Complete Guide To Buy Kitchen Granite Countertops Orlando, FL
Kitchen and bathroom countertops are one of the most important elements that bring a room together. As a homeowner in the Orlando area looking to install new countertops, it can be overwhelming to decide between the different material options out there. Granite countertops have remained a popular choice in kitchen and bathroom remodeling for good reason. Let’s take a closer look at what makes granite a top contender for countertops in Orlando, FL.
How To Buy Top Quality Kitchen Countertops in Orlando
When it comes to buying new kitchen countertops in Orlando, you want to make sure you’re getting the best quality for your money. As an experienced kitchen designer and fabricator in the Orlando area for over 15 years, we’ve seen all kinds of countertop installations and learned what really makes the difference.
The first step is finding a reputable supplier and fabricator that offers high-quality natural stone slabs and excellent workmanship. Stay away from big box stores that claim they can do it all. For custom countertops that will last, you need to work with a dedicated team that specializes in fabrication and installation.
A great place to start your search is Stone Spirit right here in Orlando. Both companies have an incredible selection of natural stone, including granite, marble, quartzite, and quartz slabs. Their showrooms allow you to see the materials in person and get a feel for what you like best.
Once you’ve selected your stone slab, the fabricator will precisely template and cut your countertop to ensure a perfect custom fit. A good fabricator will pay attention to all the small details, like cleanly cutting sinks or cooktops and polishing edges. Rushing through fabrication leads to mistakes, so make sure your provider takes the time to get it right.
The last step is a professional installation for a completely seamless look. A quality fabricator in Orlando has an experienced installation crew that secures countertops properly without damaging your cabinets or floors. Be wary of installers that leave gaps, uneven surfaces, or messy caulking. Attention to detail makes a world of difference for finished results.
Following these tips will help you get high-quality, custom granite countertops or any natural stone you desire. Take the time to work with established specialists for countertops made to last in your Orlando home.
Granite Countertops Orlando -Why Choose Granite in Orlando
Granite remains one of the most popular choices for new countertop installations in kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects across the Orlando area. But why does granite continue to be a top contender for homeowners compared to other materials like quartz or marble? There are several key reasons.
For starters, granite is arguably the most durable and long-lasting natural stone option out there. Made from volcanic rock and minerals, it’s incredibly hard and scratch-resistant. You don’t have to worry about knives, pots and pans, or daily wear-and-tear damaging granite surfaces. It also resists heat very well and isn’t easily stained by spills.
While durability makes granite highly functional, it also happens to be extremely beautiful. With stunning colors, dramatic veining patterns, and a glossy polished finish, granite makes a gorgeous design statement. Orlando homeowners looking to add luxury and value to their homes often choose granite for its elegance.
On top of beauty and durability, granite requires very little maintenance. Just using mild soap and water for routine cleaning is enough to keep it looking like new for years. Resealing granite every 1-2 years will protect it further. Easy maintenance means fewer hassles and more enjoyment of your investment.
For all these reasons – durability, beauty, and low maintenance – granite remains the top choice for kitchen countertops and other surfaces like bathroom vanities in Orlando remodeling projects. As a designer and fabricator myself, I think it’s the best all-around performer that offers everything homeowners want. Granite truly brings it all together.
Comparing Granite and Quartz Countertops Orlando
In the Orlando area, two of the most popular countertop materials that come up are granite and quartz. As a designer helping homeowners choose between them, I often get asked what the differences are and which is better. At the same time, both make fantastic options; some key things set granite and quartz countertops apart.
The first major difference is that granite is 100% natural stone, while quartz is an engineered stone mix. Granite slabs are cut directly from mountain rock into countertops. Quartz blends ground quartz crystals with polymer resins and pigments for consistent coloring and performance qualities.
When it comes to beauty, granite brings unmatched natural patterns and depth that quartz has difficulty replicating. But quartz offers more consistent coloring throughout since it’s engineered. Granite colors and veins vary slab-to-slab based on natural mineral variations.
For durability, granite is tougher against scratches and heat, while quartz resists staining better. Both stand up well to daily use. Granite needs to be sealed occasionally, but quartz doesn’t require sealing. In terms of maintenance, quartz often wins out, being nearly maintenance-free.
Granite can last practically forever, but quartz also brings a long lifespan of 15-20 years. In terms of cost, quartz nearly always costs more than granite. The price difference can be fairly significant.
While quartz brings some great perks, granite continues to edge it out in overall popularity. The unparalleled beauty, durability, and maintenance ease make granite tough to beat. But ultimately the choice comes down to personal preference on the aesthetics and qualities you value most.
Comparing Granite and Marble Countertops Orlando
For new kitchen or bathroom countertop installations, Orlando homeowners often consider both granite and marble. As beautiful natural stones with distinct qualities, what are the key differences between granite and marble that set them apart? Based on my years as a designer helping clients choose one or the other, there are a few major things that separate them.
