granite countertops wixom

14Jul2020

The Difference Between Polished and Honed Granite

When choosing granite countertops for your home there are a lot of choices to make. From the color of the granite to edges and finishes. These final details, such as the finish of the granite, can drastically change the appearance of the stone and overall look of your space. There are a lot of questions in regard to what the difference between polished and honed granite is and what to choose when adding granite to your home. Here is the information you need to know on polished vs honed granite to make the best choice for your home!

What is Polished Granite?

Polished granite has a highly reflective surface, this finish will display the vibrancy of the granite’s colors as well as the character of the stone. A polished finish is very smooth and enhances the full color of a stone. A polished surface creates a beautiful glossy shine from the natural reflection of the stone’s crystals.

Polished Granite Characteristics

Polished granite is coated. This acts as a protectant, making the granite less susceptible to stains. This makes polished granite a popular and classic choice for kitchen and bathroom countertops. Consequently, the highly reflective surface means more visible scratches. Since polished granite is very smooth, this makes it a dangerous option for flooring in high traffic areas because or bathrooms because it can be very slippery when wet

Polished Granite Recap

Feel: Smooth
Look: Glossy & Shiny
Durability: Scratch and etch easily, but more stain resistant.
Recommended Application: Kitchen and bathroom countertops, fireplace surrounds, and walls.
Maintenance: Regular wipe down with water and mild detergent, clean spills immediately.

What is Honed Granite?

When you choose a honed finish, the polishing process ends before buffing to create a matte or low-gloss sheen that lacks the highly reflective, mirror-like look of traditional granite. The softer honed finish is popular among homeowners wanting a casual or aged look.

Honed Granite Characteristics

Honed granite is more resistant to scratches because of its matte finish. Unlike with a polished surface, honed granite does get scratched, it is less noticeable because the scratch won’t be as easy to see when light reflects off it. On the other hand, honed granite is more susceptible to stains, so it important to clean spills in a timely manner. Since it is matte, when the surface gets wet, it is less slippery than polished making it a great choice for flooring.

Honed Granite Recap

Feel: Velvet/Satin
Looks: Matte
Durability: Scratch resistant, but easily stained.
Recommended Application: Countertops and high traffic areas, such as floors for the bathroom, foyer, or living room.
Maintenance: Regular wipe down with water and mild detergent, clean up spills immediately, re-sealing suggested over time.

Whether you chose honed or polished as the finish for your granite countertops, it will make a luxurious addition to your home. Be sure to contact our team or visit one of our showrooms located in Troy, Wixom, Perrysburg, Indianapolis and Noblesville if you have any additional questions. You can also begin browsing our selection in our Live Inventory.

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31Mar2020

The Best Way To Clean Granite Countertops

March 31, 2020

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Granite Countertops

Granite is a top choice for natural stone countertops due to its variety of rich colors and natural patterns. Another popular characteristic of granite is that it is highly resistant to everyday wear and tear, particularly against scratching and heat. That is if you take proper care of it! Here are our top recommendations on caring for your granite countertops!

Important Things to Know About Cleaning Granite Countertops

1. Make sure your granite countertop is sealed

A part of the maintenance for granite countertops is ensuring that they are sealed regularly. This step in keeping your countertops clean is the most important because unsealed or weakly sealed granite will soak up spills and stains. If you are feeling unsure on whether or not it is time to have your granite countertops resealed you can conduct a simple test at home. You will want to leave a few drops of water on the surface and if after a few minutes the water has soaked into the granite, then it’s time to reseal the stone. Be sure to contact a professional for information about resealing your countertops to avoid any further damage.

2. Use a gentle cloth

A gently cloth is key when wiping down your granite countertops daily. You will want to avoid abrasive sponges that can potentially scratch and damage your stone over time. We recommend using warm water, mild or gentle soap and a microfiber cloth.

3. Do not use harsh cleaners

Popular household cleaning items such as Windex, bleach and vinegar may be tempting to use on your countertop but these harsh chemicals can cause damage. Regular use of acidic cleaners or anything with ammonia will cause your countertop to lose its shine and quickly weaken the sealant. Remember, warm water, mild or gentle soap and a microfiber cloth is the perfect combination for cleaning your countertops daily!

4. Granite safe cleaner

If you are interested in a granite cleaner you may be overwhelmed with the amount of options on the market. Our knowledgeable staff can help you sift through the options and ensure that you are getting a safe product. We also offer a product for purchase in each of our Showrooms. Contact us with any questions you may have!

Following these guidelines will help you not only keep your countertop clean but maintain their beauty by avoiding abrasive and harsh cleaning products. Be sure to follow along on our blog for more helpful tips, stone information and design inspiration!

