Tag Archives: countertops

Tricks To Make Your Countertops Look Better

Are you wondering how you can make your kitchen countertops look better than they do? Well, there are a number of things you can do. These things include:

Clean the countertops regularly

You should make it a habit to clean your countertops as regularly as possible. A good rule of thumb is to ensure that you don’t get out of the kitchen and leave your countertops dirty.

Some people think that you have to be fancy about how you do the cleaning, but this isn’t the case. All you need is a wet piece of cloth, soap, and you are good to go. You shouldn’t use tough cleaning products such as ammonia as they won’t make any difference. In fact, they often end up ruining your countertops.

Seal your countertops correctly.

If you have installed porous countertops such as granite and marble, you will need to seal them regularly to prevent them from staining and getting damaged. You should always seal the surfaces at the installation time and once a year after that.

When doing the sealing, always use the right sealant. Some people try to cut corners by using low-quality products, but you shouldn’t go this route as the cheap sealant wears out fast, leaving you exposed countertops. You don’t want this, do you?

After you have confirmed that your countertops need sealing, you should get high-quality ones that will withstand the test of time. If you have the skills, you can apply the sealant yourself, but if you have never done it before, let an expert do it.

Always protect your countertops with coasters and trivets

Even the toughest countertops, such as granite and quartz, will get damaged when you expose them to a lot of heat, so you should protect them from damage using coasters and trivets.

When placing hot items such as drinks and food, don’t place them on the naked countertops. Instead, always place them on a hot pad or any other material that will prevent the heat from reaching the countertops.

If you don’t have the protective materials, don’t place a hot pot on the countertops. Instead, let the pot cool completely before placing it on the surface.

In the same way, many homeowners have the impression that kitchen countertops are tough and can take heat abuse is the same way they think they can cut directly on them. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case.

The countertops appear tough, but they will get damaged when you cut directly on them. Always use a cutting board when cutting or chopping food to protect your surfaces and keep them from scratching.

Add a backsplash

Many homeowners add backsplashes to their countertops to protect their walls from moisture and food splashes, but this isn’t the only benefit of adding a backsplash to your countertops. Adding a backsplash can also be an excellent way to update your countertops and make not only the countertops but the entire kitchen look better.

To get the most from the backsplash, use high-quality tiles that complement the design of the kitchen. You also should ensure that the countertops are installed by a professional that knows what they are doing. You don’t want someone that doesn’t know what they are doing to botch your project, do you?

Resurface your countertops

If you want to improve the look of your countertops but are strapped for money, resurfacing them is an excellent and cost-effective way to improve the look of your surfaces.

If you have done a similar thing before, you can resurface the surfaces but if you have never done it before, let an expert help you.

You should prepare the surfaces by cleaning them thoroughly, then sand them with coarse sandpaper.

If there are any damages to the countertops, such as chips and cracks, fill them with epoxy filler. Once the filler has dried, apply a primer coat and resurface the surfaces.

After the resurfacing material has dried, apply a sealer on your marble or granite kitchen countertops NC. As mentioned above, always use high-quality sealing materials that protect your surfaces.

Factors To Consider When Undertaking Countertop Replacement

Even if your countertops have been worn out and you are thinking about replacing them, it doesn’t mean you should simply go ahead and undertake countertop replacement—you need to consider several factors for your project to be a success. Which are these factors? Here they are:

The cabinets

Countertop materials sit on the cabinets, and to retain their look and structure, the cabinets should be able to support them.

The last thing you want is to install the countertops and only for them to crumble due to excessive weight.

To avoid this, ensure that your current cabinets can support the countertop weight. This calls for you to hire an experienced professional to inspect the cabinets and confirm that they can carry the weight. If they can’t carry the weight, first strengthen them. It would also be nice to find a countertop material of a similar weight as the previous material and install it.

Plumbing

Sometimes you have to reconfigure your plumbing, meaning you have to hire the services of a countertop installation professional and hire a plumber.

