Tag Archives: countertop

What Factors Should You Consider When Selecting a Kitchen Counter top Material?

best quartz countertop

Kitchen countertops are one of the most used parts of the kitchen and it’s therefore important that you invest in the right Material.T here are different kinds of materials that you can choose from and before you make your choice we tell you the factors you should consider when choosing the material to use for your countertop. You can consult the experts at the granite company on the best material for your kitchen.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Kitchen Countertops

Below is the simple criteria to follow when selecting kitchen countertops.

Lifestyle

Determine how you intend to use the kitchen and then choose the material that best suits your lifestyle. It’s important to choose the countertop material you want to use based on how often you use your kitchen. If your kitchen is busy you need to choose, material that will withstand the high traffic and it’s heat resistant. Silestone countertops will withstand high traffic without chipping or breaking. Before you choose the countertop to make sure you assess your needs and choose one that suits your need.

Care and Maintenance

Make sure that you can maintain the countertop that you choose. Granite and marble countertops require sealing after every two years. The material you choose should be stain resistant to ensure your kitchen remains clean. Silestone countertop doesn’t require any sealing and is easy to maintain. Ask the countertop dealers on the care and maintenance you need for the countertop material you choose.

Beauty and Elegance

We all want our kitchen to look good. The countertop you choose should make your kitchen more beautiful. Make sure you consider the flooring and the cabinets. Granite countertops come in a variety of colours that you can choose and you will be able to match any kitchen appliances. Complement your kitchen cabinets and the flooring with kitchen countertop. Choose a kitchen countertop material that will bring out style and elegance of your kitchen.

Durability

Durability is one of the most important factors that you should consider when installing a countertop. Make sure the material you choose can withstand the traffic in your kitchen, resistant to heat and scratched and will last a lifetime. The countertop dealers will help you determine the best countertop for your kitchen. Marble and granite countertop will work well if you don’t have a high traffic in your kitchen.

Hygiene

If your countertop is porous it will attract dirt and bacteria and it’s therefore important that it should be nonporous. Sealing granite countertops will ensure that they are nonporous. Nonporous material will ensure that maintain high hygiene levels because they will not hold any dirt. Sealing granite countertops makes it nonporous and ensure that your kitchen is hygienic

Cost

Determine what your budget and choose the material that suits your budget. Visit the countertop companies and get quotations on the various kitchen countertop material available. It’s however important that you ensure that the material you choose fits your kitchen and you can afford it. Granite countertops are expensive but it’s one of the best material for your kitchen countertop.

Why it’s Important to Select the Right Countertop

Perks up the value of your home

The kitchen countertop will add the value of your house. The right countertop will add elegance to your home.

Increase the Functionality of your kitchen

A countertop will make it easy and more enjoyable to prepare and cook meals. It’s therefore important that you select the right material to ensure that you can enjoy your cooking with minimal disruptions

Save on Cost

Choosing the wrong material will mean constant replacement of the countertop and that will mean you incur extra cost every now and then. Countertop replacement is expensive and its therefore important that you choose the right countertop. Based on the above factors choose a durable countertop material that will last a lifetime.

The kitchen Countertop will enhance the look of your home and it’s important that you choose the right material. Speak to the experts and find out the best countertop products NC for your kitchen. Make sure the material you select fits into your budget and you can manage to take care of it. The right material will give your kitchen an elegant look, last long and make cooking more enjoyable.

Reasons Why Granite is still the Best Countertop Material

marble countertop

There are many countertop materials you can choose from, but granite countertops Raleigh are still the king. The unique appearance and structure of granites have made it a formidable material when it comes to countertops. A remodelling can be overwhelming as you try to figure which material to use for your kitchen countertop. In this article, we tell why granite is the best material to use for your kitchen countertop.

Reasons Why Granite is still the Best Countertop Material.

Granite is hard and Easy to maintain

Granite is a hard-natural stone and that makes it long lasting and easy to maintain. Granite can withstand hot pans and scratches. To clean your countertop, use a mild detergent and warm water. Granite is long lasting and once sealed it’s not vulnerable to bacteria.

