Author Archives: Countertop

Bathroom countertop materials, from good to best

Cultured Marble Vanity Tops

Are you looking for a new countertop for your bathroom vanity? Are you searching beyond the traditional bathroom countertop options? Or is your search related to budget friendly bathroom vanity tops? Well, if so, then below mentioned information can be helpful for you. Today, market is full of variety of countertop materials. It is not easy to select the apt material for bathroom vanity, because not all material possess the all the qualities that homeowners want in their bathroom vanity tops. However, there are certain countertop materials that can full fill maximum needs and requirements of the homeowners.

Bathroom countertop materials

Bathroom vanity tops do not need to be boring. You should pay attention over the material, style, edge, color, design and texture. A good vanity top will improve the overall look and feel of your bathroom. It can’t be the focal point of your bathroom (like kitchen countertop), but it can definitely enhance the beauty of your bathroom décor.

Take a sneak peek over below mentioned 5 best bathroom countertop options:

Ceramic Countertops

Ceramic can be a great choice for bathroom countertop surfaces, especially for those homeowners who are looking for budget friendly countertops. It is very cheaper and available in plenty of designs and textures. The installation of ceramic countertops is pretty easy that you can opt for DIY installation as well.

Laminate Countertops

Laminated countertops are new craze in the market. These countertops look rich and royal. They are available in plenty of styles. Laminate countertops are best for the bargain installation, whereas worst for the high end installations. These countertops can be good for guest bathrooms or basement bathrooms.

Solid Surface Countertops

Solid Surface Countertops can be an amazing choice for bathroom vanities. This material is the combination of flexibility and functionality in total style. It is the manmade countertop. If you are looking for a stylish countertop surface to adorn your bathroom décor, solid surface countertop is the best option for you. However, these countertops are a little bit expensive.

Granite countertops

Be it kitchens, fireplaces or bathrooms, granite is the ultimate choice. Granite is non-porous, bacteria resistant, stain resistant and heat resistant material, which can be best for the busy bathrooms.

Quartz countertops

If you are looking something different and ready to spend, then quartz countertop can be the apt choice for your bathroom vanity top. It got look for granite without maintenance hassles.

What is Silestone and what are its competitive characteristics?

fabricated granite countertops

Silestone is an amalgamation of raw materials and natural quartz. This material is extraordinarily resilient and hard. These features combine to form an amazing surface for kitchen counters, bathroom islands, floorings and wall sidings. Silestone countertops are manufactured for outstanding kitchen and bathroom design applications. Homeowners and commercial property owners can enjoy the amazing benefits of this material at reasonable price.

All about Silestone countertops

Silestone countertops are as beautiful as natural stone countertops such as marble, granite etc. These countertops are available in wide varieties of colors and astonishing textures. The silestone countertops look amazingly beautiful wherever they are installed. You can match the countertop to the existing décor of your kitchen or bathroom.

Silestone countertops are not just pleasing to eyes. They have many amazing qualities, such as:

Stain Resistant

Silestone countertops are non-porous in nature. These surfaces are highly resistant to staining caused by wine, lemon juice, coffee, vinegar, olive oil, makeup and any other products that are useful in everyday life.

Acid Resistant

Since silestone countertops are composed of one the hardest materials, they are exceptionally durable when it comes to resistance to acids. It means, you need not have to worry about spills of vinegar, lemon juice, shampoo and cosmetic on your countertop. The silestone won’t get stained because of acids.

Impact Resistant

The high impact resistance quality of silestone countertops can be compared to granite and solid surface products. This material gets the hardness from quartz, the elasticity from polyester resin and the beauty from vibro-compression procedure used during the production of the silestone countertops. This quality increases the safety when it comes to handling hard objects such as pans and pots.

Scratch Resistant

Silestone is scratch resistant material just like quartz. This material won’t get scratched with knives, spoons, clips etc. This is the reason why it is one of the most popular choices for kitchen and bathroom countertops.

