Tag Archives: Marble Countertops

How Long Does It Take To Replace Countertops?

Once you have decided replacing your old and out of date countertop, you might want to know how long it takes to replace the countertop. Well, it is not possible to generalize the time required for the kitchen countertop replacement. How much time required depends on several factors, such as –skills of handyman, countertop material used, availability of installation tools, size and shape of your countertop, and your budget.

Kitchen countertop replacement

No matter which type of countertop material you choose for countertop replacement, there is thing you need to keep in mind: Get started only after understanding the specifications. It is very much important that the person who is installing the countertop has the required skills and knowledge. If you are versed with general handyman tasks, you can take kitchen countertop installation in your hand. However, it is always recommended to hire a professional contractor for this purpose.

Laminate countertops

If you are looking for fastest turn-around, then laminate countertops is the best option for you. This is especially applicable when you select “off the rack” countertops from the countertop store. The finish and fit will not be as good as customized laminate countertops, but as far as time is concerned, they are unbeatable.

Engineered stone and stainless steel countertops

Installation time required for engineered stone and stainless steel countertops is almost same as the time required to install laminate countertops, and the process of installation is also same. From the time you begin to think about countertop replacement, plan at least 4 months. That provides you the time to explore what you really want without rushing.

Granite and marble countertops

Installation of natural stone countertops (like granite and marble) is quite different from the installation of engineered stone countertops. It is not possible to install these countertops using DIY hacks. You need a professional countertop contractor for the kitchen countertop replacement job.

Concrete countertops

Concrete countertop installation is tricky and time-consuming. There are a lot of things required to be taken care of while installing concrete countertops. The installation of concrete countertops can take up to a week, even when you hire a professional contractor.

Choose Countertops With Confidence

Your countertop plays an important role in kitchen. There are plenty of options from granite to marble, glass to wood, and quartz to tile. But choosing the kitchen island countertop should not be a difficult task. By understanding your needs and requirements, you can make a wise choice for your kitchen. Different countertop materials have different characteristics. If you know what you are actually looking for your kitchen, the countertop selection process will become really very easy for you.

Choosing Kitchen Countertops

The countertop material set the tone for the kitchen. The material you choose for your kitchen countertop should not only reflect your style, but also cope-up with how you use your kitchen. The countertop play both functional and aesthetic role in the kitchen.

Granite is the first choice when it comes to kitchen countertop selection. Maximum homeowners opt for granite countertops. This material offer features like heat resistance, scratch resistance, low maintenance and durability. It is safe to settle for granite countertop.

Marble is another amazing choice when it comes to kitchen countertop surface. This material is the second choice of homeowners for kitchen countertop. It is a natural stone just like granite. Kitchens with marble countertops look amazingly beautiful. The marble surfaces are easy to clean.

In the crowd of natural stone, engineered stone (i.e. quartz) is making its way in the world of kitchen countertops. This surface is durable, beautiful, sleek looking, stain resistant and available in many designs. Quartz countertops are amazing choice for the busy kitchens.

If you are looking for the environmentally friendly countertop material, then bamboo countertops are for you. These countertops are made from bamboo trees. The bamboo trees grow rapidly. The countertops made from the bamboo provide world-class working surfaces.

Kitchen countertop installation

After selection, countertop installation is another big aspect. If you don’t have any knowledge about the installation, please don’t try DIY hacks to install the countertop in your kitchen. You might end up breaking something. Hire a reliable and trustworthy kitchen countertop contractor for proper installation and fitting of your countertop surface. Only a professional contractor can handle this task adequately.

Cleaning Countertop Surfaces

Countertops are a large investment for a kitchen or bathroom. They are functional as well as decorative units that come in various surface types. No matter what type of countertop surface you have, they will ultimately need to be cleaned. Every countertop surface has its own unique cleaning needs. Both kitchen and bathroom countertops are required to be cleaned time to time. Also, countertop cleaning is one of the mandatory tasks.

Kitchen countertop cleaning

Most countertop surfaces can be kept clean with same basic care, regardless of what type they are. But there are some countertop surfaces that require very precise care and maintenance. Along the same lines, there are countertop surfaces that should not be spilled, stained or allowed to sit on them for any extended time period. Vinegar is a great cleaning agent for laminate countertops, but it is really very bad for marble countertops. Knowing what type of material is in your kitchen, will help you knowing what you should and shouldn’t use to clean them.

