Author Archives: Countertop

Benefits And Care Of Marble Countertops

best kitchen countertop contractor

Marble countertops are common in kitchens. They are one of the most expensive countertops in the market, but at the same time they are one of the most durable. According to experts, when you take good care of them they can last for up to 100 years.

They come in different colors and hues where the color of the stone is determined by the area it was mined. If you are undertaking kitchen remodeling these are the countertops to go for.

Benefits of marble countertops

There are many benefits that come with the countertops. Some of these benefits include:

Beauty: as mentioned, the countertops come in different natural colors that you can choose from. In addition to this, these countertops have the ability of blending with different textures such as natural wood finishes.

Heat resistance: since they are made from stone, the countertops can’t burn or catch fire. While this is the case, they can be easily damaged by hot items placed directly on them. To protect your countertops it’s highly recommended that you place a mat on their surface.

In addition to being heat and fire resistant, the units are also resistant to cracks, breakage, and scratches.

Guide on how to take care of the countertops

For the countertops to last for a long time you should take good care of them. There are many ways in which you can do it:

Installation: care should start at the installation phase. You should ensure that they are installed by an experienced professional. The kitchen contractor you hire should not only be a kitchen professional, he/she should also be a marble countertop expert. This way you will have confidence that the units have been installed properly.

Cleaning: for the units to retain their elegant look you need to clean them often. When cleaning you should note that dirt materials tend to scour the surfaces; therefore, you should take a lot of care. To remove the dirt you should softly wipe the surface using a damp cloth. Remember that a lot of pressure will scratch the surface instead of removing dirt.

Sealing: while marble countertops NC are tough and withstand heat, they tend to stain easily. You should protect them from stains by applying a sealant on a regular basis.

Conclusion

Marble countertops are a great choice in your kitchen remodeling projects. For ideal results you should have them installed by a professional kitchen remodeler. You should also buy them from a reputable store.

How Did Granite Become The Kitchen Counter Standard?

soild surface countertops

Granite countertops are in trend for a decade, but now it granite has become the standard for evaluating the quality of kitchen countertop. Every home improvement magazine recommends granite for kitchen countertop. Despite of being more expensive than other countertop material, granite successfully maintain its number one position as kitchen countertop. But why granite is so popular? Why homeowners are crazy for granite countertops? Why every remodeler uses granite countertop? Well, because granite has all the qualities that a kitchen countertop material should have. It is ultimate choice for kitchens as well as bathroom countertop.

Reasons behind popularity of granite countertops

Granite is a beautiful material. It has the natural stone look, which aggrandizes the beauty of any kitchen décor. It is suitable for traditional as well as contemporary kitchens. The beautiful stone goes with every type of kitchen furniture.

Granite countertops are available in variety of textures. Every granite slab is different from another. It is not possible to find granite slabs that match with other.

Granite countertop can remain beautiful for years. You just need to pay attention over granite sealing. Once sealing is done, your countertop will retain its original sheen and shine. The sealed surface will be as good as new.

Granite countertops are not prone to scratches. You can easily use knifes and spoons on the granite. This surface does not get wear off. Even if your granite countertop develops scratches, you can opt for sealing to get rid of them.

First, granite surface does not get stained easily. And second, granite countertops are really very easy to clean. You can clean the surface with just wet cloth. The spills won’t get glued up on the granite.

Granite has amazing heat resistant qualities. You can put hot baking utensils, pans and pots on the granite countertop without worrying about the consequences. This is one of the primary reasons why granite countertop is a popular choice for kitchen countertop.

Granite countertops are quite expensive. However, the price of granite countertop varies from contractor to contractor. You need to find the right granite countertop contractor to purchase the countertop at the best price. It is better to look for the contractor who profile transportation and installation services as well.

Silestone Countertops – Benefits Of Installing Silestone

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Silestone countertops are getting popular among homeowners. This material offers benefits that no other countertop material can offer. That’s why it is becoming the top selling quartz countertop option. There are plenty of countertop materials available on the market, each having their own advantages and disadvantages. Homeowners seek the countertop material with maximum perks. And nowadays silestone is fulfilling the needs and requirements of the modern kitchen. If you are looking for a new countertop material, then check out the below mentioned benefits of silestone countertops.

Clean and Safe

Silestone countertop is very easy to clean. Their biggest sales pitch is that are a clean and safe alternative for your kitchen. It is true that when compared to other countertop options, silestone countertops can be cleaned with soap water and clothes. You need not have to spend hours in cleaning the spills and stains.

Anti-microbial Protection

Silestone countertops come with the anti-microbial protection. It is one of the most desired features homeowners look in the kitchen countertop material, because they want their cooking surface to be as hygienic as possible. Silestone’s anti-microbial properties make it an apt choice for kitchen countertop.

