Tag Archives: installing granite countertops

Can You Install Granite Countertops by Yourself?

Ideally, you should hire granite contractors to install the countertops for you. If you don’t have the money to hire a professional, don’t worry, as with precision and hard work, you can install the countertops by yourself. 

To help you out, here is how to go about the installation:  

Have the necessary tools

Before you choose a granite slab from your preferred home furnishing store, make a list of the installation tools you need for the project and put them in place.

The ones you need include a putty knife, caulking gun, circular saw, measuring tape, jig saw, level, granite dye, masking tape, seam stone, filler, and dry-cut segmented diamond blade.

You use the jig saw to cut out the sink hole (though you may need to hire a professional for this step), use the masking tape to protect the seam lines, the putty knife to mix the seam filler with a dye, and the diamond blade to cut and seam the slab.

You will need a 0.75-inch plywood to brace the top of the cabinet upon which you will install the slab.

Be ultra-cautious when taking the measurements.

Installing a granite slab without determining how much countertop space your kitchen requires is a recipe for disaster.

So, if your granite slab manufacturer refuses to send a specialist to your home to take measurements until you pay an additional fee, you go ahead and take the measurements by yourself. When taking the measurements, be cautious to ensure a flawless job.

For the best outcome, measure the length and width of the top of the counter, which should be done in inches. You should multiply the measured length by 25.5 inches to get the overhang.

The overhang is the legroom required to sit comfortably around the countertop while allowing movement around the kitchen. After multiplying the length of the counter’s top by 25.5 inches, divide the result by 144 to get square footage.

The amount of granite you need for the backsplash should be included in the calculation. This should, of course, be the same length and thickness as the countertop slab, but the height is different.

The backsplash height is typically 4 inches. To convert it to square footage, multiply 4 inches by 144.

Properly prepare the installation area.

Besides having the necessary installation tools, there are several other ways you need to be ready for the installation.

Start by removing the old countertop and plumbing fixtures, level the counter surface, and clear the space around the counter.

Clear the area surrounding the cabinet and remove the old countertop using a nail puller or a screwdriver, depending on how you fastened it. This should expose the counter’s surface for leveling. The purpose of leveling the exposed counter is to maintain stability and facilitate the installation of the new granite slab.

Use plywood and shims for leveling because this is the combination most typically utilized by specialists to obtain professional-level results.

After leveling, turn off the plumbing and uninstall it to avoid an installation disaster. Remember to remove the existing backsplash as well.

Cut the countertop slab with precision.

You can waste a lot of money if you don’t cut the stone as well as it should. To save money, cut a granite slab to fit and look nice after installation.

To ensure that this happens, cut the stone with extreme caution. You will even be better off if you can hire a professional to do it for you.

When doing it, protect yourself from dust by wearing goggles, earplugs, gloves, and respirators. Move all kitchen objects to a location where dust will not settle.

With that out of the way, use a ruler and a marker to create the arrangement of your countertop design. Using a pair of scissors, carefully cut out this layout and pattern.

Following in the footsteps of the Marble specialists, clamp the acquired granite slab with C-clamps and cut it into the pattern in the cardboard using a saw.

Attach the cardboard layout to the granite slab and carefully retrace the design onto the slab to achieve this perfectly.

Sharpen your saw blade and begin cutting the slab along the pattern. You’ll experience heat and pressure growing as you cut.

Control this by having someone on standby to spray water on the granite as you slice it. Also, keep your eyes on the saw while you cut to avoid injury, and remember to take breaks at regular intervals to evaluate your progress.

After cutting, use an angular grinder to smooth the slab’s edges.

Properly seal the seams.

Improperly sealing the joints of your granite countertops means that you will have to deal with cleaning issues, and you don’t want this, do you?

To have an easy time, ensure you get the proper amount and color of professional-grade sealer. If you’re going to build a sealer out of a polyester-based resin, coloring, and hardener, selecting the pigment mix that will make a blend that properly matches the color combination of your granite slab can be difficult.

In this instance, you may require the assistance of a skilled color-matcher.

You should mix the dye with the resin after obtaining your sealer materials until the color matches that of your granite slab and the combination forms putty.

You can experiment with different colors and resin in little amounts until you find the perfect color combination. After that, add your hardener to the putty resin-coloring mixture and thoroughly swirl.

Finally, apply your homemade sealer to the seams and let it harden for up to 24 hours.