Daily countertop care

Dust and dirt can scratch countertop surface. Spills that remain for too long on countertops may become extremely difficult to clean. For this reason, a daily countertop cleaning routine becomes very important. Just wipe countertop using a soft clean cloth on a day when you haven’t used your countertop. If more extensive cleaning is required, use soft cloth and soap water to clean your countertop surface. Make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions for specific countertop material. Some countertop materials can be damaged by cleaning agents.

Spills can stain nearly every countertop. Porous stones that require resealing will absorb spills easily, and discolor the countertop surface. Laminated surfaces can also get discolored from spills. When a spill occurs, clean them right away. Removing spills instantly will help you protecting your kitchen counter in the long run.

Even big messes can be cleaned with basic cleaning methods. To clean your countertops, begin with the basic methods such as –dry dusting and cleaning with wet cloth. Only opt for special cleaning agents or dish soap on countertop type, if it is needed.

Choosing kitchen countertop surface

Whether you are building a new kitchen or remodeling the old one, kitchen countertop surface is one of the primary things to consider. Kitchen countertop is one of those parts of kitchen which not only increases the aesthetic value of the kitchen, but also provides a comfortable working surface.

Selecting kitchen countertop material

The availability of various countertop materials made it really difficult for homeowners to select one for their kitchens. However, every material has its own pros and cons. It is important to consider the every aspects of the material before choosing it for your kitchen.

Granite Countertops

Granite is one of the most popular countertop materials. It is the first choice of homeowners when it comes to kitchen countertop surface.

Pros:

It offers excellent resistant to heat and scratches
It is available in many different colors

Cons:

It often requires sealing

Solid surface Countertops

These manmade countertops are gaining a lot of popularity. It is made from acrylic and polyester.

Pros:

It is not porous material, hence it is low-maintenance

Cons:

It is not resistant to heat and scratches

Quartz Countertops

Quartz is also known as engineered stone. The quartz countertops are made from quartz chips and resin.

Pros:

This countertop is easy to maintain
It is available in many colors

Cons:

It is pricey

Marble Countertops

There is nothing more beautiful than marble countertop. Incomparable in terms of its beauty and veining, marble is an untraditional choice for kitchen countertop surface.

Pros:

This countertop material looks beautiful in kitchen as well as in bathroom
It has excellent heat resistant capacity

Cons:

It is very susceptible to stains,

Tile Countertops

Tile is an inexpensive countertop material. This type of countertop surfaces are found in modular kitchens.

Pros:

It is heat and stain resistant
It is available in limitless colors and designs

Cons:

Tile countertops provide uneven surface
It can’t stand moisture

Soap stone Countertops

Soap stone is another countertop material which is getting popular among homeowners. The soap stone countertop provides value for money.

Pros:

Soap stone has natural softness
These countertops get darker over time

Cons:

It needs polishing and oiling to stay in the good condition
It can crack over time

Are Marble Bathroom Countertops A Good Idea

Vanity top surfaces should be capable of playing dual roles. They should withstand soap, toothpaste, cosmetics and water, as well as look good. Vanity is a place where you should install durable, non-porous and low-maintenance material. Marble can be an excellent choice for bathroom vanity top. The marble is the right blend of durability and aesthetics. This elegant and rich material is a symbol of traditional designs. When it comes to absolute beauty, only a few other countertop materials can compete with marble.

Marble vanity tops

Marble possesses all the qualities that a bathroom vanity top should have. This material has the capability of increasing value and beauty of the bathroom. Marble countertops are available in beautiful display of colors. You can select any color according to your choice. Also, marble countertops are cheaper than granite countertops.

Your guide to marble vanity tops

You should consider following factors when choosing marble for your vanity top:

Measurements: Properly measure the vanity on which you are installing the marble. You can customize marble slab according to your needs and requirements. It is always advisable to let professional take measurements.

Color: Marble countertops are available in many colors, including but not limited to pink, red, white, brown, gray, black and green. These color choices let you sync vanity top with bathroom décor. You can make eye-catching statement with marble countertops.