Eco friendly

Silestone is one of the most eco-friendly materials. It is made from quartz which is natural stone and available in abundance. This material does not harm the environment during manufacturing process as well. If you like using environmentally friendly items, then silestone countertop can be best for you.

Plenty of color choices

Silestone countertops are available in plenty of color choices including but not limited to black, grey, green and brown. You can easily find the countertop matching exactly with the color of your kitchen cabinets. Also, silestone countertops are available in plenty of textures as well.

Many more uses

Silestone is an amazing material. Apart from kitchen countertop, it can be used for making floors and staircases. If you want you can match your countertop with the existing décor of your house.

It is important to understand that not all silestone countertops are same. You need to do some market research to find the best quality. Explore various countertop options, compare their pros and cons, and then invest on the right one.

Quartz vs. Granite Countertops: The Complete Rundown

soild surface countertops

When you plan about remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, choosing right countertop becomes one of the most important tasks. Because of availability of plenty of countertop materials, it is not easy to choose the one. Among so many available options, granite and quartz countertops are the most popular ones. Both materials have their own pros and cons, which makes it even more difficult for homeowners to choose the one. Granite provides bold look to kitchens and bathrooms, while Quartz adorn the beauty of kitchens and bathrooms. There are so many assumptions and delusions floating around about quartz and granite. Vie between Granite and Quartz countertops can be seen ad natural stone countertops verses manmade countertops.

Quartz countertops

Quartz is a manmade countertop material. It is made from a mineral which is available in abundance on planet. The countertops contain 90 % of crushed quartz resins and 10 % of resin binders.  As it is 100 % synthetic product, Quartz countertops are available in plenty of patterns and colors. This provides you a lot of options to choose from.

The best thing about the quartz countertops is that they look like natural stone countertops. The finished stone seems to be rich. It is easy to find the quartz countertop that matches with your kitchen décor.

Many homeowners prefer quartz countertops because it is a low-maintenance material. Quartz countertops can handle stains of tomato, oil, wine, juice, coffee and many more stainable products. And quartz does not hold germs, so you your countertops will be clean after just one wipe.

If Quartz and Granite countertops are compared in terms of beauty, Granite wins. The granite countertops have that natural stone appeal. On the other hand, Quartz countertops look like imitation of granite.

Granite countertops

Granite countertops are made from 100 % natural stone. Each granite slab is different from other. These countertops provide rich and royal look to every kitchen. Every homeowner welcomes granite countertop with alacrity.

The best thing about the Granite countertop is it can ameliorate the look and feel of any place where it is installed. This countertop material is suitable for both kitchens and bathrooms. This countertop can withstand stains, scratches etc.

There are two drawbacks of Granite countertop –it is expensive and it requires annual sealing. Yes, granite countertops are one of the most expensive countertop materials. And this material requires annual sealing to maintain its shine.

Spectacular Custom Kitchen Island Ideas

fabricated granite countertops

Kitchen island is one of the most important things to consider when renovating the kitchen. It plays both functional and aesthetic role. The kitchen island top creates the final look and feel of the kitchen. Your kitchen renovation will not be complete without replacing the old kitchen island from the new one.

Significance of kitchen island

The kitchen island is the most important feature of the kitchen. It is a usual gathering spot for breakfast when everyone has to rush to their own busy days. It also provides plenty of functionality to a kitchen by adding workspace and storage. Taking its central position in the kitchen into consideration, it is worth investing time and money to have the best kitchen island.

Choosing the right kitchen island

The very first thing that you should consider while selecting your kitchen island is size. In order to install the right-sized kitchen island, you need to keep the size of your kitchen in mind. The size of kitchen island should be directly proportional to the size of kitchen. If you have a big kitchen, you are free to play with various designs and sizes. For smaller kitchens, the kitchen island needs to be compact.  When selecting the size of the kitchen island, consider how the functionality of your kitchen will be affected by it.

The secret to getting the right size is planning. Discuss with your kitchen contractor and look for a perfectly sized kitchen island.

The second thing you need to consider is storage. A kitchen island is an amazing way of adding more storage to your kitchen. There are plenty of ways of incorporating storage into your kitchen island from contemporary drawers to traditional cabinets to creative open shelving.

The last but important aspect of kitchen island planning is kitchen island countertop. It is very important to select the right countertop material to get the desired look and feel. There is plenty of kitchen island countertop material available on the market to choose from. You need to opt for material that not only looks good, but also capable of withstanding daily wear and tear. In order to choose the right countertop material, sit down with your kitchen countertop contractor and discuss the nitty-gritty of your project. A professional can recommend you the best countertop.

Avoid these mistakes while selecting bathroom vanity tops

Cultured Marble Vanity Tops

Homeowners do not pay a lot of attention when it comes to selecting the bathroom vanity top. Then end up with the wrong vanity material and regret later. Bathroom vanity top is as much as important as kitchen countertops. It is important to pay attention over material, style, design and color of the vanity top before installing it on your bathroom vanity. One small mistake can ruin the overall look and feel of your beautiful bathroom.