A classic example of when you may need to hire a plumber is when you want to replace a tile countertop with a solid surface or engineered composite surface. While the cabinets in such a case will stay in place, you may have to replace the sink, unless the existing sink is mounted under an existing stone counter.

As you can tell, the sink change will impact the faucet configuration, and you may also have to replace the faucet.

To avoid surprises, work with an experienced contractor who can foresee the project before it begins.

Your old appliances

When many homeowners think about replacing their countertops, their old appliances are the last thing on their minds. Unfortunately, they are an important aspect of the entire project as they have a significant impact on the look of the countertops once you are done with the project.

If your appliances are as old as your countertops, it would be nice to simply replace them, as leaving them as they are would be synonymous with wearing a new outfit with an old pair of shoes.

On the other hand, if you are one of the homeowners fond of replacing their kitchen appliances when they break down or feel they are getting too old, you have nothing to worry about, as the new countertops will blend just right with the appliances.

If you have to also replace the appliances to prevent them from looking out of place, work with a professional who will guide you on the right appliances.

Lighting

Similar to appliances, lighting can significantly affect the look of your kitchen. The situation is even dire if you have under cabinet lighting.

The reason for this is that under cabinet lighting causes an eye-straining glare when you aim it directly onto a highly polished stone surface. If you already have under cabinet lights and don’t want to remove them, find a countertop material that won’t cause too much glare.

Backsplash

Unless you are replacing the countertops with the same countertop material, you may have to replace the backsplash. This means that if you are installing a different material, factor in the cost of removing and replacing the backsplash.

Your lifestyle

Your lifestyle significantly impacts the type of countertop material you should go for. If you are single and home most of the time and don’t mind giving your countertops a little more care, you can get away with marble countertops Durham.

On the other hand, if you have small children, cook a lot, and don’t like countertop maintenance tasks, it would be nice to avoid countertops that might need care. This means you should stay clear of granite or marble counters. Some of the best materials for you are quartz or other easy-to-maintain materials.

If you aren’t sure of the right materials to go for, get the input of an expert.

When buying the kitchen countertops, don’t buy them from any store—take time and find a reputable store selling high-quality materials at a low cost.

How Long Does Marble Last?

best quartz countertop

Marble is known for its beauty and elegance, but that’s not enough when you are looking to install the countertops. You should know how long the countertops will last. How long does marble last? Is a question you should ask yourself.

Natural marble countertops are tough and durable, and when properly maintained, they can last for over 100 years. Cultured marble countertops, on the other hand, need replacement every two decades.

As mentioned, the countertops won’t last this wrong out of the blue—you need to take good care of them. How do you do this? Here is a guide on how to do it:

Clean the countertops

It’s a no brainer that you should clean the countertops to keep them looking clean and polished. While this is the case, be cautious of the cleaning products you are using.

As a rule of thumb, avoid household chemicals, as many of them are known to cause more harm than good.

For best results, go for neutral cleaners containing conditioning agents. If you don’t have these cleaners, use stone soap designed specifically for marble.

When you repeatedly clean the countertops with the right cleaner, you keep your countertops looking fresh, and you add a natural luster to the stone.

It’s normal for spills to happen and when they happen, always move with haste to remove them before they stain your counters.

Avoid grit at all costs.

Grit is the leading cause of scratches on the countertops, so avoid it in your home as much as possible. Of course, you can prevent it from accumulating on your counters by cleaning the surfaces regularly, but you should take it a step further.

For example, ensure everyone removes their shoes when they are getting in the house. If you have many people living in the house, dust mop the floor daily and clean the counters.

Seal the countertop

Like granite, marble is porous, so it needs sealing to prevent water and other liquids from getting into the stone’s inner layers and staining it. For best results, seal the counters at the time of installation and at least once a year thereafter.

When you are in the stores buying the sealing product, go for the highest quality as it will provide a better seal and improve the look of your counters.

Polish the surfaces

With time, it’s common for countertops to lose their factory shine. Don’t fret when this happens or move to replace the counters. Instead, contact a professional and re-polish the counters.