Parting shot

These are some of the things you need to do to install granite countertops in your home correctly. As mentioned, you can do the installation yourself, but for the best outcome, let the work be handled by experienced granite countertop installers NC who know what they are doing.  

Granite Countertop Alternatives

If you ask many people about the countertops they want to install in their homes, they will tell you they like granite countertops. While there is nothing wrong with the countertops, it’s not the only countertop option. There are plenty of other options available in the market you can go for. These include:

Quartz

Quartz countertops are constructed of engineered stone. They comprise 90-95% natural quartz crystals, one of the hardest minerals found in the Earth’s crust. Quartz crystals are mixed with resins, polymers, and colors to form a solid surface.

Quartz countertops are available in various colors, patterns, and finishes, allowing you to pick the perfect style to complement your design preferences.

Depending on the manufacturing method, they can resemble natural stones such as granite or marble or have a more uniform and consistent appearance.

The beauty of Quartz countertops is that they are incredibly resilient to scratches, stains, and damage. The quartz crystals give the surface toughness and strength.

While this is the case, you should note that the countertops are not heat-resistant. Thus, trivets or hot pads should shield the surface from direct heat.

To get the most from the countertops, ensure professionals install them. This is because the countertop installation involves taking precision measurements, cutting the slabs to fit the pattern, and adhesively connecting them to the cabinets. The contractor then polishes the edges to complete the aesthetic.

You also should take good care of the countertops. The good thing about the countertops is their ease of upkeep. They are non-porous, which means they do not absorb liquids and are stain resistant.

Because bacteria and mold are less prone to form on the surface, they are also more hygienic. You must clean them with mild soap and water regularly to keep them looking great.

Stainless steel

Stainless steel countertops are composed of iron, chromium, and other metals. Chromium, the major component, provides corrosion resistance and gives stainless steel its distinctive shine.

Different grades of stainless steel may contain different concentrations of chromium and other metals to improve specific qualities.

Stainless steel counters have a clean, modern appearance that compliments a wide range of kitchen designs, from industrial to minimalist.

They have a reflective surface that can give the kitchen a sense of spaciousness.

If you don’t like the common look, you can always go for custom stainless steel countertops that can be made to meet the exact dimensions and layout of your kitchen.

Stainless steel is well-known for its strength and durability. It is extremely heat, stain, corrosion, and impact resistant.

It is a long-lasting solution because it does not crack or chip like other tabletop materials. It is, however, prone to scratches, so use cutting boards and prevent dragging heavy or sharp things across the surface.

Since stainless steel is non-porous, it does not harbor bacteria, making it a sanitary choice for food preparation facilities.

It is simple to clean and maintain because you can wipe it down with water and detergent. Use abrasive cleansers or steel wool to avoid scratching the surface.

Wood countertops

Wood countertops are popular for home and business areas because of their inherent beauty, warmth, and durability. This is because they bring beauty and personality to any kitchen, bathroom, or workstation you install them.

The countertops are made from soft or hardwood.

A single piece of wood is used to make solid wood countertops. While butcher block countertops are made from multiple wood strips laminated together to create a sturdy and visually appealing surface.

Wood countertops are frequently used in kitchens for food preparation because of their resilience and ability to withstand knife cuts.

Wood counters treat the surfaces with a food-safe finish to protect the countertops against moisture, stains, and bacteria. Some of the materials you can use include Mineral oil, beeswax, and specialty wood sealants.

When it comes to cleaning the surfaces, clean them with a light soap and water solution. To protect the finish, avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleansers.

You should note that wood countertops may only be appropriate for some situations. To keep their beauty and functionality, you should properly maintain the surfaces.

Before you install the surfaces, consult with a woodworking professional or specialist who will provide additional suggestions based on your individual needs and preferences.

Recycled glass countertops

Recycled glass countertops are an environmentally friendly and visually appealing solution for kitchen and bathroom surfaces.

Crushed recycled glass is combined with a binder ingredient, such as resin or cement, to form a long-lasting, environmentally friendly countertop material.

The cost of recycled glass countertops varies based on criteria such as the type and quality of glass used, the binder material used, and the complexity of the pattern. Compared to other countertop materials, they are often in the mid to high price range.

When installing the countertops, ensure a professional installs them.

Recycled paper

Recycled paper countertops, also known as paper composite countertops, are a type of surface material manufactured from recycled paper and a binding resin.

