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Which countertop surface is right for you?

Choosing the Right Kitchen and bathroom Countertops

Whether you are remodeling your kitchen or giving a new look to your bath area, at one point you will get confused in selecting most appropriate countertop. After all countertops play a vital role in enhancing the beauty of the kitchen as well as the bathroom. The kitchen and bathroom countertops are probably the first thing which gets noticed when someone enters in kitchen and bathroom respectively. The selection of countertops relies on various things like budget, interior decoration, personal choice and availability of countertop.

Oodles of bathroom and kitchen countertop options are available for you. The factors like durability, texture, color and appearance are going to make a solid influence on your choice. Some countertop materials need extra care while a few are nearly maintenance-free. You can opt for one as per your needs and requirements.

5 great countertop materials

#1: Granite: The scintillating granite countertops are first choice of homeowners who want to dazzle their kitchen with shining of granite countertops. Previously, only few color and texture options are available to granite countertop lovers, but now granite countertops are available in various color and texture options.

#2: Quartz: The quartz countertops are easy care kitchen surface. Quartz countertops are made up of the hardest mineral on earth, so they are highly durable. They will provide long lasting services and are easy to clean. These countertops are available in a variety of colors from red to green, earthy brown to sheer black, and from cream to white with awesome textures.

#3: Marble: Marble is an ultimate countertop option for the white lovers. Although this countertop looks incredibly good in the kitchen but they are more suitable bathroom countertop option. The white color gets dirty soon and require frequent cleaning, thus as kitchen countertop its maintenance is quite tough but very much suitable for bathrooms.

#4: Soap Stone: If you want to try something different from others, then you should opt for Soap Stone countertops. Soap stones are highly durable material and virtually maintenance free.

#5: Solid Surface: These are man-made and durable countertop which requires very low maintenance. This material is stains, moisture, sunlight and heat resistant.

Quartz vs. Granite Countertops: The Complete Rundown

soild surface countertops

When you plan about remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, choosing right countertop becomes one of the most important tasks. Because of availability of plenty of countertop materials, it is not easy to choose the one. Among so many available options, granite and quartz countertops are the most popular ones. Both materials have their own pros and cons, which makes it even more difficult for homeowners to choose the one. Granite provides bold look to kitchens and bathrooms, while Quartz adorn the beauty of kitchens and bathrooms. There are so many assumptions and delusions floating around about quartz and granite. Vie between Granite and Quartz countertops can be seen ad natural stone countertops verses manmade countertops.

Quartz countertops

Quartz is a manmade countertop material. It is made from a mineral which is available in abundance on planet. The countertops contain 90 % of crushed quartz resins and 10 % of resin binders. As it is 100 % synthetic product, Quartz countertops are available in plenty of patterns and colors. This provides you a lot of options to choose from.

The best thing about the quartz countertops is that they look like natural stone countertops. The finished stone seems to be rich. It is easy to find the quartz countertop that matches with your kitchen décor.

Many homeowners prefer quartz countertops because it is a low-maintenance material. Quartz countertops can handle stains of tomato, oil, wine, juice, coffee and many more stainable products. And quartz does not hold germs, so you your countertops will be clean after just one wipe.

If Quartz and Granite countertops are compared in terms of beauty, Granite wins. The granite countertops have that natural stone appeal. On the other hand, Quartz countertops look like imitation of granite.

Granite countertops

Granite countertops are made from 100 % natural stone. Each granite slab is different from other. These countertops provide rich and royal look to every kitchen. Every homeowner welcomes granite countertop with alacrity.

The best thing about the Granite countertop is it can ameliorate the look and feel of any place where it is installed. This countertop material is suitable for both kitchens and bathrooms. This countertop can withstand stains, scratches etc.

There are two drawbacks of Granite countertop –it is expensive and it requires annual sealing. Yes, granite countertops are one of the most expensive countertop materials. And this material requires annual sealing to maintain its shine.

