Tag Archives: Marble Countertops

10 Reasons You Should Give Marble Countertops A Shot

Whether looking to upgrade the look of your kitchen or bathroom countertops, some of the best countertop materials you can go with are marble countertops. Here are 10 of the top reasons you should consider the pieces:

Sophisticated look

Marble has a classic look that sets it apart from plenty of other natural stones. When properly installed, the countertops add elegance and warmth to the house, making it fun and comfortable to live in.

Rich history

The use of marble dates back to ancient Egypt. The Athenian treasury, built in the 6^th century, was the first building to be constructed entirely from marble, and it’s still standing up to date. This is a clear proof of the durability and resilience of the material.

Plenty of color choices

Marble slabs come in a wide range of colors that include white, green, brown, red, and deep black. The varying colors and veining come from mineral impurities within the stone. The many colors give you plenty of choices and assurance that you will get a color that will fit your house.

Unique designs

Since the slabs are natural, they are un-replicable. No two slabs are the same; therefore, when you install them in your home, you can be confident that no other person in the world has a similar piece. For you to get the most from the unique designs, try out different slabs to find the most fitting.

Easy to clean

While the countertop materials give your home a high end look, they don’t require special cleaning materials. Mild dish soap and warm water are enough to give the surfaces a sparkling look. Don’t use harsh chemicals to clean the countertops as you will damage them.

Some specialized stones require experts to clean them, but that’s not the case with marble. You can easily clean marble by yourself with simple materials. When the surfaces get a stain, you can easily remove it using an alkaline product that will pull the stain from the stone and dry it out.

Heat resilience

While marble is soft and porous and tends to stain and etch easily, it’s exceptionally resistant to heat. The marble surfaces don’t burn even when you place hot items on them. The naturally cool temperature makes the countertops the top choice for pastry chefs and other professionals that deal with hot items.

Durable

As mentioned above, there are plenty of buildings built in ancient times, and they are still in good condition. While marble will require some maintenance, it tends to last for a long time when you take good care of it.

Easy to fabricate

Although it’s sturdy and resistant to heat, marble is soft hence easy to fabricate. This feature makes it easy for fabricators to create decorative edges and fancy details that improve the overall look of the stone.

Don’t settle on the cheapest contractors as they often don’t understand their craft. Marble slabs don’t come cheap; therefore, when you hire cheap contractors, you end up losing a lot.

Readily available

Unlike other stones that you have to order from a unique area, marble is readily available in most countertop stores. While you can easily find the stone, many people end up buying the wrong pieces as they are often in a hurry when making the purchase.

For you to get the most from the stone, take time to research and find a store selling high-quality stones at affordable prices. This might require you to visit a number of stores and make comparisons.

Even when you find a good store, don’t proceed to place a large order. Take a few marble samples and go with them to your home. Place them on the countertops and see how they look. Only consider buying pieces that perfectly fit your home.

Increase in home value

The high-end look of the countertops dramatically improves the home value. If you are remodeling the house for sale, you end up selling the house twice or thrice the price you would have sold it had you not installed the countertops.

While this is the case, you don’t have to install ultra-premium pieces as you might not recoup your investment. Work with expert kitchen countertops Raleigh experts who will professionally install moderately priced countertops giving your home a classic look.

How to Clean Your Countertop Without Damaging The Material

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

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

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

How to clean marble countertops

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

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

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

How to clean granite countertops

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

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

How to clean quartz countertops

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

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

How to clean other kitchen countertop materials

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

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

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

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.

How to Keep Your Counter top Looking New

best quartz countertop

Your kitchen countertop is an investment, you need to ensure its well maintained. Without proper care and maintenance, your kitchen countertop will lose their look and diminish in value over time. It’s therefore important that you ensure you follow the right care procedure for your countertop. In this article, we give simple tips to follow to ensure that your countertop not only lasts long but also retains the shine. If you intend to sell your house, the kitchen countertop will increase the value of your home. It’s therefore important that take care of the countertop and ensure it retains the shine.

How to Keep Your Countertop Looking New

Cleaning the Kitchen Countertops

It’s important to ensure that your investment is cleaned properly to ensure it last long. If you have a granite countertop cleaning the countertop with a mild detergent and warm water regularly will help retain the shine. It’s important that you understand the countertop in your kitchen and use the right procedure to clean the countertop. Proper cleaning will ensure that you can enjoy your countertop appearance for years. Consult the granite contractor on how best to clean your countertop and you will reap long-term value from your countertop.

Follow the installers instructions

Every countertop requires a particular maintenance and care procedure and its imperative that you follow them. Consult the installers on how best you can take care of your countertop. The installer will guide you on the best detergent to use on your countertop. It’s also important to establish how resistant your countertop is to heat and stains. Make sure you follow the guide to clean spills and stains.