Affordable and a long-term investment

Granite is affordable as compared to other materials. If you are on a low budget, consider using granites. Visit the granite company and get a quotation on how much you will need for your granite installation. Granite is not only affordable but will last longer than most countertops. Your kitchen countertop endures a lot of cutting and cooking and you need a countertop that will last long. Granite is the ideal countertop investment for your kitchen.

Perks up the Value of Your Home

Granite is one the most popular countertops and it’s one of the features that buyers look out for when looking to buy a house. A granite countertop conveys luxury and adds beauty to your house. If you invest in a granite during a house remodelling, you can be sure that you will get a 100% return on your investment. Although buyers consider other factors a granite countertop will put your house at the top of the selling board.

Style and Design

With granite, no two pieces are the same. Each slab comes its own colour, variation, appeal, and charm. Granite countertop comes with a variety of colours from vibrant shades of blue to yellow to black, grey and white. Granite countertops give you the option to choose from a variety of colours to match with your kitchen cabinets, and flooring. Granite will give your house a classy look and if you like a dramatic look they are readily available and if you love a cool home, cool colours are available.

Granite is stain resistant

Granite is easy to maintain. You only need a mild detergent and a cotton piece of cloth to clean out any spills. Granite is a tough natural stone which resists stains, etching, and scorching. After sealing you can be sure that your countertop is protected from stains. After meals, you simply wipe any spills with a piece of cloth.

Unique

Granite is available in large slabs that are distinct. If you have large spaces, granite will allow you to reduce the number of seams as it’s available in large slabs. The stone has a classic look that you will not find in any other stones. You can be sure that you have a unique countertop that will not go out of style.

Tips on How to Take care of Your Granite Kitchen Countertop

Clean any spill immediately, it happens as that will prevent penetration and chances of staining
Clean your countertop with water and a mild detergent. Avoid using any harsh detergent.
Avoid spilling acidic substances on your countertop
Use a cutting board while cutting any food. While granite is scratch resistant its important that you take care of it.
Use trivets when placing hot pans on the countertop
Visit the granite company and get advice on how to take care of your countertop to ensure it lasts longer
Let the expert granite countertop installers do the installation of your countertop to ensure a classy outcome.
Make sure your granite is sealed after every two years, depending on how you use it.

Granite kitchen countertop is the most preferred countertop material for most people. Its natural, unique, durable and comes in a variety of colours and you can be sure that you will find one that suits your kitchen. Make sure your granite countertop is professionally installed by the granite countertop installers and that will give your kitchen style and perk up the value of your home.

Questions to Ask When Choosing Kitchen Counter tops

best quartz countertop

Kitchen countertops play a major role as they serve as a kitchen workhorse and a showpiece. The countertops you select during your remodel should be durable, stain resistant, heat resistant, nonporous and elegant. Choosing a countertop that has all these qualities is not easy and can make one feel disconcerted. Your countertop is an investment and it’s important that you make the right decision.

To make the choosing process less intimidating we tell you questions you should ask yourself and get advice from the granite countertop installers before you select the kitchen countertop.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Choosing a Kitchen Countertop

How will you use your countertops?

It’s important that you assess how you are going to use the countertop. If you have a busy kitchen the countertop you choose should be able to withstand the activities in your kitchen without being extra careful. If you run a restaurant you need to get a countertop that can withstand hot pans, stain resistant without wearing off too quickly. Quartz countertops will be able to withstand busy kitchens while granite will work for an outdoor kitchen island. It’s imperative that you analyze the kind of activities in your kitchen and select the countertop that suits you. If you cannot decide whether your kitchen is high traffic or not, talk to the experts at the granite company on the best countertop for your kitchen.

How much maintenance can you handle?

Different countertops require a different amount of care. Some materials are resilient while others require a lot of care. You need to be realistic on how much effort you are willing to put to maintain your countertop. Granite countertops require resealing every two years while Quartz countertop doesn’t require to be sealed. Assess the demands of each countertop carefully before you settle for that material. If your kitchen has little activity, the care and maintenance are minimal.

What are your kitchen requirements?

It’s important to know the number of linear feet you require. With the requirements, you will be able to get quotations for various materials and compare. It’s important that you work within your budget.

What materials brings out your style?

The material you choose should give your kitchen an elegant look. Choose the material that will bring out style, but also one that will last long.

