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Marble Countertop Care Dos And Don’ts

Do you own marble countertops? You should know that it’s your responsibility to keep them in top shape. For this to happen, you need to observe a set of dos and don’ts, which include:

Don’t leave grime on the countertops

If you have small children or a large family, it’s common to have stains on your countertops.

It’s easy to forget about these stains, especially if tired.

You should note that when you let the stains stay on your countertops for long, they permanently stick on the surfaces, and you have an extremely hard time removing them.

Sometimes you are even unable to remove them, and you have to replace the countertops.

You should always wipe your countertops after using them to prevent this from happening. To protect the surfaces from stains, always cut your fruits, vegetables, meat, and other food items on a board—never cut directly on the surfaces.

Don’t use acidic cleaners.

As much as you want your countertops to look exquisite, you shouldn’t clean them using acidic cleaners. This is because the cleaners will dull the professional finish and eat away at the stone surfaces, leading to etching.

Etching resembles watermarks or surface stains, but they are chemical burns that have damaged your surfaces. If you used a lot of acids and the etching is extensive, you may need the services of an expert to restore the damaged areas.

To be on the safe side, use the right cleaning products. As a rule of thumb, use products specially formulated for use on marble and other natural stones. If you aren’t sure about the right one to go for, get the input of a professional.

In the event you find your countertops with a stain, there are several ways you can remedy the situation. If you have oil or grease stains, create a baking soda and acetone mix, then apply it to the affected area.

Let the mixture sit for 24 hours before wiping it away and rinsing it with water. If the stains sit deep into the countertops, you may have to apply the mixture two to three times.

Once you are done removing the stain, remember to apply a sealing agent to provide your countertops with an extra layer of protection and prevent more stains.

If your countertops have wine, coffee, tea, fruit juice, or any other organic stains, remove them by mixing one part laundry bleach with one part water, then spray it onto the surfaces. Let the mixture stay on the surface for 15 minutes, then rinse it with water.

You can also place a clean paper towel over the stain, then pour a 3-4% hydrogen peroxide solution to the towel to the point of saturation. Allow the solution to sit on the countertop for at least 24 hours before wiping away and rinsing the area with water. If the stain doesn’t go away, repeat the procedure.

Seal the countertop at least once a year

Marble is highly porous, so it needs regular sealing to prevent stains. You should always seal the countertops the first thing after installing them, but this isn’t enough—you need to seal them at least once every year.

To tell whether it’s time to seal the countertops, undertake a water test. Here you pour 3 inches of water on several areas of your countertop then let it sit for at least 30 minutes. If you see a dark mark or ring on the countertops, the water is penetrating the stone and it’s time to reseal the surfaces.

You can do the sealing if you have the skills, but let it be done by an experienced professional for the best outcome.

Polish the countertops

Besides sealing the surfaces, you also should polish them to maintain a shiny, clean look.

There are plenty of products you can use to do the cleaning. From cleaning agents with neutral pH to acetone and hydrogen peroxide, there are plenty of options you can go with.

Unlike sealing, you can polish the kitchen countertops Durham by yourself. You need to ensure that you don’t overdo it as marble is highly delicate and can easily break if you over polish it.

4 Kitchen Countertop Mistakes You Should Avoid Making

Countertops are one of the most vital parts of your kitchen, as they affect the look of the kitchen and its functionality.

Most homeowners installing kitchen countertops for the first time make plenty of costly mistakes. Which are these mistakes? Here they are:

Choosing the wrong material

Due to the many countertop materials in the market, most first-time installers buy the wrong ones often because they don’t know the right ones to go for.

If this is your first time, you should know that the material you choose depends on the look you want for your kitchen, and your lifestyle, among many other factors.

For example, if you love cooking and have small children in the house, it would be unwise to install marble countertops, as they are highly porous and stain easily.

These countertops would be perfect if you live alone and rarely use your kitchen.

The best way to avoid buying the wrong materials is to work closely with an experienced professional who knows what they are doing.

The professional will first understand the look you want, and your cooking patterns and then recommend the suitable material to go for.

Buying from big box stores

The best place to buy the countertop materials is from the big box stores. After all, they are popular, and this is where most people buy from, right? While they are popular, they are the wrong places to buy your countertop materials.

This is because they often don’t stock a wide range of countertop materials. This means you are always stuck with what is in the store, which is usually extremely limited.

The big stores also sell their materials at extremely high prices, and you can’t haggle the prices.

The best places to buy your kitchen countertop materials are from small stores. While they are small and often unpopular, they tend to stock a wide range of materials, so you have many options to choose from.