More about silestone countertops

Silestone can be an apt choice for bathroom and kitchen countertops. This material has amazing qualities to fulfill the needs and requirements of your home. The silestone countertops are available everywhere in the market, but not all silestone countertops are same. In order to enjoy all the benefits of this material, you need to invest in the right product. Thus, find the right countertop vendor of contractor to get the right product.

Best countertops for busy kitchens

soild surface countertops

Kitchen countertops are one of the most ignored parts of the kitchens –it bears daily wear and tear, it gets dirty, and it abides load and heat. Still kitchen owners don’t play attention over the maintenance and care of the kitchen countertops. Be it restaurant kitchen, be it bakery kitchen or be it restaurant kitchen, the countertop has its role to play in the kitchen. The role of kitchen countertop varies kitchen to kitchen. It is very much important to treat the countertop right to enjoy years of services.

Everything about kitchen countertop

In residential kitchens, countertop is integrated part. It provides the surface where people can do a variety of tasks, such as:

Preparing dough
Cutting fruits and vegetables
Putting hot pots and pans
Preparing meal

Since kitchen countertop is used for a variety of tasks, it gets damaged in several ways. The countertop remains under load, stress, heat and moisture. This is the reason why homeowners are recommended to purchase countertop which is not only beautiful but durable, scratch resistant, heat resistant and long lasting. It is not possible to find all these qualities in single countertop material, but some materials full fill this criterion. The most recommended countertop material for residential kitchens are:

Granite
Marble
Quartz
Tile
Wood
Bamboo
Soapstone
Glass

In commercial kitchens, countertops remain under constant pressure. More than one person uses the counter for different tasks at one time. The countertop is exposed to more heat, more load, more moisture and more scratches in the commercial kitchens. This is the reason why stronger countertops are recommended for the commercial kitchen, such as granite and quartz.

More about kitchen countertops

Kitchen countertop selection: Different kitchens have different requirements. The countertop material should be selected by analyzing the needs and requirements of the kitchens.

Kitchen countertop installation: No matter which countertop material you choose for your kitchen, the countertop should be installed properly.

Kitchen countertop cleaning: Kitchen countertops must be cleaned on the regular basis. Generally, countertops are easy to clean. You just need wet cloth to get rid of the food spills.

Kitchen countertop sealing: Some countertop materials are porous, hence they are required to be sealed. It is important to hire the countertop contractor and schedule the sealing.

Tips to keep kitchen countertop clean

granite kitchen countertops

Kitchen countertop is one of the important kitchen assets. In order to keep your kitchen neat and tidy, you are required to keep your kitchen counter clean. Well, kitchen countertop cleaning is not a difficult task. You can clean your kitchen countertop just with soap water and cloth. However, you need to be careful while spilling on the surface.

Kitchen countertop cleaning

No matter if you have granite countertop, marble countertop, quartz countertop, tile countertop or bamboo countertop, cleaning is mandatory. Every countertop gets dirty sooner or later. In order to maintain a clean and hygienic aura at your kitchen, you need to clean it.

Kitchen countertop cleaning tasks can be made easier with the right tools. Different countertop materials have different cleaning needs and requirements. For example different scrubber and detergents are recommended for different materials. You should understand the kind of cleaning required for your countertop.

Kitchen countertop cleaning should be done carefully. You should not be too harsh on the surface. The countertops can be cleaned easily. You don’t need harsh cleaning. Otherwise, you may damage your countertop. This needs to be taken care while cleaning the sealed countertop surfaces.

Many times food particles accrue in the corner. In order to achieve the proper cleaning, you should clean the corners of your countertop. Otherwise, germs will grow, and you will notice foul smell around the countertop.

The most important thing you can do to make your kitchen countertop cleaning task easier is cleaning the spills right away. The more you wait the stiffer the spills become. Later, it will become harder to clean. Your kitchen countertop cleaning routine should be like –cleaning spills right away, cleaning entire countertop with soap water weekly, and performing through cleaning every month. This is how you can make your countertop look new all the times.