Questions to Ask the Countertop Experts

Before selection below are some of the questions to ask the granite installer or fabricator.

What is the best Countertop for Your Kitchen?

Once you have given the experts your requirement, its best to ask for their expert advice on what will work best for you. The granite countertop installer will be able to give you advice on which countertop to choose depending on the state of your kitchen, your lifestyle and the traffic.

Where are the seams going to be located?

It’s important to confirm where the seams will be located. The granite countertop installer will be able to tell where the seams will be and whether they will be visible. Depending on the shape of your kitchen, it may not be possible to avoid seams

How will you maintain your Countertop?

The expert at the countertop company should be able to advise you on how best to maintain your top. Seek advice on the detergents you should use to keep your countertop looking good. Different surfaces require different care practices and you need to choose the one you can handle. Quartz countertop doesn’t require much care while you may need to reseal granite or marble countertops.

Ask About Certification and Experience

Your countertop is an investment and it’s imperative that the installer has the expertise and experience to do a professional installation. Confirm the installer is certified and they have the expertise to install the countertop without damaging it.

Ask about the quotation

Ask for a quotation and confirm any cost that you don’t understand. It’s best to work with a granite company that installs and delivers as that will make your work easier. Confirm that all the cost is in the quotation to avoid surprises.

The kitchen countertop you choose will cost you money and determine how your kitchen will appear. Its therefore important that the countertop products NC you use is durable, functional and gives your kitchen an elegant look. Whether you choose granite countertop, marble or solid surface countertop make sure you bring out style.

Myths About Granite Counter tops Debunked

marble countertop

Granite countertop is one of the most used countertops. The beauty, variety and its durability make it one of the most used kitchen countertop and bathroom vanity countertop. However, there are a lot of debate and myths surrounding the countertop material. In this article, we debunk the myths and give you advice on what you should avoid making sure your countertop last a lifetime.

Things You Should Avoid on Your Countertop

Avoid Pouring Acidic Liquid on the Countertop

The acidic liquid can make your granite countertop to etch and damage the seal on the countertop. Liquids such as vinegar, citrus drinks, and some perfumes are acidic and may destroy your granite. In the bathroom ensure your perfumes are well sealed to avoid pouring.

Clean any Spills as soon as possible

In case of any spill ensure its as clean as possible to prevent your countertop from etching. Clean the countertop with mild detergent and warm water. If the spills are left for long they will cause the kitchen countertops to become stained and etched.

Avoid using knives directly

Granite is a hard material but to ensure it last a long time looking shiny and gloss avoid using knives directly. while cutting any foods make sure you use cutting boards to avoid leaving marks on the countertop

Avoid sitting on the countertop

You may be tempted to sit on your kitchen island especially if you have a lot of guest in the house or stand on it while trying to reach things from the upper cabinets. Granite is likely to crack under pressure. avoid placing any weight in the undersink that would cause pressure on the granite.

Debunking the myth’s

Hot pans will destroy Granite countertops

One of the most commonly asked question is whether hot pans will damage your granite counter top. Granite is formed as result of pressure and extreme heat in earth surface and it’s, therefore, able to resist heat from pans. Granite is made from heat ranging from 1300 to 2400 degrees and it’s, therefore, able to withstand heat from pans without getting damage. it’s however important to place the hot pans on a cloth because the heat may destroy the sealer allowing stains to penetrate the countertop.

Normal kitchen activities such as baking, and cooking don’t produce enough heat to destroy the granite, but as a good maintenance practice always use the heat coaster to protect the granite. Extreme high temperatures will, however, damage the countertop.

Granite Countertop Will Stain easily

Granite kitchen countertops are resistant to stains. Any liquid spilled on the countertop will not cause a stain if wiped immediately. if liquids are left on the countertop for long, may cause the countertop to discolor.

Granite is hard to maintain

Granite countertops require sealing after every two years. After sealing all you need to do to keep the countertop shinning and elegant are mild soap and warm water. Clean the top regularly and in case of any spills wipe immediately. The expert at the granite company will advise you on how often you should polish your countertop. To debunk the myth, we can confidently say that your granite kitchen countertop is easy to maintain.