These countertops are intended to be a greener alternative to granite.

While these countertops are long-lasting, they are prone to scratches and dents. On the other hand, many minor flaws can be sanded down and repaired.

The countertops are heat resistant to some extent, but directly placing extremely hot things on the surface may cause damage, so be ultra-cautious when using them.

It’s always a good idea to research different manufacturers, read product reviews, and talk with professionals before making a purchase or installation decision to verify that the recycled paper matches your needs and expectations.

Parting shot

As you have seen, there are many countertop options you can go for other than granite. Regardless of the kitchen countertops Raleigh you settle on, ensure that an expert installs them. Of course, ensure that the contractor you hire is certified and experienced to install the surfaces expertly.

How to Redo Countertops without Replacing

If you have had your countertops for a long time, they must have lost their original look, right? Those with resources usually replace the countertops, but if you don’t have a large budget or don’t want to replace them, you can still do several things to redo the surfaces without replacing them.

How do you redo the kitchen countertops without replacing them? There are several ways to go about it. These ways include:

Paint the countertops

When done right, painting the countertops is not only economical but also gives your countertops an elegant look.

For the best outcome, use paint best suited for your countertops. For example, if you have laminate counters, go for specialist paint. You can also go for acrylic interior paint if you can access it.

For the paint to stick and give you a beautiful look you are after, you must prepare the surfaces properly. This calls for you to thoroughly clean the surfaces with a detergent and water. You should rinse the surfaces and give them time to dry before lightly sanding.

Depending on the paint you use, you might need a primer. For example, if you are using specialist paint, you need a primer, but when you are using acrylic paint, you don’t need it.

After priming the surfaces, apply the paint with a roller and use the right number of coats. Sometimes you might need to seal the paint with a resin.

Cover the countertops with contact paper

If you want to cover the countertops for the short term as you save money to improve them permanently, you can go the contact paper route.

Start with ordering contact papers from your local store. To account for mistakes, order more papers than you need. If you have never cut the papers before, you might need to practice cutting before you begin the covering.

As you practice cutting the papers, pay close attention to the corner cuts, as they often go wrong in most cases.

You should note that contact paper won’t simply stick to your old countertops. To attach the paper, you need to use waterproof glue.

As much as contact paper will cover your countertops, you should know that it’s not the most durable material, so be ultra cautious when handling it. As a rule of thumb, avoid placing hot pots and pans directly on it as it will start to peel up.

Place tiles over your countertops

If your countertops are still in good shape and you don’t like how they look, you should consider placing tiles over them.

For the tiles to stick on the countertops, ensure that the countertops are smooth and level.

When choosing the tiles, go for stain and heat-resistant ceramic tiles or porcelain that will look good and last for a long time.

You can place the tiles directly on the countertops, but you must ensure that the surfaces are clean and smooth. This calls for you to sand the surfaces and then use a special adhesive to stick the tiles on the surfaces.

If you are a dab hand at DIY projects, you can place the tiles on the countertops by yourself but if you aren’t a handy person, hire a professional to help you out.

Cover the countertops with a peel-and-stick product

If you aim to give your surfaces a new look, you can cover them with a pick-and-stick product. Like when applying the other materials, ensure that the countertops are clean.

You should then peel and stick your product of choice on the surfaces. You should note that the product sticks better on smooth surfaces, so don’t place it on damaged countertops.

Like the paper covers, peel-and-stick products aren’t meant as a permanent solution, so don’t place them on your laminate or granite countertops Durham and think that your work is done. If you want a permanent solution, you should replace the countertops.

Can You Set Hot Things On Quartz Countertops?

The short and sweet answer is no. It’s unwise to place hot things directly on the countertops. This is because the resin on the countertops isn’t as heat resistant as natural stone. Due to this, placing a hot item such as a hot pan will scorch the surfaces, leaving a permanent spot of discoloration, and you don’t want this, do you?

To ensure that your quartz countertops don’t have any damage, you should protect them from harm. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to go about it. These ways include:

Always use potholders and trivets

Potholders are made from cloth or silicon squares, allowing you to grab the hot handles of your pots, so you have an easy time moving your pots from the stove. You can also slip the potholders underneath your hot pot, which comes in handy to protect the counter or table surface.

On the other hand, a trivet is designed for the countertop or table. Trivets are usually thicker or more rigid than potholders and can be quite decorative.

