Tag Archives: countertop options

Do Kitchen Countertops Need To Match The Floor?

When you install countertops in your kitchen, you not only want them to look good, but also for the entire kitchen to look spectacular. One of the ways homeowners do this is by matching their countertops with the floor.

Do kitchen countertops need to match the floor? Although the color combination gives your kitchen a cozy, home-like feel, they don’t have to. If you feel that the two should match, go with contrasting colors for spaces between the two, such as the backsplash or cabinetry.

What are the other options available?

If you don’t want your countertops to match the floor, there are plenty of other options you can go with. They include:

Dark countertops with light flooring

Pairing dark counters with light floors comes in handy at contrasting your countertops. To break up the light color, so your kitchen feels warm, use dark colors in the middle of the light color scheme.

Great ideas you can go with are to contrast light natural colored wooden floors with black countertops. This creates an unmatched look and makes the countertops the focal point of the house.

Dark countertops with contrasting dark-colored flooring

Dark countertops give your kitchen space a cozy feel. For the perfect look, pair the black countertops with dark wood floors and create a deep warm color covering the bottom half of the room.

To balance the dark palette, paint the upper part of the room white with light accents to create the illusion of higher ceiling space, making the entire room look bigger.

Neutral countertops with light flooring

Light floors and cabinets with neutral-colored countertops give your countertops a clean, modern look with some added warmth. You should complement the look by installing dark-colored walls creating a balance that keeps the light color from overwhelming the room.

To create a cohesive look, add small accents of the neutral counter color within the cabinetry.

Light countertops with neutral flooring

The light countertops and neutral wood flooring come together to create a light, airy feel to your kitchen. To give the space some contrast, break up the light colors using dark colors for the walls and accent pieces.

Stainless steel countertop with dark flooring

This look gives your kitchen a modern and sleek look. The perfect combination is sleek black cabinets at the bottom and deep brown wood floors.

The lighter materials on the top and the darker on the bottom draw the eye upward.

Monochromatic color scheme with light countertops and dark flooring

The monochromatic color schemes comprise both black and white shades. Due to the many color combinations, there are plenty of ways to combine the black and white shades to give different looks.

The beauty of monochromatic color schemes is they give your kitchen a sleek and modern look.

For the perfect look, use simple cabinets that are beautiful to look at but easy to clean.

What is the best color for kitchen countertops?

There is no right color for kitchen countertops—it all depends on your preferences. When choosing the best color, remember that countertops should complement the overall color scheme of your room.

To avoid having to replace the countertops now and then, go with neutral colors. When making the purchase, always picture multiple color schemes and ensure that your countertops can complement each of them.

Avoid light-colored countertops, as they will show stains. On the other hand, dark-colored countertops will reveal scratches, so you should stay away from them.

When it comes to the best countertop material, like the countertop color, there is no right countertop material. It all depends on your preferences and the look you want to create.

To have an easier time with the material, go with an easy-to-maintain material such as quartz. You can install marble and granite countertops Raleigh, but you will need to put more effort into keeping them in top shape.

So, should you match your countertops with the floor?

No, you shouldn’t, but if you feel you love the look, nothing prevents you from matching them. The only thing you need to do is ensure that you don’t overwhelm your kitchen with one look.

How to Mix and Match Different Countertop Materials with Carpentry

Different countertop materials have already graced countless kitchens all over the world. On the other hand, cabinetry is also a staple in most household areas including the kitchen. Each option offers its own benefits in terms of functionality, material, and aesthetic value. But how about combining the two?

Apparently, marrying countertops and kitchen cabinetry is already a thing. In fact, there are a lot of countertop-cabinetry combination options to choose from. Imagine having quartz countertops or granite countertops built with high-quality kitchen cabinets. It may be the refreshing change you are looking for in your kitchen.

Choosing a great countertop and cabinetry material combination

It is important to choose the right combination of countertop and cabinetry materials to achieve that aesthetic appeal you are looking for. It also offers several benefits for the homeowner. Aside from enhancing your kitchen’s overall aesthetic value, it can also save you money unlike building entire marble countertops or any other expensive countertop materials.

When matching countertop and cabinetry materials, you can pair them either to contrast or complement each other. Regardless of the options, these can both create a satisfying look to your kitchen. You can also check out different countertop material samples from countertop replacement companies so you can decide which cabinetry material to choose.

Combining countertop and cabinetry in your kitchen can be overwhelming especially if you are not really familiar about it. However, it will be more on implementing good color coordination, striking a good balance between the two materials, and trusting your personal judgment.

In choosing cabinetry material

Choosing the right cabinetry material should not be a chore. On the one hand, there are many cabinetry materials you can choose from. There are also framed and frameless cabinets, and those that can be customized. Framed cabinets are more suitable for traditional kitchens, while frameless ones are more apt for modern and trendy kitchen themes.

There are prefabricated cabinets available that you can simply install and ready to use. On the other hand, there are also semi-custom cabinets that have already basic finishing. It’s up to you to add accessories and paint color as finishing touches. If you want unique cabinetry, you can have a customized cabinet made by a professional carpenter or contractor.