First, granite is significantly more durable and stain-resistant than marble. Made from hardy igneous rock, granite is practically indestructible against scratches, heat, spills, and more. Softer metamorphic marble is easier to etch or stain if not properly sealed and maintained. For busy kitchens, granite is less likely to show wear.
While marble needs more maintenance, its classic beauty is hard to match. Subtle veining and soft white colors create a timeless, elegant look. Granite offers bolder, more captivating visuals with more color variations and dramatic patterns. It comes down to personal preference for aesthetics.
Cost can also be a deciding factor. In general, marble tends to cost more than granite slabs on average. Part of this has to do with marble being more rare and harder to extract from quarries than granite. Some premium granites can match higher-end marbles.
All in all, for resilience and lower maintenance, granite has the advantage. But for those drawn to the refined, artistic visuals marble brings, the extra care needed may be worthwhile. Talking through priorities with an expert designer can help homeowners decide if durable granite or precious marble fits their countertop needs.
Price Comparison Of Marble, Granite and Quartz
When evaluating different countertop materials for their Orlando home’s remodeling project, one of the biggest considerations for most homeowners comes down to budget. What do marble, granite, and quartz cost in comparison? Understanding pricing helps guide decisions.
Out of the three, marble countertops generally cost the most per square foot installed. The average price range for marble runs between $80-$150/sq.ft. Some rarer, high-end marbles can cost over $200/sq.ft. Being delicate and tricky to work with, fabrication labor on marble also adds cost.
Granite countertops fall more in the moderate price range, for common granites, expect to budget $50-100 per square foot installed. Unique exotic granites with bold patterns or limited availability can reach up to $150/sq.ft. The good news is there are also many affordable granite options below $75/sq.ft.
Engineered quartz lands at the highest price point out of the three. Most quartz countertops install for $100-150/sq.ft on average. Some premium designer quartz lines cost over $200/sq.ft. The manufacturing process makes quartz more expensive, which gets passed on to the consumer.
In summary, marble sits at the top-end followed by quartz, and granite rounds out as the most budget-friendly option. I always recommend that homeowners balance cost with factors like appearance, durability, and maintenance needs when choosing between countertop materials. Setting a budget first helps narrow down selections.
Stones Spirit INC. Provides A WIDE SELECTION OF NATURAL STONE COUNTERTOPS
As an established countertop provider serving the greater Orlando area, Stones Spirit Inc. specializes in the fabrication and installation of high-quality natural stone countertops. Homeowners can find the perfect granite, marble, quartzite, soapstone, or another surface for their kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects.
With an extensive indoor stone yard housing hundreds of slabs, the Stones Spirit showroom offers Orlando homeowners an incredible range of materials to view and touch first-hand. The variety covers all price points, from affordable granite to rare exotic stones. Popular inventory includes brilliant white Carrara marble, timeless New Caledonia granite, and durable Santa Cecilia quartzite.
Beyond an abundance of in-stock supply, Stones Spirit has relationships with quarries across the globe to source unique materials by special order. This means any homeowner’s dream stone for their perfect countertop can become a reality.
The expert Stones Spirit team guides you in selecting complementary slabs for each home design, whether traditional or modern. They address all project needs, from detailed measurements and fabrication to seamless installation. With countertops handmade locally in their Orlando workshop using state-of-the-art technology, Stones Spirit delivers stunning results homeowners can enjoy for decades.
For Orlando area homeowners wanting to browse an incredible range of quality natural stone countertops from a trusted fabricator, Stones Spirit Inc. is the place to visit.
Experience in Countertop Fabrication and Installation in Orlando, FL
With over 20 years as an established countertop fabricator in Orlando, Stone Spirit brings extensive experience designing, custom-cutting, edging, and installing beautiful granite, marble, quartz, and other natural stone countertops. Homeowners can trust their kitchen or bath remodeling projects are in the hands of experts dedicated to flawless work.
Stone Spirit is a family-owned business with roots planted in the early days of Orlando’s booming countertop industry. They have grown over the decades while staying true to the founding principles of honesty, craftsmanship, and service. Homeowners can expect personal attention and integrity.
Stone Spirit’s team includes specialized technicians who work on every countertop construction process. Their in-house designers expertly guide homeowners through selections to match unique needs and tastes. Skilled fabricators then hand-cut and finish materials with precision at their local workshop using advanced machinery. Finally, seasoned installers complete the transformation, securing countertops to exact site specifications.
With long-tenured staff carrying decades of combined expertise fabricating and fitting over 50,000 countertops, Stone Spirit delivers quality outcomes. Orlando homeowners never have to worry about messy seams, uneven surfaces, or cracks down the line. Meticulous construction ensures durability and enjoyment for years ahead.
