Granite countertops are a major investment for most homeowners. In fact, most owners make the investment without taking the time to understand a few very basic granite countertop problems and how to avoid them. Not knowing the basics when it comes to properly caring for your granite countertops can be a very costly mistake.

Granite tile installs easier than many people think. If you've ever installed ceramic tile, chances are excellent you'll also be successful at installing granite tiles. Except for the kind of grout and sealer and the fact that you can't score and break it apart like you can ceramic (you'll need a tile saw for all your cutting), it's much the same.

Off With the Old, On With the New

The first step is to remove the old countertop. Unless your current countertop is screwed on to the corner braces, you can easily remove it; if glued, you'll most likely have to use a crowbar to pry it loose.

Are you tired of those worn-looking countertops but the budget just cannot take the strain of replacing them? Before you go on a bean-and-wiener diet in order to save up for the granite, slate, or marble countertops of your dreams, consider painting the laminated counters you now have. Painting them is a viable and far less expensive solution that can conclude with excellent results if you follow these step-by-step instructions.

So you've grown weary of looking at those 10-year-old coffee mug stains and the not-so-attractive stripes hashed into the laminate from chopping food without a cutting board and now you're in the market for some countertop refacing. Just what options do you have? You've heard of several, but really don't know much about any of them.

Well, we've gathered together a list of some of the most popular materials homeowners and kitchen redecorators are using to redo tired, worn-out-looking counters. Take a look; you just may discover just what you want right here on the Net without even having to venture out your door.

Ceramic Tile

Tiled kitchen counters are fantastic, but wear-and-tear take their toll and may leave your countertop needing freshening up. Contractors will be more than happy to take on the job of retiling your kitchen counter, but there are options for the homeowner who wants to avoid spending money.