Finish: Marble countertop comes in many types of finish, such as – antiqued (for weathered appearance), honed (for a matte look) and polished (for shiny surface). The finishing defines the look of the countertop. In order to get the right finish, you should consult with a professional.

Budget considerations: You can find many types of marble countertops on the market. Opt for cultured marble countertops. These are engineered stones. They contain 93% marble and 7% polyester resin. The presence of resin increases the durability of the surface.

Marble contractor: It is important to purchase marble countertop from a trustworthy marble contractor. A good contractor will stand by your side during the entire process of selecting and installing the countertop in your bathroom. Thus, selecting the right marble contractor is as much important as selecting the right marble.

Marble Countertops: For classic luxury and contemporary style

More than any other countertop material, marble displays the pure elegance. Once used to be the part of only in the affluent homes, marble countertops are now readily accessible because of enhanced technology. This countertop material is apt for both bathroom and kitchen counters.

Marble countertops

If you think that marble countertops are available only in white color, then think again! However, marble countertops look best in scintillating white, but they are not confined to white color. You can easily find marble countertops in shades like creamy whites, light yellows, ocean greens, amazing blacks, soft oranges, and pretty pink. You will surely love the colored version of marble countertops. With the help of colored marble counter tops, you can adorn your bathroom as well as kitchen.

Marble countertops for bathroom

In bathrooms, marble countertops look spectacular. It is the best bathroom countertop material. If you are planning bathroom remodeling and willing to change countertop material, then you should totally opt for marble. Marble are more beautiful than practical. They can bring luxury to your bathroom, as they are epitome of timeless beauty. You can also enhance the beauty of marble countertops through marble polishing.

Marble is a porous material and get stained easily. You need to pay attention over maintenance to keep white surface of marble white. Also, in order to enjoy rich and royal look of marble countertops, you will have to spend some extra money. This countertop material is more expensive that contemporary material available in the market.

Marble countertops for kitchen

Marble countertops offer outstanding beauty to kitchen décor. Many interior decorators and kitchen contractors are preferring marble over other kitchen countertop materials. The clean and bright look of marble, lights up the entire aura of kitchen. Marble offers aseptically clean surface.

One more reason for choosing marble for kitchens is its cool temperature. Mable is naturally cool material, it does not conduct heat. This quality of marble makes it a good choice for kitchen. However, marble get etched, stained and scratched easily in the kitchen.

So, these are some pros and cons to marble countertop for bathroom and kitchen. Pay heed over these points before choosing countertop material.

Marble Countertops: Yes, they’re great!

Everyone loves the white marble countertops. They look elegant, bright and add character to kitchen decor. Marble can also be one of the cheapest kitchen countertop options available to you if your kitchen makeover or bathroom remodeling budget is limited.

Guide to marble countertops

Marble countertops are considered great for bathrooms, fireplace surrounds and other locations which do not require heavy duty use. However, with proper maintenance, it is possible to use the marble countertops in kitchen as well. Let’s take a look at pros and cons of the marble countertop.

Marble countertops offer spectacular beauty

The main reason why marble countertops always remain in demand is there spectacular beauty. No matter in which corner you install marble countertops in your house, they will always look good. This stone comes with the wonderful display of color, which change the entire look and feel of the space.

Marble countertops can bear heat

The biggest misconception people have regarding marble countertop installation is that they are not apt for kitchen because they cannot bear the heat. But marble posses heat resistant property. It can withstand the hot pan and pot.

Marble countertops are easy to clean

From maintenance point of view, marble countertops are really very good. Marble countertops are very easy to clean. Just wipe it with wet cloth and you will get scintillating countertop surface. No extra effort is required to maintain the white surface of the marble countertop.

Concerns about marble countertops

The very first reason why marble countertop installations are not recommended for kitchen is there porosity. Marble is more porous than granite. It quickly absorbs liquid; it means marble countertop can readily absorb oil, wine, juice and other spills. Thus, if liquid spills are not cleaned on time, they can create permanent stain. Even, you will have to be cautious in bathroom with nail polish, liquid soaps, nail remover etc. Fortunately, sealing is available to homeowners to maintain the long lasting white beauty of the marble countertop.