Bathroom countertop materials, from good to best

Cultured Marble Vanity Tops

Are you looking for a new countertop for your bathroom vanity? Are you searching beyond the traditional bathroom countertop options? Or is your search related to budget friendly bathroom vanity tops? Well, if so, then below mentioned information can be helpful for you. Today, market is full of variety of countertop materials. It is not easy to select the apt material for bathroom vanity, because not all material possess the all the qualities that homeowners want in their bathroom vanity tops. However, there are certain countertop materials that can full fill maximum needs and requirements of the homeowners.

Bathroom countertop materials

Bathroom vanity tops do not need to be boring. You should pay attention over the material, style, edge, color, design and texture. A good vanity top will improve the overall look and feel of your bathroom. It can’t be the focal point of your bathroom (like kitchen countertop), but it can definitely enhance the beauty of your bathroom décor.

Take a sneak peek over below mentioned 5 best bathroom countertop options:

Ceramic Countertops

Ceramic can be a great choice for bathroom countertop surfaces, especially for those homeowners who are looking for budget friendly countertops. It is very cheaper and available in plenty of designs and textures. The installation of ceramic countertops is pretty easy that you can opt for DIY installation as well.

Laminate Countertops

Laminated countertops are new craze in the market. These countertops look rich and royal. They are available in plenty of styles. Laminate countertops are best for the bargain installation, whereas worst for the high end installations. These countertops can be good for guest bathrooms or basement bathrooms.

Solid Surface Countertops

Solid Surface Countertops can be an amazing choice for bathroom vanities. This material is the combination of flexibility and functionality in total style. It is the manmade countertop. If you are looking for a stylish countertop surface to adorn your bathroom décor, solid surface countertop is the best option for you. However, these countertops are a little bit expensive.

Granite countertops

Be it kitchens, fireplaces or bathrooms, granite is the ultimate choice. Granite is non-porous, bacteria resistant, stain resistant and heat resistant material, which can be best for the busy bathrooms.

Quartz countertops

If you are looking something different and ready to spend, then quartz countertop can be the apt choice for your bathroom vanity top. It got look for granite without maintenance hassles.

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.

Things You Didn’t Know About Quartz vs Granite

If you are thinking about upgrading your countertop, then consider both quartz and granite. These two are totally different countertop surfaces. The granite countertops are made from the natural stone, while the quartz countertops are made from the engineered stone. They have their own advantages and disadvantages. It is good to understand the pros and cons of the either materials and then make the apt choice according to needs and requirements of your kitchen or bathroom.

A brief rundown of quartz and granite

Granite countertops are made from the big chunks of the rocks. After leaving the quarry, granite is cut, polished and shaped. The natural stone is processed to make it suitable for the domestic purposes. The granite has in-build quality of withstanding against moisture, heat and load. You just have to pay attention over granite sealing.

On the other hand, Quartz countertops are made from the combination of resin and crushed quartz. They can be manufactured in variety of textures and colors. They are not cut from the slabs, so quartz countertops are known as the manmade countertop surfaces.

In-depth look at the pros and cons of quartz

Engineered Quartz countertops are as strong as granite countertops, plus they are more flexible. This makes their installation process a lot easier, as compared to granite. However, they should be professionally installed.

Quartz is a non-porous material. Unlike granite, it does not require sealing ever. This material actually provides you a no-maintenance countertop surface.

Quartz countertops are quite durable. They can easily bear the load of heavy kitchen utensils and heat. However, you should not consider them as indestructible.

Quartz is a stain-resistant material as well. You can even clean the wine stains from it without going through a lot of fuzz.

In-depth look at the pros and cons of granite

The appearance of the granite is not uniform. Two granite slabs can be totally different from one another. This can be considered as benefit as well as drawback.

Granite countertops are quite expensive. Also, in order to find the quality countertop, you need to find the reputable granite contractor nc.

Granite slabs are quite heavy. You need to hire the professional for installation and the fitting of the countertop surface.

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.

Commercial Kitchen Countertop Recommendations

Do you own a commercial kitchen? Do you think you need a heavy duty countertop for your restaurant kitchen? Or are you looking for durable and maintenance-free countertop material? Well, if so, then you have a number of options to consider. There are many natural and manmade surfaces are available for commercial kitchen countertops. You need to look after the pros and cons of every material to select the countertop as per needs and requirements of your commercial kitchen.