Polishing will remove light marks left by cleaning agents and chemicals, but it won’t remove deep scratches, so if your counters have large, deep scratches, you may have to replace them.

You can do the polishing if you have the skills or hire a professional to help you out. When you hire professionals, they sand the stone with various grinding grits, making the surfaces flat and establishing a new finish.

When hiring the polishing professional, hire experienced ones. The last thing you want is someone to damage your countertops in the name of polishing them.

Protect the surfaces from damage

Although, properly maintained marble is durable, it’s often brittle when mishandled. So for your countertops to last for a long time, protect them from damage by always having coasters, protective mats, hard mats, and other items on the counters to prevent the surfaces from getting damaged.

Never stand or sit on the counters as you risk cracking them. If you have to reach the top shelf, don’t stand on the counters. Instead, stand on a ladder or stool.

Many people sit on the counters when they are having company in the kitchen. To prevent your guest from sitting on the counters, always have a chair in the kitchen so that when the guest tries to sit on the counters, you ask them to sit on the chair instead.

Install a high-quality stone

When you are in the store, you will come across a wide range of marble stones. Some cheap and others expensive. For your kitchen countertops Raleigh to last for long and also have an easy time maintaining it, go for a high-quality stone.

While it will be expensive at the time of purchase, the high cost is worth it.

8 Tips On How To Keep Kitchen Countertops Clear

Keeping your kitchen countertops clear of clutter not only keeps them looking good, but it also prevents accidents from coming about. Wondering how to keep kitchen counters clear? Here are tips on how to do it:

Have as little as possible on your countertops

This is the foundation of everything. Instead of having plenty of things on your surfaces, store them in organized cabinets and drawers. Save your countertop space only for the absolutely necessary essentials.

Many homeowners treat their countertops as drop-offs for keys, magazines, dirty dishes, and other items. Don’t do this.

When it comes to appliances, only have the absolutely essential ones. These are the ones that you use every day, such as coffee makers, cookers, toaster, oven, and others. A good rule of thumb is if you haven’t used it for a week, you don’t need it on your counters. Lock it up.

Don’t use the fridge as an art gallery.

Visit many homes, and you will find all things on the refrigerators: photos, notes, lists, magnets, and plenty of other things. You might have the impression that this makes you look cool, but it’s not the case. It actually makes the kitchen look dirty and disorganized.

For a cleaner kitchen, keep it simple. If you have no emotional connection to a photo, don’t need that note or magnet, get rid of it.

Have a catch-all bowl

It’s normal to have papers, knickknacks, and other small items here and there. Since you can’t always put these in storage all the time, you should have a junk bowl on your countertops to catch the items.

At the end of every week, sort through the collection and put the different items in the right place.

If you must have things on your counters, don’t leave them haphazardly there. Place them on trays or stands to avoid the messy hodge-podge look.

Stick the microwave in your kitchen island

The microwave is large and can take up a huge chunk of the precious counter space. Unfortunately, you can’t put it in the cupboard and be pulling it in and out every time you want to use it.

What is the solution to this? Stick it on the kitchen island.

Make your sink multifunctional.

When buying a new sink, go for one that performs more than one function. For example, you can go for one with mini ledges inside the sink that make it easy to easily pop in the drying rack, cutting board, wash pan and at the same time have space to stack and wash the dirty dishes.

While such a sink will be a little expensive, it will be worth it as it will save you a lot of space.

Add pretty but functional items.

You should note that having clutter-free counters doesn’t mean you can’t have anything on them. You can have your desired items, but they should be attractive and add some functionality to your counters.

For example, you can have jars on the counters that look pretty and carry grains and other materials.

Have decluttering rules

If you have many people living in the same house, have rules that will keep the counters clear. Some of the rules you can have include:

Dirty dishes should always go directly in the sink or dishwasher but never on the counter.
After cleaning the dishes, always clean the countertop surfaces.
Don’t place the paperwork on the kitchen counters.
Kitchen cabinets and drawers should always stay organized all the time, so every item in the kitchen has a place.