To ensure that you never place the hot pot directly on the countertop, keep the trivets or potholders strategically in an area you can easily reach.

Whether you are interested in trivets or potholders, ensure that you go for high-quality ones that will withstand the test of time.

Lay out the heat mats and towels

Heat mats are similar to trivets but are made from materials such as bamboo rolls, wood blocks, hand towels, and even silicon mats.

When handling hot pans, heat mats create a safe counter space where you can set the pans without worrying about damaged countertops.

Again, like the trivets, get high-quality thick heat mats that protect your surfaces.

Protect your curling iron

Have you installed quartz countertops in your bathroom? You should be cautious of the curling irons and straightening plates as, like hot pans, they can damage your countertops.

When any hot part of the hair tools comes in contact with your countertops, it’s bound to leave unsightly scorch marks, and you don’t want this on your surfaces, do you?

Have spoon rests to ensure that your countertops never get damaged by the hot hair straightening tools. You can also have a stylish trivet-like mat in your bathroom where you place your curling iron.

Make use of coasters.

Rarely will tea and coffee mugs burn through your quartz countertops, but you shouldn’t take the risk as there have been cases where the countertops have been damaged by the repeated placement of hot tea cups on the countertops.

To protect your countertops, always place coasters on the surfaces that will protect the countertops from burning.

Use serving dishes

When serving food, always use serving dishes. While the bottoms of these dishes will get warm, they won’t be dangerously hot that they damage the countertops.

Other tricks to protect your countertops

Besides preventing hot items from landing on your countertops, you can do plenty of other things to keep your countertops looking great. Some of these things include:

Don’t let spills dry on the countertops

You can’t stay away from spills on your kitchen and bathroom countertops, but you should always ensure that they don’t dry on your counters.

When you are tired, it’s tempting to want to finish your meal and wipe the spills later, but you shouldn’t do this as the spills usually dry on surfaces that are hard to remove.

To avoid this, always move with haste and get rid of the spills as soon as they happen.

To prevent spills from coming about in the first place, be cautious of the liquids you handle around your countertops. Keep soda, coffee, wine, and even cooking oils from your counters as a rule of thumb.

Clean the countertops properly

How you clean the countertops comes in handy in determining how your countertops look. To maintain a clean look of your quartz kitchen countertops Durham, clean your surfaces using warm, soapy water.

You should avoid highly alkaline products such as acidic cleaners, degreasers, and glass cleaners, as they are too tough and tend to harm your counters.

Kitchen Countertops Best Practices

Is this the first time you are installing kitchen countertops in your home? Here are some tips you should put into consideration:

Choose the right material

There are many countertop materials you can install in your home. You will be spoilt for choice from granite to quartz, as you have an entire gamut of countertops.

As you can tell, not all countertops are ideal for your home. To choose the right ones, you need to consider your preferred look. If you like a plain kitchen, you should go for countertops with a plain design and vice versa.

Your lifestyle will influence your choice. If you are at home most of the time, you can get away with countertops that need a lot of care as you have the time to care for them, but if you are out most of the time, get those that are easy to maintain and don’t need a lot of attention.

If you aren’t sure about the right countertops that will look good for your home, get the input of a professional.

Buy from a reputable store.

In the same way, there are many countertop materials to choose from is the same way there are many stores you can buy countertops from.

Many new homeowners buy countertops from the first countertop store they find. This is wrong.

The right way to go about it is to take your time and visit a couple of stores and see what they offer. While in these stores, compare the prices of the different countertop materials and settle on the store selling the materials at the least cost.

Due to their popularity, you might think big box stores are the best places to buy countertop materials, right? Well, wrong. In fact, you will be wise if you can ignore them as much as possible.

This is because they usually don’t have many countertop options to choose from. They also tend to sell their materials at extremely high prices.

Buy your materials from small stores to access a wide range of materials to choose from and at affordable prices. These stores might not be as popular, but they provide excellent services.

Since they specialize in countertop materials only, they tend to stock a wide range of these materials, so you have plenty of options.

These stores also work together with expert installers, so when you buy from them, you don’t need to worry about where to find an expert to install the countertops for you. When you purchase plenty of materials from some of the stores, you get free installation, which, as you can guess, means more money in your pocket.

Think about the functionality of the kitchen

How will you be using the kitchen? You need to think about this before you buy the countertops. This is because the different countertop materials have different applications.

