If You Are Ready For New Countertops, Follow These Steps.

Choosing a service provider for your new countertops can be overwhelming. The choices in materials seem endless. How do you distinguish between various businesses?

Here at Milan, we make excellent customer service a priority. If you are going through a complete remodel, you can be assured that we will communicate closely with your contractor to make the whole process as smooth as possible.

Milan Stoneworks offers a wide variety of custom solid surface installation services, including both natural and engineered stones. Our team of experienced stone-craftsman ensure that you receive complete satisfaction through the entire installation process, which we back with a 1-year product guarantee.

At Milan Stoneworks, we utilize an established project management process that has been developed through our company's long history in the industry. By guiding clients each step of the way, our customers always know what to expect and even more importantly, when to expect it.

Here’s a sample sequence of tasks for new kitchen countertops:

1. The most important part of the process is the material selection: finding a vendor and selecting your slab. Then let the vendor know who will fabricate your project.
2. Milan will then need the scope of your project. This can be accomplished by emailing or faxing your dimensions. Or, you can schedule a personalized field measure provided by the Milan staff. This visit can accomplish a variety of tasks such as edge details, sink considerations and seam placement.
3. An estimate is then provided to include the template, materials, fabrication and installation total. There are no hidden expense or surprises!
4. Once you have decided to proceed, a template date is scheduled. Milan will take a physical template of your counter tops, pick up your sink, and go over final details.
5. Milan will then pick up your material from the desired vendor.
6. Your job will go into fabrication where your slab will cut to the template dimensions, edges polished, and sink opening cut and polished.
7. From template to install, Milan will complete your project in under 7 working days. A typical kitchen will be installed in one day.

Granite vs. Laminate: Turning Tables in the Countertop Debate

Countertops are essential to your kitchen’s aesthetic and functionality, as well as provide a space for your family, friends, and house guests to gather. When it comes to your countertops, choose wisely—they can make or break your kitchen.

Full disclosure: we love granite countertops and strive to make this gorgeous material more accessible and affordable for everyone. When granite was first manufactured and more expensive, laminate ruled as the go-to countertop material. But now that granite has become more commercialized and less costly, the tables have turned (pun intended), and granite is the most popular material for countertops. In fact, data from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) show that the majority (64%) of new homes are installing granite countertops as opposed to a small minority (14%) installing laminate.

Five Reasons Granite’s on Top

There are several reasons for this trend and why it’s here to stay. It all boils down to one simple fact—granite is better. Just saying it doesn’t cut it though. Let us prove to you why granite is the better choice. Here are five reasons granite’s the right choice for your countertop:

1. Stronger durability: Granite is a refined slab of stone, so it’s literally rockhard. Not only is it scratch resistant, it can also be exposed to extreme temperatures, making it perfect for cooking. Laminate, on the other hand, consists of paper and plastic, can be scratched by sharp objects like kitchen knives, and cannot withstand hot temperatures. Considering these variables, granite is clearly more functional to have in your kitchen.

2. More beautiful: Strength and functionality aside, it’s got the beauty of exquisite marble! Granite can make even the most drab of kitchens look gorgeous. Your kitchen is one of the most visible rooms in your house, so shouldn’t you try to make it as aesthetically pleasing as possible? Make your kitchen look its best with dazzling granite countertops.

3. Better versatility: Granite comes in a variety of colors: black, white, grey, beige, tan, brown, green, blue, and any combination of the above. With all these color options, granite is basically the countertop chameleon. For a modern style, go with a salt and pepper color scheme. For an earthy, bohemian look, a brown and tan countertop fits perfectly. Want your kitchen to pop? Add a splash of color with vibrant blue granite. Whatever your kitchen style, granite has the versatility to match.

4. Longer lasting: Still not convinced that granite is the better option? Not only does it beat out laminate in strength, looks, and versatility, it also lasts substantially longer. While laminate countertops only last 10 to 20 years with proper maintenance, granite lasts a lifetime and is, therefore, a much better investment for your home, which brings us to our last point.

5. Higher ROI: You already know that granite is a better investment because it lasts longer, but did you know that installing granite countertops will return a whopping 120 to 130% of the initial cost? That’s right. Although granite may be more costly than laminate upfront, it practically pays for itself in the long run. The short term costs have major long term gains.

We’ll say it loud and proud: We love granite! Now you understand why.

When it comes to deciding between granite and laminate, the better choice is clear. For those of you who are still pro-laminate, hopefully we’ve given you some information to consider alternatives.

If you want to upgrade those laminate countertops to something you’ll love for the rest of your life—since, you know, granite lasts a lifetime—send us an email or give us a call at (503) 232-6206 today!