Buyer’s Guide
Where Does Granite Come From?
Common Materials
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Granite
Made entirely of natural materials, mass of magma or molten rock. Granite is the most durable, chip and scratch resistant material. Granite is easy to clean and maintain and become affordable. No other material lasts longer or looks more elegant.• Heat and scratch resistant
• Stain resistant if sealed properly
• Low maintenance
• Extremely hygienic
• Wide selection of colors and patterns
• Natural
• Resealing is not necessary if your fabricator uses the proper products
• Hard surface, if you drop a glass it could break
• Granite does not have a uniform pattern or color. The patterns occur naturally but are considered to be part of the beauty of stone
Tile
Tile countertops come in an arrangement of sizes from 1 inch to 24 inches. Average handy homeowner can install it.Concrete
Made of cement, sand, pigment and other additives such as fiber enforcement and acrylic. The counters can be pre-cast to fit a mold or cast on site.Laminates (Formica)
Made of synthetic material, a thin layer of plastic that is glued to particleboard or wood.• Low cost
• Numerous colors
• Easy upkeep
• Stain resistant
• Seamless
• Many colors
• Easy to clean
• Scratches easily
• Not heat resistant, surface melts
• Wrapping occurs from prolonged wetting
• Hard to be repaired once chipped.
• Scratches easily
• Expensive
• Plastic unnatural appearance
• Synthetic material
Engineered Stone (Zodiac, Quartz, Silestone, etc.)
Made of natural quartz, sands, epoxy resin and pigments. Product that tries to simulate granite, marble or travertine.• Available in a variety of colors
• Scratch resistant
• Uniform pattern
• Very controversial regarding hazardous, toxins that are thought to be omitted during fabrication
• Fairly new and hasn’t stood through the test of time specifically for scratches and stains
• Tolerate moderate temperatures only for a brief time
Acrylic or Polyester Plastic (Corian etc.)
Unlike laminates, acrylic and polyester plastics are homogenous throughout the material. They come in polished or matte finish. Often more expensive than granite.• Low cost
• Numerous colors
• Easy upkeep
• Stain resistant
• Seamless
• Many colors
• Easy to clean
• Scratches easily
• Not heat resistant, surface melts
• Wrapping occurs from prolonged wetting
• Hard to be repaired once chipped.
• Scratches easily
• Expensive
• Plastic unnatural appearance
• Synthetic material
Measuring Your Countertop
Bath Vanity Tops with 2 Layouts Kitchen L Left Layout Kitchen Shotgun Layout Kitchen U Shaped Layout
1. Select the diagram that resembles your kitchen layout from the options above.
2. Print that form as a guide to measuring your kitchen. You can print several if needed for a complicated layout.
3. Using a tape measure, fill in the highlighted boxes for as many measurements as need to define your kitchen. You can also take a few photos with your phone or camera to bring in with your form.
4. Use our web site to view a selection of the many products we offer to help in the design of your new kitchen.
5. Also select your edge profile and mark the drawing with an”X” for the areas that require an edge.
6. Bring this form and your pictures to Trinity Granite + Marble, Inc., located at 206 Johnson St. Roan Mountain, TN
7. One of our knowledgeable sales representatives will help you with selection and provide you with an estimate of cost.
8. Another option is to fax us the form that you printed , ( 423-772-4634), and we will respond in a timely manner.