Can you feel the excitement?
You finally decided to give your kitchen a much needed makeover.
You've decided on beautiful new cabinetry and complimentary flooring and now it is time to choose a countertop. You like a few granite (or quartz) samples that were in your kitchen designer's showroom, but they don't really give you the full picture of what your countertop will look like.
Why not take a road trip to a nearby granite warehouse and pick out your own slab !
There is something magical about walking around a granite warehouse, looking at all the different slabs with their unique colors, patterns & veining.
Granite (and Quartz) feature amazing patterns and you can decide which area of the slab you want to show more (or less) of. Professionals will guide you to minimize waste and showcase the best parts of your stone.
Here are a few tips to make your trip a successful one !
Remember to bring samples and measurements. You'll want to bring a cabinet door sample (or a drawer), a sample of your flooring and maybe your paint samples if possible to help you decide which slab will pull everything all together to complete your beautiful new look. It may also be helpful to know the size and shape of your sink and where the faucet should go. Again, there are professionals on hand to help and guide you during your visit.
Indoor vs Outdoor slab yards. Lighting makes a difference !
If you visit an indoor warehouse, the weather and time of day won't affect your visit. However, warehouse indoor lighting could distort the color of the stone. If you fall in love with a particular stone, it may be a good idea to get sample of it and bring it home to see how it looks in your kitchen.
When visiting an outdoor warehouse be sure to go on a cloudy day. However it is important not to go on a cloudy day after it has rained. Natural stone is porous and will absorb water making the stone appear darker than it actually is. Conversely, visiting on a sunny day may wash out the colors and natural patterns in the stone. Again, a good idea if you find a stone that you like is to bring home a sample and see how it looks in your house.
Lastly, if you find a stone (or two) that you like put it on hold! Putting a slab on hold will insure the particular stone you picked will be available when you are ready to complete your project.
So go for a road trip and have fun looking for that perfect stone.
It may seem a little overwhelming but well worth the trip !