So, these are the pros and cons to the marble countertops. They are beautiful countertop option available for bathroom vanities and kitchen counter. You should always consider hiring a reputable and trustworthy contractor for marble countertop installation.

What Choices Are Available for a New Bathroom Countertop?

Now, if you have decided to install a new bathroom countertop, there is no shortage of countertop material options available to choose from. In fact, because of availability of so many different materials, it has become a little stressful to narrow down the search.

New bathroom countertop installation

It is significant to be sure that you are 100% satisfied with the countertop, before it gets installed in the bathroom. Right bathroom countertop material selection is an important consideration for entire bathroom remodeling project. Since there are oodles of choices available to you, the most appropriate manner of deciding which one is correct material for your bathroom is analyzing each and every category of countertops:

Granite Countertops

Granite is not only a perfect kitchen countertop material but it can also look totally stunning in bathrooms. Mix of colors is specialty of granite, which scintillate the bathroom. Granite is a durable, strain resistant, low maintenance and beautiful material. Thus, it can become an ideal bathroom countertop material. However, the only drawback of granite is you will need to seal it on a regular basis.

Tile Countertops

Tile is another beautiful material to consider for bathroom countertops. Tile is the most tempting bathroom countertop material from the price point of view. Well, tile countertops look incredibly good, they are easy to clean and do not require to be sealed. However, tile is not as durable as granite.

Marble Countertops

Marble is also a popular choice in bathroom countertop material. As compared to kitchens, marble is more apt for bathrooms. Beautiful marble can adorn the bathroom décor in the best possible manner. Marble is not prone to scratches as well. It is easy to clean and it offers long lasting services. Thus, marble can be ultimate choice for bathroom vanity counter.

Acrylic Countertops

Since Acrylic is easy to clean material as well as does not get stained easily, many homeowners prefer it for bathroom countertops. Another specialty of Acrylic countertops is that they come in plenty of color options.

So, these are popular bathroom vanity materials available in the market. You can opt for one according to your specifications and budget.

Basics On Selecting The Right Kitchen Countertop Material

For maximum homeowners, kitchen is an important alcove in the home. One of the best ways to provide value to a property is remodeling the kitchen space. The top most considerations for a kitchen renovation project are installation of new floor, replacing all the kitchen appliances, replacing kitchen furniture, and of course new kitchen countertop installation.

Kitchen Countertops: What are Your Best Options?

There are plenty of beautiful and durable kitchen countertop options and styles available in the market for you to consider. Every kitchen countertop material has different characteristics from other. Now, when you are remodeling your kitchen, the countertop material you choose will have a remarkable impact on the overall look and feel of your kitchen.

Kitchen countertop materials

Granite

Granite is the most popular kitchen countertop material. It is the standard for what homeowners expect for their counter to be like. Granite countertops are not only beautiful, but they posses scratch resistant property too. The most excellent thing about granite countertops is that they never go out of home décor trend and also increase value of your home if installed in the right manner.

Quartz

Quartz is an engineered stone. Quartz Countertops come in oodles of scintillating colors and textures. Quartz is a nonporous material having scratch resistant property. Quartz is also a durable material which provides the look and feel of natural stone with consistent texture throughout the countertop. Each and every slab of the quartz countertop looks same. Also, quartz is an easy material to maintain.

Marble

Marble countertops may look incredibly good, but marble is not an ideal material for kitchen countertops. Marble is very porous and will need to be sealed often. Also, the white color of marble is prone to staining. Thus, marble is a high maintenance countertop material.

Soapstone

Soapstone material is a cross between granite and marble. The soapstone countertops offer seamless finishing and dazzling surface. Soapstone countertops are available in a variety of colors like gray, green, and black. Soapstone is a stain resistant material, but it demands regular maintenance.

So, these are popular kitchen countertop materials available in the market. You can opt for any one if you are thinking about kitchen countertop replacement.

Selecting the bathroom vanity countertop!

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

Bathroom vanities: essentials for comfort and charm of bathroom

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

Classy bathroom vanity to change your bathroom’s appearance

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

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

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

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

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

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