Bathroom vanity top mistakes

–Not paying attention over size: Bathroom vanity size should be an important consideration while purchasing the one. If size is not chosen properly, it will look too big in the bathroom and cover a lot of area. Plus, it is create inconvenience in using the bathroom vanity in the small area.

–Not paying attention over bathroom vanity top shape: Bathroom vanity top shape is an important consideration. You should pay special attention over the vanity top shape. It is possible to provide a touch of style by choosing a stylish shape. Modern vanity tops comes in a lot of stylish shapes.

-Selecting random color: The vanity top should match with the entire decor of your bathroom. If you install vanity top of any random color, it will look odd. Modern countertops are available in variety of colors and textures.

-Selecting the wrong countertop material: Bathroom vanity top material is the most important thing that you should consider while selecting the vanity top material. The vanity tops are available in a lot of materials such as –granite, marble, quartz, silestone, tile etc. Different countertop materials have different qualities. Some materials are heat resistant, some are scratch resistant, some are stain resistant and so on. The countertop material, you should select should be capable of coping up with the day to day activities of your bathroom.

-Purchasing overpriced countertop: A lot of contractors and companies are selling bathroom vanity tops at different prices. Along with the quality, you need to consider the price of the countertop before investing your fortune. Compare the price of the same material with different bathroom vanity top contractors, and then finalize the one who is offering the best quality at the best price. It is possible to save a lot of money by choosing the right contractor.

Silestone Countertops: The Pros and Cons

granite kitchen countertops

Selecting the best countertop material for your bathroom or kitchen is a complicated task.   Finalizing the ideal countertop with all of the options available on the market (like marble, granite, glass, steel, bamboo, faux-granite etc.) is a big challenge. Among all countertop materials, silestone countertops are popping out as the popular countertop material choice because of its stain resistant quality. Silestone is a manmade countertop material. It is manufactured from quartz. This countertop comes in oodles of color tones, finishes and styles for kitchen and bathroom treatments, matching many home styles.

Silestone Overview

Silestone is made from quartz crystals. Quartz is already a popular material for manufacturing of sinks, shower trays, floors, wall cladding and countertops. Silestone has inherited a lot of qualities of quartz.

Silestone is durable and non-porous in nature. This material is hard and resistant to stains, scratches and bacteria. Silestone countertops are easy to maintain and customize. You can achieve a high-end finish without the providing high-end maintenance. Many existing users of quartz countertops are opting for silestone countertops for their bathrooms and kitchens.

Silestone countertops for kitchens

Kitchen is the heart of home. You want your kitchen to not only look good, but working inside the kitchen should be easy. And kitchen countertop plays an important role in the overall look and feel of the kitchen. Silestone can be a good choice for kitchen countertop surface.

No matter what is the size and shape of your kitchen, there is a Silestone countertop for you. Your countertop, floors, sink and even walls can be made with Silestone. No space is too big or too small. Silestone countertop can enhance the beauty of your kitchen and make the countertop as the focal point of the kitchen.

Silestone countertops are available in a lot of contemporary designs that provide modern look and feel to your kitchen.  You can select color, design, shape and size as per your needs and requirements.

Silestone countertops for bathroom

When it comes to bathrooms, silestone is not as popular as it is popular for kitchens. Still, many homeowners prefer silestone for bathroom vanity top installation. It is mainly because of availability of this material in oodles of colors and designs. It enhances the beauty of bathroom décor as well. If you want to make your bathroom look fancy, you can also opt for the silestone countertop.

The Most Popular Kitchen Counter Top Materials

marble countertop

Interior decor is not unlike fashion. There are classic designs that will last a lifetime, and there are home decor trends that come and go. There are plenty of kitchen countertop materials available to you when you think about renovating your kitchen.  It can be difficult to select what design is the best fit for your kitchen needs, as ever family has its own unique requirement from their kitchen countertop. When thinking about kitchen decor, kitchen countertop material is one of the important consideration. A countertop plays an important role in deciding the look and feel of your kitchen.

Favorite Kitchen Countertop Materials

Choosing kitchen countertop material is a big decision. You need to be very careful while selecting the countertop material. The countertop material you choose should posses all the qualities that make your day to day tasks easier. Check out the below mentioned kitchen countertop options:

Stainless Steel Countertops

Stainless steel countertop has classy and elegant feel. It creates an up to date, trend-setting and modern appeal. These countertops are water, heat and germ resistant. Other than regular wash and polish, these countertops require very little maintenance. Over time they are susceptible to scratches and dings.

