To Splash or not to Splash!

What is a backsplash?  This is a product intended to protect the wall behind your sinks and lavatories from water splashes. In the case of the kitchen it protects the wall from grease and food splatters as well.  Splashes also add an aesthetic value to your kitchen or bath. Backsplashes come in all colors, sizes, shapes and patterns, depending on if you are using tile, granite or marble.

Let’s discuss the 4” back splash first, using a matching material to your countertop or a tile alternative. In this case its main function is to protect the wall from water and not as much aesthetics.  Imagine that you spilled a pot of water.  The splash will protect the wall from the water dripping behind your cabinets and making a very expensive repair.  So at the minimum you need a 4 inch splash.

If you are tiling an existing wall with an existing countertop it is acceptable to tile above the 4” splash that you currently have.  However, if you are replacing this it may better serve you to save the money from the 4 inch splash and apply it to an alternate, more decorative full height tile splash.

There are countless tiles, some pre-matted mosaics, fabricated especially for the #backsplash area.  This tile can be glass, porcelain, ceramic or just about anything attractive to you.  It is normally installed from the top of the counter to the bottom of the upper cabinets. This is a much cleaner look. Tile prices can vary greatly, so do your homework and tally your totals.  This tile will vary in pricing from ultra-reasonable to very expensive. 

Full height #granite, #marble or #quartz solid surface splashes add an incredible look to your kitchen. The beauty of the stone is the continual movement of the veins or variegation that runs across your counters and then flows up your wall as a work of art. Full height stone splashes truly are God and Mother Nature’s artwork!

For more information call us at 678-292-6600 or contact us at www.Atlantisgm.com.

Truth in Advertising!

Don't be fooled by half off granite

On a popular site I recently saw a company advertising a last chance for a super deal for half off on up to 40 square feet of #granite.  The deal said the granite was normally $5,000 for 40 square foot but offered at $2,500 including installation.  If you do the math the $5,000 figure comes to $125 per square foot. There was a list of materials applicable that included many of the least expensive granites on the market. $2500 is not a deal on these materials. Most reputable granite companies would have installed first choice materials in these colors for far less than $2500 without using deceitful marketing practices.  I guess some companies can use whatever pricing strategies they want.    Do your research, granite suppliers that both over price and under price their granite are trying to draw you in for a reason.  Be an informed consumer.
For more information call us at 678-292-6600 or visit us www.atlantisgm.com

Buy One, Get Three Free!

“Buy One –Get Three Free!”

Have you ever seen a commercial where they offer men’s suits where you buy one get two free?  You go there and pick out a suit with a price tag of $300, and then you were told that was the promo price, if you want the special that suit is $900.

Also have you ever been to the grocery store and gone to the cereal aisle to see the ‘BOGO”, buy one get one, deal on the medium sized box only to see the larger box was less pricey. 

Or have you ever gone to a car dealership looking for the great price they offered in the ad only to find that was a specific VIN number, in a certain color, that only a drug crazed hippie would want. 

If you’ve ever been upset with any of the above scenarios then be very careful with marketing practices in the #granite and #marble industry.  People are constantly advertising $17-$28 per square foot, if you have time- go see what you get for this price, these ads are to draw you in and then flip you to something else.

Sure they have something to offer at that price, but it is generally, thin, unattractive material in a contractor’s grade.  If you were shopping for blue jeans, contractor’s grade would be referred to as thirds.  A lot of things go into the determination of the grade of the material.

Despite the attempt at making granite a commodity item, by both the large retailers and the ‘chop shops’, natural stone is still the Artwork of God and Mother Nature.  However, it is not nearly as expensive as it was 25 years ago due to advances in technology.  Granite can be inexpensive without being ‘cheap’.  Before you spend your hard earned money or your tax refund on granite #countertops, do your research and don’t fall for scam tactics. Hire a quality granite company to perform your work.  Take Granite 101.  The end result will be something you will see every day for the length of time you are in your home.
For more information call us at 678-292-6600 or visit us on the web, www.atlantisgm.com.

Cheapest Granite Countertops Atlanta

The beauty and effect of a quality granite job will last forever,

 however, poor quality and installation will do the same.

When you are searching for the cheapest granite #countertops in Atlanta consider a few things.

First ordering ‘cheap’ granite countertops is like going into a restaurant and ordering a cheap steak. You generally get what you ask for. A cheap steak is probably full of fat and gristle and leaves a bad taste in your mouth. The same can be true of cheap granite countertops. They can be full of fissures and flaws and can leave a bad taste as well.

These are the things to check for when shopping for granite countertops:

1 – Are the slabs 3cm thick or are they trying to push the thin stuff off on you?

2 – Are the slabs precut ‘blanks’, causing extra seams and determining their location?

3 – Can you view or select your own slabs?

4 – Are the slabs a superior grade or a contractor grade? ‘Contractor grade’ in the stone industry is what many other businesses refer to as ‘thirds’.

5 – Do you have viewing privileges and final approval of the layout on the slab? If not, you are at the mercy of the fabricator as to the final appearance of your granite counters.

6 – Are any cutouts (sinks/cooktops) reinforced?

7 – Is the seller advertising ridiculous “bait & switch’ prices just to get you into their store?

There is a big difference between cheap and reasonable. Just because granite #countertops are not ‘cheap’ does not mean that they cannot be reasonable and/or inexpensive. Do your homework, be an informed buyer. Don’t be taken in by marketing gimmicks. Search for a handful of legitimate, quality minded granite companies and get detailed estimates to compare. You can also get a feel for the company that you would be dealing with.

Don’t fall for ‘slap and go’ companies who offer the ‘cheapest #granite countertops in Atlanta’. Be informed and make a decision that you won’t regret later.

for more information contact Mike at Atlantis Granite and Marble, 678-292-6600 or visit our website at www.atlantisgm.com.