Add storage areas on your counters.

For items such as knife blocks and others that take up a lot of space, add more storage areas. Some of the storage ideas you can use to your advantage include:

Hook for keys
Wall hanging fruit basket
Wall-mounted paper towel holder.
Shelves for cookbooks
Wall-mounted racks for commonly used spices.
Magnetic strips or backsplash for knives and other utensils

You can also have a pocket inside your cabinet door to store your baking sheet and cutting board. Like your granite countertops Durham, keep the storage areas clean and free from unnecessary junk. You don’t want them messy and disorganized.

How Do I Know What My Countertop Is Made Of? Granite Contractors Answer It

If you are asking this question, how do I know what my countertop is made of, you must have moved to a new house, and aren’t sure of the material used to cover your countertops. Don’t worry, you aren’t alone. According to granite contractors, there are plenty of new homeowners that can’t tell whether their countertops are made from marble, quartz, or granite. To help you out, here are three of the most popular countertop materials and how they compare:

Marble

Marble is said to be the most elegant natural stone in the world. Just like granite, it has been around for years, and it has been used to construct palaces for kings and statues dedicated to gods.

Impurity free marble is solid white. Unfortunately, most of the marble contains other minerals that give it a myriad of colors such as black, pink, gray, and yellow.

Real marble tends to have unparalleled glossiness. When you are inspecting the stone, don’t take this as a telltale sign your countertop is made from marble as unscrupulous business people can replicate it by adding small pieces of glass and other materials.

The colors of the countertops will appear as veins or swirls throughout the stone, and since the countertop is natural, it won’t have repeating or symmetrical patterns.

Unlike granite, marble is translucent; hence you can see a few millimeters past the surface, which gives the material more depth.

Granite

Granite has been around for years, and it’s one of the most popular countertop materials in the market. It contains an assortment of different minerals such as: mica, feldspar, and quartz. It comes in different colors such as brown, gray, white, and red.

Granite is referred to as a phanerite rock. This means it contains crystals and mineral clumps that are large enough to distinguish with naked eyes. When you look at a granite slab, you will see various pieces in a speckled pattern that come together to form the stone.

You will come across some granite that has a veined look similar to marble, but when you look at it closely, the color patches tend to be grainy and blurry, instead of having distinct streaks. Since the stone is opaque, you can only see the outermost layer of the surface.

Quartz

Quartz counters are humanmade, where they are made by mixing ground quartz stone, resins, and polymers. Some quartz countertops can be a mix of ground granite, marble and other natural stones giving birth to engineered stone.

Since the countertops are humanmade, they come in a variety of colors and patterns.

If you are new with countertops and would love to know whether you are using real or fake countertops, you should look at the pattern. Every slab of marble or granite is unique since it’s made from natural stone. As a consequence, no two areas of the stone will look the same.

Since quartz is humanmade, it tends to have a fairly uniform color and consistency throughout with little variation in patterns and texture.

So what should you do after knowing?

Once you have known the countertops you have in your home, the next move should be to take care of them. In most cases, you give the same care to all types of countertops.

One of the things you should do is to clean the countertops. When you notice dirt, clean the countertops with mild soap and sponge. Avoid using harsh chemicals as they will etch the surfaces.

You also should avoid placing a lot of weight on the countertops. Marble, granite, and quartz countertops appear sturdy and indestructible, but they easily crack when you place a lot of weight on them.

To keep them in shape, avoid sitting on them. You also should avoid placing a heavy cooking item at the edges of the countertops.

Finally, you should make a habit of clearing any debris from the countertops as soon as it happens. This ensures the countertops don’t stain, so you don’t have to undertake countertop replacement Raleigh. Just like when cleaning the surfaces, avoid getting rid of dirt using harsh products that can harm the surfaces.