Use Mild cleaners and a soft cloth

The harsh cleaner may cause scratches on the countertop. They may remove the sealant and cause your countertop to stain and harbor bacteria. Make sure that you use the right cleaners for your countertop. Avoid scrubbing the countertop using harsh materials such as scrubbing pads, steel wool, and any other materials.

Keep your Countertop Away from Extreme Heat

It’s important to know the heat levels your kitchen countertop can endure. Granite countertops can endure heat up to a certain level. Too much will cause the countertop to expand and then shrink causing cracking. Use trivets when placing hot dishes on your countertop. Simple care process will ensure that your countertop is not damaged by heat and that keeps the kitchen countertop shinning and looking new for longer.

Seal the countertop as required

It’s important to ensure your granite or marble countertop is sealed after installation. If you have an old countertop, make sure you follow the sealing schedule without fail. Sealants prevent your countertops from stains and bacteria. Make sure that your granite and marble countertops are well sealed.

What to Avoid when it comes to Countertops

Exposure to hot pans

Avoid exposing your countertop to hot pans especially if they have sealant

Avoid Placing heavy items on your countertop

Placing heavy objects on your countertop because that will lead to cracking. Avoid sitting or stepping on the countertop when reaching for objects. Applying pressure on your countertop will lead to cracking.

Avoid cutting directly

Cutting directly on your countertop may cause damage to your countertop. While cutting meat or vegetables use a cutting board.

Use the recommended cleaners

The experts at the granite company will advise you on the cleaners to use. Make sure that you use the recommended cleaners for your countertop. Using harsh detergents will damage your countertop leading to loss of the shine.

Leaving spills on the countertop

Leaving spills on your countertop will result in stains. Make sure that you clean spills immediately.

Consult the professionals

If your granite, Silestone or marble countertop looks dull, consult the expert on how you can get back the shine and make your countertop to look new. Make sure that you follow the care procedure as instructed by the contractors.

A kitchen countertop plays a key role in the overall look of your house. A good-looking countertop will perk the value of your house and its important that you maintain the countertop. Make sure that you follow the cleaning procedure for each countertop and you enjoy you’re the top for years. Follow the sealing schedule if you have marble or granite countertop Durham and you can enjoy preparing those sumptuous meals without attracting bacteria’s.

How to Choose a Kitchen Island

kitchen countertop replacement

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

Typical uses of a kitchen island

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

Considerations to make when Choosing the design of your kitchen island

Size of the island

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

The shape of the Island

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

Function

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

Adding style to Kitchen Island

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

Color and texture of the countertop in use

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

Lightning

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

Perk up the value and look of your kitchen with brand new countertop!

Replacing Kitchen Countertops

Does dull kitchen countertop is spoiling your kitchen’s appearance? Or wear and tear is clearly visible on your kitchen countertop? Or are you thinking of complete kitchen makeover? Well, if so then kitchen countertop replacement is something which can help you out. The kitchen countertop is the focal point of kitchen. These countertops are not only important for your kitchen décor but also for the ease of cooking. The aging is typically the most obvious reason behind the degrading beauty of the countertop.

Rather than making useless efforts in adorning your old countertop, you should better think about kitchen countertop replacement. There are many options available to you for your new kitchen countertop like granite countertops, marble countertops, quartz countertops, soap Stone countertops and Bamboo surface countertops.

Obviously, your old countertop does not cope up with your modern kitchen. You might have latest kitchen appliances, latest furniture and latest crockery in your kitchen, so why to compromise with the countertop? Get it replaced!!

Why should you consider kitchen countertop replacement?

#1: Installation of new kitchen countertops is easier than renovating of old countertop.

#2: Modern kitchen countertops are available in many materials, colors, textures, design etc. With such countertops, you can give a complete makeover to your kitchen.

#3: Modern kitchen countertops are durable. So, they will provide long lasting services.

#4: Many kitchen countertop companies are offering countertops at reasonable price. So, the countertop replacement will not be heavy on your pocket.

#5: You can replace your old countertop with the countertop of your favorite material to match your kitchen’s décor with it.

#6: The kitchen countertops like soapstone countertops are easy to clean. It means now you do not have to spend hours on countertop cleaning.

#7: There are many countertop materials available in markets which are scratch resistant. Thus, beauty of your countertop will sustain over a long period of time.

#8: The countertop replacement task is not time consuming now.

So, if you are planning the kitchen renovation then these reasons are more than enough for including the countertop replacement in your list.

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.

Countless benefits of marble countertops

marble countertop

Are you thinking about giving a royal makeover to your kitchen? Are you looking for natural stone countertop materials? Or do you simply want to replace your old kitchen countertop? Well, if so, then marble countertop is the answer to all your questions. Marble is an excellent material when it comes to kitchen and bathroom countertops. This material is cable of withstanding heat and moisture. And its aesthetics are above any other countertop material. This material increases the value of property wherever it is installed in the correct manner, and that too without demanding much maintenance.

