Tag Archives: countertops

How to Choose your Kitchen Counter top Edge Profile

One of the smallest but the extremely important detail of the kitchen countertop is the edge. Once you have made your choice between granite countertop Raleigh, marble countertop, and Silestone countertop there are other factors you should keep in mind. There are other details that play a role in the beauty and functionality of your kitchen countertop. The shape of the edge countertop will determine the functionality and safety while using the countertop. The small details will give you the unique kitchen you were hoping to achieve. There are many factors to consider when choosing the edge of your countertop and we look at the factors to consider when choosing the edge profile.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Countertop Edges Profile

Style

Your personal preference and style are the first criteria to use while selecting the edge profile of the kitchen countertop. The granite countertop installers will take you through the various edge profiles and you choose that which is visually attractive to you. Sample the edges and decide which profile will best suit your working space. It’s however important to consider the choice of the countertop you want to use as different edges work for different types of the countertop.

Daily Routine

Your daily routine may not be wholly related to the type of edge you choose. The wrong countertop edge could be a potential danger in your kitchen. Countertops with sharp edges could increase the hazard impact in your kitchen and if you have children running around sharp edges may not be suitable for your kitchen countertop. Stark edges could be uncomfortable when dining and relaxing. Consider the daily routine in your kitchen and choose the one that most suits your routine. When sampling the granite countertop, Silestone or marble make sure to feel the edges and choose one that suits your family.

The aesthetic of your Home

Before you go shopping for your countertop, understand the aesthetics of your home. consider whether your home is modern and decorative, the location of the home and blend the counter edges with the home design. Straight edges will look more elegant in modern houses while the same counters may look out of place in older houses. One of the most important kitchen details is the right edge for your countertop.

Maintenance

Complex countertop edges will have more places to clean as they have more places where dust and food can settle. Consider the amount of time it takes to clean each type of edge profile. Some edges will require more time to clean than others. Dupont edges will require more time to clean as compared to the simple edges which are easy to clean. If you have a busy lifestyle then let the granite countertop installers get you the simple edges. It’s important the granite company you choose to work with has the experts that will guide you on all the countertop edge profiles that you choose from depending on your lifestyle.

Countertop Material

After you have chosen the edges that work with your lifestyle, then its time to consider how the edges will work with your type of kitchen countertop material. Certain materials work well with certain edges and it may require you to choose the countertop material first. Marble countertop will mostly have the laminated ogee edges. The kind of countertop you choose may limit the edges you choose due to the mineral composition. Some minerals will not work well with the complicated edges. Your granite countertop installers will advise you on the edges to use on each countertop material

Cost of the edges

Simple edges will cost less to cut as compared to the more complex ones. The more detailed and intricate edges will be more expensive. Once you have sampled the edges you want to ask the granite countertop installers for a quotation and on the edge profile you want. Depending on your budget choose the edge that will fit in your budget.

Conclusion

Choose the edge that will give your kitchen the regal effect you need. If you are remodeling your kitchen so that you can put up the house on sale consider the trend of other competing properties. Ensure the granite countertop, or the marble countertop edge provides the security and functionality of your kitchen.

Why You Need an Expert for Your Counter top Installation

best quartz countertop

Proper installation is pertinent to the durability and the final look of the kitchen countertop. Whether you choose quartz, granite or engineered stone the versatility makes your home perk up in value and look elegant. The installation process is critical to the end result and it’s therefore important that it’s done by an expert. It’s paramount that you find the right granite countertop installers Durham to get the desired results. There are several factors you need to consider when choosing the best installer for granite countertop.

How to Get a Professional Countertop Installer

Recommendations

Ask for recommendations from your family or close friends and do your research on the recommended granite company. Ensure that the company has reputable granite countertop installers. Visit the homes with the installed granite countertops and check on the progress of the countertops. After checking on several choose the best countertop installers

Visit the Granite Companies

Once you have identified the company whose work is outstanding, visit their fabrication warehouse and check on the variety they have. On visiting the warehouse be sure to ask all the questions and get a quote from the company. Ensure that all installation cost is in the quote to avoid surprises during installation. Visiting the fabrication warehouse will give you a picture of what kitchen countertop will look like once installed. The granite countertop installer allocated to you will take you through the installation process and answer all your questions. Make sure the company you choose offers after installation services just in case of any arising issue.