If you love cooking, chances are you will make your kitchen dirty more often. To have an easy time maintaining a clean kitchen, go with easy-to-maintain countertops such as quartz.

If, on the other hand, you don’t cook too often but love having a clean and elegant-looking kitchen, you can go with granite or marble countertops.

Remember that even if you aren’t using your kitchen often, you must seal these countertops at least once a year. This prevents them from developing ugly stains that are hard to remove.

Besides sealing the surfaces, you also need to clean them daily to remove dirt and other materials that might ruin the original look of the surfaces.

Work with experts

When installing the countertops, be cautious of the person that installs them, as having them installed by the wrong person can lead to problems.

As mentioned above, you are more likely to find a reputable installation professional when you buy your materials from a reputable small store.

Whether you are looking to install marble, quartz, or granite kitchen countertops, Durham ensures that experienced professionals install them. Some homeowners try to cut costs by hiring a cheap contractor. Don’t do this, as you often end up damaging the countertops.

Best Kitchen Countertop Colors

Are you thinking about installing kitchen countertops but aren’t sure what color to go for? There are plenty of color options you can go with, with the common ones being:

Rustic wood tone

Wooden countertops give your kitchen a homey and warm atmosphere, so if this is the atmosphere you are after, this is the best countertop color. This choice is also smart when you want to give your kitchen a transitional appeal.

To make your kitchen more interesting, install a wooden island, then pair it with a stone countertop on the sides adjacent to the kitchen wall.

Neutral gray tone

The neutral gray tone is friendly and highly versatile, especially with other accents and fancy colors. When properly installed, the gray tone gives a balance between stark white and dark tone, while lifting the aesthetics of the countertops.

The gray countertops work best when you want different vibrant colors for your kitchen cabinetry. The tone also comes in handy when looking to complement any chrome plated finish in the kitchen area.

White with fine veinings

If you want to install marble countertops in your kitchen, avoid being like everyone else. While the stark white beauty of the white marble is elegant to look out for, it gives a kitchen a cliché look.

To stand out, use a different color of marble. For example, use marble with white background with a grainy or fine veining.

If you have always wanted to have granite countertops instead, go for countertops with white or beige colors that perfectly match the color tone.

Besides a white kitchen countertop looking great, it also makes your small kitchen space look bigger. There is also the illusion of cleanliness and an airy feeling.

Regardless of the white countertop you choose, ensure that you get it from a reputable store. You also should have it professionally installed by an expert that knows what they are doing.

Rich black tone

The beauty of black countertops is that they work extremely well with dark and colorful cabinets.

If you want to draw attention to them, install them in such a way that everything else around them has a light color hue.

Install the countertops with a mirror or backsplash for an interesting look.

Are you a minimalist? Go with a black-and-white tone. Besides giving your house a simple look, it also gives an interesting traditional and contemporary atmosphere.

Stark white countertops

Stark white countertops are the perfect choice for those looking to give their kitchens a minimalist look.

Besides being simple, the countertops can fit with a variety of cabinets. For example, they can fit with wooden grainy cabinets, chrome plate surfaces, etc.

If you have a narrow kitchen, the stark white color cuts the cave-like feeling, making your kitchen more comfortable to live in, not to mention making your kitchen feel airy and look spotlessly clean.

Countertops with bold veinings

You choose these countertops when looking to give your kitchen a dramatic look. Due to the veinings, you make your countertops the center of attention.

To get the most from the veinings, ensure that you install them in a large kitchen. Don’t install them in a smaller kitchen, as they can be overwhelming and even make the kitchen look smaller than it already is.

Parting shot

These are some of the countertop color options you can choose for your countertops. To get the most from them, choose the right color. If you aren’t sure about the right one to go for, get the input of a professional.

Regardless of whether you are installing marble, granite, or quartz kitchen countertops NC, have them professionally installed. Take your time finding an experienced contractor that will properly install the surfaces.

You might argue that you will be late finding the right contractor but remember that you are better late than having a botched kitchen.

Besides the contractor you hire being experienced, they also should be insured. This way, you are sure that in the event an accident happens, you won’t be held liable. The company will also compensate you in the event it damages your surfaces.

How To Deal With Common Countertop Problems

Both bathroom and kitchen countertops develop a myriad of issues that you have to deal with to keep the countertops in top shape. Which are these issues?