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26Nov2019

How to Preserve Granite Countertops During the Holidays

November 26, 2019

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Let the festivities begin! Bring on the tasty treats and good times that come with the holiday season. This time of year people tend to spend a lot of time in the kitchen preparing dishes for the dinner party they are hosting or attending. With this also comes spills from red wine and crumbs from apple pie remaining on your beautiful granite countertops. Without proper care and attention, this wear and tear from a well-lived life can ruin your granite countertops. With that said, prevention is key! Here are a few easy tips on keeping your granite countertops in tip-top shape throughout the busy season.

Quickly Clean Granite Countertops

When you happen to get a splash of apple cider or hot cocoa on your granite countertops, clean up the spill as soon as it happens. Start by wiping the countertop with warm soapy water and clean the surface thoroughly. If you do not have any specialty cleaner on hand don’t fear, mild soap and warm water will do just fine! We highly recommend against using cleaning products such as windex or bleach on granite. When using substances that are highly acidic it will dull the granite countertop and weaken the sealant. Also avoid using abrasive cleaner or pads on you countertop so you do not scratch the surface.

Remove Stains From Granite Countertops

If your red and green food coloring went unattended for to long and created a stain, make a paste of baking soda and water. Scrub the stained granite countertop gently with the paste and a soft towel then rinse thoroughly. It may take several attempts to remove the stain from your granite countertops. If the stain still remains, put the baking soda and water paste on the spot and securely cover the stain. You can use plastic wrap to do this. Let the paste sit on top of the stain till it dries. Once the paste is dry, use a soft towel to wipe away and rinse it off with warm water.

For those extremely tough stains, contact the pros at Cutting Edge Countertops and one of our team members will assist you!

Reseal Your Granite Countertops

Try the water test! The water test is a simple way to check the sealant on your granite countertops. Pour a small amount of water onto various sections of the counter and wait for a reaction. If the water absorbs, it is time to have your granite countertops resealed! You can tell if the water has been absorbed into the stone because the granite will darken. The water should sit for 30 minutes when performing the test, but you may notice the granite darkening more quickly if your seal has worn down.

Even with proper care, granite countertops will need to be resealed periodically. Wear and tear will weaken the sealant, leaving the granite dull and more susceptible to stains. Resealing granite countertops is a job for professionals and we do not recommend trying to do it yourself. Cutting Edge Countertops recommends having your granite countertops resealed every one to two years. Implementing these helpful tips will make the sealant last and keep your granite countertops beautiful!

With these easy tips, you can make it through the holidays without ruining your countertops. If you are searching for granite countertops in Indianapolis, Wixom, Noblesville, Perrysburg or Troy stop by one of our showrooms to browse our granite selection! Our team of highly skilled granite fabricators would love to help bring your dream kitchen to life!

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15Nov2019

The Midwest Top 5 Trending Granite Colors

Are you thinking about renovating your kitchen or bathroom with granite countertops for 2020? You have come to the right place! Cutting Edge Countertops provides granite countertops to homeowners in Indianapolis, Wixom, Noblesville, Perrysburg and Troy. To ensure our customers stay up to date on the latest trends we have rounded up five material options that are hot on the market and would make the perfect kitchen or bathroom granite countertop for your project! These popular granite colors include Dallas White, Blue Pearl, Black Pearl, Bianco Antico and New Venetian Gold. Keep reading to find out more about these colors and which one would best suit your style!

Dallas White Granite

The white background of Dallas White Granite is accented by lavender and light gray tones. You will also see a mix of cream and brown throughout this granite. This element will catch the eye of all your guest when they enter the space where this granite will be homed. Dallas White granite is the perfect option if you are wanting to steer away from the dark side, but aren’t completely sold on bright white countertops. It is the perfect mix of neutrals and will fit right in with your current home decor!

Blue Pearl Granite

If you are looking for a dark granite that is unique, Blue Pearl granite will exceed your expectations. When you take a close look you will see that this granite contains the perfect harmony of blues, grays and black. The dark gray and navy blue tones differ from slab to slab so when you handpick your material to work with you will be getting a one of kind piece! So if you want to make a statement in your home Blue Pearl granite might just be the granite you have been searching for!

Black Pearl Granite

Opting for dark countertops is a bold choice and looks great in any style kitchen. Black Pearl granite has a black background with hints of gray and speckles of green, brown, silver and gold. When these minerals are hit by the light, Black Pearl granite comes to life and creates an exotic feel to any kitchen or bathroom. Pair your black granite countertops with white or light wood cabinets and stainless-steel appliances for a stunning look!

Bianco Antico Granite

Bianco Antico granite is a dreamy blend of gray, white and brown shades on top of a white and gray background. This granite gives off a luxurious appearance due to the quartz crystals scattered throughout the material. Bianco Antico pairs well with a variety of cabinetry colors including black, white, and gray. It is perfect for traditional and contemporary kitchen design styles with it’s light neutral palette it will bring the feeling of openness to any kitchen or bathroom it is installed in.

