Tag Archives: countertop contractors

Can Granite Countertops Be Repaired?

best kitchen countertop contractor

Imagine this. You spend a fortune on the best granite in your area, hire the most reputable countertop contractors, then one day you notice a crack on your countertops. Frustrating, right? You can’t imagine pouring money on new countertops, so you ask, can granite countertops be repaired?

Yes, you can repair the countertops. Here are some of the ways of doing it:

Etch marks

Etch marks happen due to various reasons, but the most popular ones are due to the use of harsh cleaning materials or cutting lemons or tomatoes directly on the surfaces.

To fix etch marks, begin with cleaning the affected areas using water or stone soap, to wipe away dirt and scum. You should then dry the area thoroughly then apply granite polishing powder. You should follow up by buffering it with an electric drill. For best results, keep the granite powder on the stone as you buff it. Once you are done, clean it off.

Separated cracks

Separated cracks are large, and you can easily see them. You should fix the cracks as soon as possible to prevent them from getting worse. One of the best ways of fixing the issue is by filling in the gaps with an epoxy glue that matches the color of the stone.

If you can’t find the exact color of your countertops, use the dust from the broken area. It’s recommended you hire a professional to help you fix it, but if you don’t have the budget for it, do it yourself. When doing it, ensure that you thoroughly clean the area before applying the glue.

Many homeowners make the mistakes of applying glue to the surrounding areas, which gives the surfaces an ugly look. To avoid this, put masking tape around the area you are trying to repair.

After gluing the separated cracks, re-polish the surface, so it matches the rest of the counter.

Hairline cracks

These happen naturally in granite, and when you notice them, you have no reason to raise the alarm. The cracks are tiny, and most people can’t even tell they are there. The cracks don’t affect the look of the counters, their cleaning, and use. If you have the cracks on your countertops, don’t do anything. Just let them be.

Tips to prevent countertop damage

While the countertops can be repaired, isn’t it wise to prevent the problems from coming about other than fixing them? Thankfully, there are plenty of ways you can do it. Some of these ways include:

Invest in high-quality countertops

Good quality granite slab counters don’t come cheap, so in the bid of saving money, homeowners look for cheap pieces that they can come across. While it’s possible to find cheap, decent granite slabs, in most cases, the cheap slabs are poor quality; hence they get damaged easily.

Others go faux granite countertops. While these might be durable, they don’t give you the same toughness you find in natural granite.

To reduce the chances of your countertops cracking or suffering from any other form of damage, you should only buy high-quality slabs. You find these in reputable natural stone stores. When making the purchase, avoid large stores as they not only sell the stones at high prices, they also lack variety.

Have the countertops professionally installed

Buying high-quality slabs isn’t enough—you also need to ensure the slabs are professionally installed. Poorly installed countertops are not only unpleasing to look at, they also tend to get easily damaged.

How can you ensure your countertops are professionally installed? Simple. Hire an experienced professional.

Its wise you hire the countertop contractor from the same company you buy the granite slabs. This is because professionals working there are usually experienced enough, and they give nothing but top-notch services.

Seal the countertops

One of the flaws with granite is it’s porous, so you have to seal it to prevent stains from coming about. When you don’t seal it according to the manufacturer’s instructions, bacteria will get into the stone, putting your life at risk, especially if you like preparing your food directly on the surfaces.

Failing to seal the surfaces also means water will get into the stone and weaken it.

To avoid this, ask granite contractors Durham to seal the countertops at the time of installation. You also should make it a habit to seal the surfaces one a year.

10 Reasons You Should Give Marble Countertops A Shot

Whether looking to upgrade the look of your kitchen or bathroom countertops, some of the best countertop materials you can go with are marble countertops. Here are 10 of the top reasons you should consider the pieces:

Sophisticated look

Marble has a classic look that sets it apart from plenty of other natural stones. When properly installed, the countertops add elegance and warmth to the house, making it fun and comfortable to live in.

Rich history

The use of marble dates back to ancient Egypt. The Athenian treasury, built in the 6^th century, was the first building to be constructed entirely from marble, and it’s still standing up to date. This is a clear proof of the durability and resilience of the material.