Importance of kitchen countertop cleaning

Kitchen countertop cleaning is an important task. There are plenty of reasons why you should keep your kitchen countertop clean, some of them are:

To make your kitchen look neat and clean
To prevent bacteria growth
To get smooth cooking surface

Kitchen countertop cleaning shouldn’t be avoided. No matter how you clean your countertop, you are required to keep it clean. If you are too busy for this task, you can hire professional cleaners. It is important for overall cleanness of your kitchen.

The Most Common Granite Countertop Questions: Answered!

kitchen counter

Granite is the first name that comes in mind when homeowners think about countertop replacement. Be it bathroom countertop or kitchen countertop, granite is the first choice of homeowners. Granite is popular countertop choice because of obvious reasons. This material has plenty of benefits. Even the availability of plenty of natural stone and manmade countertop materials is not able to decrease the popularity of granite countertops. Still many people have many doubts regarding kitchen countertop replacement.

Is granite a good kitchen and bathroom countertop?

Granite is apt material for kitchen and bathroom countertop. This material is heat and scratch resistant. It means granite can withstand hot pans, knives, flat iron etc. They can be installed above kitchen cabinets as well as on bathroom vanity. Granite countertops are available in plenty of colors and textures, which look good in both kinds of settings.

What are the alternatives to granite countertops?

There are many alternatives available on the market for granite countertops, such as marble, tile, bamboo, silestone and quartz. Each material has its own benefits. You should consider pros and cons of every material before finalizing any material for your kitchen or bathroom countertop.

How granite countertops different?

Granite is a natural stone. Each and every slate of granite is different from other. It means no two granite countertops will have similar designs. This material is heat resistant, germ resistant, scratch resistant, and low maintenance. It is not possible to get all these benefits in one countertop option.

What are faux granite countertops?

Faux granite countertops are not actually the granite countertops. It is the cheap solution to get look and feel of the granite countertop. Actually, you can paint your old countertop with certain solution to make existing countertop look like granite. It can be one of the cheapest countertop replacement techniques, as you neither need to purchase the new countertop nor need to invest time and money on the countertop installation. But at the end you will get the new countertop. So, if your existing countertop looks old or you want to give fresh look to your kitchen, faux granite is the solution.

Is granite an expensive kitchen countertop option?

Yes, granite is an expensive countertop material. Its price is higher than the most of the countertops available on the market. However, this countertop worth every penny you spent. Consider purchasing countertop from reputable and trustworthy countertop company.

Let’s Weigh the Pros and Cons of Granite Countertops

best kitchen countertop contractor

Your kitchen can be a more familiar and preferred place for entire family, if you redo it. Granite countertop can help you in making your kitchen a better place. The kitchen countertop plays an important role in deciding the look and feel of the entire kitchen. You can change your kitchen’s interior by considering the kitchen countertop replacement. A new granite countertop can make your kitchen appear livelier, and also there are many perks of working on granite surface. However, you should consider more kitchen countertop options, and make the apt choice according to your needs and requirements.

Things to know about granite countertops

Just like any other material, granite has its own advantages and disadvantages. In order to make sure that is granite the right material for your kitchen counter, you should learn about its pros and cons. The more you know about the material, the better choice you can make for your kitchen.

Pros of granite countertop

Granite countertops increase the value of the kitchens. This material looks elegant in the kitchens. It can instantly convert your mediocre kitchen into a high-end kitchen.
Granite is really very tough stone, and thus it is highly durable. It can withstand rough cooking. This material is even apt for commercial kitchens.
Granite countertops have natural look and feel. It has natural textures and patterns. Thus, when you install granite countertop, you get the earthy feeling.
Granite is a sleek and non-porous material. It does not promote the bacteria growth. Thus, you get clean and hygienic cooking surface.
Granite countertop is really very easy to clean. Soap water and cloth is all you need for cleaning. However, it is highly recommended to clean the spills right away.
Granite is a repairable stone. In case your countertop gets cracked or chipped, you can get it repaired.
Granite is a heat resistant material. You can directly put hot pan and pot on your countertop.
Granite has extremely flat surface. It gives you the perfect place for cooking cakes and cookies.

