Inside The Home – 2.1

Granite Top

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UPDATED - Testing your granite counter-top for radon

Can I install new tiles or granite on top of the old tiles on the wall between kitchen cabinet?

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To remoe the old wall tiles between kitchen cabinet takes a lot of time or may damage the sheetrock behind it, can I install granite or new tiles on top of it. Appreciate for any input

Hi,
Well, in order to support wall tiles a special board should be nailed to your wall. It provides much better support than regular dry wall, plus it also has many grooves on it which will help greatly in holding the mortar in place, this type of board goes by many names, I know it by the name "hard back", or "cement board". If you install tile over tile, you're losing the ability for the mortar to adhere, plus you're adding twice the weight that the "hard back" was meant to support. What ought to be done, in order to insure your expensive tile job lasts, is to remove the tile, and probably the "hard back" board behind it. If you're able to just remove the hard back without chipping away at the existing tile, then you get two steps out of the way fairly easily......but the thing is, that hard back is usually nailed very well into place, using many nails, this is to prevent it from flexing, because if it flexes much then the tile would come off the wall. Then once you've gotten the old hard back off of the wall, you'd install a new hard back to put your new tile on.

Both Home Depot and Lowes offer tile installation classes for free, plus the people they have in those departments would be able to help you at any time. They'll be able to tell you what all you'll need once you've gotten the old stuff off the wall.

Best of luck!

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Which Granite Countertops Match Your Personality?

What do granite countertops and people have in common? No two are exactly alike. Just like each person is unique, granite's natural stone formation makes each slab absolutely unique.

If you're looking to find a granite countertop color that's in sync with your individuality, consider characteristics of the following granite colors.

Black countertops set an elegant and sophisticated mood, and are often found in homes with a modern and contemporary look. Black is a good match for people wanting to create an aura of formality, and even a hint of mystery. 

White countertops offer a feeling of cleanliness and simplicity. They are also perfect for emphasizing open space, making them a popular choice for homeowners trying to make a smaller room appear larger. White is a good choice for those who want to bring a little more light into a room.   

Deep red countertops bring warmth, and their rich shades communicate a romantic feeling. Countertops in bright red shades attract attention and represent boldness and excitement. All red surfaces are a great choice if you want to make a statement with your décor.

Green countertops often reflect personalities who appreciate nature. The combination of green countertops and wood cabinets in a kitchen mimics the outdoors and offers a versatile color palette for other design elements such as paint and flooring.

Countertops in shades of blue provide a cool, contemporary look, and work well with both white and wood cabinetry. Blue granite often has flecks of opal or silver tones and works well with stainless steel appliances and accents.

Gold countertop surfaces share black's elegance, with a dash of nature.  Granite countertops with gold tones can be dressed up with black accents for a glamorous look, or paired with maple wood tones for a stunning natural look.

Brown and beige granite tones are warm and inviting, and compliment many color schemes. Since neutral shades offer flexibility when it comes to matching surrounding décor, they are perfect for homeowners who love to change styles often.

If you match more than one color, or share one quality here and another there, don't worry! Granite surfaces rarely come in solid colors. Instead intricate patterns, flecks of other colors and various designs usually enhance the underlying shade.

Granite is available in thousands of colors and shades, and choosing your favorite can be overwhelming. But, if you take the time to do your homework, you'll find the perfect match before you know it!

About the Author

Save On Granite of Hanover, Maryland is a leading supplier, fabricator and installer of genuine granite countertops in the mid-Atlantic region. For more information visit www.SaveOnGranite.com.