6 Cheap Kitchen Countertops Alternatives

kitchen countertops

When homeowners hear about updating their countertops, they imagine they have to spend several tens of thousands of dollars.

While some countertop materials will cost this much, there are plenty of other cheaper alternatives. Are you on a budget? Here are six cheap kitchen countertops alternatives you should try out:

Paint

Just as paint transforms a wall, it can also transform your counters. If you don’t like the current look of the countertops, find a paint that will match your cabinets, floor, and cover the damaged areas of the counters.

Regardless of whether you have tile, laminate, cultured marble, or solid surface counters, you will find a paint that will give the surfaces a new look.

If you have the skills, you can paint the surfaces by yourself, but if you have never done it before, let an expert handle it. For perfect results, first prime the counters then paint them. Finish the look by sealing the counters.

Concrete

Concrete countertops are durable, affordable, and cool looking. Ages ago, concrete contractors used to pour the concrete on the site. This often didn’t produce great-looking results.

Fortunately, things have changed. Currently, thanks to advancements in technology, there are plenty of precast concrete countertops that are more attractive.

Concrete counters resemble natural stone slabs. Unless you are too keen, you can pass them for granite or any other natural stone countertops.

Since the precast concrete countertops are cured and finished in the factory, they are easy to install as they come ready to use. The countertops are usually 1.5 inches thick, and when poured and cured, they come out smooth and flat.

They come in lengths of up to 10 feet, so they don’t produce any unsightly seams.

While these countertops are beautiful, unique, and affordable, they easily chip and scratch, so you should be cautious about how you handle them. As a rule of thumb, avoid being rough with them.

Ceramic tiles

Ceramic tiles give you the durability of natural stone, but at a much lower price. The tiles also come in many designs, including the natural-toned designs that give your kitchen or bathroom a natural look.

To make your countertops more attractive, use more expensive tiles with interesting designs at the borders.

While the tiles are tough hence allowing you to place even hot pots on them, you should take care as they tend to crack and chip easily. The grout between the tiles also stains easily, so you have to pay close attention to it to maintain the look.

Laminate

Popularly known as Formica, plastic laminate is highly versatile and affordable. Laminate is also resilient and comes in many colors, textures, and patterns. The material is also easy to install. Even if you are a beginner, you can install the countertops.

They come in sizes of 2 x 4 feet or 4 x 8 feet, but if you have longer counters, visit the company, and they will cut customized sizes.

Although, made from plastic, advanced printing techniques make the countertops resemble natural stone or wood.

When they were coming out, laminate used to scratch easily, but now advanced sealing techniques make these countertops tough and almost scratch proof.

Wood

Wood is significantly cheaper than natural stone making it an ideal choice for people operating on a budget. Two of the popular wood choices are maple and bamboo.

If you opt for these countertops, you should note that they require high levels of maintenance. To prevent them from getting damaged by water, regularly seal them with epoxy. Also, remember to oil them every two to three years.

Faux granite

Every homeowner wants granite countertops, but they don’t come cheap. If you love the look of natural stone but don’t have the money to buy real granite, go for faux granite countertops Raleigh.

All you need to do is to find an experienced contractor who will help you find the right countertops and paint them to give them the look of real granite.

While the countertops will look like real granite, they can’t take the abuse of real granite, so you need to handle them with care.

Silestone countertops vs. Marble countertops

Silestone or marble countertops! Which is suitable for my kitchen?

Kitchen improvement is one of the most hectic tasks of the world. The most difficult thing in the entire kitchen renovation process is decision, decision. One of the most essential part of the kitchen is kitchen countertop and deciding which countertop is most suitable for you is not going be easy for you especially when plenty of choices are available to you. It is not easy to resist the natural beauty of marble and also the shine offered by the Silestone. Indeed, it is really a confusing task to decide which countertop is going to appropriate for your kitchen, but you can make your decision according to usability of countertop. Let’s take a quick glance over various features of both countertops:

Highlights of Silestone and marble countertops:

When it comes to appearance the white marble countertop is unmatchable and Silestone countertop lies nowhere near to them. Marble countertop can add aesthetic beauty to your kitchen. The white countertop has its own appeal which is irresistible. Well…. Well, it is a kitchen, and the countertop is the place where most of the kitchen tasks are going to happen. That’s why it is recommended that if you can afford frequent cleaning then the marble is suitable for you; otherwise you can opt for Silestone countertop.