Cons of granite countertop

Granite is an expensive material. If you are planning budget friendly kitchen renovation, then granite is not an option for you.
Granite countertops require regular sealing.
Your granite countertop Morrisville nc can be forever stained if you seal it with existing stain.
Granite is quite heavy material. It requires additional structural support.

Quartz Countertops: All the Basics of This Stone

fabricated granite countertops

Once unknown, quartz is a popular name now in kitchen remodelling market. It has become one of the popular choices for kitchen countertops competing natural stone countertops. Quartz is a hard and manmade material, which is good for kitchens and bathrooms. It somewhat looks like natural stone and bound well with resins. Since this countertop does not require sealing, it is preferred by many homeowners over natural stone countertops, such as marble and granite.

Know more about quartz countertops

Quartz is an engineered stone. It has luster, hardness and translucence of its own. Quartz is 93 % made from stone while it contains 7% resins and polyesters. This makes it look different from natural stone countertops. This countertop contains remains of granite, marble, glasses, mirrors, ceramics and other industrial wastes. That’s how quartz countertops get their unique texture.

Benefits and features of quartz countertops

Great looks: Quartz countertops look amazingly beautiful. Quartz countertops are available in various colors and textures. You can easily match your countertop with cabinets and floors. It increases the value and beauty of place where it is installed.
Hardness: Quartz countertops are quite hard. They are good for both kitchen and bathroom. They are largely made from minerals, and these minerals define their hardness. Quartz countertop does not chip or crack easily. You can put hot pat or flattening iron on the countertop. This countertop can provide you years of service without any trouble.
A few imperfections: Since quartz is a manmade material, which contains some percentage of industrial waste, it has some imperfections. The slab of quartz countertop does not look as perfect as granite and marble slabs.
Non-porous: Quartz is a non-porous material. It does not absorb water easily. It means it will not absorb the spills of water, milk, juice and oil. This countertop is really very easy to clean. You just need water and cloth to remove the stains from the quartz countertop
Price: Even though quartz countertops are not as perfect as granite countertops, they are equally expensive. There is no significant amount of different between the price of granite countertop and quartz countertops.

Is granite a good kitchen countertop?

kitchen countertop replacement Granite is known for delivering beautiful aesthetics in bathrooms and kitchens. This material is specially considered for kitchen countertops. Only a few other countertops can match with the beauty that granite countertops offer.

Learn about granite countertops

Granite is a natural material having a timeless appeal and aura. The countertops made from granite take the kitchen decor to the next level, and often become the focal point of the space. This material is available in more than 25 shades of to work with, you will find granite that will blends with your kitchen flooring, cabinets and walls. This countertop looks beautiful in every setting.

Granite is a quite hard substance, and thus it is not prone to scratches. While you should not use knifes directly on the granite surface because it will dull knife blades. This material will handle normal wear and tear gracefully. Granite is heat resistant too, so you can use it near a cooking range or cook top. When you have put a hot pan on granite, it can take the heat without getting cracked or weakened. Even in the bathroom, putting a heating tool on it won’t be a problem.

Granite surface is very resistant to stains. It will not absorb water, if it is sealed properly. A good countertop contractor will be able to do granite sealing correctly so that it maintains sheen and shine indefinitely. Granite is very porous material. It is important to seal the countertop before using it.

