Granite Countertops And Layout…

While taking on a remodeling project can be exciting and rewarding, many consumers don’t always realize the amount of choices and decisions that often times need to made. That’s why many consumers do their homework up front and are selective with the materials they choose, so they are happy with their choices for the long run.

When it comes to countertop selections, at KB Factory, we are here for you every step of the way. From the moment you enter our showroom, we are ready to assist you. By asking questions about the look you are trying to achieve, color tones, lighting, cabinet selections, etc., we can help you determine the best material choice, and the ideal color. We can also assist in the layout process, when needed. This can be helpful for stones that have a great deal of flow, or movement to them. For example, the other day we helped a customer visualize the look of a kitchen she helped design.

Let’s take a look…

The layouts are as per measurements on the whole granite slab

Although this is a beautiful stone, it does contain quite a bit of movement, and flow match can sometimes be a concern in kitchen countertops that seam. With a little bit of brainstorming and teamwork, we were able to achieve a look the customer was happy with.

If you are doing a remodeling project that involves countertops, we would be happy to assist you with your color selections, as well as your layout.

Thanks for reading!

KB Factory Outlet

Add A Neutral Look To Your Kitchen With Ocean Beige Granite Countertop…

In this blog, I wanted to share a few pictures of kitchen we recently fabricated and installed in Ocean Beige Granite.Ocean Beige is a neutral toned granite with cool shades of white, cream, gray, and taupe. It  typically contains a gentle flowing pattern that can be seen throughout the slabs. Areas of the mineral, quartz, can also be seen throughout.Ocean Beige tends to be popular with designers because its neutral tones work with many decorating options. Many home owners like the fact that it is an affordable option and goes with a lot of design options.

Let’s take a look at the project…

                        Ocean Beige In the Kitchen

                     The beautiful Centre Island 

  View of Full slab before cutting and Fabrication

If you are looking for a neutral toned color for your new countertops, you might want to take a look at Ocean Beige. Stop by our showroom to look at our current stock. It is one of our Classic  and best top ten Granite colors, so its an affordable option for many.

Thanks for reading!

KB Factory Outlet

Create A Unique Look For Your Granite Countertops With A Leather Finish…

When most people think of granite countertops, they often picture a beautiful, natural stone with a high gloss finish. That’s because a polished finish is the most popular choice among consumers. With it’s glossy, mirror finish that is often reflective, many consumers love this look.  In fact, the majority of granite countertops that we sell contain a polished finish. There are however, a variety of other options available that some people prefer. One such finish that has been gaining popularity is the leathered finish.  A leather finish offers a smooth, matte look that includes a slight texture to the touch, which gives it a unique look that some consumers are attracted to.


                        white Leather Finish Granite

A leather finish is similar to a honed finish, which offers a smooth, matte look, yet adds the interesting surface appeal to the touch.

Let’s take a look at a few leathered kitchens…


Steel Grey Granite in Leather Finish


Antique Brown In Leather Finish


Sandulus Leather Finsh Countertop in a Outdoor Kitchen

Whether you are looking for a polished finish for your granite countertops, leather finish, or some other finish type, we can help answer your questions. Make sure you stop by our showroom today to look at our products and finish options.

Thanks for reading!

KB Factory Outlet

How to Select a Contractor to Install your Kitchen Countertops

Home remodeling is a lot simpler when you have honest, effective contractors. You don’t want to have to worry about an inexperienced or untrustworthy person doing the labor in your home. In order to make the process of getting your kitchen updated and your kitchen countertops installed as easy as possible, we recommend following these guidelines when selecting a worker:



KB Factory Outlet Anderson Rd Tampa



KB Factory Outlet Anderson Rd Tampa


KB Factory Outlet Adamo Dr Tampa

• Make sure your contractor has a permanent address. There are contractors who work on a freelance basis and have all of their equipment in their work vehicles. Sometimes these contractors can be talented and trustworthy, but this type of flexibility should also be a red flag. If they do a job that you aren’t satisfied with, they could disappear and not be held liable. When a contractor has a permanent place of business, you can always be sure that you can contact them and rely on getting through in case of trouble.
• Ask friends & family for advice. Talk to people who have had kitchen countertops installed by a contractor in the recent past. Did your trusted friends like the contractor? What snags in the remodeling process happened? It’s always a good idea to get a referral from someone you trust and that can help you understand how the contractor works.
• Look for reviews and do your research. Not all online reviews are trustworthy, so proceed with caution when you are doing your reading. However, they can be helpful to establish a basis for trust. You can also research the products that the contractor prefers to see if they choose quality and align with you on your product choice.                                                                                                                                                                             If you are looking for a trustworthy company to install your countertop,please stop by at our showroom.                                                                                                                   Thank you for reading

