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Anyone have honed granite......................
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cypressgirl
- Posts: 2178
- Joined: Tue Dec 26, 2006 2:42 pm
- Location: houston
I think you can use polished granite and have a glass backsplach and it would look great!! What finish is your cabinets? If they are a flatter finish, that would help take some of the shine out of the room, if that's what your worried about. Stainless steel is also a flat finish, and if your faucet and hardware is a flat finish, that would also help balance the different sheens in the room. I absolutely LOVE the glass back splashes that are now being done. I have tumbled marble, and it looks great with the granite, but it's old news. One thing that I really, really love is to have 2 different counter top surfaces, if you have an island. You may not have an island, but if you did, you could do all the perimiter counters with one surface and the island in another. You could also do the cabinets in the island in a different color or finish........that is, if you have an island. 
When we bought this house new in 2004 it already had travertine backsplash, which is pretty, but extremely porous. The combination of travertine and a laminate countertop seemed as if the builder had cheaped out at the last minute as everything else in the house is upgraded.
We wanted the granite installers to remove the bottom row of travertine tile so they wouldn't have to cut the granite back edge to butt up against it. The granite was 1/4" thicker than the old countertop, so that left us with an odd sized gap to fill in. I looked at all sorts of decorative tile-the choices were amazing, but we finally just had the designer work up a granite backsplash of the right height. I would have liked the glass tile but since the kitchen is very textural, it just didn't work.
We also jettisoned our 38 yr old dining room set to our grandaughter, to make room for a convertible oak game/dining table with swivel upholstered chairs. Spent way too much money on that, but it is made in California so we stimulated the economy there. Also got wooden blinds for our 8' french doors in the kitchen (that our puppy has already left teeth marks on). The kitchen/dining redo has been great fun, and we have already had our 13 yr old grandson over and taught him to play five card stud and Texas holdem.
Have fun with it, Pia! (and Linne)
We wanted the granite installers to remove the bottom row of travertine tile so they wouldn't have to cut the granite back edge to butt up against it. The granite was 1/4" thicker than the old countertop, so that left us with an odd sized gap to fill in. I looked at all sorts of decorative tile-the choices were amazing, but we finally just had the designer work up a granite backsplash of the right height. I would have liked the glass tile but since the kitchen is very textural, it just didn't work.
We also jettisoned our 38 yr old dining room set to our grandaughter, to make room for a convertible oak game/dining table with swivel upholstered chairs. Spent way too much money on that, but it is made in California so we stimulated the economy there. Also got wooden blinds for our 8' french doors in the kitchen (that our puppy has already left teeth marks on). The kitchen/dining redo has been great fun, and we have already had our 13 yr old grandson over and taught him to play five card stud and Texas holdem.
Have fun with it, Pia! (and Linne)
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chicagoans
- Posts: 1586
- Joined: Thu Jan 18, 2007 2:51 pm
- Location: IL
Hi Pia,
I love the look of honed granite. Two of my friends have it, one in a very dark (black) granite and one in a pale cream and carmel colored granite. Both seem very happy with it, although I did notice one or two spots on the lighter granite where it looked like the finishers missed with the honing (shiny spots -- apparently the slabs come polished and then are honed by the fabricator.)
I couldn't get a straight answer from the supplier, fabricator, or builder on how well honed would last, so I got a sample of each, polished and honed. I scratched both with a key and also let some red wine sit on each overnight. No worries with the polished but the honed DID show the scratch and the stain.
So to be safe I went with the polished and I really love it now. (Mine is a darker color, called Veniziano Vincente or something like that.)
Someone mentioned travertine for a backsplash. I have tumbled travertine for the backsplash under all my cabinets and behind the cooktop. So far it has held up very well and splatters (grease etc) have wiped off.
Sounds like a fun project! Although I'm sure it's more challenging for you, being on island, than it was for me.
I love the look of honed granite. Two of my friends have it, one in a very dark (black) granite and one in a pale cream and carmel colored granite. Both seem very happy with it, although I did notice one or two spots on the lighter granite where it looked like the finishers missed with the honing (shiny spots -- apparently the slabs come polished and then are honed by the fabricator.)
I couldn't get a straight answer from the supplier, fabricator, or builder on how well honed would last, so I got a sample of each, polished and honed. I scratched both with a key and also let some red wine sit on each overnight. No worries with the polished but the honed DID show the scratch and the stain.
So to be safe I went with the polished and I really love it now. (Mine is a darker color, called Veniziano Vincente or something like that.)Someone mentioned travertine for a backsplash. I have tumbled travertine for the backsplash under all my cabinets and behind the cooktop. So far it has held up very well and splatters (grease etc) have wiped off.
Sounds like a fun project! Although I'm sure it's more challenging for you, being on island, than it was for me.