Ask for work References

Once you have settled on the installer from granite company, ask for references on his work. Visit the references given and view the work. Talk to the previous clients and hear their experiences on with the installer. A good granite installer will gladly give you the contacts of the previous work.

Ask for the credentials of the Granite installer

Look out for the reputation of the granite companies you are dealing with and also ask for the credential of the installers. Your granite countertop is a major investment and it’s therefore important that you get the best installation to make your house elegant.

Benefits of Professional Granite Countertop Installation

Avoid Mistakes

Granite is durable and will last long but it’s also fragile and temperamental while installing and transporting from the granite warehouse. The granite installer knows the best way to transport and the installation techniques to use to avoid damage and breakage. It’s an advantage to have the professional install the countertop for an elegant finish. It also the granite company liability in case anything happens before the installation process is over. Hiring professionals will give you the guarantee that your worktop is of high quality. The installer has the knowledge and tips on countertop installation from start to finish.

Speed

The expert installers will ensure that the granite countertop is installed quickly. It may take a while for you to DIY and probably result in the unprofessional application of the countertop. An expert will have all the machinery to ensure your granite-quartz countertop is quickly installed. The company will prefer to have the granite installed quickly and effectively.

Cost

It cheaper to let the granite installer do the installation as they will have the necessary tools to install the granite. Installing the granite on your own will require that you buy the tools that you may not use again. Let the expert do the installation to reduce the cost involved

Convenience

Installing a granite or quartz is a tough and delicate job. Cutting, measuring, sanding, polishing, and sealing requires a specialist to ensure that professional outcome. Hiring the right team will leave your worktop looking amazing and your kitchen cleaner than it was before. Having a specialist is convenient and will ensure that you achieve the desired result.

Peace Of Mind

When you let the expert do the installation then you have peace of mind knowing that your expectations on the look and finish are achievable.

Tips to Get the Best Installers

Interview several before settling
Always get written estimates
Take time to view previous work and talk to previous clients
Ensure that the granite installers are insured in case of any accidents
Ensure that you have fully researched on the granite countertops Durham installation process

How to Take Care of Granite Countertops to Ensure Longevity and Durability

kitchen counter

Granite countertops will give your house a magnificent look. A kitchen modeled with a granite countertop will add return on the investment of the house it provides the house with a regal effect. The granite countertops do not only add aesthetic value to the house, but it’s also durable and last longer. The cardinal rule is that if its valuable its need to be taken care of, and this is no exception for the Kitchen countertops. It’s paramount to take care of the countertop to maintain its beauty and appeal

Simple Ways to Take Care and Maintain Granite Countertops

Use Sealant

It’s crucial to seal the granite during installation to create a nonporous finish. Sealing will protect the countertop from stains. The lighter counter may require frequent sealing as compared to darker colored granite which may require sealing once per year.

How to Know your granite requires sealing

Simply splash water on the countertop and see if the water gets absorbed. If the water is absorbed, then you need to reseal the countertop.

Sealing process

Ensure the countertop is dry and apply the sealant with a dry cloth.

Let the granite top dry and apply a second coat. Let it rest for 24 hours without any touch or use

Daily Cleaning

While it may be advisable to buy a granite cleaner, mild soap that with no acid and water will work just fine. While cleaning use a soft cloth, and dry off after cleaning

Stain Removal

Stains may be inevitable especially in the kitchen countertops, but all is not lost. Make a small paste of baking soda and water and place it on the stain, cover it and leave for a few hours. The baking soda will absorb the stain.

Maintain the granite shine

To keep the granite looking great to apply granite polish using a soft cloth to maintain the luster and beauty.