Since these stores specifically deal with countertop materials, they have experts that will help you decide on the best materials to go for if you aren’t sure.

The small size of the stores also means that you can negotiate the prices to buy the countertops at a much lower price.

Besides the above benefits, these stores will install the countertops often for free or at a meager price.

While this is the case, you should note that no two stores are the same. This means that you should take your time and find a reputable store to buy from.

As a rule of thumb, buy from a store with many countertop materials. The store should also have experts that will guide you make the right decision.

Before you decide to buy from a given store, scout around and see what is available.

Avoid buying from a highly cheap store as they might be selling cheap, low-quality materials. You also should avoid a costly store as they might be trying to rip you off.

Buy from a store selling high-quality countertop materials at a standard price.

Ignoring countertop cost factors

Besides the cost of the countertops, you need to factor in the price of installing the countertops. Different countertops have different installation costs that vary depending on the material and contractor.

Of course, you can cut the installation costs by finding a countertop store that will install the countertops for free.

The other cost factor to consider is the maintenance cost of the countertops. Some countertops, such as marble and granite, are porous, requiring resealing at least once a year. As you can guess, this significantly contributes to the total cost of the countertops.

If you aren’t ready for these costs, find a cheaper countertop that will be cheaper to maintain in the long run.

Hiring the wrong contractors

This is a major mistake as you can buy the best marble, granite, quartz, or any other countertops but fail to get the results you deserve and waste money.

As a rule of thumb, take your time and find highly experienced granite contractors Raleigh or any other professionals to install your countertops.

Before settling on a contractor, do a thorough interview and background checks and ensure you are working with the right person.

What Is The Best Wood For Kitchen Countertops?

kitchen countertops

Wooden countertops have been around for years. While other countertops have come and gone, wood has remained a classic.

Are you looking to install a wooden countertop and wondering what is the best wood for kitchen countertops? Well, there are many woods you can go for, with the best ones being:

Maple

Maple is the most common type of wood used in countertops. Its light hues blend well with any color and give your kitchen an open feeling.

The wood is moderately priced, which gives many homeowners a nice balance between quality and cost.

Two of the popular maples are curly maple and hard maple. Curly maple shows the whorls, while the hard maple shows the grain in the same way as the other woods.

Oak

Oak gives any space a fresh, clean feel. It’s often the most inexpensive option, so if you require wood countertops but don’t have a large enough budget, these are countertops to go for.

Like other inexpensive items, oak isn’t durable, so you should be cautious of the amount of abuse you put it through after installing it.

Cherry wood

Although popularly used in furniture construction, plenty of homeowners use it for their countertops. Cherry gives a characteristic-rich red hue that gives your countertops an elegant look.

Choosing this wood gives your kitchen a light, airy feel. Although, it perfectly complements bright colors, the countertop beautifully contrasts a darker design.

Cherry wood is highly durable, and coincidentally it’s also one of the most expensive options, so this isn’t the one to go for when working on a tight budget.

Black walnut

As one of the most revered woods in the market for its toughness and beautiful grain, the dark shades are compatible with any kitchen, and when properly installed, it gives any kitchen a unique aesthetic look.

While they are great, their major flaw is they don’t last as long as the other woods, so you should be ready to replace them regularly.

Zebrawood

Named for its striking stripes, zebrawood is one of the toughest woods you can install in your kitchen. When installing it, you don’t have to worry about it getting damaged as it stands up against almost anything thrown at it.

Bamboo

Bamboo is a popular cutting board material, so it’s no surprise that it makes an excellent kitchen countertop.

Clean, sturdy, and modern, bamboo is one of the best countertop materials you can install in your home. It comes with plenty of options to choose from. From sumptuous whole grains to edgier parquet design, you will be spoilt of choice.

Mahogany

It’s the most preferred wood of luxury, and it’s loved by many for its brown-red color that gives any kitchen an aesthetic look. Although, you won’t find it in most kitchens due to its soft nature, there is no reason you shouldn’t install it, especially if you like its unique luxurious look.

When installing it, be cautious of the nature of your kitchen. If you are there all the time, it will be good to avoid installing this wood. The ideal candidate for the wood is someone that doesn’t use their kitchen too often.

Are wood countertops sanity?

Most people used to granite, marble, quartz, and other countertop materials are concerned that wooden countertops aren’t sanitary. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. As long as you have properly sealed the countertops, they are one of the sanitary countertop materials you can have.

Once you have sealed the countertops, you can chop meat, place hot pans and pots on it without worrying about damaging them.

How do you seal wood countertops?