Granite will harbor bacteria

Granite is porous and that’s why it requires sealing. Once the sealing is done that will keep out any bacteria and that makes it safe for use in the kitchen. It’s therefore untrue that your granite will harbor any bacteria. Keep the countertop clean and that will ensure there are no bacteria in your food.

Granite is indestructible

Granite is one of the hardest natural stone and its resistant to chemicals, heat, stains, and scratches but only to a certain level. While granite is heat resistant, its only resists heat to a certain level. Your countertop can also get stained if the liquid is left for too long on the surface. Although its scratch resistant, the harder object may scratch the countertop. Granite can be destroyed by too much force and it’s important that take care of your countertop

Granite countertop remains one of the best and easy to maintain kitchen countertop. When professional installed by the granite countertop Raleigh installers and properly maintained you can be sure your countertop will last a lifetime. Granite is one of the best kitchen countertop material and with proper installation and maintenance it will last you a lifetime

Why Silestone is the ideal Counter top for Busy Kitchens

indoor kitchen countertop, outdoor kitchen countertop

Wondering what countertop material to use for your busy kitchen? Silestone is an excellent choice for your kitchen countertop due to its durability and high resistance to stains. Over the years Silestone has become popular due to its superior qualities as compared to other countertops. Its made from natural quartz bonded with resins and other adhesives making it incredibly hard and long lasting and an ideal kitchen countertop for high traffic kitchens.

Qualities that Make Silestone a superior Countertop

Versatile Material

Silestone is a versatile material and can be used for kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, and flooring materials. That has made Silestone a popular material especially for busy restaurants it can be used for kitchen countertops and matched as a flooring material.

Durable

A Silestone kitchen countertop will not scratch easily as its tough and hard. It’s one of the hardest materials available for countertops and if well taken care of, will last a lifetime.

Easy to maintain

Unlike other kitchen countertop materials, Silestone doesn’t require sealing, re-sanding or polishing. Silestone countertops will have a natural shine as its made from natural stone. In spite of its easy maintenance, it’s important that you clean your Silestone worktop regularly to ensure its longevity.

Variety of colors

If you are looking for a countertop to complement your cabinets and flooring, Silestone is ideal as it comes in a variety of colors and that’s one of the reasons why Silestone is perfect for your kitchen upgrade. No matter your color choice, Silestone has a variety and growing color library and there is a color for everyone.

Non-Porous

Silestone countertop is nonporous meaning its resistant to stains and will not harbor bacteria and viruses. if you are looking for a kitchen countertop for a high traffic kitchen then Silestone is the perfect material.

Heat Resistant

Silestone is heat and scorch resistant and that makes it ideal for busy restaurants. Its one of the countertop that will withstand the highest levels of heat without damage, however, the heat levels should be the heat levels should not exceed certain levels as this may cause cracks.

Tips for Cleaning and Taking Care of Silestone countertop

Clean the countertop with non-abrasive cleaning sponge or pad
Don’t use acidic soaps and cleaners on the Silestone countertop. Any bleach should be diluted fully and should not be left on the surface for long to avoid discoloration
Clean spills immediately
Avoid excessive pressure on the countertop
In case a stain sets in the surface soak the stained area and then clean it up

Silestone countertops will not only add timeless elegance to your kitchen but also give you peace of mind due to its durability. Silestone offers the much-needed reprieve from the maintenance work that comes with granite countertops. When operating a high traffic kitchen, the durability your countertop should be the least of your worries.

How to Choose a Kitchen Island

kitchen countertop replacement

Kitchen Islands are like an oasis in the middle of the kitchen. A kitchen island will give your kitchen more space, and it’s important to choose one that gives your kitchen style and elegance.Granite countertops will give the island a classic and stylish look creating a regal effect in your kitchen.

Typical uses of a kitchen island

Provides extra space and cooking
In an open kitchen plan, it provides the boundary
If it has drawers, it provides more storage space
The island provides a table where you and family can sit as you prepare dinner

Considerations to make when Choosing the design of your kitchen island

Size of the island

The space of your kitchen available determines the size and the design. Bigger kitchen space allows for more kitchen design. Smaller kitchen space may be hard to design, but with the help of experts, you can still design. Ensure that you get the right height of the island depending on the purpose. Whether the island is for food preparation or an eating area, make sure that the island height is comfortable.