Soapstone Countertops

Soapstone is a natural stone countertop just like granite. It is a softer surface made from talc, but the soapstone countertops are studier consist of large quantity of quartz. This makes it an apt choice for a kitchen countertop surface. Soapstone countertops are available in beautiful matte grey finish. The most interesting thing about soapstone countertop is that the color of countertop get darkens with age. This material is not prone to scratches and dents.

Recycled Glass Countertops

If you are looking for environmentally friendly kitchen countertop option, then recycled glass countertops can be an ultimate option for you. It is a beautiful kitchen countertop material, available in plenty of colors and designs. This material can last up to 50 years as a kitchen counter. It is quite easy to clean and maintain, but it requires annual sealing.

Slate Countertops

This fine-grained rock can form a beautiful countertop. Slate has a natural uneven surface that makes it an offbeat countertop surface. Many homeowners find this quality aesthetically appealing.

Quartz Countertops

Quartz is a naturally occurring beautiful material. It is one of the most scratch resistant substances available. Quartz countertop is extremely easy to maintain and clean.

Marble vs. Granite Kitchen Countertop

granite kitchen countertops

If you are in process of finalizing the surface for your kitchen countertop, then you may like to consider various kitchen countertop options available on the market. Kitchen countertop market is mostly covered by granite and marble. Granite has its own classic charm, but now homeowners are looking for something different.  Marble looks amazingly beautiful as kitchen counter, but it is a high maintenance countertop surface. This makes it quite difficult for people to choose the right countertop for their kitchen.

Comparing marble vs. granite kitchen countertops

In order to select the right kitchen countertop, it is important to make your decision by comparing both the surfaces. You should understand the pros and cons of both materials before finalizing any one.

Granite is famous for its low-maintenance qualities. This material is very easy to clean. You can clean spills with wet cloth. You need not have to use harsh chemicals on surface, soapy water and detergent is enough for cleaning the granite countertop.  Granite countertops generally have darker shades such as black, dark green, grey etc. These colors do not get stained easily by acids, oil, vinegar, lemon juice and other foods.

Marble countertops are not maintenance free. If you want to keep the scintillating surface of marble countertops clean, you need to be careful while using the countertop. Do not spill oil, vinegar and acids on the marble countertops. Also, if food spills left on the countertop for a long period of time, you need to scrub a bit to make your countertop clean. Marble countertops come in lighter shades. This is the reason why marble countertops get stained easily.

In terms of look, both granite and marble countertops enhance the beauty of the kitchen. While granite is known for traditional look, marble countertop can royally redo your kitchen.  Granite has been the number one choice for countertop for years. This makes it monotonous. On the other hand, marble came as option for kitchen countertop recently. It adds freshness to kitchen decor. You can pair the marble countertop with marble flooring as well.

Have a quick glance over quick comparison of granite and marble countertop:

  • Granite countertop does not get scratched easily. Whereas marble countertop is prone to wear and tear.
  • Sealed granite countertop does not get stained easily
  • Granite is a heat resistant material, you can put hot pans and pots on the surface.

Why granite is still the best choice for countertops

kitchen countertop replacement

Looking for an amazing countertop material for your new kitchen? Thinking about replacing old bathroom countertop? Well, if so then look no further than granite countertops. The granite countertops are ultimate choice for both kitchen counter and bathroom vanity. Granite has been loved for millennia for its durability and beauty. It was used by ancient Egyptians in the construction of pyramids, and it still continues to grace modern kitchen decors. It is a distinctive stone in terms of both structure and appearance that persists to meet the increasing demands of homeowners and interior decorators.

Striking features of granite countertop

Granite is popular as the countertop material since a long time. Despite of the availability of cheaper materials, granite still has the strong hold on the countertop market. This material has its own charm that it is loved by generation after generation. Granite countertops never go out of trend. They always increase the beauty and value of house. However, it is always advised to invest in good granite countertop material to enjoy all the amazing benefits of the granite.  Take sneak peek over below mentioned information to understand the striking features of granite countertop.

Granite is durable

Granite countertops are made from igneous rock having a holocrystalline structure. That implies that the crystals that make this stone are not fully develop, instead, they are grown into each other. This interlocking structure of crystals makes granite very durable and provides it the crystal look for which it is famous.
You can run knife, put hot iron or drop cosmetics o the granite surface. It won’t get damaged. You can enjoy granite countertops in your bathrooms and kitchens without worrying about damage.

Granite is nearly maintenance free

Apart from annual sealing, granite countertops do not require much maintenance. You can clean these countertops with just wet cloths.

Granite gives many design options

Granite countertops are available in oodles of colors and textures. The granite crystals form variety of textures. Every granite slate is different from other. And it comes in different colors such as –black, grey, orange, dark green etc. With so many options to choose from, it is unproblematic to select the countertop that will fit in with your bathroom or kitchen design and yet remain timeless.

Granite countertops are affordable

Despite of all the benefits, granite countertops are affordable. You just need to locate the best granite countertop company.