Zeppernick Homes at the 2010 BIA Parade of Homes from Parade of Homes on Vimeo.

Kevin Knight at the BIA Parade of Homes from Parade of Homes on Vimeo.

New England Homes/Garth’s at the BIA Parade of Homes from Parade of Homes on Vimeo.

Weaver Homes at the 2010 BIA Parade of Homes from Parade of Homes on Vimeo.

Dani Homes at 2010 BIA Parade of Homes from Parade of Homes on Vimeo.

The kitchen is one of the most popular rooms for Parade attendees because there are so many ideas to be found. This year’s Parade kitchens will highlight the latest and greatest in appliances, cabinetry, lighting, storage and plumbing fixtures. But sitting atop all of that, and the thing that probably gets noticed first in the kitchen, is the countertop.

On a recent trip to the Parade site, we posed a question to a representative from Marble and Granite Works of Plain City who we found calling on one of the five builders who are using their products:  What’s the big whoop about granite? Is it hard to maintain? And how expensive is it, really? The short discussion led to an invitation to come out to their Plain City showroom for a field trip and to learn a little more about the different surfaces they have to offer.

The showroom at Marble and Granite Works is really just the tip of the iceberg, it’s where you can see all of the different options laid out in front of you. They have stone from all over the world, and some pretty cool pictures on the walls showing the process by which the stone is quarried. In addition to granite, the company also stocks several other natural and man-made surfaces as well.

From the showroom we went back to the vast storage warehouse where hundreds of different slabs of varying materials are lined up. A customer places their order by deciding on the material and color they want to use. Once they finalize how the room is to be laid out, the granite is ordered. When the granite arrives in the warehouse, a template of the surface is cut from a clear mylar overlay. The idea is that the customer can choose which part of the stone to highlight. Because any stone surface has natural variances, which only add to the beauty, the layout process is a chance for the customer to choose which of those variances they want to have live on their counter forever.

From the layout area, the stone is taken to the cutting area where it is cut, polished and finished. There’s only one chance to cut the stone right, so there are many checks and balances, not to mention very detail-oriented employees manning the process.

Marble and Granite Works has a unique finish that they put on all of their granite called SenGuard. This colorless treatment gives a 15-year stain warranty to the consumer and helps seal against cleaners, stains, and other potential damage.

So back to the original question: What’s the big whoop about granite anyway? Granite is an amazing natural stone that comes in hundreds of colors and patterns. By choosing granite, a customer is assured a unique surface. Because there are so many different types of granite, there’s sure to be something that works with any decor. And with the special finish used by the folks at Marble and Granite Works, the surface is very low maintenance and durable.

Granite can be pricey, but as I learned there’s also a large variety in the pricing depending on the granite selected. There are also other natural stone products that are available and possibly more budget-friendly. If you’re considering natural stone, it’s worth a trip out to Marble and Granite works to see if they have something that will accommodate your budget.

Bring your design questions to one of the Q&A and meet-and greet sessions – a great opportunity to tap into Fontana’s design expertise.

As a TV host and personality, Frank Fontana has built his long running television career and celebrity brand on such networks as NBC, ABC, TLC and WGN. Now as one the nation’s leading “High Style, Low Cost Decorating Guru’s,” he is the Host / and Lead Designer for one of HGTV’s longest running, top rated design shows, Design on a Dime. Frank’s charm, personality and ability to deliver quality information in an entertaining fashion, makes him a clear standout in the entertainment industry.

As one of the nation’s most sought after Design Experts, Frank Fontana appears regularly on NBC’s “TODAY Show” and WGN National News, as well as many news outlets throughout the country including Oprah and Friends Radio Network. Frank’s creativity and diversity is demonstrated through his passion for writing. He currently pens a column titled, “Chicago Style”, featured in the Chicago Sun Times and is the author of his new book, titled, “Frank Fontana’s Dirty Little Secrets of Design.”

Shoe Carousel at Weaver Custom Homes from Parade of Homes on Vimeo.

This product comes from a company called Storage Motion, and can be installed for shoes or even in your kitchen or pantry to organize other items.