Plenty of color choices

Marble slabs come in a wide range of colors that include white, green, brown, red, and deep black. The varying colors and veining come from mineral impurities within the stone. The many colors give you plenty of choices and assurance that you will get a color that will fit your house.

Unique designs

Since the slabs are natural, they are un-replicable. No two slabs are the same; therefore, when you install them in your home, you can be confident that no other person in the world has a similar piece. For you to get the most from the unique designs, try out different slabs to find the most fitting.

Easy to clean

While the countertop materials give your home a high end look, they don’t require special cleaning materials. Mild dish soap and warm water are enough to give the surfaces a sparkling look. Don’t use harsh chemicals to clean the countertops as you will damage them.

Some specialized stones require experts to clean them, but that’s not the case with marble. You can easily clean marble by yourself with simple materials. When the surfaces get a stain, you can easily remove it using an alkaline product that will pull the stain from the stone and dry it out.

Heat resilience

While marble is soft and porous and tends to stain and etch easily, it’s exceptionally resistant to heat. The marble surfaces don’t burn even when you place hot items on them. The naturally cool temperature makes the countertops the top choice for pastry chefs and other professionals that deal with hot items.

Durable

As mentioned above, there are plenty of buildings built in ancient times, and they are still in good condition. While marble will require some maintenance, it tends to last for a long time when you take good care of it.

Easy to fabricate

Although it’s sturdy and resistant to heat, marble is soft hence easy to fabricate. This feature makes it easy for fabricators to create decorative edges and fancy details that improve the overall look of the stone.

Don’t settle on the cheapest contractors as they often don’t understand their craft. Marble slabs don’t come cheap; therefore, when you hire cheap contractors, you end up losing a lot.

Readily available

Unlike other stones that you have to order from a unique area, marble is readily available in most countertop stores. While you can easily find the stone, many people end up buying the wrong pieces as they are often in a hurry when making the purchase.

For you to get the most from the stone, take time to research and find a store selling high-quality stones at affordable prices. This might require you to visit a number of stores and make comparisons.

Even when you find a good store, don’t proceed to place a large order. Take a few marble samples and go with them to your home. Place them on the countertops and see how they look. Only consider buying pieces that perfectly fit your home.

Increase in home value

The high-end look of the countertops dramatically improves the home value. If you are remodeling the house for sale, you end up selling the house twice or thrice the price you would have sold it had you not installed the countertops.

While this is the case, you don’t have to install ultra-premium pieces as you might not recoup your investment. Work with expert kitchen countertops Raleigh experts who will professionally install moderately priced countertops giving your home a classic look.

7 Tips To Consider When Installing Kitchen Countertops

best quartz countertop

Thinking about installing new kitchen countertops? Good for you as you are on your way to creating countertop surfaces that you will be proud of. Countertop installation is an intricate process, and you need to have plenty of things in place for the project to be a success. To give your kitchen a great look, pay attention to these tips:

Don’t be in a hurry

When they get money, many homeowners rush to get new countertop surfaces. Don’t do this as you end up buying the wrong stones. You also often end up working with the wrong contractor.

Regardless of how unsatisfied you are with the current surfaces, don’t be in a hurry to replace them. Take time to research and find out your options. Visit several stores and see what they have to offer. Also, take the time to interview several countertop contractors to find the right one for your project.

Color shouldn’t be, end-all, be-all

Color is crucial as it defines the look of your kitchen and choosing the wrong one can break the design of your surface. While this is the case, it shouldn’t be the end-all, be-all.

Pay close attention to the quality of the stone you are buying as quality is everything. You can have a stone with the most beautiful color, but if it cracks or stains easily, you are as good as not having installed the stone in the first place.

Always get samples

An average homeowner will visit countertop stores, and when they like the look and design of the stones on sale, they will go ahead and make huge orders. This is wrong as most of them end up hating the look of the countertops after installation.

Instead of doing this, take samples with you and see how they look in your kitchen. While you might like the color, design, or countertop material, you might not like how the countertop looks in your kitchen as it might not go well with your floor tiles or cabinets. It also might not go well with the design of the house.

The right thing to do is to order the countertops only after you have tried out the samples in your kitchen.

Have the right budget

Many people underestimate the amount of money they need to complete the countertop project. As a homeowner, the last thing you want is running out of money in the middle of the project and being forced to put the project on hold or borrow more money.