Cracked countertop surfaces

The countertop will crack due to various reasons such as imperfectly shaped joints, installing the countertops on uneven surfaces, and placing excessive weight on the surfaces.

How you fix the countertops depends on the nature of the cracks. If you have small cracks, repair them using epoxy resin. For deeper cracks or damage brought about by placing excessive weight on the countertops, replace the damaged part using a drill before applying a special filler.

When choosing filler, choose one that flawlessly mixes with your countertops. If this is the first time you are doing it, you will most likely get it wrong, so it’s best to have the work done by a professional.

Scratches and chips on the countertop surface

When you routinely place blades, containers, and other utensils on the countertops, you are bound to cause scratches and chips.

If you have covered countertops, you can easily fill the cuts or scratches using a repair pen or paste. Remember to fill exactly in the respective marks and avoid overfilling or underfilling as you will have a problem removing the filler later on.

For the best outcome in removing the chips or scratches from the countertops, you have to follow the right procedure.

Begin with applying concealing tape over the encompassing shelf space to leave the damaged area uncovered. Using an extremely sharp edge, rub off the excess filler to achieve a smooth wrap-up.

You should then place a piece of clear tape over the recently filled chipped surface to power the gun further into the chip to have a more solid seal.

Finally, mix an epoxy pitch with the fading shading colors to match your granite color.

Dull countertops and chemical stains

Your countertops will get dull due to you using the wrong cleaning products. Thankfully you can brighten them using one part isopropyl alcohol and three parts water, and a few drops of dishwashing liquid.

If there are steaks on your countertops, remove them by spraying a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water.

Are there coffee, grape juice, or wine stains on your surfaces? Remove them with a solution of equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water.

Once you are done, you should wipe and buff the surfaces with newspaper until they are dry.

To prevent your countertops from getting dull again, don’t use abrasive cleaners or abrasive pads, as these cleaners will remove the finish, leaving your countertops dull and unattractive.

Never use acidic cleaners such as vinegar or lemon juice on your surfaces.

Also, stay away from ammonia-based cleaners. To prevent stains, wipe the spills immediately.

If you are using a commercial countertop polish or cleaner, ensure that it’s specially designed for the countertops in question, so they aren’t damaged.

As a rule of thumb, never set hot pots and pans on your countertops as you will damage them. Use trivets at all times.

Stains on the countertops due to hot pots and pans

Even the porous countertops are designed to withstand high temperatures, unfortunately, when you keep exposing your surfaces to the high temperatures, they are bound to get damaged.

Due to the high temperatures, giving your surfaces an ugly look.

To remove the stains, you need to apply some lemon juice on the stain, then leave it to dry for 5-10 minutes. You should then apply a layer of toothpaste to the surface using a rubber spatula then use a soft-bristled brush or toothbrush to scrub the stain.

Once the stain goes away, wipe the surfaces and clean them with a crisply wet towel.

Parting shot

Whether you have marble, wooden, or granite countertops Raleigh, your countertops will develop problems that you need to fix to restore sanity. You can fix some of the problems by yourself but if some of the issues are complex such as large cracks on the surfaces, let an experienced professional help you out.

As a rule of thumb, never try to fix a problem you don’t understand as you will cause more problems than were originally there.

5 Things You Should Know When Living With Marble Countertops

kitchen countertop replacement

Is this the first time you are using marble in your kitchen or bathroom? There are several things you should know. To help you out, here are 5 things you should know when living with marble countertops:

They won’t retain their pristine condition unless you maintain them

One of the things that draw people to marble is its elegant appeal. While the countertops are beautiful to look at, they don’t retain their look for long, unless you protect them from damage.

As a rule of thumb, never cut onions, tomatoes, or any materials directly on the surfaces. This is because the surfaces are prone to staining and scratching. To avoid damaging your countertops, always have a chopping board on the surfaces that you use instead of cutting them directly.

The other thing you should do is be cautious of the materials you place on the countertops. Some people will chop their vegetables on the countertops then leave them on the chopping board. After some time, the juices from the vegetables flow down the board and get on the countertops. If you don’t remove the juices soon enough, they leave a permanent stain.

To avoid this, place the chopped vegetables on a surface where the juices won’t get onto the countertops and stain them.

They don’t hold too well to a lot of pressure.

