Tag Archives: marble

Best countertops for busy kitchens

soild surface countertops

Kitchen countertops are one of the most ignored parts of the kitchens –it bears daily wear and tear, it gets dirty, and it abides load and heat. Still kitchen owners don’t play attention over the maintenance and care of the kitchen countertops. Be it restaurant kitchen, be it bakery kitchen or be it restaurant kitchen, the countertop has its role to play in the kitchen. The role of kitchen countertop varies kitchen to kitchen. It is very much important to treat the countertop right to enjoy years of services.

Everything about kitchen countertop

In residential kitchens, countertop is integrated part. It provides the surface where people can do a variety of tasks, such as:

Preparing dough
Cutting fruits and vegetables
Putting hot pots and pans
Preparing meal

Since kitchen countertop is used for a variety of tasks, it gets damaged in several ways. The countertop remains under load, stress, heat and moisture. This is the reason why homeowners are recommended to purchase countertop which is not only beautiful but durable, scratch resistant, heat resistant and long lasting. It is not possible to find all these qualities in single countertop material, but some materials full fill this criterion. The most recommended countertop material for residential kitchens are:

Granite
Marble
Quartz
Tile
Wood
Bamboo
Soapstone
Glass

In commercial kitchens, countertops remain under constant pressure. More than one person uses the counter for different tasks at one time. The countertop is exposed to more heat, more load, more moisture and more scratches in the commercial kitchens. This is the reason why stronger countertops are recommended for the commercial kitchen, such as granite and quartz.

More about kitchen countertops

Kitchen countertop selection: Different kitchens have different requirements. The countertop material should be selected by analyzing the needs and requirements of the kitchens.

Kitchen countertop installation: No matter which countertop material you choose for your kitchen, the countertop should be installed properly.

Kitchen countertop cleaning: Kitchen countertops must be cleaned on the regular basis. Generally, countertops are easy to clean. You just need wet cloth to get rid of the food spills.

Kitchen countertop sealing: Some countertop materials are porous, hence they are required to be sealed. It is important to hire the countertop contractor and schedule the sealing.

Quartz Countertops: All the Basics of This Stone

fabricated granite countertops

Once unknown, quartz is a popular name now in kitchen remodelling market. It has become one of the popular choices for kitchen countertops competing natural stone countertops. Quartz is a hard and manmade material, which is good for kitchens and bathrooms. It somewhat looks like natural stone and bound well with resins. Since this countertop does not require sealing, it is preferred by many homeowners over natural stone countertops, such as marble and granite.

Know more about quartz countertops

Quartz is an engineered stone. It has luster, hardness and translucence of its own. Quartz is 93 % made from stone while it contains 7% resins and polyesters. This makes it look different from natural stone countertops. This countertop contains remains of granite, marble, glasses, mirrors, ceramics and other industrial wastes. That’s how quartz countertops get their unique texture.

Benefits and features of quartz countertops

Great looks: Quartz countertops look amazingly beautiful. Quartz countertops are available in various colors and textures. You can easily match your countertop with cabinets and floors. It increases the value and beauty of place where it is installed.
Hardness: Quartz countertops are quite hard. They are good for both kitchen and bathroom. They are largely made from minerals, and these minerals define their hardness. Quartz countertop does not chip or crack easily. You can put hot pat or flattening iron on the countertop. This countertop can provide you years of service without any trouble.
A few imperfections: Since quartz is a manmade material, which contains some percentage of industrial waste, it has some imperfections. The slab of quartz countertop does not look as perfect as granite and marble slabs.
Non-porous: Quartz is a non-porous material. It does not absorb water easily. It means it will not absorb the spills of water, milk, juice and oil. This countertop is really very easy to clean. You just need water and cloth to remove the stains from the quartz countertop
Price: Even though quartz countertops are not as perfect as granite countertops, they are equally expensive. There is no significant amount of different between the price of granite countertop and quartz countertops.

The many uses of marbles

Earlier marble was found in palaces, temples and other holy places. Marble is a beautiful stone. Its natural color, natural shine and natural texture distinguish it from other materials. Along with being beautiful, marble is a durable, heat resistant, scratch resistant and long lasting material. Before making its way to your kitchen and bathroom countertop, this amazing stone has rich history of artistic and architectural use. Still marble is used for making sculptures, temples and flooring.

Interesting Uses of Marble

Marble is one of the most beautiful and beautiful stones present on earth. Not just that, but this stone is also very useful. This comes as no wonder, as marble is formed when limestone bear immense heat and pressure for thousands of years. Below mentioned are three of the interesting uses of marble:

Statues

Marble is the first choice when artists want to craft statues. This strong material has its own beauty that augments the beauty of the art. Marble is easy to sculpt and every detail can be seen on this surface.

Jewelry Case

People often judge book by its cover. This is the reason why jewelry case needs to be as beautiful as jewelry. Marble jewelry cases look amazingly beautiful. Marble has its own charm, plus these cases have beautiful designs painted on them.

Flooring

Marble floors are very common these days. This material is naturally cool. So, marble flooring is ideal for hot places. Moreover, marble floors provide rich and royal look. They are easy to clean and maintain.

Fireplaces

Marble fireplaces are common these days. Since this material is capable of withstanding heat, many luxury houses features marble fireplaces. The fireplaces made up of the marble are easy to clean and maintain.

Benches

Marble can be cut in any desired shape. This is the reason why marble benches are available in various designs.

Kitchen and bathroom countertops

Marble is one of the most popular materials when it comes to kitchen and bathroom countertops. This material is apt for both kitchens and bathrooms. You just need to find the right marble contractor to properly install the countertop at your bathroom or kitchen.