For you to avoid the inconveniences, take the time to undertake thorough research and come up with a budget before you begin the project. The key is being pessimistic with the amount of money you will need. When doing your budget, factor in hidden expenses such as clean up costs after installation, transport costs, and others.

Think about the everyday use of the countertops

It’s common to visit stores selling countertop surfaces and be wowed by the various stones on display. Don’t rush to buy them as they might not be ideal for your kitchen. What do you use your kitchen most for? This is the first question you should ask yourself.

If you are baker, you want countertop surfaces that can withstand high heat. If you are a culinary master, you want a stone that can tolerate acidic spills without staining.

Thicker isn’t always better

Just like color, a thick countertop doesn’t mean that the stone is excellent. Sometimes the thick surface is simply two stones that have been bonded together, which often leads to plenty of problems.

If this is the first time buying the stones, go to the stores with an experienced professional who has been in the industry for a long time to guide you.

Don’t outclass the other parts of the room

There is nothing wrong with installing the best and highest quality countertops, but when you install extremely high-quality countertops, then don’t touch the other parts of the kitchen, you give your kitchen a cheap look.

To give your kitchen a high end look, don’t just install high-quality countertops, work with granite contractors Durham and other professionals and revamp the entire kitchen.

5 Inexpensive Ways To Update Granite Kitchen Countertops

kitchen countertop

Old granite kitchen countertops not only give your home a cheap look, but they also look dirty and are hard to clean. Many homeowners have the impression that you need to have ultra-deep pockets for you to update your countertops. This is further from the truth. Here are inexpensive ways to give your countertops a makeover:

Paint them up

Save yourself money and the trouble of getting new countertops by simply painting the countertops. Before you get the paint, decide on the look you want. Painting is easy, and with minimal skills, you can effectively paint the surfaces by yourself.

Choose a paint that is specifically designed for laminate countertops. These paints are cheaper than the others in the market and don’t need priming. Buy enough paint for the job. You can do this by taking the measurements of the surface area to be covered. The paint should be enough for two coats.

Before you begin the painting, protect your surfaces. Line all the walls and cabinets with painter’s tape at the areas where they meet. Also, consider removing or covering your appliances such as stoves and sinks to prevent them from getting the paint.

Paints are toxic; therefore, you should protect yourself. You can do this by minimizing the amount of paint you get in contact with. Also consider wearing protective gear such as gloves, long pants, respirators, and even foam collars.

You can sand the surfaces using a pad sander but if you don’t have one, use your hands. Avoid sandpapers with a rough grit as they will damage the surfaces. Smoothen the surfaces using fine sanding block and scrape away any substances that might have congealed, dried, or stuck on the surface. Aim to create a smooth surface as much as possible.

To avoid brush marks on the surfaces, use spray paint, and sealer. After applying the paint, seal the surfaces with three or four coats to protect the finish.

Finish the countertops with cement

Begin with sanding the countertops using coarse sandpaper. Don’t worry about making the countertops smooth as cement sticks better at irregular surfaces. After the surfaces have air-dried, lather them with cement. Give the cement 24 hours to dry.

If there are noticeably uneven surfaces, sand, and clean them. Concentrate on getting rid of as much rough cement as much as possible. Once you are done, seal the cement using a liquid sealer. When buying the sealer, go for one that is food safe. If you don’t find a food-safe sealer, take care that your food never gets into contact with the countertop.

Cover the countertops

If you don’t want the look of cement, you can use other materials such as wood, fabric, veneer, paper, or even metal. Identify the material you want to use then get the right measurements for it. If you have the skills, you can apply the materials on the surfaces but if you have never done it before, hire an experienced contractor to help you out.

Tile the countertops

Did you know tiles aren’t only ideal for floors? You can also use them on your countertops. The beauty of it is that they aren’t expensive. Measure the dimensions of your countertops then get tiles that will fit the surface.

Depending on the design of your countertops, you may have to remove your stoves, disposal units, sinks, and other kitchen appliances before you install the tiles. If you have the skills, you can install the tiles by yourself but if you have never done it before, hire an expert to help you out.