Simple Procedures to Follow to Ensure Your Kitchen Countertop Lasts Longer

Avoid using an abrasive material to clean the top. Avoid scouring pads, acidic soaps or any bleach
Don’t use the countertop as a cutting board
Regularly inspect the granite counter top to check for stains or any cracks
Sanitize the granite often to kill germs
Blot out spills as soon as they happen
In spite of granite being heat resistant, its advisable to use hot pads or trivets to protect the countertops. Though it’s rare the granite may suffer from thermal shock due to heat

Granite Countertops require just a little more effort and care and in return, a lifetime of an enchanting home is guaranteed. Though they require a little more maintenance work the granites are the best solution for your home countertops.

Benefits And Care Of Marble Countertops

best kitchen countertop contractor

Marble countertops are common in kitchens. They are one of the most expensive countertops in the market, but at the same time they are one of the most durable. According to experts, when you take good care of them they can last for up to 100 years.

They come in different colors and hues where the color of the stone is determined by the area it was mined. If you are undertaking kitchen remodeling these are the countertops to go for.

Benefits of marble countertops

There are many benefits that come with the countertops. Some of these benefits include:

Beauty: as mentioned, the countertops come in different natural colors that you can choose from. In addition to this, these countertops have the ability of blending with different textures such as natural wood finishes.

Heat resistance: since they are made from stone, the countertops can’t burn or catch fire. While this is the case, they can be easily damaged by hot items placed directly on them. To protect your countertops it’s highly recommended that you place a mat on their surface.

In addition to being heat and fire resistant, the units are also resistant to cracks, breakage, and scratches.

Guide on how to take care of the countertops

For the countertops to last for a long time you should take good care of them. There are many ways in which you can do it:

Installation: care should start at the installation phase. You should ensure that they are installed by an experienced professional. The kitchen contractor you hire should not only be a kitchen professional, he/she should also be a marble countertop expert. This way you will have confidence that the units have been installed properly.

Cleaning: for the units to retain their elegant look you need to clean them often. When cleaning you should note that dirt materials tend to scour the surfaces; therefore, you should take a lot of care. To remove the dirt you should softly wipe the surface using a damp cloth. Remember that a lot of pressure will scratch the surface instead of removing dirt.

Sealing: while marble countertops NC are tough and withstand heat, they tend to stain easily. You should protect them from stains by applying a sealant on a regular basis.

Conclusion

Marble countertops are a great choice in your kitchen remodeling projects. For ideal results you should have them installed by a professional kitchen remodeler. You should also buy them from a reputable store.

Your Complete Guide To Silestone Countertops

Thanks to its remarkable features, Silestone has come out as the ideal countertop material. Silestone is the perfect choice to transform your bathroom or kitchen into a unique space. It is the only quartz surface which offers years of services without any wear and tear. You can find many color and texture options in Silestone countertops. This material allows you to configure your kitchen or bathroom in desired manner.

Know about Silestone countertops

Silestone has become the popular countertop material, as it creates the fantasy aura where you can freely unleash your creativity. Silestone countertops have special properties that provide ease of use and hygiene to a space where they are installed. With the help of the custom-made style of Silestone, you can turn your bathroom or kitchen into a unique space. In fact, renowned kitchen contractors have started preferring Silestone over Granite and Marble.

Benefits of Silestone countertops

Strain resistant: Silestone is a nonporous material, thus it does not get stained easily. It is highly resistant to coffee, oil, wine, lemon, vinegar, makeup items and many more everyday products. Stain resistant features make ideal for both bathrooms and kitchens.

Acid resistant: Quartz is one of the hardest mineral in the world. This property makes Silestone countertops resistant to acid. It means now you don’t have to worry about toilet cleaning material spills.

Scratch resistant: Now you need not have to worry about ugly scratches on your countertop. Silestone is a highly durable material, which easily resist scratches.