    KB Factory Outlet

Why to choose Granite Counter Top

Many people dismiss granite countertops when planning a kitchen remodel or building a new home. The idea that granite countertops are too expensive and not worth the investment is a well known deterrent for home owners. Unfortunately, dismissing the idea out of hand means that the advantages of granite countertops go unexplored and remain unknown.

Let us take a closer look at what granite counters can do for your kitchen and for your home:

Durability

Granite countertops are virtually indestructible. Unless you plan to take a sledgehammer to them, chances are they will not chip or scratch and will remain beautiful for a very, very long time. They are also heat resistant, so forget burn marks. When you choose granite for your counters, you can count on never having to install kitchen counters again.

Ease of Care

Granite countertops are so easy to maintain, clean and care for that you might forget you ever did. Water, a mild liquid dish soap and a clean, soft towel are all you will ever need to keep your granite counters shiny and spotless. Adding a sealer once every six months or so will make the cleaning process even easier.

Versatility

Granite comes in a wide variety of colors, hues and patterns. No matter what your existing décor looks like, you are sure to find just the perfect granite counters to match it. There is a granite slab out there for even the most unique tastes and needs, and no two slabs are alike, which means that whatever granite countertops are installed in your home, they are guaranteed to be one of a kind.

Beauty and Value

Granite has been used for ages, and for good reason: not only is it durable, it is beautiful. Its elegance will give any room in your home an ageless and classic look that can’t be matched. And while granite may be more expensive than low-grade laminate countertops, it will substantially increase the value of your home. Over time, your investment will be worth much more than what you initially contributed.

If you thought granite countertops were not worth the expense, you now have the information you needed to make an informed decision. If you do choose granite for your counters, you now know that it is the last time you’ll ever invest in countertops and that, if you ever choose to sell your house, your investment in granite will mean selling at a higher price, because granite will never devaluate. Visit our Showroom if you are looking for countertop with best price in Tampa.

Thank you for reading
KB Factory Outlet

How to prepare for New Kitchen Countertops..

When you have chosen your kitchen countertops, you will need to prep your kitchen to make sure they are installed correctly. The steps to take before putting in countertops are:

1. Choose a contractor.
2. Put everything in place for templating.
3. Set aside the time for installation of kitchen countertops

The first step in this list is to choose a contractor. Picking the right contractor should involve a good deal of research. You can find a contractor based on what neighbors or friends say, or you can look up reputable Granite businesses online. Always check to see that a contractor has a permanent address and mostly good reviews.

After you’ve selected the right contractor, you should make sure you know where everything is going to go in your kitchen when your remodel is finished. Make sure to buy appliances and a sink before installing kitchen countertops. This way, you can get all of the measurements that will impact how your contractor is going to cut the granite or other type of material.

When installation day comes, clean the route to the kitchen and make sure that contractors carrying heavy loads won’t be able to trip or drop your countertops. You will want to plot out a space of time between 2 and 6 hours. Many contractors won’t install if the decision maker isn’t present, so plan on overseeing the process from beginning to end. Besides, you will want to feel confident that your countertops are getting put in the way that you want.

The picture shows the cabinets have to be in place like this before installing Counter top.

If you are preparing for new Kitchen or Bathroom Counter top,please stop by at our showroom and we will assist you with each and  every steps in details.

Thank You for Reading

KB Factory Outlet

Granite Countertops—Polished vs. Leather What Is The Difference?

In our showroom, we often get asked questions in regards to finish options, as there are a number of choices. In this blog, We wanted to take a look at the difference between a polished finish and a leather finish.

Let’s take a look at a picture of the same stone in two different finishes…

A dark colour granite with left side is the polished and right side is Leather.

Lets look at some Pictures of kitchen countertop polished vs Leather that we recently installed.

Polished Dark granite is shiny and beautiful from close up.