New Venetian Gold Granite

Whether polished or leathered New Venetian Gold is a beautiful natural stone. This granite has a sweet honey-colored background that is decorated in amber, white and black flecks. With the proper maintenance and care New Venetian Gold granite can withstand many years of usage in the kitchen or bathroom due to its super strong and durable characteristics. Combine New Venetian Gold granite countertops with white or black cabinetry to make this material pop!

With all of our natural stone products, we require that you view the material of interest so that our team can ensure you awill be satisfied with your purchase. Natural stone, such as granite, varies from slab to slab, so when you come into our showrooms located in Indianapolis, Wixom, Noblesville, Perrysburg and Troy you will have the opportunity to pick your slab to work with! Contact us to set up an appointment or visit our website to learn more!

10Sep2019

Transformation Begins at The Surface

September 10, 2019

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Countertop Options Galore

If you can visualize it, we can create it! From eye-catching kitchens to picture-perfect powder rooms, Cutting Edge Countertops is qualified to suit your design style and needs. Whether your preference is timelessly traditional or stunningly sleek, we can help you create the perfect environment to truly transform your home or commercial space.

But how do you choose a type of stone? The selection process can be hard with our wide range of surfaces. Take a look at the characteristics of each stone below to help you decide which surface will be best for your lifestyle or business. Of course, if you still have questions, we’re here to help answer them so give us a call or come visit us!

Natural Stone (Granite, Marble, Other)

One of a Kind

Due to its origin from the earth, natural stone radiates very unique design that is one-of-a-kind. Its veining and speckled details cannot be truly matched by any other manufactured surface (although there are some that come pretty close!). Each stone is different from the rest, making every piece exclusive.

Durability (Moderate-High)

Overall, natural stone is considered to be a very durable stone, but it mostly depends on the type of surface. Granite is more durable than marble because it is composed of a harder substance. Therefore, granite is less susceptible to chips and scratches. It’s also great for outdoor use too.

Stain Resistant (Low-Moderate)

Because natural stone is a porous material, if it is not sealed upon installation, it will absorb liquids and is likely to stain. However, if sealed properly, it is moderately stain resistant. If you have a darker surface, stains are typically not seen. Softer and lighter material, such as marble, has a higher chance of absorbing and showing stains.

Heat Resistant (High)

With its strong durability, comes a high tolerance to heat. All natural stones are great for kitchen countertops because you do not have to worry about placing a boiling hot pan atop the counter. They are simply stress free!

Scratch Resistant (Moderate-High)

Natural stone is just as scratch resistant as it is durable. It is a strong material and you will rarely find a scratch on the surface. You’re more than welcome to use sharp knives on granite, but be aware that this will dull your knives and could more quickly wear down the sealer.

Low Maintenance

Overall, natural stone is very low maintenance. It is easy to clean and it does not require constant upkeep.

Things To Know: Natural Stone

Learn more about the surface, its characteristics, how to care, etc.

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Quartz

Consistent Color

Because quartz is a manufactured product, quartz can be found in a wide range of colors including natural hues as well as vibrant bold options. Each slab design resembles the next, so you can be sure that your color choice will be the same as a sample and that if your project is larger and requires more than one slab, the material will match perfectly.

Durability (High)

Quartz is one of the strongest materials on the market. You will almost never have to worry, because it is a product made from one of the hardest minerals on earth, and can therefore withstand day-to-day activity.

Stain Resistant (High)

Because it is manufactured, quartz is a non-porous material, which means that no liquids can seep through. Thus, quartz does not absorb any unwanted bacteria and does not stain.

Heat Resistant (High)

Another benefit to having quartz countertops is its high ability to resist heat, although we do always suggest using hot pads or trivets to keep your countertop always looking as good as new.

Scratch Resistant (High)

Quartz will not scratch, as it is extremely durable. Don’t worry about needing a cutting board – you can use sharp knives right on the surface! But be aware, cutting atop this material will dull your knives (so we do still suggest using them!).

Low Maintenance

Because quartz is stain resistant, scratch resistant, and extremely durable, the maintenance is very low. It is easy to clean up and you can use any cleaning product without worrying about destroying the surface.

Things To Know: Quartz

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Solid Surface

Consistent Color

Because it is a manufactured product, solid surface countertops come in all different colors, each the same in design.

Durability (Moderate)

Compared to other surfaces in the market, solid surfaces are moderately durable. They can withstand much of the day to day activities, but be careful about the heavy objects that are placed atop!