Know about marble countertops

Marble has its own importance. Earlier, marble was used only for the construction of palaces, mosques and temples, but now this material is available of everyone. Now every homeowner can create rich and royal decor using marble countertops. Apart from countertops, marble is used in the fireplaces, flooring, walls, sculptures etc. Marble looks amazing in every possible form. This material has its own distinct features.

Know about marble countertops

When it comes to countertop material, marble can be an excellent option. There are many benefits of installing marble countertops, such as:

Marble is a classic beauty. The white scintillating marble countertop looks amazing wherever it is installed. This material reflects more light, and thus increases the brightness of the place where it is installed.
Marble is a naturally cool material. In case you love baking in your kitchen, then you will absolutely love marble It is not a heat conductor.
Though it is not as hard as granite, it is quite durable.
Unlike rare natural stones, marble is easily available. You can find marble countertop everywhere –online stores, countertop companies and countertop shops. This is the reason why marble countertops are not very expensive.
Maintenance of marble countertops is easy. You can clean it using soap water and cloth. No matter if it is food spills, juice, soap or nail polish stain, it is possible to clean your countertop surface.
Marble countertop installation is also easy. However, you should consider hiring the marble contractor, if you want to get this job done with perfection.

Benefits of Solid Surface Countertops

While there are many countertops available on the market, solid surface countertops are slowly gaining popularity. Although they are lesser known than the natural stone countertops, availability in various colors, textures and designs is consolidating the reputation of this countertop material. Solid surface is apt for kitchen island, bathroom vanity tops, desks, showers etc. Solid surface countertops are so durable and easy-to-maintain, they are even considered for commercial kitchens.

Why solid surface countertops?

Solid surface is an amazing material for all kinds of countertops. There are many obvious reasons for choosing solid surface countertops over other countertop materials, some of them are:

Looks

Solid surface is a manmade material, so solid surface countertops are available in variety of colors, textures, styles and designs. You can opt for matte as well as polished look. One of the biggest advantages of solid surface is that they are seamless. They are manufactured in a manner to be fitted together tightly and then sanded. Thus, their seams are almost invisible. While solid surface countertops look like natural stone countertops, they are totally manmade. Thus, homeowners who are specific about natural stone countertop should keep this fact in mind.

Durability and Maintenance

Solid surface countertops are quite durable. They can bear the load and stress of heavy kitchen utensils. Unlike natural stone countertops, they are repairable. It means the chips, cracks and scratches can be repaired. Other aspects of solid surface countertops durability, include:

Easy to clean
Low maintenance
Will not stain easily
Can be repaired

These countertops are made from synthetics that can be repaired at lower cost. This makes solid surface countertops a long lasting surface. With proper care and maintenance, it is possible to make them last lifetime.

Cost

Cost is one of the major reasons behind the increasing popularity of solid surface countertops. Though this countertop can look and feel like the natural stone countertops, they are a way cheaper than granite and marble countertops.

So, these are some amazing features of solid stone countertops. No matter which countertop material you opt for, make sure to purchase your countertop from the best kitchen countertop company.

Why Are Marble Countertops So Popular

Even after availability of cheaper countertops, marble countertops maintain their popularity in the market. It is the first name came in mind when homeowners and interior decorators think about bathroom and kitchen countertop replacement. There are many advantages of installing marble countertops that make this expensive material worthy of every penny you spend on it.

Know about amazing benefits of marble

Marble is extremely resilient and durable material. It will not dent or chip easily. This is one of the most important qualities that every countertop material should have. Many people reject marble thinking that marble is a fragile material, but it is a myth. Marble is capable of withstanding daily wear and tear of bathrooms and kitchens.

While marble is more expensive than other countertop options, it is long-lasting. This material increases the value of your property. Its price will never go down and so, if you are considering rent or selling your property, marble countertop can be a lucrative investment. Prospective buyers are will happily pay more for durability, quality and beauty of the marble countertop.

Marble countertop is quite easy to clean and maintain. Basically, all you need to do is to clean the countertop with soap water and cloth. It is resistant to stains and water damages. So, you need not have to worry about the maintenance.

Marble countertops are available in variety of colors and textures. It is apt for both bathrooms and kitchens. You can choose the countertop according to the decoration theme of your kitchen. Marble is naturally cool material. It is soothing wherever it is installed. This is the reason why people use marble for making fireplace, flooring and patios. In some countries, worship places and palaces are made from marbles. Marble monuments are gracefully standing for centuries. You can also enjoy the glorious beauty of the marble countertops in your kitchens and bathrooms.

Buying marble countertops

After opting for the marble countertop garner nc, you need to find the right marble contractor. Only a right contractor can provide you the right quality marble at the right price. Look for Countertop Company which offers countertop installation services as well.