Black Pearl granite with Leather finish island

A leather finish is similar to a honed finish, which offers a smooth, matte look, yet adds the interesting surface appeal to the touch.Whether you are looking for a polished finish for your granite countertops, leather finish, or some other finish type, we can help answer your questions. Make sure you stop by our showroom today to look at our products and finish options.

Thanks for reading!

KB Factory Outlet

Sink Ideas For Your Kitchen Countertops…

When it comes to buying new countertops, there are a lot of choices. From a selecting a material, color, edge detail, and backsplash, to the faucet and the sink, there are a lot of decisions to be made. Consumers these days, have more choices than ever. In this blog, I wanted to take a look at some options for sinks. While many people still like a traditional stainless steel double-bowl sink for the kitchen, there are many other options today. Some sinks offer single bowl options and others offer two or more. Many manufacturers offer a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, so it is a good idea to look around and see what appeals to your taste and budget.

Let’s take a look at a few sink varieties to choose from…

A nice curve design sink that compliments the countertops.

A beautiful large Farm Sink with lots of space for cleaning



A Undermount Stainless Steel 40/60 Sink itself a eye appeal 



A Undermount Single Bowl Full Sink Compliments the White Carrara Marble



The Undermount Granite Composite Sink Black.

If you are looking for any kind of sink,stop by at our showroom to check with the design and colour.

Thank You
KB Factory Outlet 

Add A Neutral Look To Your Kitchen With Some White Delicatus

In this blog, I wanted to share a few photos of a “Granite Delicatus White”Colour. we recently fabricated and installed in the Kitchen. Delicatus White features a white background with subtle gray flecks, and more dramatic black veins . It has a subtle pattern to it, making it popular choice for those looking for only slight variability, or more of a uniform-type look. Delicatus White works well for a variety of decorating options, since it easily goes with many color schemes.

Let’s take a look at the kitchen…

The beautiful and Uniform look of a Kitchen With Delicatus White

Delicatus White With a Kitchen Island.

Kitchen Granite Island With Delicatus White

If you are interested in this color, or would like to look at more “Granite” or other material options for your home, make sure you stop by our showroom today. We would be happy to help.

Thanks for reading!

KB Factory Outlet.

5 Bar Top Ideas…

In this blog, I wanted to take a look at some ideas for a bar tops. I don’t know about you, but I have seen some pretty cool designs for bar tops. I thought it would be fun to take a look at few ideas.Black granite is always one of my favorite colour when it comes to bar top. 

Let’s take a look…

There are some nice colours as well and i am going to post  the pictures to see how these bar tops create a unique look for your house.lets take a look at some new installed bar tops recently by us.

Granite is always a great option for a bar top. It is not only durable and low maintenance, but beautiful as well.We are the importer & fabricator of fine surfaces and we import International Granite & Stone from all over the world.you dream it and we make it a reality.

If you are looking at adding a bar top to your kitchen or home remodel, etc. , make sure you stop by our showroom to check out our material selections.

Thanks for reading!

KB Factory Outlet

Top 10 Reasons To Add A Granite Countertop To Your Home…

While there are many reasons consumers are attracted to granite for countertops, in this blog, I thought I would list the Top 10 reasons to add a granite countertop to your home. So here goes…

Top 10 Reasons To Add Granite Countertops To Your Home

1. Beautiful—Granite is a beautiful product. Formed by nature, granite has an aesthetic appeal all its own and a timeless look, unlike any other countertop material. It is no wonder that granite is the most popular choice for countertops among consumers.
2. Affordable—Granite is no longer considered a product just for the elite. Over the years, it has come down in price and is affordable for many. In fact, it is less expensive than quite a number of man-made products, depending on the color and most fabricators have a variety of pricing categories, which allows consumers to choose a color for their budget.
3. Low Maintenance—Granite is a low maintenance product and is easy to maintain. Most granite surfaces only require that they be cleaned with some hot water, dish soap and a soft white cloth . Spills and messes should be cleaned in a timely manner, as with other countertop products on the market.
4. Durable—Granite is one of the most durable materials available for countertops. Scratching and staining on granite surfaces is rare because its hardness factor.
5. Hundreds of Color Options—There are literally hundreds of colors to choose from with granite. From bold to sub-dued to consistent to flowing, I am be sure you will find a color that is just right for you!
6. Heat Resistant—For everyday cooking and baking, granite is heat resistant. Placing hot pots and pans directly on your granite countertop will not harm them, although many consumers still prefer to use hot pads and trivets.
7. Cooks Love it—If you like to cook, or bake, having a granite countertop is a bonus! Many people love rolling bread dough, or cookie dough directly on the surface, not to mention setting hot pans on it, which makes it easier to multi-task.
8. Sanitary— The food industry plus the medical industry use granite in various applications, not to mention the The Center for Disease Control, CDC, does not have any records of people becoming sick from bacteria in granite.
9. Adds Value —With people staying in their homes longer these days, more and more consumers are investing in a granite countertop because it adds value! Why not enjoy your home while you are there and benefit from the investment when it is time to sell?
10. Personalize—There are plenty of options, when it comes to granite. Whether you like a consistent look, or one with variety that includes veining, movement, or a flowing pattern there are are plenty of choices to fit your style.