The shape of the Island

The shape of the island will depend on the space available. If your kitchen space is minimal, it may be hard to have different kitchen designs. The shape of your island will give your kitchen a modern and a sleek look.

Function

The design of the kitchen island will depend on the use. If you are going to use the island for the cooker, then you need to consider the ventilation and fans. To add extra storage space, increase the height of the island to accommodate the storage cabinets. You can incorporate a beverage fridge in the island to make it easy to serve drinks if the island is used as a seating area during cooking times.

Adding style to Kitchen Island

A kitchen island on its own may not add any the ambiance and style you are hoping to achieve. It’s therefore essential to ensure that you dress your island appropriately to add style and glamour to your space.

Color and texture of the countertop in use

The choice of the kitchen countertop will change the outlook of the island. Depending on the function of the island choose the marble or granite countertop that will suit your needs. Granite countertops or marble countertop will give your island an elegant look. Make sure the countertop color matches and complements the rest of the kitchen.

Lightning

Add lighting to help illuminate the island and make your kitchen space more stylish. A hanging light will make sure the island is well decorated making it stand out. Add lights to the island to make more modern and give it extra brightness.

Selecting the bathroom vanity countertop!

Selecting a new bathroom vanity countertop can be an exhausting thing. As, there are available so many materials, so many sizes, so many colors and so many designs to choose from.

Bathroom vanities: essentials for comfort and charm of bathroom

Are you thinking about installing cabinet in your bathroom? Or do you wish to have the double vanity? Which color will look best (brown, black or white) with your bathroom decor? Well, all these questions regarding bathroom vanity can drive you crazy! When it comes to bathroom vanity countertop selection, there are many materials and finishes to choose from, so here is a small guide to select the best countertop for your bathroom.

Classy bathroom vanity to change your bathroom’s appearance

Each bathroom countertop finish is beautiful in its own way, and each possesses a different style and coordinates differently with different types of styles. While each of them is different, they all are superior materials that are projected to hold up everyday’s wear and tear and still manage to look just as gorgeous as brand new! Here are the most preferred bathroom vanity countertop materials, just have a look.

#1: Granite countertop: One of the strongest material present on earth is “Granite”. Granite is the best material for bathroom countertop. It is reliable for everyday use. The granite countertopprovides both strength and beauty to vanity.

#2: Cast polymer countertop: The polymer countertop is another strong yet elegant countertop you can choose for your bathroom. It is usually available in white color with a classy finish to it.

#3: Marble countertops: Marble countertops are the most beautiful countertop one can ever think of. The marble countertop looks best when paired with dark shade of wood. The marble tops provide a stunning look to every bathroom.

#4: Glass countertops: Glass countertop is a beautiful and modern style that adds instant elegance to your bathroom.

There are many countertop companies, which can provide you the customized countertop of your choice. Thanks to the countertop companies, as they save you from all the fuss and provide you a bathroom countertop installation facility. So, if you wish to get bathroom vanity countertop installed at your place, the hire a countertop company now!

Countertop solution and ideas!

Better than anything: Granite countertops

If you have been following any latest home designing trend, then you surely know that natural stone countertops are the most preferred and talked about item in the market. And the most popular amongst these countertops is the granite countertops. They are durable as well as elegant. All these characteristic traits increases the appeal of granite countertop and it can often without delay double the beauty of your bathroom or kitchen. The granite countertops not only have a chic status, they also have a lot of other realistic benefits. They are stain resistant, heat resistant, and durable which means if you use countertop appropriately, they will never crack or peel.

Budget friendly countertop

Whether your budget is tight or you are just a frugal soul, you are surely looking out for cost-effective countertop materials, when it is the time to upgrade your kitchen. You will be really happy to learn about some budget friend granite countertops. For your happiness below information will let you know about economical yet beautiful granite countertops! Have a look:

#1: Versatile Laminate Granite Countertops: These economical countertops are tough, water resistant and easy to clean as well as install. Laminates are available in a number of finishes and color options. It can be fabricated in various edges, but please do keep it in mind the simple the rim the less expensive the countertop. The DIY installation can prove out to be hectic with these laminated granite countertops so it’s better that you hire professionals for the countertop installation.