Like marble and granite countertops Durham, you need to seal your wooden countertops. Begin with applying two coats of polyurethane to the countertop surface.

Polyurethane installs a liquid coating that dries up into a plastic film that places a layer of plastic between you and the newly installed wood.

For the best outcome, use FDA-approved urethane. This way, you are sure that the urethane is safe to come in contact with your food.

To get a good, solid coating, apply at least 3 coats of urethane.

For your countertops to last for long, ensure that you seal the countertop entirely, leaving no wood exposed.

Do Black Countertops Make A Kitchen Look Smaller?

People love black kitchen countertops for different reasons. If you love black, you must be wondering, do black countertops make a kitchen look smaller? Yes, they do, but it doesn’t have to be the case with you as there are plenty of ways to pair the black countertops so that they look beautiful and elegant. Some of these ways include:

Use cream color

When it comes to pairing the countertops, most homeowners have the impression that they can only pair them with white, but this isn’t the case. A great color you can go with is cream. Use cream and pair it with the softened versions of your favorite color to create a warm, inviting space.

Create a rustic industrial look

Are you one of the lucky homeowners, and you have got high ceilings and large windows? You can give your home an attractive rustic industrial look. To do it, pair the solid black countertops, light tiles, flat cabinets, and thin industrial fixtures to get the exclusive look.

Create an ultra-modern look

If you have been searching for ways to remodel your house, you must have come across the ultra-modern style. As much as the style is great, don’t stop here—go a step further and combine stainless steel appliances with a backsplash with solid black countertops. For an exciting look, pair the countertops with white custom cabinets.

Create a country kitchen

To create a country kitchen, you need to use red floor tiles and a white subway tile backsplash with chef-grade appliances with white cabinets and black countertops to create a warm, country-style kitchen that you will enjoy cooking in.

Build an ornate luxury kitchen

An ornate style kitchen is elegant, and you must have seen it on TV. Due to its high-end nature, you must have thought it’s only a reserve for the ultra-rich and celebrities, but this isn’t the case. You can also have the star kitchen by combining your black countertops with white inset cabinets, ogee edging, and a white farmhouse sink.

Have a Paris apartment look

Many homeowners are scared of installing black countertops in small kitchens, as they make the spaces look too small. If you have a small kitchen and love black countertops, you shouldn’t fear them as you can combine them with white cabinets and white and stainless steel appliances. While at it, paint the wall white with clean detailing that will leave your kitchen bright and stylish regardless of its size.

Take advantage of the light.

Is your kitchen in an area that receives a lot of sunlight? You can take advantage of it and be bold with your kitchen design. One way to go about it is to pair the black countertops with black flooring and cabinets.

While at it, throw in stainless steel appliances and mirrored backsplash so that the sunlight can work to your advantage.

Build a country kitchen

If you lived in the countryside in your formative years, the chances are high that you have always wanted to have a county kitchen in your home. And you can do it. All you need to do is pair red floor tiles with white subway tile backsplash with white cabinets, chef-grade appliances, and black countertops. The result is a warm, country-style kitchen that will start conversations and be warm and fun for everyone to cook in.

Add a fireplace in your kitchen.

Most modern kitchens won’t have a fireplace, so that you will be going against the norms, and your kitchen will stand out.

For that bold look, use black countertops, add a fireplace, flooring, and tile work.

Black countertops aren’t too bad.

As much as black countertops will make your kitchen look smaller, they do so when you use black materials throughout the kitchen. When you are strategic about it and use the right colors, you will have your favorite countertops and, at the same time, give your kitchen an elegant look.

When buying the countertops, ensure that you buy them from a reputable store. You also should have them professionally installed, so they look the part. Finally, remember to take good care of the countertops. You wouldn’t want to undertake countertop replacement Raleigh after a few months of installing them, would you?

Best Countertop Materials for Outdoor Kitchens

Most kitchens are not complete without kitchen countertops. There are many countertops you can choose for your kitchen. There are marble countertops, granite countertops, and other countertop material of your choice. Regardless of your option, it should serve you well and your kitchen escapades for many years.

Meanwhile, more and more households have outdoor kitchens in their homes. Outdoor living has become popular in the past few years. It has also redefined how homeowners entertain guests. Instead of staying and spending time indoors, outdoor living has paved the way for homeowners and guests appreciate the outside view while enjoying each other’s company.

One popular addition in many homes today is an outdoor kitchen. Aside from an outdoor cooking area, it also serves as an entertainment area for friends and family. You can install an oven, stove, and refrigerator in your outdoor kitchen. A countertop is also an essential add-on to your outdoor kitchen.

