Granite countertops vs. marble countertops: which is right for you?

At Discounted Granite, we offer consumers a number of attractive kitchen countertop options, and in many cases, it comes down to a tough choice between granite countertops and marble countertops. Both are natural materials with an elegant appearance. Either choice fits well in nearly any style of kitchen, but each option also has its advantages.

Granite is a material formed long ago deep inside of the earth, when liquid magma made its way underground, slowly cooling and crystallizing. That process is what gave granite the unique and elegant look that so many homeowners desire for their kitchens today. Not only does it look nice, but granite is an extremely tough material, making it ideal for a kitchen countertop. A granite countertop is sure to withstand the inevitable day-to-day beatings in the kitchen from pots, pans, and utensils.

Marble is equally if not more beautiful than granite, but not quite as hard. Its distinctive look comes from thousands of years being subjected to pressure and heat, and its flexibility make it perfect for building. It won't withstand as much as granite, but regardless, it is still the preferred choice of many customers because of its sophisticated appearance. In many cases, a marble countertop is the perfect finishing touch in a well-designed kitchen, as it's hard for another material to compete with the dazzling sheen of a polished marble countertop.

In our opinion, both materials are great choices, so you really can't go wrong. If you are looking for a natural material, chances are you'll end up selecting one or the other – granite or marble – when it comes time to pick a countertop. Feel free to contact us at any time for help creating your dream kitchen, whether it is with a granite countertop, marble countertop, or something else entirely!

Backsplashes a rising kitchen trend

Once an afterthought, backsplashes are becoming a focal centerpiece of many kitchens. According to HGTV – the television and magazine home and decorating authority – backsplashes are an increasingly popular way to spice things up in the kitchen and are now getting the attention they deserve. In the past, backsplashes were an often overlooked kitchen component, but today, homeowners are turning to backsplashes to give their kitchen that modern and elegant look that many desire.

The key to transforming your kitchen from dreary to delightful could be as simple as installing a tile backsplash. Not only will it protect your kitchen's walls, but a backsplash will considerably brighten up your kitchen – and that's a good thing.

This Old House, widely recognized as America's most trusted home improvement brand, recently designated "colorful" as a top-five in kitchen trends. One of the easiest ways to increase the color in your kitchen and make sure you are on the cutting edge of kitchen design is by setting up a glass tile backsplash.

A glass tile backsplash is easy to clean, so it will undoubtedly perform as backsplashes are intended to, but it can also add plenty of flair to your kitchen. If you are after that look you always see as you page through the latest home design magazines, a glass tile backsplash is definitely something to consider. With an array of beautiful colors to choose from and nearly endless design patterns and options, you can be sure that a glass tile backsplash will fit right in to your kitchen, making it the envy of your neighbors.

Times are changing, and according to some of the most respected kitchen connoisseurs, bright and colorful is the way to go. What better choice than a glass tile backsplash?