In terms of durability the silestone countertops give neck to neck competition to marble countertops. Both countertops are highly durable and capable of giving long lasting services without any sort of problem. Silestone is a non-porous material which even offers scratch resistant and stain resistant service which marble could not. Yes! Marble is prone to scratch and stain.

Marble countertops are for white lovers because there is no other color option available in these countertops, but Silestone countertops have oodles of color option for you. To cut a long story into short, it can be concluded that both countertops are good, but as per kitchen’s applications, Silestone countertops are found to be a more appropriate alternative. For sure marble countertop can beat Silestone countertop when it comes to bathroom. Yes, marble countertops are more suitable for bathroom countertops. But people with classic taste can also think of marble countertop in kitchen as well.

Marble is a beautiful countertop but the drawback is that it stains very easily. Spills and solvents if left for a long period of time may cause permanent stains. Wipe away spills immediately to avoid any stains. Use a mild cleaning product, warm water and washcloth to clean it. Clean and wipe it daily with a mild cleaner. Do not use very harsh and strong cleaners as it will damage it. Marble is also very porous so you will need to get it sealed once every year so that liquids and food particles do not penetrate.

The Granite Countertop Cleaning and Maintenance Guide

best kitchen countertop contractor

Your kitchen countertop is an investment and it’s therefore important that you take care of it. Simple cleaning tips will keep your granite countertop looking good and ensure it last long. Correct cleaning methods and proper maintenance practices will ensure the durability of your countertop and give your house and kitchen a regal effect. It’s important that you understand your countertop and that keeps your countertop looking fabulous for years. In this article, we tell you do’s and don’ts when using granite countertop Durham and simple cleaning practices that will ensure the longevity of your countertop.

Sealing Your Granite Countertop

It’s imperative that you seal your granite before using it. If you already have the granite countertop installed to make sure it sealed often. The number of times you seal your granite countertop will depend on how often you use the countertop. Talk to the granite countertop dealer and get advice on how often you should seal your countertop and the kind of sealant you should use.

Do’s and Don’ts When Cleaning the Granite Countertop

It’s crucial that you follow the right cleaning procedure to prevent your countertop from being damaged. The right care and maintenance procedure will ensure your countertop last long. Below some tips on how to take care of the granite countertops and what you should avoid;

Granite Countertop DO’s

Blot out spills immediately

Coffee, fruit juices tomato sauces may contain an acidic element which may etch the countertop. To minimize the chances of damaging the countertop make sure you blot out any spill immediately.

Clean the Surface with a Soft Sponge and Cloth

To clean the countertop, use a soft sponge and a mild detergent. Don’t use an acidic detergent because that may ruin the sealant. Using the wrong soap may also cause the countertop to become dull. Regular dishwashing soap will cause the countertop to become dull.

Use hot Pads and Trivets when using Hot Pans

Don’t take a hot pan and place it directly on the granite kitchen countertop. Hot pans may give your countertop a thermal shock and because small cracks Make sure you place hot pads and use trivets before placing hot pans on the countertop.

Use Cutting Boards

Avoid cutting directly on the countertop, instead, use a cutting board to protect your countertop. Cutting directly on the granite will make countertop to have scratches and become dull.

Granite countertop Don’ts’s

Avoid using bleach and other acidic cleaners

Any product that is acidic or contains harsh chemicals will destroy your countertop by downgrading the sealant. That will make your countertop more prone to staining. Use mild detergents to clean the countertop.

Avoid Placing Heavy Objects on Your Countertop

Avoid sitting on the countertop or placing heavy materials because that will cause it to crack.