Replace the countertops

If your current countertops are too old or you can’t stand them, consider replacing them. There are many cheap replacement options you can go with, the most common ones being:

Laminate: Laminate countertops are the most affordable countertops options in the market. When installing them, choose a textured surface instead of a flat one. This is to have an easy time concealing scratches and other signs of wear and tear.

Wood: Wooden surfaces are perfect when you are looking for a natural look. When undertaking countertop replacement Raleigh, choose wood that is durable and easy to manage. Some of the options you have include teak, walnut, cherry, maple, and many others.

What to Look for In a Countertop Installer

When it comes to home improvement, you will only want a professional to help you with it. Renovating a part of your house – or even the entire house – requires years of experience and reputable skills. Even installing a countertop in your bathroom or kitchen should be done by the best granite countertop installers around.

Speaking of countertops, it is one of the best investments you can make for your home. More importantly, you should choose the best kitchen countertops around to make the most out of your money. For one thing, quality granite kitchen countertops, marble countertops, or other countertop materials can largely improve a kitchen or bathroom’s overall appearance.

Factors to consider when looking for a countertop installer

There are a lot of countertop installers claiming to be the best in their field. That is why choosing the best among them can be challenging. That said, it is important to scrutinize each contractor which will ensure they only provide the best service. Here are some deciding factors when choosing a professional countertop installer.

Do they have accreditations or certifications?
Do they offer various countertop material options for their customers?
Do they have a showroom where customers can check out different slab materials before buying it?
Do they always have a stock of each slab material in case a customer wants to check it out?
Do they also carry other bathroom and kitchen accessories (ex. faucet, sinks, backsplashes, etc.)?
Will they be the one to install the countertop, or a third-party will take care of it?
If they will be the one to install, are their personnel certified or licensed to do it?
Do they also offer warranties, consultations, and repairs in case of product defects and damages?

Countertop replacement can be a tedious task. That is why it is best left in the hands of industry professionals.

Other countertop installer-hunting tips

Here are other tips when looking for a professional countertop installer:

Ask for suggestions/recommendations.

For one, you can check out online reviews (if the company has an official website or a “Google My Business” entry) from actual customers. If you personally know someone who previously worked with a countertop contractor, you can ask feedback from them as well. Make sure you get the company’s contact number in case you are interested to know more about them.

Have several options.

It is important to have different options for countertop contractors in case your first choice does not meet your requirements. More importantly, choose ones that are established and reputable, and has a lot of positive reviews.

Request for written estimates.

Make sure to have written estimates acquired from them, and that they should visit your home to have a look at the work area. If you purchase a countertop from another supplier, make sure to let the installers know. This will help them determine the estimated amount for the entire installation process. The estimate will become an official document once signed and agreed on.

Trust your instinct.

Sometimes, your instinct might be telling you right. There’s no harm in following it, as long as you did your own research and believe that this is the contractor you are looking for.

Before countertop installation

Before having your countertop installed by granite contractors, you should first have a specific plan. For example, you may have a dilemma which should be installed first especially if you also have a new appliance that will be installed as well. For the latter, it should match the size of your current appliances so it won’t take up too much space.

Also, make sure you measure the countertop properly because again, space issues may arise. It should meet your functional requirements and not just because it looks nice on your kitchen or bathroom. More importantly, you should choose the best countertop materials so it can last for many years.

Hire the best countertop contractors near you

If you are considering getting countertop replacement in Durham, make sure to hire only the best countertop contractors around. Choosing a quality countertop can truly make a difference in your home. Contact one today and ask for a free estimate for your next home improvement project.

How long does it take to resurface a countertop?

Countertop Repairs

Only a licensed professional should conduct a home improvement project involving the use of power tools. That includes countertop repairs such as countertop resurfacing and total countertop replacement. If you’ve had the same kitchen or bathroom countertops for more than ten years, it may be time for a little upgrade. Resurfacing a countertop doesn’t take more than a couple hours and won’t do much damage to your bank account. Let a professional countertop contractor help you get your granite countertops back to peak condition by using top of the line countertop repair tools such as shiners and buffers.

Granite Countertops

If you’re thinking of installing brand new countertops altogether, there are tons of countertop options to consider. Chances are you’ve gotten tired of your own aluminum countertops or marble countertops if you’ve lived in your home for more than five years. Why not jazz up the place by installing sleek new recycled glass countertops, quartz countertops or soapstone countertops? There are tons of flashy kitchen countertop designs that will have you excited to spend time in the kitchen again. If you want more space for chopping and mincing, you can even install a brand new kitchen island countertop!