So, here we are in the most important aspect of choosing cabinetry: the material. Among popular cabinetry materials include:

Pine – provides a rugged look on the cabinetry
Cherry – durable and combines well with other wood materials
Maple – ideal for both contemporary and traditional cabinetry designs
Oak – looks good whether dark or light-colored and very durable
Laminate – a good and cheaper alternative for expensive wood cabinetry materials

In choosing a countertop material

Meanwhile, there are also a lot of kitchen countertops materials you can choose from. Among popular ones include granite and quartz. Granite is known for its durability and timeless beauty. On the other hand, quartz is also a good choice because of its non-porous properties.

However, you can choose other types of countertop materials aside from the abovementioned options. Among these include the following.

Laminate

There are different laminate options that look expensive but are actually at a fraction of the cost. It can also mimic different countertop materials of your choice without spending too much.

Marble

This is one classic and timeless option for an expensive countertop. It looks good in every home and the material is also used for other options such as flooring and bathroom walls. Be ready to shell out extra cash to avail this type of countertop.

Stainless steel

This countertop material looks heavy-duty, yet is also a durable and stain-resistant option. Plus, it is easy to clean and maintain as well as it is hygienic.

Wood

It is another popular countertop material that is ideal for a rustic-themed kitchen. However, it can be a little tedious to maintain as it can be prone to wear and tear over the years.

Tips on combining countertop and cabinetry

Here are some tips to mix and match countertop and cabinetry materials. For one thing, it can make your kitchen look more interesting and practical. Also, adding an accent on your kitchen island or countertop can serve as a focal point and enhance aesthetic appeal. This can work better if your kitchen’s color scheme is on the neutral side.

It is also a good idea to create a balance between dark and light accents and materials. It exudes elegance and classic beauty of kitchen interiors. For your needs for kitchen countertops, it is best to hire professional granite companies in Durham.

How to Clean Your Countertop Without Damaging The Material

Kitchen countertops are one of the most frequently-used home items. More often than not, you would be using it even if you do not cook every day. It is usually where you put down your groceries, take-home meals, and other random items. Your kitchen countertop has also most likely experienced a lot of spills and scratches.

That said, your granite kitchen countertops may have already taken a beating over the years. Sure, you take pride in ensuring that your countertop is cleaned before you go to bed. But the question is this: how sure are you that your countertop is really clean from deep-seated dirt that has accumulated through the years?

There are different materials used for countertops – from quartz kitchen countertops, marble, granite, laminate, and so on. Each of these countertop materials has its respective benefits. Likewise, each of them has specific cleaning and maintenance requirements that need to be followed. Otherwise, it can damage the countertop material for good.

How to clean marble countertops

Marble material looks classic and elegant, whether as countertop or flooring material. It has different designs and colors you can choose from. However, marble countertops are prone to scratches and tend to stain easily. If you are a little OC than usual, you may find this annoying and may end up hiring a countertop replacement company to replace your countertop.

But the good news is that marble is generally easy to clean – much better if you keep it well-maintained every day. You don’t need to use commercial cleaners to clean your marble countertop. Here are some simple cleaning tips for these types of countertops.

Avoid using cleaners with an acid content, whether it’s a commercial or home-made cleaner containing lemon juice or vinegar. It can cause etchings and stain marks on the surface.
For deep-seated stains, use baking soda mixed with water, form it into a paste, apply on the stained area, and let it sit for around 24 hours before wiping it off. If it doesn’t work, you can consider hiring professional cleaning personnel instead.
Use a damp and soft cloth when wiping the marble countertop to prevent scratching the countertop material. Then wipe dry using a separate clean, dry cloth.
Use a product specially formulated for marble material. This can help make the countertop look like new again.

How to clean granite countertops

Some suggest cleaning granite countertops using commercial cleaners. Others say you should only use cleaners specially made for granite. It’s your call, but experts say there is no need to fight which option is better. You can use warm and soapy water, a microfiber cloth, and perhaps isopropyl alcohol. Here are other tips in cleaning a granite countertop.

Avoid using scrub pads in cleaning the countertop as it can possibly scratch its surface. You can also use a mild bleach solution to clean the countertop.
Mix baking soda and water, create a paste, and then scrub the mixture on the stained area using a soft brush. Let it sit for 24 hours before rinsing off. It may require reapplications to remove the stain completely.
Use a product specially formulated for granite and make the countertop look like new again.

How to clean quartz countertops

One of the major selling points of quartz is that it’s non-porous. Meaning, it won’t cause deep-seated stains, bacteria build-up, and scratching. But this does not mean you won’t clean it anymore.

You can use a commercial cleaner to maintain the quality of the countertop material. Or, you can also use gentle dish soap, warm water, and microfiber cloth to clean the countertop surface. Clean the surface immediately when spills occur.

How to clean other kitchen countertop materials

Here are other cleaning and maintenance tips for other countertop materials.