When it comes to fabricating and installing new granite, marble, or other natural stone countertops, trust Stone Spirit’s two decades of experience transforming Orlando’s kitchens and bathrooms.
Why Natural Stone is the Ultimate Choice for Luxury Homes In Orlando
For luxury custom homes across the greater Orlando area, natural stone countertops like granite, marble, and quartzite rise as the premium surface material that offers unmatched beauty, durability, and value over time. As a designer assisting high-end clients, I’ve seen first-hand what draws discerning homeowners to natural stone above all other options.
The visual depth and dimension of natural stone cannot be replicated in any manmade material. Whether it’s the striking crystalline patterns of exotic granites, elegant white veining in marble, or earthy tones of sandstone quartzite, Mother Nature delivers truly unique artistry. Luxury homebuyers investing in their forever home want statement-making surfaces with timeless appeal.
While captivating to the eye, natural stone also brings unrivaled strength and resilience from eons of geologic forces. Granite forms deep underground under extreme heat and pressure. Quartzite originates from pure sandstone solidifying over millions of years. Materials hewn by nature stand the test of time better than any fabricated products off an assembly line.
Beyond unmatched aesthetics and durability, natural stone offers luxury homebuyers a better return on investment. As a rare tangible asset, the value of natural stone appreciates over time rather than depreciating like many building materials. Upscale homes with granite or marble countertops command higher sales prices and faster sales. For luxury Orlando properties, natural stone conveys an air of prestige that buyers recognize.
With so many clear advantages over other surface options, it becomes obvious why discerning homeowners building their dream homes gravitate towards natural stone time and again. For luxury living, granite, marble, and other natural stones bring the total package of sublime beauty, resilient functionality, and lasting financial value. They crystallize luxury in ways no other materials can.
Why Orlando and Central Florida People Prefer Stone Countertops For Their Construction Projects In Orlando
It’s no secret that natural stone countertops like granite, marble, and quartzite make popular choices for construction and remodeling projects across Central Florida. But what exactly draws Orlando area homeowners and builders to materials like granite versus other options? Based on working with clients on hundreds of job sites over my career, there are five key reasons.
First, Orlando’s warm climate means most people spend lots of time enjoying the outdoors and entertaining guests on patios. Homeowners want indoor kitchen and bathroom countertops to seamlessly flow outside while standing up to heavy use. Hot pans, spills, and dripping wet swimsuits are no match for granite’s resilience.
Secondly, the state’s vulnerability to storms and flooding means homeowners want countertops able to weather high impact and submersion in water. Quartzite, for example, remains unfazed by turbulent weather patterns compared to manufactured surfaces.
The third driver behind natural stone’s popularity in Orlando is the sheer abundance of materials conveniently located right in Florida’s backyard. With the state being one of the nation’s top producers of granite, marble and other natural stones, premium quality and affordable pricing put these surfaces within easy reach.
Fourth, Orlando’s real estate and luxury homebuilding market continues rapid expansion drawing buyers from all over the world. Natural stones convey an elevated sense of taste and sophistication that appeals to global homebuyers and investors alike compared to other countertop materials.
Finally, Orlando residents place a high priority on environmental sustainability. With a nearly unlimited lifecycle, natural stone aligns with green building practices far better than manmade countertops churned out of factories. Minimal processing from quarry to kitchen makes materials like granite a natural choice.
With all these strong advantages over other countertop options, it becomes clear why Orlando homeowners continue relying on the power of natural stone to deliver on all fronts.
Final Thoughts About Buying Granite Countertops Orlando
As one of the leading countertop designers and fabricators serving homeowners across Orlando for over 25 years, my advice for buyers comes down to this. Take the time to make careful, informed decisions guided by experts so your investment yields enjoyment for decades ahead.
Kitchen and bathroom countertops sit at the heart of the home, meaning durability and maintenance should weigh heavily along with aesthetics. While granite brings best-in-class performance on both fronts, personal style preferences might dictate alternatives like quartz or marble that also enrich spaces beautifully.
Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true, as cutting corners typically leads to lower quality, headaches down the road, and the need for premature replacement. Spend wisely upfront, and your new surfaces stand the test of time as cherished fixtures welcoming family and guests for generations.
While new countertops present a significant investment, remember that the right stone surfaces also add tangible value to Orlando properties. Whether planning to stay in your home forever or using upgrades to sell for maximum profit down the line, granite delivers excellent return potential.
Finally, pay attention to details during templating and installation. Precision cutting, seam placement, edge finishing, and proper mounting underlay long-lasting functionality and eye-catching visuals. Don’t settle for sloppy fabrication or damage to existing structures.
Follow this guidance and your Orlando kitchen or bath gains a stunning new heart ready to pump life into spaces for decades ahead. I welcome anyone to visit my Orlando showroom to view hundreds of stone slabs in person and discuss which material best elevates your home.