Think before investing in granite countertops

In spite of all durability and durability, granite countertops do have weaknesses. The most notable problems can occur when the countertops are not sealed properly or the sealant washes off without it is being resealed. Granite is very porous. It means that poorly sealed or unsealed countertops can absorb juice, wine or oil, producing a stain that might not be possible to clean. An unsealed countertop can also promote bacteria growth.

Granite countertop Zebulon nc installation is not an easy task. In order to install this countertop in an adequate manner, you need to hire the granite countertop contractor. A professional contractor will install the countertop properly.

Countless benefits of marble countertops

marble countertop

Are you thinking about giving a royal makeover to your kitchen? Are you looking for natural stone countertop materials? Or do you simply want to replace your old kitchen countertop? Well, if so, then marble countertop is the answer to all your questions. Marble is an excellent material when it comes to kitchen and bathroom countertops. This material is cable of withstanding heat and moisture. And its aesthetics are above any other countertop material. This material increases the value of property wherever it is installed in the correct manner, and that too without demanding much maintenance.

Know about marble countertops

Marble has its own importance. Earlier, marble was used only for the construction of palaces, mosques and temples, but now this material is available of everyone. Now every homeowner can create rich and royal decor using marble countertops. Apart from countertops, marble is used in the fireplaces, flooring, walls, sculptures etc. Marble looks amazing in every possible form. This material has its own distinct features.

Know about marble countertops

When it comes to countertop material, marble can be an excellent option. There are many benefits of installing marble countertops, such as:

Marble is a classic beauty. The white scintillating marble countertop looks amazing wherever it is installed. This material reflects more light, and thus increases the brightness of the place where it is installed.
Marble is a naturally cool material. In case you love baking in your kitchen, then you will absolutely love marble It is not a heat conductor.
Though it is not as hard as granite, it is quite durable.
Unlike rare natural stones, marble is easily available. You can find marble countertop everywhere –online stores, countertop companies and countertop shops. This is the reason why marble countertops are not very expensive.
Maintenance of marble countertops is easy. You can clean it using soap water and cloth. No matter if it is food spills, juice, soap or nail polish stain, it is possible to clean your countertop surface.
Marble countertop installation is also easy. However, you should consider hiring the marble contractor, if you want to get this job done with perfection.

Things To Know Before Resurfacing Kitchen Countertops

best kitchen countertop contractor

Whether your kitchen countertop has beard years of wear and tear or you are thinking about kitchen countertop replacement just to provide fresh look to your kitchen, you can find a decent countertop surface without hefty price tag. There are many budget friendly kitchen countertop materials that not only look good, but also last for years. In order to find the right kitchen countertop material, you need to explore various kitchen countertop materials and brands. Learn about the pros and cons of every material, and then select the material that full fills all your requirements and fits within your budget.

Why to resurface the kitchen countertop

A new kitchen countertop can change the entire look and feel of your kitchen. It can lighten up the entire kitchen aura. Your kitchen will look more sophisticated after changing the countertop. Below mentioned are the reasons why you should consider resurfacing your countertop:

Your countertop looks worn out: If your kitchen looks worn out, then you should explore good kitchen countertop options. New kitchen countertop can change the entire look and feel of your kitchen.
Your countertop is old: Old kitchen countertops lose their shine and smoothness. Working on old countertop is not fun.
You are remodelling your kitchen: If you are remodelling your kitchen, then you should totally think about replacing your old countertop. New kitchen countertop will change the entire appearance of your old kitchen.
Your kitchen decor is compromised: Modern countertops are available in plenty of textures and colors. If your countertop does not match with the existing decor of your kitchen, then can easily find colors and textures in modern countertops.

Resurfacing Kitchen Counters

There are oodles of kitchen counter materials, from expensive granite to cost effective manmade materials. Depending on what you expect from your countertop and how much you are willing to spend on your countertop, you can explore the materials.

In order to find a budget-friendly kitchen countertop, you need to find the right kitchen countertop contractor or kitchen countertop company. The contractor will not only help you in selecting the right countertop for your kitchen, but also provide the installation services.