For wood countertops, use salt and sprinkle on light stains and scrub using half a lemon. Let it sit overnight and rinse with water and dry using a clean cloth. For darker stains, dab it with cotton with 3 percent hydrogen peroxide. Use mild dish soap, warm water, and clean cloth to wipe clean the surface.
For stainless steel countertops, use commercial cleaners specific for stainless steel material to remove smudges and other marks.
For glass countertops, use a glass or multi-purpose cleaner to wipe the countertop surface.
For ceramic countertops, use white vinegar to remove stains and to make the surface sparkling clean. Scrub the grout using mild bleach and old toothbrush and then seal with commercial grout sealer.

For your countertop needs, you can check out granite countertop installers in NC today.

Replacing Bathroom Countertop? What You Need to Know

A countertop can either make or break the appearance of your bathroom. Bathroom countertops are not merely for display, they do have applications in bathrooms. However, at some point of time appearance of bathroom countertops do matter.

Bathroom Countertop Replacement

The water, starches and age not only steal the beauty of countertops, but also decrease their usability. Thankfully, countertop replacement option is available to every homeowner, and countertop replacement is a far better option over countertop repair. A repaired countertop neither looks attractive nor is it comfortable to use.

There is a wide range of countertop replacement options available, from surface material to edgy style and from color to texture design. There are oodles of countertops available to choose from. You can even install a completely customized countertop which is unique.

Bathroom Countertop Replacement – What to Expect

When you select countertop for your bathroom, check out its compatibility with sinks and faucets. This will help you in determining if any adjustment requires to be made and where. Do not forget to check out the plumbing concerns (it is must required when you are replacing your countertop by yourself). In case, plumbing system gets disturbed, it will trouble you in future. Well, it would be even better to take professional help for bathroom countertop installation.

Installation of new countertops has become really very easy nowadays. There are countertop companies which offer a complete range of countertop installation services. They have natural stone, marble, granite, quartz and many more countertops material to offer. These companies even have trained staff who take precise measurement of your bathroom and install countertops with perfect fabrication. In the whole process of installation, you do not need to bother about anything.

There are many advantages of choosing a reputable countertop company for countertop installation. The countertop company will provide you many choices in bathroom countertop material, professional assistance, on-site consultation, customized fabrication, quality craftsmanship, quality material, competitive price and fast turnaround. By choosing a good countertop company, you can get countertops according to your specifications and services according to your requirements. The same level of serves they offer for kitchen countertop installation.

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.

How much will it cost to replace my quartz countertops?

Countertop Options

Has it been years since your last countertop installation? It may be time for an upgrade. The Countertop Factory provides a nearly endless selection of different kitchen countertops and bathroom countertops! One of our experienced countertop contractors would be happy to help you select the most durable countertop materials for your kitchen or bathroom. We can even help to come up with a new countertop design that matches your existing home décor perfectly. One great idea is to install matching his and hers bathroom vanities so you can both use the bathroom counter at the same time!

Countertop Materials

A few of our favorite materials to use in the bathroom include soapstone countertops, marble countertops and granite countertops. These countertops materials are impervious to moisture, so they are very durable for bathroom use. If you are more interested in types of countertops for the kitchen, we can help you out there as well. We tend to favor solid surface countertops in the kitchen; your home countertop contractor can recommend the best countertop brands out there! Installing new home countertops is a great way to add a new dash of style to your home while increasing its market value!

Is granite or quartz a longer lasting countertop material?

Granite vs. Quartz Countertops

Many homeowners constantly struggle with the question; which countertop materials are the most durable? The Countertop Factory can help you find the best countertops for your home based on a variety of factors such as your countertop budget and the home décor of your bathroom or kitchen. Granite countertops tend to be the most popular option for homeowners whether they are looking for kitchen countertops or bathroom countertops. However, quartz countertops come in a close second and are just about as durable as their granite counterparts! An experienced countertop contractor will be able to recommend the best countertops for your home based on your personal styling wishes.

Bathroom and Kitchen Countertops

The best part about granite is that it is extremely easy to clean. When you’ve got granite kitchen countertops or granite bathroom countertops, countertop cleaning will be a breeze! However, there are tons of great countertop options out there aside from just granite and quartz! Some of our other favorite countertop options for the home include soapstone countertops, tile countertops, butcher block countertops, solid surface countertops and recycled glass countertops. The right set of home countertops can truly make or break any kitchen or bathroom!

How much does countertop resurfacing cost?

All granite countertops and quartz countertops need a little touch up every now and then! No matter how high quality your countertop materials are, they are bound to get at least a little scuffed up after months or years of regular use. At The Countertop Factory, we provide complete countertop maintenance and countertop repair services! That includes countertop resurfacing for a low, affordable price. We repair and resurface tons of kitchen countertops and bathroom countertops on a daily basis throughout North Carolina. We can even install brand new solid surface countertops in your home if you need them!

It’s easy to get lost in our sea of endless countertop options! We’d be happy to make countertop recommendations to you based on your needs and budget. We highly recommend laminate countertops, soapstone countertops, silestone countertops and recycled glass countertops for the bathroom. On the other hand, some truly great choices for the kitchen include marble countertops, Corian countertops, tile countertops, wood countertops and recycled glass countertops. Whichever style you choose, you won’t regret it! New countertops can make or break any kitchen or bathroom, so it’s important to be absolutely sure of the countertop style you select. Your brand new kitchen or bathroom awaits you!

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.