Thank You for reading

KB Factory Outlet

Create A Unique Look By Mixing Countertop Materials…

Over the last several years, it has become fairly popular to mix and match countertop materials, as well as cabinet materials. That’s because, mixing and matching allows the customer to really customize their living space. We have seen quite a few customers mixing 2 different materials together. One example would be selecting granite for a center island, and using Silestone, or another “quartz” product for the perimeter tops. We have also worked with a number of customers that have selected 2 different colors in the same material. An example of this would be selecting the color, St. Cecilia, for a center island and the color, Opalescence, for the perimeter tops.

It has also become somewhat of a trend to mix dark and light tones together. We have seen this both with countertops and cabinet selections. For example, someone may select a dark stain for their center island cabinet and go with a lighter colored stain, or white for their perimeter cabinets, or vice versa. Several countertop colors, or materials often times are selected, as well, giving the project a nice contrast and a unique look.

Let’s take a look at a mix and match kitchens I came across…

Thank you for reading

KB Factory Outlet

Care And Maintenance For Marble Countertops…

In our showroom, we get asked questions in regards to maintenance & care  from time to time, for granite and other natural stones, such as marble. While both stones are relatively easy to maintain, and the care and maintenance practices are similar,

 the two stones do have different mineral compositions, so there are some slight differences. Let me explain…

  

Granite is the hardest natural stone available for countertops. While marble is also a relatively hard material, it is not as hard as granite. Marble is a calcite-based stone, that has a a more delicate chemical composition than granite. Since it is calcite based, some cleaning products may interact with it, which could possibly cause damage to the stone.                                        

With both surfaces, spills should be cleaned up in a timely manner. With marble countertops, spills that are acid based, such as lemon juice, wine, vinegar, liquor, or tomato sauce should be given immediate attention. Some perfumes and lotions, as well as other products may also etch the stone, leaving it dull and possibly rough when you rub your hand over the surface. Water should also be wiped up promptly on marble countertops, as over time, can also etch the stone.

At KB Factory Outlet, we do seal all of our natural stone countertops, including marble, before they leave our facility, which does help prevent some staining issues.

If you have questions in regards to marble maintenance and care, make sure you stop by our showroom. We would be happy to help.

Thanks for reading!

KB Factory Outlet

Granite Countertops—Spotlight On Typhoon Bordeaux

In this blog,We wanted to spotlight the color, Typhoon Bordeaux, which is quarried in

Brazil. 

Typhoon Bordeaux Granite Full slab

 

Typhoon Bordeaux Granite close view

Typhoon Bordeaux is a beautiful color with warm shades of beige, gold, and cream. Veins of burgundy, gray and black can also be seen throughout the slabs creating a gentle flow, or movement throughout. Areas of quartz are often prominent in this stone, which give it some character, depth and interest.

This color would look great in a kitchen, especially if used a center island, and would create a nice focal point for the room. It would also look nice as a bar top, furniture top, or fireplace surround.

If you like warm tones and granite colors with some flow to them, you might want to take a look at this color for your countertop project.

Let’s take a look at our a full slab…

Make sure you stop by our showroom today to look at this color, and others.

Thanks for reading!

KB Factory Outlet

What’s The Difference Between White Carrara Marble & Calcutta Marble?