OK, here I am again, again!
Just to say that if some of you like honed granite, you should try to ask for antique granite and take a look at that (it's the same as riwer washed granite, but in Italy, where it comes from, they call it antique). Just now I have a sample home in Kasmir White, and I think it's really nice. Concerning strains it is to compare with polished granite.
Concerning backslash. We have painted the wall at home with a washable paint, so I avoid a backsplash. Very easy to clean. We painted it 6 years ago, and haven't done it since. Solves the problem about which material to use.
Linne
Just to say that if some of you like honed granite, you should try to ask for antique granite and take a look at that (it's the same as riwer washed granite, but in Italy, where it comes from, they call it antique). Just now I have a sample home in Kasmir White, and I think it's really nice. Concerning strains it is to compare with polished granite.
Concerning backslash. We have painted the wall at home with a washable paint, so I avoid a backsplash. Very easy to clean. We painted it 6 years ago, and haven't done it since. Solves the problem about which material to use.
Linne
I loved the look of honed black granite, and seriously considered it. I carried that sample around for weeks, and wiped all kinds of things on it and it always wiped clean with a damp microfiber cloth.
I did end up with glossy black granite because my husband was more comfortable with it.
<a href="http://s19.photobucket.com/albums/b179/ ... kpenn2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b179/ ... kpenn2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
The best advice I can give you is to check out this forum:
http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/kitchbath/
These nice folks talked us through a do it yourself kitchen remodel a couple of years ago. Use the search function and you will find many many topics about honed granite and its care and feeding.
I did end up with glossy black granite because my husband was more comfortable with it.
<a href="http://s19.photobucket.com/albums/b179/ ... kpenn2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b179/ ... kpenn2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
The best advice I can give you is to check out this forum:
http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/kitchbath/
These nice folks talked us through a do it yourself kitchen remodel a couple of years ago. Use the search function and you will find many many topics about honed granite and its care and feeding.
Great link and a beautiful kitchen
Hubby does not like the sample of honed granite that I have, and it has to be returned so I can't do my experiment that I had planned - spill red wine on it, olive oil, coffee etc
We are now leaning towards a black quartz or a polished black granite - the jury is still out - how is your polished black granite ? - does it stain easily - meaning if I were to cook dnner (I know soooo not going to happen
) and did not wipe all the spills up before we ate would it stain ? We have guests now and I must say the kitchen has taken more spills than I ever knew possible - I guess because I am paying attention as to how messy we all can be (especially after "some" people have had alot of alcohol
Thanks again everyone for your help
Hubby does not like the sample of honed granite that I have, and it has to be returned so I can't do my experiment that I had planned - spill red wine on it, olive oil, coffee etc
We are now leaning towards a black quartz or a polished black granite - the jury is still out - how is your polished black granite ? - does it stain easily - meaning if I were to cook dnner (I know soooo not going to happen
) and did not wipe all the spills up before we ate would it stain ? We have guests now and I must say the kitchen has taken more spills than I ever knew possible - I guess because I am paying attention as to how messy we all can be (especially after "some" people have had alot of alcohol Thanks again everyone for your help
Realtor - St John Properties
My family and I are...how can I put this gently...slobs. The granite we chose is Emerald Pearl. It seems impervious to the oils, tomato sauce, vinegar and everything else that gets splashed on it and not cleaned up for over 24 hours.
My granite guy has the same stone. He chose not to seal his. Mine was also supposed to be unsealed, but there were a few lapses in communication and mine did get sealed.
I am not a fan of chemicals, so I disinfect it with what my doctor advises (vinegar followed by hydrogen peroxide) occasionally. Otherwise it is a damp microfiber followed by a dry one and it looks perfect. I do run a dry microfiber over it to dust every couple of days. With shiny black you will see dust.
There are several granite experts on that forum I linked to. They can tell you exactly which granites require sealing and which do not. Or use the search function to type in the names of granites you are considering. Those people LOVE to talk granite.
My granite guy has the same stone. He chose not to seal his. Mine was also supposed to be unsealed, but there were a few lapses in communication and mine did get sealed.
I am not a fan of chemicals, so I disinfect it with what my doctor advises (vinegar followed by hydrogen peroxide) occasionally. Otherwise it is a damp microfiber followed by a dry one and it looks perfect. I do run a dry microfiber over it to dust every couple of days. With shiny black you will see dust.
There are several granite experts on that forum I linked to. They can tell you exactly which granites require sealing and which do not. Or use the search function to type in the names of granites you are considering. Those people LOVE to talk granite.
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chicagoans
- Posts: 1586
- Joined: Thu Jan 18, 2007 2:51 pm
- Location: IL
I second ifloat's suggestion of using a microfiber cloth. All I ever really need to clean my counters is the damp cloth, sometimes followed by a dry towel. When I've wiped the counters with a sponge or a cloth with cleanser like dish soap, I get a film.