Don’t Store liquids that can Stain the countertop on it

Liquids such as perfume, colognes and nail products may spill and cause your countertop to stain. If such liquids remain on the countertop for long periods that may stain the top.

Granite Countertop Maintenance

Daily Maintenance

Make sure you wipe any spills immediately using a sponge and a mild detergent. Keep your countertop clean throughout the day. The granite countertop dealer will advise you on the best granite cleaner that you can use on a daily basis.

Weekly Maintenance

Remove all the items on the countertop and clean the whole surface. Clean the edges and remove any dust that has collected around.

Monthly

You can apply a granite polish monthly to make the surface of the countertop look more natural and enhance the shine.

Yearly Maintenance

You can carry out the water and lemon test on your granite to see whether you need to seal your granite. The frequency will, however, depend on how often the countertop is used. Seal the granite if you notice that the countertop is absorbing water drops left on it. The contractor from the granite company will advise you on when you have your countertop sealed.

Its imperative that you ensure that you follow the care and maintenance practices above to keep your granite looking good for long. Simple maintenance practices will ensure that kitchen countertop looks good and you can enjoy preparing meals on it for years. The granite countertop installers will advise you on how often you should seal your countertop depending on how often you use the countertop.

Granite VS Marble; Which one Suits Your Home

best kitchen countertop

When building a new home or remodeling your kitchen you are faced with the decision on which countertop material to use. The kitchen countertop or bathroom vanity countertop material you choose should bring out the elegance and style. Granite and marble countertops are both very elegant materials that will keep their look for decades when properly take care of and maintained. Granite has been the countertop king for ages while marble is synonymous with high class and luxury. In this article, we look at the similarities and differences between the two countertop materials and where best to use each one of them.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Countertop Material

Use of the countertop

Before you choose the countertop to use, choose the one that suits your kitchen needs. If your kitchen is high traffic then you require a hard stone such as granite

Budget and cost

Talk to the granite company and get a quotation for each countertop material. Choose the one that suits your budget

Style

Marble is more classic and elegant as compared to granite which is more common. Granite, however, comes in different colors as compared to marble.

Making of Granite and Marble

Marble is a natural stone which is made from limestone which has been subjected to intense heat due to tectonic shifting of the earth’s crust

Granite is also a natural rock made from compressed quartz, feldspar, mica and other minerals. Granite is harder than marble.

Both the materials are porous and offer good quality countertop material.

Granite Vs Marble

The comparison will help you decide which countertop to use for your kitchen countertop or bathroom vanity countertop.

Appearance

Although both materials are made from the natural rock they are different in appearance. Granite has speckled colors that it gets from melded stones and comes from numerous shades and tones.

Marble has veining characteristics with a deep, rich feel and comes in fewer colors and variety. Marble is commonly available in black and white.

Granite is shiny and glossy as compared to marble which has a dull smoothness. Marble can be made to look like granite by applying a sealant.

Cost of the Countertop

The cost of marble vs granite varies according to the collar and appearance. Marble is, however, more expensive than granite. It may not be possible to get large chunks of marble due to its soft nature while you can get for granite as its sturdier.

Durability

Granite is hard and resists chipping and cracking when it’s well maintained. On the other hand, marble is softer and it’s more prone to scratches and cracks and therefore require more care.

Both the rocks are porous but marble is softer, making it easy to stain and damage as compared to granite. Marble is susceptible to heat and any acidic liquids and it’s therefore important that extra care is taken. Granite, however, is harder and can withstand heat to a certain level.

Use of the Countertop Material

Granite is harder and therefore more durable and can be used in kitchens with moderate traffic as a kitchen countertop or bathroom vanity countertop. Marble is appropriate in places with little traffic and can be used both in the kitchen and bathroom.

Maintenance

Both granite and marble are porous and require sealing so that they don’t absorb spills. You need to reseal marble countertops at least twice per year while you can seal your granite countertop once every two years. Marble will require more maintenance work as compared to granite.

