191.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="191" /><a title="Kitchen remodeling" href="http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/" target="_blank">Kitchen remodeling</a> projects often include installing new countertops.  Many homeowners might not consider or don’t know about the different types of edging available for countertops.</p>
<p><strong>Counter Top Edge Options Are More Diverse Than Round or Square</strong></p>
<p>Many homeowners opt for <a title="granite countertops" href="http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/counters.aspx" target="_blank">granite countertops</a> when remodeling their kitchens and most believe there are only two types, square and round.  There are many types of edging profiles available and you should have a look at all of them to ensure you select one which suits your taste.</p>
<p><strong>Different Types of Counter Top Edges:<br />
</strong></p>
<p>1.    <strong>Flat</strong> – most common standard edge with a flat face profile<br />
2.    <strong>Half or demi bullnose</strong> – the front edge is rounded to the bottom<br />
3.    <strong>Full bullnose</strong> – the edging is rounded from the top all the way underneath the face<br />
4.    <strong>Bevel</strong> – the edge angles down from the top to the bottom edge<br />
5.    <strong>Ogee</strong> – the edge takes a concave curve to the middle of the front edge and then rounds back out to the bottom edge</p>
<p><strong>Choose the Edging Style That Will Give Your Kitchen Design the Most Style</strong></p>
<p>These are just a few of the edging profiles available for your new <a title="kitchen countertops" href="http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/counters.aspx" target="_blank">kitchen countertops</a>.  Choose one that fits your taste and adds style to your kitchen.</p>
<p>Whatever your taste and style demands, you will find a wide selection of <a title="Kitchen Remodeling" href="http://www.directkitchenremodeling.com/" target="_blank">Kitchen Remodeling</a> products at <a title="DirectBuy" href="http://www.directhomediscount.com/" target="_blank">DirectBuy</a> that will provide quality and savings &#8211; up to 50% off retail.</p>
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