When it comes to marble counterops, White Carrara marble is probably the most popular choice and the one that many consumers think of when they think of marble. That’t because it has a classic, elegant look that is timeless. White Carrara marble has been used for centuries in architecture, buildings and monuments and of course more recently for countertops.

Calcutta is another white marble however, that has gained popularity and has a look that is very similar to White Carrara. In fact, many people often confuse these two marbles, as the the characteristics of each stone are quite close.  If you look closely though, there are subtle differences.

Let’s take a look at some examples…

This photo shows a beautiful White Carrara Marble kitchen. Notice that the pattern contains fine gray veining.

This photo shows another beautiful White Carrara Marble kitchen. Again the pattern is light with feathery, small 

veins.

This photo shows a beautiful White Carrara Marble fireplace. The veins on this piece are larger, but there is still a light pattern with darker gray veining.

This photo shows a beautiful Calcutta Marble vanity top. Notice how the pattern is more defined.

This photo shows a beautiful Calcutta Marble kitchen. Notice the more dramatic veining in this island top.

This photo shows another beautiful Calcutta Marble kitchen. Notice in this photo that the pattern and veining also contains some light gold tones. Some Calcutta marble has more prominent areas of gold than others.

Both White Carrara marble and Calcutta marble can vary quite a bit from lot to lot, so it is best to hand select the marble you are interested in.

If you are interested in using marble for your countertops, make sure you stop by our showroom. We would be happy to help you with your selections.

Thanks for reading!

KB Factory Outlet

Add A Consistent Look With A “Quartz” Countertop…

When it comes to countertops, there are many options to choose from. That is why it is important to ask the customer up front if they have a material in mind, as well as a price range they looking at. It is also important to ask, if they like materials that have a consistent pattern, or ones that have a lot of variety and and movement to them. From there, questions can be asked about preference for color, etc. If consistency in pattern is really important, a “quartz” product might be a good option for them. While there are a variety of “quartz” products on the market these days, they are all essentially made the same way.

How It’s Made:

“Quartz” countertops are an engineered stone that is man-made. Most “quartz” is comprised of approximately 93% quartz and 7% resin binder by weight, (more than 80% resin by volume) with added pigments for color.

Manufacturers:

While we sell a number of “quartz” products including: Cambria,Wilsonart,Silestone, Caesarstone, Hanstone, Difiniti, Dupont Zodiaq and Color Quartz, there are other “quartz” products on the market, as well. Each manufacturer has their own unique colors to choose from, although some colors may be  similar to other product lines.

Maintenance

“Quartz” is relatively easy to clean and maintain. Most manufacturers recommend that they be cleaned with a hot, soapy dish cloth. “Quartz” products do not need to be sealed.

Price

“Quartz” is often more expensive than granite, depending on the color selection. It can range in price from anywhere from $65 to $100 per square foot.

If you are looking for a “quartz” product for your new countertop, make sure you stop by our showroom to check out all of our material selections.

Thanks for reading!

KB Factory Outlet

What Causes Some Granite Countertops To Look Reflective?

If you’ve been looking at granite for your countertops, you’ve probably noticed that some granite’s have reflective areas that seem to sparkle in the direct light. But what causes this and how come some granite colors have more reflection than other colors? Granite is a crystalline, igneous rock that is comprised of a variety of minerals including quartz and feldspar. Other minerals such as hornblend, mica and occasionally pyroxene can also be present in the stone. It is the mica however, that gives granite its reflective appeal.

Mica is a mineral that is present in several forms including biotite and muscovite and is found in a variety of rocks. It has known for its unique reflective properties, as well as its basal cleavage, which makes it split, or flake easily off a stone.

The majority of granite’s contain some mica, but certain colors contain more depending on the stones mineral composition. It is these stones that contain large amounts of mica that are vibrant in direct light and are quite appealing to the eye. Many consumers are attracted to the bright blue and green mica colors. Others like the silver and gold colors in some stones with mica that give it mirror qualities.

Let’s take a look at a couple of black or dark granite counter top containing mica…

Blue Pearl In Kitchen

Emerad Pearl Granite 

Beautiful Black Granite kitchen Counter top

Granite Bathroom Countertop

If you are interested in adding a granite countertop to your project, make sure you stop by our showroom to take a look at our colors, including those with a lot of mica.

Thanks for reading!

KB Factory Outlet