Repair and Installation

In case of chips, the repaired chips are more visible in a marble than in granite due to its flecked pattern. Make sure that the installation of both granite and marble is done by the expert from the granite company to avoid any installation problems and breakage.

Marble countertops require more maintenance and care but if you are willing to trade that for the classic and elegant look then go for it. Granite, on the other hand, is common in most homes, but it’s harder and more durable. Granite countertop Durham will work well even for the outdoor kitchen island and it requires moderate care and maintenance. Before making your choice speak to the granite countertop installers and they will advise you on the best kitchen countertop and bathroom vanity countertop for your house.

The Most Common Kitchen Counter top Problems

kitchen counter

The kitchen countertop is one of most valuable features in your house. The countertop gives your kitchen the regal look and its therefore important that it’s in good shape. What happens when your countertop cracks, chips or fractures? In this article, we look at the various countertop problems you are likely to experience and how to deal with them. Don’t attempt to repair the kitchen countertop as the material is delicate instead invite the quartz or the granite countertop Durham, installer to have a look and advise.

Common Kitchen Countertop Problems

Cracks on countertop

Cracks on the edges and on the granite result from;

too much weight on the edges of the countertop.
Constant exposure to too much heat, the exposure weakens the granite leading to cracking
Imprecise installation and stress during transportation.

If the countertop is not installed with proper reinforcement that will lead to cracking. The granite contractor should ensure there is sufficient reinforcement for the countertop to avoid damage.

Raptured Countertop

A raptured countertop is a cause for concern for many as it will give your countertop a bad look and you may be forced to replace the whole countertop. Your countertop will rapture because of the following;

When the countertop is installed on a surface that is not even
Joints that are poorly crafted
If the glue used during installation is not given enough time to dry
Too much weight in certain areas

Damage Caused by Water

When water is left on the countertop for long that may result in damage on the countertop. Water can also cause white crusty build up in the countertop creating a stain. Make sure there is no water leaking from sinks and taps so that there is no damage to the cabinets and countertops. To remove the stain, use a soft brush and a gentle cleanser to remove the stubborn stains

Chemical Stains and Dull Countertops

Using harsh cleaners on your kitchen countertops such as marble leads to dullness and although it may not show at first the countertop will eventually become dull. When granite is exposed to harsh chemicals that will result in the shine and spark diminishing over time. Use cleaners that are mild and will not cause the countertop to lose its shine

Stains from Hot Dishes

Countertops can withstand heat but they can also get damaged with the hot pans leaving marks. The solution to remove the stains depends on the type of countertop material that is in your kitchen.

Scratches on the Countertops

Pushing knives and other sharp utensils around the kitchen will cause scratches on the countertops. When your granite countertop has a scratch, invite the granite installer to assess the issue and advice on the way forward.

How to Deal with Kitchen Countertop Problems

Care and Maintainance

Cleaning

Avoid cleaning the countertop with abrasive and harsh detergents as this will result in stains and dullness. Ask the granite countertop installers how best to clean your countertop and the detergent that is meant for each countertop or buy mild detergents that will not make the countertop dull. Choose cleaning materials with a neutral PH. Warm water and mild detergent will clean the countertop perfectly

Protect Your Countertop

To avoid stains and marks caused by hot pans, ensure that hot pans are not placed directly on the countertops.

Avoid throwing sharp objects on the countertop as that will cause scratches and while cutting foodstuff ensure you use cutting boards.

Hire a Professional for major Problems

Make sure your countertop installation is handled by an expert at the granite company to avoid problems that result from a poor installation process. Don’t attempt to solve major problems like a raptured countertop or a large crack on your countertop. Invite the granite countertop installers to have a look at the issue and they will advise the best way to deal with the problem at hand. The repair process may be complicated and delicate and its best to let the granite contractor handle the process.

The durability of your kitchen countertop largely depends on how well you maintain the countertop. Ask the granite countertop installers on how best to take care and maintain the countertop to ensure it looks good long after the installation is complete.