What are the most common bathroom countertop materials?

Bathroom Countertops

Are you thinking of installing a new bathroom countertop? There are virtually limitless countertop options to consider! When it comes to bathroom countertops, some of the most common choices among homeowners in your area include granite countertops, marble countertops and soapstone countertops. These countertop materials are highly durable and can get continuously wet without causing any damage! When you work with a professional countertop contractor, you have the benefit of years of experience on your side. Take a look through your countertop repair contractor’s portfolio to get more ideas for your new bathroom countertops!

Countertop Designs

Some other popular countertop options for the bathroom include quartz countertops, solid surface countertops and recycled glass countertops. There are also several eco friendly countertop options for homeowners who are concerned with lessening their impact on the environment! Before you choose a countertop expert to work with, be sure you find someone with at least ten years of experience installing countertops and repairing countertops. You might be able to get a deal on several countertop options if you decide to install new bathroom and kitchen countertops at the same time! Butcher block countertops, slate countertops and glass countertops are all great choices for your modern kitchen.

What should I use to build my kitchen countertops?

Kitchen Countertops

Are you thinking of installing new kitchen countertops? There are virtually endless countertop options to consider! Most modern kitchens and traditional kitchen designs include some kind of granite countertops. Granite is an extremely popular kitchen countertop material because is it pleasing to the eye, easy to clean and not easily marked by kitchen knives and other utensils. Some other great countertop options for the kitchen include solid surface countertops, recycled glass countertops, quartz countertops and aluminum countertops. You can even install a separate butcher block countertop so you can chop and cook meat away from the rest of your food.

Countertop Contractors

More and more homeowners are becoming interested in eco friendly countertop options to help lower their impacts on the environment! Recycled countertop materials can look just as new and and just as pliable as brand new countertops. We recommend working with a professional countertop contractor to find the best and cheapest eco friendly countertop materials in your area. There are often discount countertop options available as well whether you are looking for LEED certified green countertops or other choices such as soapstone countertops and marble countertops. Once your new kitchen countertop is installed, countertop resurfacing services may be needed every few years.

What are the best eco-friendly countertop options available?

Looking for environmentally friendly kitchen countertops? You’ve come to the right place! The Countertop Factory provides a virtually endless selection of the best countertops on the market, including eco countertops and Icestone countertops, which create less of an impact on the environment to make. Regardless of whether you are seeking kitchen or bathroom countertops, you are sure to find the very best countertops to suit your needs among our selection! No one else in North Carolina has nearly as much experience with countertop repair and countertop installation as our very own countertop contractors. If you’re not sure which type of countertop is right for your home, we would be happy to help you narrow down your selection from our countertop options!

If you are looking for granite countertops for the kitchen, you will find them with us. Some other popular countertop ideas for the kitchen include solid surface countertops such as Formica countertops, as well as quartz countertops such as Silestone countertops. Butcher block countertops are also a great choice for the kitchen! On the other hand, a few of our most popular choices for the bathroom include limestone countertops, recycled glass countertops and soapstone countertops. We hope to work with you soon!

Who are the most experienced countertop installers in North Carolina?

Are you looking for new laminate countertops for your kitchen? You’re in the right place! At The Countertop Factory, we provide the widest range of countertop options in North Carolina. Whether you are looking for butcher block countertops for your kitchen or recycled glass countertops for your bathroom, we have got you covered! When you work with us, we guarantee that you’ll find the best countertops for any room of the house. Just a few of our most popular materials include granite countertops, marble countertops, tile countertops and silestone countertops. We offer a large number of discount countertops to our loyal customers, so make sure to ask our countertop contractors about our sales!

We offer many popular granite countertop brands, including Corian countertops, Cambria countertops and Formica countertops. We also have many eco countertops options if you are interested in a more environmentally friendly option. Additionally, if you are not satisfied with any of our ready made wood countertops, we would be happy to create custom countertops for you in our very own countertop shop. Take a look at our countertop photos to get an idea of the stainless steel countertops and copper countertops we have installed for our North Carolina customers in the past.