tips to buy cheap granite countertops

The kitchen countertop has been a staple of the American home for decades. We take the kitchen counter granted and use it for everything from stacking dishes and preparing food to a makeshift dining and drinking counter. Apart from its purely functional aspects the kitchen counter also plays a huge role in giving the kitchen its character, its unique aesthetic appeal.

When redecorating a kitchen, much thought and consideration must be given to your choice of countertop. Not only is it the one part of the kitchen that we spend the most time on, it also gives the kitchen its soul.

While there a large number of materials to choose from when it comes to a kitchen countertop, none can come close to the durability and diversity of granite. Granite is the second hardest material known to man, second only to diamonds in terms of toughness.

Beyond that, kitchen countertops made from granite will last a long, long time - way beyond the everyday rigors of the typical American kitchen. Besides its utilitarian uses, a granite countertops are beautiful pieces in their own right as they imbue any kitchen with a timeless appeal. If that's enough, it is a commonly held fact that fixtures like granite countertops in the kitchen increase the value of your home.

Unlike the cheaper laminate countertops, polished slabs of granite are excellent choices for kitchen surfaces. An elegantly crafted and lovingly polished granite countertop will more often than not improve and enhance our kitchen's interior decor. The durability of granite means that it is resistant to scratches, stains and extremes of heat and cold. All this combined with the stone's intricate natural designs and wide spectrum of colors makes granite countertops a very worthwhile investment for your home. No man made alternative can come close to granite's positive attributes.

That being said, granite countertops have something of a reputation as being more expensive than the artificial alternatives. Many homeowners are under the impression that granite countertops are something way out of their price range - they couldn't be more wrong.

With a little effort, cheap granite countertops are easy to find. Whether you are looking for new surface ideas of your kitchen or bathroom, cheap granite countertops can value and elegance to your home. Many companies that sell granite countertops will also include the cost of installation in the price, meaning extra savings for you. Here are a few ideas on how you can find and buy the best quality granite countertops at the lowest prices:

1. Get an idea of what kind of granite countertop you want to buy. Granite slabs are available in a multitude of grades, styles, brands and styles. As with all naturally created stones, each slab of granite will be a unique piece, with its own character and idiosyncrasies. Your best starting point for cheap granite countertops would be the big chain stores like Lowe's or Home Depot, however if you dig deeper you find even cheaper deals from wholesalers.

2. Look online. The best deals are always found online, and granite countertops are no different. A lot of companies these days have websites where you can see photos of the granite countertops they have on offer. In most cases these companies will provide free samples to take home to see if it matches your kitchen's current decor. Other companies go the high-tech route and provide a virtual layout of your kitchen and what it will look like after the installation is completed.

3. So a search online or thumb through your local yellow pages for a granite wholesaler in your area. You'll be amazed at the deals you uncover in this way. A 35 square foot granite slab at a big box home improvement store can set you back $3500 installed, while a granite slab of the same quality and same square footage installed from a wholesaler will cost a mere $1500. Shop around and you'll be surprised at how much you can save.

4. Many wholesaler and dealers in granite countertops will offer price matching deals. Shop around several wholesalers and find the cheaper price - nine times out of then the other wholesalers will match or try to beat the price if you can show a written quote and a backsplash. The competition for customers can be fierce in the granite whole business, and you should use that to your advantage to get the best deals.

5. Only make the purchase when you have done all your research. An informed buyer is a savvy buyer. Always insist on installation warranties and make sure that the company selling you the slab provides an extended warranty on staining or cracking.

If you've done your homework and are knowledgeable enough about the quality and grading of granite slabs, then consider yourself armed to make an informed decision in buying the best quality cheap granite countertops at the lowest possible price.