However, it is important to choose the right countertop material for the outdoor kitchen. As mentioned, there are many kinds of countertop materials you can choose from. Yet, not all of these materials are appropriate for outdoor use. That is why you should know the right kind of countertop material for your outdoor kitchen.

Why you should choose countertops that are specific for outdoor use

An outdoor countertop is a must-have for your outdoor kitchen. This is the area where you will do the food preparation and serving. As mentioned, choosing the right countertop material for your outdoor kitchen is important. For one, the countertop will be subjected to constant exposure to various outdoor elements.

Likewise, an outdoor countertop should be weather-resistant, durable, and easy to clean and maintain. Not to mention, it should look attractive as well. The type of countertop will also depend on your budget. Nevertheless, you should choose the one that will suit your outdoor kitchen needs.

Popular outdoor countertop materials

Here are some of the most appropriate countertop materials for an outdoor kitchen.

Granite

Granite kitchen countertops are considered among the top choice when it comes to outdoor countertop materials. It has a durable stone material that can tolerate all types of weather and elements. Granite is also available in different color options that won’t easily fade due to exposure to UV rays. It should also be sealed properly for long-lasting results.

Tiles

It is another countertop material that is more suitable for warmer locations. On the other hand, it is not recommended for areas with cold weather as it can crack during extreme weather conditions. Preferably, you can use either granite or porcelain tiles as it can be less prone to fading, unlike ceramic tiles.

Brick or flagstone

These materials are more commonly used as pathways for patios. However, these can also be a good outdoor countertop material. Brick or flagstone countertops look good in a rustic-themed outdoor kitchen. The materials are also porous, but you can use an acrylic sealer for easier cleaning and stain resistance.

Soapstone

This is another countertop material that can be used for outdoor kitchens. It has a dense material that is also stain and heat-resistant. There is no need for sealing and it won’t easily fade. Just make sure to apply mineral oil periodically to enhance the look of the material.

Countertop materials that should NOT be used outdoors

On the other hand, there are countertop materials that are not recommended for outdoor use. One of them is quartz countertops. For one, the color can easily fade when frequently exposed to sunlight. Formica is also not recommended as an outdoor countertop material. This material may not tolerate humidity and moisture as it also has a particleboard core.

Likewise, Formica is also susceptible to warping and deterioration when exposed to harsh outdoor elements. Concrete can also be a good outdoor countertop material. However, it should be installed properly and applied with sealant regularly to avoid staining and cracking.

Conclusion

Having an outdoor kitchen is a great idea given the popularity of outdoor living these past few years. However, you should also consider the right material you will install in the outdoor kitchen. For one, it should withstand all types of outdoor elements and ensure that it will last for years. You can hire granite countertop installers for your outdoor countertop needs. Better yet, contact the best contractors specializing in countertop replacement in Raleigh.

Benefits of Sealing Granite Countertops

Granite is beautiful and durable countertop material, which makes it the first choice for kitchen countertops. Granite countertops have many advantages and this is the reason behind their popularity. One of the major benefits of granite is they do not lose value with time. In fact, granite countertops can increase the value of your home. This material provides natural, unique, luminous surface.

Know about granite countertops

When it comes to hygiene, granite is better than other countertop materials. This material does not get affected by the bacteria contamination. And it can be easily cleaned using warm water and cloth. However, granite is not completely resistant to the abrasion caused by daily kitchen use. Thus, granite countertops require sealing to resist dirt and spills.

Sealing granite countertops

Granite sealing will cause liquids to drop on the surface. Thus, stone does not absorb the stains. This is especially helpful if you have light-colored countertops. Cleaning the spills from the sealed granite countertop is easier than unsealed granite countertops. Sealed surfaces are smooth and you don’t harm the granite when you clean the countertop surface.

Sealing will reduce harm caused by acidic substances and cleaning agents to the countertop. It is not easy to remove the stains of acidic substances from the unsealed granite countertop, but if you have sealing, stain removal becomes easy.

Sealing substance can make cleaning the countertop surface much faster. Dirt and fingerprints can be easily wiped up. Since liquids will spread on surface and will not be absorbed into the granite, it will be much easier to clean without any scrubbing. This reduces the cleaning effort and cleaning cost to a great extent.

The biggest advantage of getting granite countertop sealed is that sealant will help you to preserve the natural beauty of granite. It means your granite will never look lifeless or dull. If you ever feel like your granite countertop is losing its shine, you can reapply the sealing. However, you should hire a reputable and trustworthy granite contractor for sealing the countertop. They will use good quality sealant and know how to apply sealant adequately on the granite surface.