Stain Resistant (High)

Solid surface countertops are stain resistant because of its non-porous nature. No need to worry about wine spills or lemon juice – you can simply wipe away the mess and you surface will still appear squeaky clean!

Heat Resistant (Moderate)

Like other material, solid surfaces can withstand heat to a certain degree. However, this isn’t the best product to place extreme heat on. You can easily damage the beauty of your countertop if placing a hot pot and pan, or in opposition, can crack the surface if placing extremely cold objects atop.

Scratch Resistant (Moderate)

Solid surface countertops are softer than quartz, so please take out your cutting board when meal prepping. If you take a sharp knife to the surface, it is possible to cut a deep scratch into the surface, leaving your countertop noticeably rough. Thankfully, you can call a professional to remove the scratches to return your surface back to normal.

Low Maintenance

Overall, solid surfaces are a low maintenance product. It is easy to clean up and does not reveal too many damages if taken care of properly.

Things To Know: Solid Surface

Learn more about the surface, its characteristics, how to care, etc.

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Compact Surface

Consistent Color

Compact surfaces contain a consistent color through the various collections. A wide range of choices are available, each color being the same within its specific category, much like quartz.

Durability (High)

Similar to quartz countertops, compact surfaces are extremely durable – one of the tops on the list, actually! You don’t have to worry about this material, as it is manufactured to withstand extreme interactions including heavy objects and harsh environments.

Stain Resistant (High)

With its manufactured state of being, comes the ability to resistant stains. Compact surfaces will not absorb any unwanted liquids and bacteria, making it a hassle-free countertop!

Heat Resistant (High)

Compact surfaces can withstand contact with very high AND low temperatures without being damaged. This makes it an ideal surface for both indoor and outdoor kitchens!

Scratch Resistant (High)

Because it is composed of strong and durable materials, compact surfaces are extremely resistant to scratches. You will not need to worry about scratching so cook, prepare, and make a mess as you please!

Low Maintenance

Compact surfaces are a low maintenance material. It will not absorb stains, nor chip and scratch, making it an easy clean up and hassle-free countertop.

Things To Know: Compact Surface

Learn more about the surface, its characteristics, how to care, etc.

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Laminate

Consistent Color

Laminate countertops are made up of layers of plastic that are bonded to particleboard or kraft paper to create a solid surface. Because it is manufactured to fit a specific look, these countertops come in a wide variety of colors, textures and patterns.

Durability (Low)

Although laminate is a very good choice when choosing a countertop within a tight budget, its durability is very low, making it a difficult surface to keep untouched.

Stain Resistant (Moderate)

Laminate countertops cannot be considered stain proof, but they are definitely stain-resistant. If taken care of properly and not exposed to extreme acidic liquids, laminate surfaces will not reveal unwanted discoloring.

Heat Resistant (Low)

Similar to its stain-resistant capabilities, laminate countertops are not heat resistant but can, in fact, endure a low amount of heat. If limited, the surface will be able to withstand warm temperatures, but make sure that nothing too hot comes in contact or your countertop will be damaged!

Scratch Resistant (Moderate)

Laminate countertops are eligible to get scratched if treated unproperly, but luckily, professionals can easily remove scratches (if the size of the scratch is not extreme).

Low Maintenance

Although laminate surfaces are more susceptible to damages than other countertops, its maintenance remains low and easy to handle.

Things To Know: Laminate

Learn more about the surface, its characteristics, how to care, etc.

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Recycled Surface

One of a Kind

Recycled surfaces are all similar to the way quartz is made, but the contents include more environmentally friendly materials making each countertop slightly different in design, pattern, and color. Therefore, each surface is unique in its own way.

Durability (Moderate)

Recycled glass counters are resistant to heat and scratches, making it a durable countertop, but it is not as durable as other options on the market.

Stain Resistant (High)

Because it is manufactured to be a non-porous material, recycled surfaces are known to keep bacteria at bay. Any strong liquids can easily be wiped away and will not absorb into the surface.

Heat Resistant (High)

Each countertop is highly resistant to heat and can sustain extreme temperatures. Recycled surfaces are made up of natural components that are all eligible to withstand strong heat.

Scratch Resistant (High)

Made from strong materials, recycled surface countertops are highly resistant to scratches. Therefore, you never need to worry about damaging your beautifully, unique counter.

Low Maintenance

Because of its non-porous state, recycled surfaces are very easy to clean up and maintain, making it a great (and eco-friendly) kitchen countertop with little to no maintenance.

Comparison Chart of all countertop surfaces and the countertop benefits

Learn more about our surfaces.

Shop our Natural Stone, Quartz, Solid Surface, Compact Surface, Laminate, & Recycled Glass Countertops

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For further assistance in selecting a countertop, feel free to contact us at 888.515.TOPS or visit our blog for more information.

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