Category: Getting to Know Our Suppliers

Granite Finishes: Which Do You Prefer?

As a natural stone, granite is derived from the earth and comes in a variety of different colors and patterns. Since no two slabs will look exactly alike, granite gives homeowners a sense of individuality in their home.

In addition to a variety of colors and patterns, did you know that granite comes in different finishes? Each finish has its own benefits and challenges but in the end creates a custom look. We visited Tropical Stone, LLC in Malvern to compare four of these textures: polished, leathered, brushed and honed.

Polished

The most popular finish on granite countertops in American homes is a polished finish. As the least porous out of all of the finishes, polished finishes are the easiest to clean. This finish is shiny, mirror-like and will be the center of attention in your kitchen.

On the downside, granite with a polished finish will easily show smudges and any other imperfections in the countertop.

Leathered

Granite with a leathered finish has the sheen look and feel of real leather. If you’re looking for a rustic, less-shiny look, then leathered granite may be the right choice for your home.

Unlike a polished finish, leathered finishes disguise smears and crumbs. However, leathered and other textured granite is not as easy to clean as polished granite and requires more sealing.

Brushed

Brushed granite has a worn-in look and uneven texture. This finish dilutes the color of the granite and makes the stone appear more natural and rock-like.

Brushed granite is more porous than polished granite and is more susceptible to dirt and stain because of its uneven surface. For this reason, brushed granite will require more frequent sealing and deep cleaning.

Honed

Honed granite has the feel and appearance similar to a blackboard. Like polished granite, it is soft and smooth to touch. Unlike polished granite, honed granite is not shiny, but rather has a subtle matte appearance that hides imperfections.

Deciding on the right granite depends on the person. Do you want your granite to be the eye-catching center of attention in your home, or would you prefer something more subtle? To choose the right granite for you, think about which finish is the best fit for your intended use and design preferences.

Turnberry Custom Homes specializes in new construction, renovations/additions and commercial fit-outs. We serve Berks, Montgomery, Chester and surrounding counties.

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Getting to Know Knappenberger Finish Carpentry

Knappenberger Finish Carpentry Working with Turnberry Custom Homes for the First Time!

This is the first time Knappenberger Finish Carpentry is working on a project with Turnberry Custom Homes, so we wanted to get to know them better!

Knappenberger Finish Carpentry is currently hard at work installing a classic black and white railing in one of our custom new construction homes, the Gyomber Residence.

Railing work — Knappenberger Finish Cabinetry is hard at work on the classic black and white railing at the Gyomber Residence.

The owner of Knappenberger Finish Carpentry, Eric Knappenberger, took the time out of his busy day to talk to me about his company and his work with Turnberry Custom Homes.

How did Knappenberger Finish Carpentry Connect with Turnberry Custom Homes?

Eric first met Kevin Kozo, owner of Turnberry Custom Homes, when they worked together years ago at Berks Homes. In the year 2000, Eric branched out and started Knappenberger Finish Carpentry, which specializes in stairway, trim and cabinetry installation. In 2005, Kevin also created his own company, Turnberry Custom Homes. The two are working together once again!

How Has Your Experience Been so Far on Your First Collaboration with Turnberry Custom Homes?

Eric explained that in his experience as owner of Knappenberger Finish Carpentry, many contractors frequently delay or reschedule his portion of the project. He emphasized how accurate Kevin’s timeline is and how beneficial it is to be working with one contractor instead of several. Eric also said that Kevin gave him the space and independence to focus on his own work.

railing close up — Close-up image of the railing at the Gyomber Residence

Will Knappenberger Finish Carpentry and Turnberry Custom Homes Collaborate on Future Projects?

When I asked Eric this, he instantly replied, “I would love to!” Overall, Eric described his work with Kevin as a great experience. We look forward to working with Knappenberger Finish Carpentry in the future!

Article written by Leah Williams, Intern at Turnberry Custom Homes

Getting to Know Granite Works

You can cut directly on granite … but you might break your knife

On Wednesday, I went out of the office to visit our counter top supplier, Granite Works.

granite 2 — Granite selections at Granite Works

Before meeting with Glenn Unger, owner of Granite Works, I knew very little about granite and where it came from.

Here are three interesting things I learned about granite:

1. Cost does NOT depend on Quality

This one surprised me. Usually, the more expensive something is, the better the quality. With granite, the price depends on how difficult it is to excavate and ship it to the United States, since very little granite actually comes from the U.S.

A unique slab of granite from the granite yard

Granite Works offers three different levels of granite. Level one granite is the most popular and generally the least expensive compared to level two and level three granite, which is more difficult to excavate.

2. Maintenance: A Common Misconception

Glenn informed me that a common misconception clients have about granite is how difficult it is to maintain. According to Glenn, granite only needs to be sealed once a year, and it is more like a deep cleaning of your counter tops that you simply spray and wipe.

3. Durability: How Easily Does Granite Scratch?

Soapstone is less durable than granite. Glenn demonstrated how easily it is to scratch, even with your own fingernail. — Soapstone is less durable than granite. Glenn demonstrated how easily it scratches, even with your own fingernail (visible scratches on the top right section).

Since granite is such a beautiful, natural stone, I wanted to know how tough it actually was. When I asked Glenn if you can cut directly on it, he told me you could … but you might break your knife. I think he could tell I was a bit skeptical, so he then demonstrated for me with his pocket screwdriver.

Below is a brief video of my visit that includes Glenn’s demonstration of how durable granite is:

Perhaps I am naïve when it comes to counter tops, but I couldn’t believe there was no damage done to the granite!

Glenn did recommend that although you can cut on granite, it would be best to treat granite like normal counter tops by using cutting boards and hot pads.

In addition to granite, Granite Works offers a wide selection of marble, soapstone, travertine and quartz solutions.

Article and video by Leah Williams, Intern at Turnberry Custom Homes.

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