Is marble a good material for bathroom vanity countertops?

Marble has been used by ace craftsmen throughout the ages to decorate palace ceilings, floors and walls. Though it was once a feature of luxury and power, today marble is making its niche more and more into regular homes — especially bathrooms— all over the world. Marble is one of the most popular bathroom countertop materials. Home décor experts are now favoring marble for bathroom countertops over other countertop materials.

Marble bathroom countertops perk

Bathroom countertops are equally important as kitchen countertops because they not only give a functional surface but also decorate the bathroom. The right bathroom countertop will be the combination of durability and aesthetics.

Marble is a classic material that is versatile enough to look good in all types of bathrooms. It is one of the most preferred bathroom countertop materials. The main reason why marble counters remain in constant demand is its elegant looks. This stone comes in a beautiful display of color, including white, rose, yellow, green, gray etc. No two slabs of marble are alike. It means you will get unique countertop for your bathroom vanity.

Bathroom vanity top has to survive in a harsh bathroom environment, and marble has the capability of bearing continuous water coming from shower, bathroom cleaning products, makeup chemicals, soaps, shampoos etc. This durable material can withstand all wear and tear. Marble is heat resistant stone as well. It means your hair styling tool won’t harm marble countertop.

Marble Countertop concerns

Marble Countertop Installation: If you want to enjoy the timeless beauty of marble countertop, you should pay attention over marble countertop installation. You can even customize the size and shape of marble countertops to make them suitable for your bathroom. On the other hand, if marble countertops are not installed properly on your vanity, it will not only look bad, but also create a lot of inconvenience in the bathroom.

Marble Countertop Quality: Everything that looks white is not marble. There are many types of marbles. It is important that you choose the quality stone for your bathroom countertop. To get a quality product, look for the best marble countertop factory.

How to Select the Right Granite Countertop Color for Your Kitchen

Kitchen trends come and go, but no other material can beat the popularity of granite when it comes to kitchen countertops. Despite its cost, granite is hard-wearing, easy to maintain and most importantly, fine-looking countertop material. This material comes in many different colors, making it an ideal complement to any kitchen style.

Choosing the right granite countertop color

Granite countertop installation is a decision that provides great value. Since granite slabs are available in many different colors on the market, it is indeed not easy to select the one color. Choosing the granite countertop shade is a personal and eventually long-lasting decision.

Colors For Granite Kitchen Countertops

White Granite

White Granite countertops make kitchen looks bigger. This shade provides a clean-lined look to the kitchen. White granite slabs always come with different colors of veins or flecks that can add character to a kitchen. You can choose from many shades of white granite to match with your kitchen décor.

Beige Granite

Beige Granite offers more decorating options than white granite. This color provides a royal look to the kitchen. Unlike white, beige has more of gray, brown and gray colors mixed in. The color combination provides you more scope to decorate around.

Brown Granite

Brown Granite is for creating rustic and warm look. Since brown granite countertops are darker than beige countertops, they have some limitations in matching cabinet colors. However, lighter contrast shades may look good. Thus, if you are searching for a timeless piece of countertop for your kitchen, brown granite is a safe bet.

Black Granite

Black Granite countertops sparkle. Black granite countertops are actual striations of granite. These countertops are really very easy to look after. The surfaces of black granite countertops are solid black. Nevertheless, when you look closer, you can find small silver specks all over the surfaces.

Conclusion

Granite countertops are the ultimate addition to any kitchen. This countertop material has the capacity of enhancing the appearance of any kitchen as well as bathroom. They are easy to install and can be customized. However, you should always prefer a reputable granite contractor for making purchases.

What is the best type of kitchen countertop?

Have you been thinking of replacing kitchen countertops in your home? Look no further than The Countertop Factory for the widest selection of kitchen countertop options in North Carolina! Some of our most popular kitchen countertop materials include granite kitchen countertops, laminate kitchen countertops, tile kitchen countertops, marble kitchen countertops and stainless steel kitchen countertops. Take a look at all of our kitchen countertops pictures to help you decide which would make for the best kitchen countertops in your home.

Our countertop contractors have years of experience coming up with kitchen countertop ideas for countless homes throughout North Carolina. Whether you are in need of kitchen countertop replacement or resurfacing of kitchen countertops, we have got you covered! Our kitchen countertop design consultants will work closely with you to determine which discount kitchen countertops are right for you!

Choose from any of the above selections along with concrete kitchen countertops, Corian kitchen countertops, glass kitchen countertops and more. Call us today to learn more about our kitchen countertops prices!