On a casual look, marble looks like one of the toughest countertop materials out there. While they are tough and easily withstand the common kitchen and bathroom uses, they can’t withstand a lot of abuse. For example, the countertops can’t withstand the pressure from standing or sitting on them.

Many homeowners sit on the countertops when they are making their meals. This is wrong. It is equally wrong to stand on the countertops to replace the bulb or reach the top shelf.

In the same way you shouldn’t stand or sit on the countertops, you shouldn’t place hot pots or pans on the surfaces as you risk burning the surfaces and leaving a serious permanent scar on the surfaces.

They can be tricky to clean.

Every homeowner wants to maintain their countertops in perfect shape.  To do this, some homeowners opt to use tough cleaning products such as water and vinegar. Others go for organic citrus-based cleaners.

At first glance, these products seem ideal for use, but they aren’t as they ruin the marble. Over extended periods of time, these products reduce the shine, so your surfaces don’t look as perfect as they used to.

To avoid damaging your countertops and maintain the shine, avoid any acidic cleaning products, as they will leave deep and narrow scratches on the surfaces. The solutions can also eat away at the protective coating, increasing the countertop’s risk of staining.

For perfect countertops, use cleaners specifically meant for marble. If you can’t find the cleaner, stick to the good old water and soap.

You need to reseal the countertops.

While marble appears tough, you should note that it’s one of the most porous countertop materials in the market. This means that you need to seal it at least once a year. If your kitchen or bathroom is too busy, you may have to reseal the surfaces twice or more a year.

Besides sealing the surfaces preventing them from staining, it also maintains the shine and ensures that the countertops last for a long time.

When you are sealing the countertops, and you notice that the surfaces have mild etching, use marble polishing powder approved for use and ensure that you follow the necessary directions.

If there are stains, try getting rid of them using baking soda. To make the poultice, mix the baking soda using little water and spread it on the stain, then cover it. Wait for 12-24 hours, then gently remove the paste and wipe the surfaces with a damp cloth.

Will marble be a headache to own?

If you haven’t already installed marble kitchen countertops Durham, you must be wondering whether marble is a great choice. The truth is that marble is a high maintenance stone, so if you are a heavy kitchen user, you are better off with another countertop. You also should avoid marble if you have young kids or don’t like home maintenance.

4 Disadvantages of Granite Countertops

Granite counters are undoubtedly the most popular countertop materials, and every new homeowner dreams of installing them in their home. Unfortunately, it’s not all hunky dory as the countertops have their flaws. Is this your first time you are thinking about installing the countertops? Here are 4 disadvantages of granite countertops you should know about:

They are highly inconsistent.

The countertops are natural, so you can’t expect them to be the same but granite takes the inconsistency to a whole new level.

First, what is referred to as granite in the stone yard and what you purchase for your kitchen isn’t always granite. Many stones are referred to as commercial granite. Meaning a group of stones quarried for use on countertops and share similar characteristics such as high levels of mica, quartz, silica, and feldspar.

True granite is made through volcanic activity where the molten rock cools beneath the earth’s surface. In some cases, the stones labeled and sold as granite aren’t actually igneous rock. Some are dolomites, breccias, and conglomerate stones. All of which are metamorphic or sedimentary rocks.

The granite’s significant inconsistencies mean that there is no standard hardness value, grading, durability, or maintenance. The inconsistency also means that you sometimes have stones that are porous, weak, soft, and others that are so dense such that even thinking about sealing them is wrong.

When you are in the stores making the purchase, all commercial granite is sold and treated equally, so it’s hard to tell what you are buying. Due to this, it becomes an issue of luck. You can buy a soft, weak stone or a tough one that will last your entire lifetime.

To increase your chances of buying a high-quality stone, involve experts. As you are doing your shopping, hire a granite contractor to accompany you to the stores. The contractor will help you determine how strong the countertop is and when it comes to the granite installation, you won’t waste time finding another installer.

Granite counters have plenty of fissures and pits

Since it’s natural, granite tends to have plenty of natural fissures or pits on its surface. Some of the fissures are harmless, cosmetic cracks or small indentations in the stone, but others are lethal and could actually weaken the countertops’ structure and integrity.

If you are wondering what fissures and pits are, fissures are natural cracks that occur on the stone, and they often occur where two minerals meet. On the other hand, Pits are small holes or indentations in the stone, which often come about when a weaker particle breaks free.