Straight talk about solid surface countertops

Solid surface is a great manmade countertop material. This material is combination of acrylic and polyester. The solid surface countertops can be used in kitchens, bathrooms, decks and even in commercial kitchens. This surface is durable and easy to maintain. It is capable of withstanding daily wear and tear with grace. There are plenty of reasons to opt for the solid surface countertops over convectional countertop surfaces, such as marble, granite, quartz and tiles.

Choosing solid surface countertops

Solid surface countertops are gaining popularity these days among interior decoration experts. In fact, several home improvement magazines have featured the solid surface countertops, and highly recommended for kitchens and bathrooms. These countertops are capable of transforming any mediocre space into plush area. It brightens up the aura of the room where it is installed.

Benefits of solid surface countertops

Variety: Since solid surface countertops are manufactured in factories, they are available in variety of designs. You can find plenty of colors and textures in the solid surface countertops. You can even finish it with polished or matte.

Beauty: Solid surface countertops look incredibly beautiful in kitchens. Their presence can actually increase the value of your kitchen. Since they are available in plenty of colors, you can find a perfectly matching countertop to complement your kitchen décor.

Durability: Solid surface countertops are engineered to bear the load and stress of busy kitchens. They are highly durable and strong. You can enjoy beauty and strength of this countertop surface for a long period of time.

Low-maintenance: Solid surface countertops do not require much maintenance. They don’t get stained easily. Moreover, you can easily clean them using soap water and cloth.

Hygienic surface: Solid surface do not harbor bacteria. This makes them apt choice for kitchen countertops as well as bathroom countertops. You can enjoy this aseptically clean surface in both kitchen and bathroom.

Repair: Unlike natural stone countertop surfaces, solid surface countertops can be repaired if they are broken. You can hire a contractor and get your countertop repaired.

Cost: In terms of cost, solid surface countertops are cheaper than natural stone countertops. This countertop is a great investment as well.

Choose Countertops With Confidence

Kitchen countertop plays an important role in your kitchen décor. It helps you to set tone and style for your space. There are plenty of kitchen countertop replacement options, from granite to marble to wood. The entre process of selecting the countertop material is confusing. It is not easy to settle for a countertop surface, as every material has its own benefit. It is important to list out your needs and requirements before choosing the countertop surface.

How to select the right countertop for your kitchen

The very first thing that you have to consider while choosing the countertop is “how much you are willing to spend?” Kitchen countertops are available in variety of price range. You are required to set your budget first and then explore the options within that budget. You can find oodles of options in one range also.

Next thing to consider is your lifestyle. It is important to look qualities such as durability, and heat and scratch resistance in the countertop material. A countertop material should be capable of withstanding daily wear and tear.

Another important thing to consider while choosing the kitchen countertop surface is maintainability. A good countertop surface should not demand much maintenance to remain in a presentable condition. Some countertop requires regular sealing. It is important to consider these aspects before choosing the countertop surface.

More on selecting the kitchen countertop surface

Modern countertops have many distinct features that you have never heard about. Some countertop surfaces have excellent germ resistant features. These countertops provide you a healthy and hygienic work surface.

Some countertop materials are not good for environment. It is good to select the environmentally friendly countertop for your kitchen. By doing this, you can actually promote environmentally friendly activities in your home.

Kitchen countertops are made to get dirty. Make sure the countertop you choose should be easy to clean. It should get cleaned with soap water and cloth. This is one of the qualities that should consider. Last, choose the right kitchen countertop contractor for countertop installation. Only a professional can install your countertop in an adequate manner.

All you need to know about Solid Surface Countertops

Solid surface countertops are stylish, durable, non-porous and easy to maintain. These are great for busy kitchens and bathrooms. Solid surface countertops are heat and stain resistant. Their resistance to mildew and mold make solid surfaces a popular countertop choice for hygiene loving homeowners. Solid surface countertops come in a variety of colors and patterns. With their seamless look, solid surface countertops are always an eye-catching countertop option. These countertops definitely look better than traditional countertop materials like granite, marble, concrete and glass.

Solid surface countertops for kitchens and bathrooms

Solid surfaces are actually man-made acrylic products that are composed of resins, minerals and pigments. Solid surface countertops reduce maintenance hassles. They are easy to repair, resist scratches and stains, and require very little maintenance. Perhaps the best quality of solid surface is the fact that this countertop material can be carved, cut, cast and molded (without any visible seams) to the shape of your choice.

Pros to solid surface countertops

These surfaces are easy to clean
These surfaces are heat resistant
These surfaces are stain resistant
These surfaces are durable
These surfaces are available in a variety of colors and textures
These surfaces can be customized according to your needs and requirements

Considerations When Purchasing Solid Surface Countertops

Edge and thickness: Choose solid surfaces that are at least ½ inch thick. The edge can be carved and transformed into virtually endless options.

Maintenance: You should opt for solid surface that is easy to look after. Generally, solid surfaces can be cleaned with a cloth and warm water. So, consult with a countertop contractor before making purchase.

Eco Friendly Materials: You should opt for solid surface materials with 15% recycled contents. Good quality solid surface countertops are environmentally friendly. They are something that you can feel good about.

There are many types of solid surface countertops. In order to get all above mentioned benefits of solid surface countertops, invest your hardly earned money in the good quality countertop. Also, hire the best countertop contractor for kitchen or bathroom countertop installation. Only a skilled and experienced contractor can adequately install countertop at your premises.