A damp microfiber cloth is all I need for the stainless, too. I tried stainless polish once and it was a bit of a mess and left a film, so now I just stick with the damp cloth. Easy!
PS- ifloat your kitchen is gorgeous! And it sure doesn't look like you are slobs!
A damp microfiber cloth is all I need for the stainless, too. I tried stainless polish once and it was a bit of a mess and left a film, so now I just stick with the damp cloth. Easy!
PS- ifloat your kitchen is gorgeous! And it sure doesn't look like you are slobs!
I feel so outdated with my 20 yr old white fomica counter tops. But, I must say, for stains I just throw a little bleach on those puppies, and they're white again. 
Guess, I'd rather have another trip to STJ than update the countertops. Also we live in an area that is slated to become a big box store in the next 5 years. (Although no one has asked us or offered to buy yet.) So its kind of hard to justify doing a lot of expensive home improvements when your house will probably be bulldozed.
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Guess, I'd rather have another trip to STJ than update the countertops. Also we live in an area that is slated to become a big box store in the next 5 years. (Although no one has asked us or offered to buy yet.) So its kind of hard to justify doing a lot of expensive home improvements when your house will probably be bulldozed..
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cypressgirl
- Posts: 2178
- Joined: Tue Dec 26, 2006 2:42 pm
- Location: houston
Pia, did you ever decide on a counter top?
We had to buy a new AC, so the floors will have to wait. My big side by side frig went out yesterday too. Thank God I have an extra in the laundry room. The repair man comes out Mon. I sure hope I don't have to replace it. Does anyone know what a new stainless frig costs. It's got to fit in the "cut out" that it is presently in. I haven't measured it, but it's pretty large. It came with the house, so we didn't buy it seperately. Does everything last about 8 years? I remember when I was a kid, my parents never replaced anything. I think my mom has had the same frig for 30 years.
We had to buy a new AC, so the floors will have to wait. My big side by side frig went out yesterday too. Thank God I have an extra in the laundry room. The repair man comes out Mon. I sure hope I don't have to replace it. Does anyone know what a new stainless frig costs. It's got to fit in the "cut out" that it is presently in. I haven't measured it, but it's pretty large. It came with the house, so we didn't buy it seperately. Does everything last about 8 years? I remember when I was a kid, my parents never replaced anything. I think my mom has had the same frig for 30 years.
OK, here is the update................
1) Cabinet layout has been finalized and ready to be ordered - down to 2 door styles so probably by weeks end
2) Appliances have been chosen but not yet ordered (except for my Bosch European Oven so that it will fit under my gas cooktop ) as the delivery time to Tropical Shipping is 2 weeks and cabinets will take 4 weeks to make so we will coordinate once the order has been placed with Kraftmaid
3) Granite - whew what a difficult decision - I am loving Gardenweb.com (thanks ifloat) - it is my new addiction site, but I will probably fly to FL to choose my slab - being shown a picture is not going to cut it for me - do you think I am alittle "an*l" !!! but at $140 a sq ft
I want it to be right - still trying to decide on honed or not.
4) Sinks and faucets are almost chosen
5) Backsplash tile - not even thought about yet
Hopefully it will be fully complete by December (island time you know
) but if anyone has any ideas please keep them coming
Pia
1) Cabinet layout has been finalized and ready to be ordered - down to 2 door styles so probably by weeks end
2) Appliances have been chosen but not yet ordered (except for my Bosch European Oven so that it will fit under my gas cooktop
) as the delivery time to Tropical Shipping is 2 weeks and cabinets will take 4 weeks to make so we will coordinate once the order has been placed with Kraftmaid 3) Granite - whew what a difficult decision - I am loving Gardenweb.com (thanks ifloat) - it is my new addiction site, but I will probably fly to FL to choose my slab - being shown a picture is not going to cut it for me - do you think I am alittle "an*l" !!! but at $140 a sq ft
I want it to be right - still trying to decide on honed or not.4) Sinks and faucets are almost chosen
5) Backsplash tile - not even thought about yet
Hopefully it will be fully complete by December (island time you know
) but if anyone has any ideas please keep them coming Pia
Realtor - St John Properties
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California Girl
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cypressgirl
- Posts: 2178
- Joined: Tue Dec 26, 2006 2:42 pm
- Location: houston
Have you looked at the shiney glass tiles that are so popular now? I see a lot of it used on HGTV for backsplashes. I really like my tumbled marble with a few hand painted Italian tiles every so often, but it's been around a while, so it's not new and trendy, but it does look good against the granite. I wish I could gut my kitchen and bathrooms and start over. One things for sure.....there's always something new around the corner.