In most cases, it’s hard to tell the nature of a fissure until it opens up or forms a wider crack. Even professionals can’t tell whether the fissure or pit will worsen with time.

Thankfully, most companies apply a resin that makes the countertops stronger and hides the fissures. This means that when you polish the countertop, you cause the light to bounce off the countertop, which comes in handy at hiding the fissures, pits, and other imperfections.

The countertops come with too many color variations

Although the color variations might be a plus for some people as it means more countertop options to choose from, it can be a negative if one section of the stone is significantly different from the rest. Or you have a countertop that has a significant shift in color or pattern from one end of the stone to the next.

Due to the color variations, you should be ultra-cautious when purchasing as the color might look great at the store but be awful when you bring it home.

Before you commit to buying large countertop slabs, first carry a small sample to your home and see how the slab looks in the house. Only proceed with the purchase if you like how the countertop looks.

The countertops don’t have the same durability.

Make no mistake about it. Some granite counters are incredibly durable and will even last several generations, but others, such as those shipped from China, are weak and won’t last long enough. In fact, these stones will sag over time if you don’t support them.

To extend the life of the kitchen countertops Durham, support them on the kitchen islands, overhangs, desk, and other areas.

Can You Replace Kitchen Countertops Without Damaging Cabinets?

Many homeowners will simultaneously replace their countertops and cabinets, but if you don’t have a huge budget, you can replace them without replacing the cabinets.

While many homeowners replace the cabinets and countertops simultaneously, as they want a uniform look, others do it as they deem the cabinets will get damaged when replacing the countertops.  Can you replace kitchen countertops without damaging cabinets? Yes, you can. You only need to be cautious about how you remove and install the countertops.

To help you out, here are the steps to follow when removing the old countertops:

Step 1: Remove everything from the countertops

This is a no brainer as there is no way you can remove the countertops with items still on them, can you? So remove appliances, books, cutlery and any other thing from the countertops. You also should take everything from the drawers and in the cabinets underneath the countertops and place the items in a safe place away from the area you are working in.

Step 2: Disconnect the supply lines.

Once everything is out of the way, shut off the supply lines to the countertop fixtures. These include the water and gas lines to the stovetop. For the drain line, use an adjustable wrench to loosen the large nuts holding the U or J-shaped trap to the sink’s main drain line. If you have a PVC connection, you should be able to loosen the connection by hand.

For the supply lines, turn off the valves for each fixture clockwise to the off position, then disconnect the lines from the valves using an adjustable wrench.

Step 3: Remove the sink

Depending on the type of sink you have, you should proceed to remove it from your countertops. If you have a drop-in fixture sink, use a putty knife or chisel to pry the sink away from your countertop. You will need to chop away at the layer of dried adhesive under the sink rim to free it.

If the sink is fastened to a tile countertop, you will need to chisel away the quarter tiles along the sink’s perimeter. Remember to remove any remaining mortar or adhesive with a caulk remover or chisel.

Do you have an under-mount sink? Unfasten the screws holding it to the countertop and remove the brackets underneath the sink. Using a flat chisel, remove the caulk acting as a seal between the countertop and sink. After you have freed the sink from the counter, it should come out easily, and all you need is to ask someone to help you pull it out, especially if it has an unwieldy double bowl configuration.

Step 4: Remove the countertops

With everything out of the way, now it’s time to get down to removing the countertops. Begin with loosening the adhesive holding the countertops in place. All you need to do is spray the adhesive with a caulk softener, then let the softener sit on the surface for one hour, then pry the adhesive away from the backsplash with a putty knife and workaround until the counter is loose enough to lift.

If your countertops are held into place by screws, unfasten them, then lift the countertop.

Step 5: Remove the countertops from the cabinets

Most countertops are bracketed to the base cabinets but if yours are attached to the base with nails or an adhesive, use a pry bar to remove them. Work slowly around the countertop and only use minimum force to avoid damaging the base cabinets.

Once the countertop is detached from the cabinets, use a flat chisel to remove the tiles from the countertop surface. Doing this frees the countertop and reduces the weight, making it easy to lift out. Once you have removed all the tiles, get in touch with granite contractors to remove the slab. Don’t try to remove the countertops by yourself, as you risk damaging the cabinets due to the heavyweight.

Step 6: Install new countertops.

Once the old countertop is out of the way, now it’s time to install the new countertop. Work with experienced countertop replacement NC professionals and professionally install the new countertops.