#2: Granite tiles: If you like the rollicking retro or the rich earthy appearance, then you might have found what you are looking for in the granite tile aisles. For much better look you can combine the Granite tiles with the Ceramic tiles to form a desired countertop. Both the Granite and ceramic tiles are durable and long lasting and above all, they are cost efficient.

These are two cost effective granite countertops available in the market which can help you to renovate the kitchen at a reasonable price. So, if you have got a desire for granite countertops installation, but cannot rationalize the cost, you can take granite tiled countertops or Versatile Laminate Granite Countertops into your consideration.

Sophisticate your kitchen with granite countertop

Why Granite countertop is the first choice of homeowners?

The kitchen is the heart of a home, where you, your friends and family members gather to eat and share routine talk over a delicious meal, refreshing drink and quick snacks. It is one of the most important alcoves in your home, so don’t you think it makes sense to select kitchen countertops which reflect the value of your kitchen? Fortunately, choosing the perfect countertops is not a difficult task because modern countertops are available in a lots colors, designs and materials. Among all granite countertops are gaining a lot of popularity among homeowners.

Many homeowners choose granite countertops over other solid surface counter because of elegance and durability of granite. Granite countertops are carved from natural stone that is why they inherit earthy shades entwined with crystalline whirl which catch light from all directions. These kitchen countertops are very resistant to wear and tear, staining, scratches, mold, and mildew, as granite is the second hardest material after diamonds. The surface of these countertops is really very easy to clean and maintain. All you required is a soft cloth, warm water and soap, and cleaning is done.

Why to choose granite countertop?

Granite countertops are manufactured with an eclectic palate of colors and patterns. Apart from natural granite color custom countertops are also available in several colors. The colors like black, gray, brown, white, green, blue, and red are available to match with your kitchen decor. The colors are even laced with copper, silver, and gold, and blend with tiny crystal fragments to provide distinguish appearance to every countertop. You can adorn your kitchen with these scintillating kitchen countertops.

The granite counter is overlaid with a polished finishing. This makes the surface a countertop glossy also minimizes its porosity, and its vulnerability to liquid absorption. Yes, with the polished finishing, your countertop will look good as well as provide long lasting service. If you are thinking about kitchen renovation or constructing a new kitchen then granite countertop can full fill all your expectation and impress you with its long lasting and trouble free service.

Freshen up your kitchen decor with trendy Silestone countertops

Silestone countertops best for kitchen remodeling

When it comes to make a choice about improvement in your kitchen it is really very tough to decide where to start from. But if you find your kitchen a little bit or more outdated then the easiest thing which you can do to chance its look is a chance the countertop. This chance may come out as a little bit pricy investment for you, but if you choose the right countertop the spending of money may not seem a big deal. Nowadays the Silestone countertops are gaining so much popularity among the crowd. The Silestone countertop is made up of natural quartz and is extremely hard and supple and along with it the Silestone countertops also have the antimicrobial characteristic which makes it the best option for any kind of usage. So if you are thinking to remodel your kitchen then, then remodel kitchen with Silestone countertops and enhance the look of your kitchen in the best way possible.

Advantages of the Silestone countertops

There is no doubt that the Silestone countertops are one of the best countertops which you can choose to remodel your kitchen or your bathroom. This countertop adds up the beauty to your place, but along with enhancing the appearance of your house there are a number of advantages associated with the Silestone countertop. Just have a look over the benefits of Silestone countertop installation at your place.

The Silestone countertop freshen up the look of your place
Strong enough to bare any kind of stress
The Silestone countertops are a low maintenance countertop. You do not have to spend a large amount of money or time to take care of your counter top
Made up of natural quartz. Hence, making it more comfortable to use
Resistant to acids and alkali matter
No color fading due to sun rays or UV radiation
The main advantage of Silestone countertop is that, it is bacteria resistant. Therefore, it can be used in kitchen or bathrooms with out and tension.

The above mentioned are a few advantages of the Silestone countertops, so if you wish to remodel your kitchen, include the Silestone countertop in your wish list.