Impact resistant: Silestone is an impact resistant surface just like granite and other solid surfaces. This feature assures the safety of the countertop when handling hard objects such as hot pan, big pots etc.

Available in a wide range of textures: Silestone countertops come in oodles of beautiful textures. You will get fair number of option to choose one according to your specifications.

Available in a variety of color choices: On the contrary, to other countertop materials which come in limited color choices, silestone countertops come in a wide variety of colors. This helps you in keeping your bathroom or kitchen décor in sync.

So, these are the amazing features of Silestone countertops. Do remember to choose the best countertop company when purchasing countertop.

The proper way of caring the granite countertop

Granite is a very attractive and trustworthy stone which comes in a wide variety of hues and colors. Granite has been used for many centuries as a reliable building material, due to its durability. Granite countertops are considered as an extravagant enhancement for any house, the granite countertops are beautiful to behold and are also capable of giving a classy and graceful touch to any room.

The Granite countertop

Granite countertops are useful investment for any house. The granite countertop installation increases the beauty and value of house to a great extent. But it is important to supply proper maintenance and care to this countertop to keep its look intact.

Tip for granite countertop maintenance

Here are a few suggestions that will guide you to keep your granite countertop in the top notch condition.

Proper cleaning: To have beautiful looking granite countertop, all you have to do is clean them on a regular basis. Small food particles or scum build-up can cause your countertop feel “boorish” and your countertop can also lose its shine. You can use wet cloth to clean the countertop, but do not forget to ask your professional countertop service providers about countertop cleaning instructions.

Prevent staining: You should try and prevent the stains from settling on the countertop surface. Oftentimes the stains can be removed by just cleaning the countertop surface with soap water. In case the stains are not removed with just soap water, please do not try the acidic cleanser to remove the stain as they might leave scratches on the countertop. After proper cleaning wipe the countertop with clean, dry cloth.

Sealing: You can also try the Sealing on your kitchen countertop to prevent it from getting stained. Sealing act as a barrier between the various materials and hence prevent the countertop from getting any sort of damage. Sealing can also keep your countertop in a healthy condition as it prevents moisture to get in the porous surface of granite.

Granite is a durable stone, and with the right kind of care, you can keep your granite countertops in an impeccable condition for many years.

Things to know about Quartz Kitchen Countertops

Facts about Quartz Countertops

Engineered quartz is becoming first choice of people for kitchen countertops. The combination of quartz and resin create scintillating look which grabs everyone’s attention towards it. The primary reason behind the increasing popularity of quartz countertops are their in-built luster and perfectly smooth surface. This material also provides greater strength and durability. If you are thinking about kitchen renovation or building new kitchen, then Quartz countertop can be the best option for you. Your kitchen will get entirely new touch and feel which can make your neighbors envy of your kitchen décor.

The thing which highlights presence of quartz countertop among other kitchen countertops is the presence of pigments in it. These pigments not only act like beautiful texture but also contribute in maintenance, as the presence of pigments does not make countertop look dirty, even if it is dirty! Isn’t cool?

Quartz countertops are available in various color, texture, shape and size. It means you can obtain quartz kitchen countertop with a sparkling finish according to your needs and desire. Such countertops are not made from any natural stone, so it is possible to get various design features in them. Whether you want pink, green, gray or black countertop, you can get it according to the interior of your kitchen. They are fabricated to look like granite countertops, but in terms of shine and luster, they are far better than granite one.

Benefits of quartz countertops:

Quartz is specially engineered to produce countertops which are hard, durable, and shiny and which provides long lasting service. These countertops are heavier than granite countertops as they are made up of non-porous material. These qualities of quartz countertops are increasing their demands in the market. Quartz countertops do not require much maintenance and whatever maintenance required, is really very easy.

Many homeowners (and hotel owners) prefer quartz countertops because they are heat resistant. Thus, it not only prevents accidental fire, but also the ugly burnt marks on countertops. This countertop is also considered as scratch proof and stain resistant. This means, one does not have to be very much concise about countertop while working in the kitchen.