Commercial Kitchen Countertops

Countertops are used very roughly in the commercial kitchens. The countertop has to bear the load of heavy kitchen equipment, heat coming from the commercial kitchen appliances, freezing temperature of frozen foods, scratches from knives and heavy traffic. The countertop surface should be able to bear the daily wear and tear of the commercial kitchens, and still remain in the good condition. You should select the countertop surface by keeping the activities of your commercial kitchen in mind.

Recommendations for commercial kitchen countertops

Granite –Granite countertops can provide the elegance and utility to your commercial kitchen. This countertop surface has scintillating shine and ability to bear scratches, heat and load. You can count on granite if you want a heavy-duty yet low-maintenance countertop surface. Granite countertops can be cleaned using wet cloth and soap water. However, you need to clean the countertop surface on the regular basis.

Solid Surface –Solid surface countertops are combination of aesthetics and versatility. These countertops are great option for busy commercial kitchens. With solid surface countertops, you need not have to worry about stains and bacteria. Solid surfaces do not require much maintenance.

Quartz –If you are looking for customization and versatility, then quartz is the countertop surface for you. Quartz countertops can be amazing addition to your commercial kitchen. This countertop surfaces are available in variety of colors and textures. You can choose any design as per you kitchen décor. Quartz countertops can diligently serve your commercial kitchen without demanding much maintenance.

Laminate –Laminate can be a great restaurant kitchen countertop material. This material is budget friendly and heavy-duty countertop material. These countertops are available in variety of designs and colors. This countertop material is ideal for busy kitchens.

The best countertops for busy kitchens

Kitchen countertop replacement is an affordable way of giving a fresh look to kitchen. It is somewhat like mini kitchen remodeling. A new countertop can bring new colors to your kitchen. However, choosing the new kitchen countertop material is not an easy task. There are plenty of countertops available on the market. Each material has its own pros and cons.

Buying new kitchen countertops

Who does not want to buy a countertop that looks beautiful, easy to maintain, withstand daily wear and tear, endure parties, and lasts for years. Many countertops look good, but you should invest in a countertop which can bear the load of busy kitchen. Below mentioned are the pros and cons of the three most popular kitchen countertop materials:

Quartz

Quartz is one of the most beautiful countertop materials available these days. This countertop displays a wonderful unison of colors, minerals and resin. Quartz countertops offer the look and feel of stone countertops, and yet they do not require sealing. This material is heat resistant, scratch resistant and stain resistant.

On the other side, the corners of quartz countertops may get chipped over time. And quartz countertops are quite expensive as compared to other countertop materials.

Granite

Granite is the most popular choice for kitchen countertop replacement. Granite is a natural stone and each slab of granite countertop is different from other. These countertops are available in beautiful display of colors. You can put hot pan, use sharp knife and spill oils and acids on your granite countertop. This countertop can provide you years of trouble free services.

On the other hand, granite countertops require annual sealing, and they can get chipped from corners. Also, granite countertops are quite expensive.

Marble

Marble can give you a beautiful kitchen countertop surface. Marble countertop can provide you with a stunning working surface. They are resistant to heat. Although marble countertops are not fully resistant to scratches, small scratches can be easily repaired.

On the other hand, marble countertops get stained easily. They are expensive and their maintenance cost is high. Also, there are many replicas of marble countertops available on the market, so consumers have to be very cautious while purchasing the marble countertops.

Why Quartz Countertops Are the Hottest Kitchen Trend

When it comes to aesthetics, every homeowner wants to make their space unique. Kitchen is a focal point of the home. It is a place where family gathers for meals and other social activities. This is the reason why homeowners do not hesitate in splurging money on kitchen remodeling. Kitchen countertop is one of the important parts of the kitchen. The countertop has to be functional as well as beautiful. It should provide practical benefits and look good.

Importance of the right kitchen countertop material

There are many countertop materials available on the market. Choosing a countertop material from the crowd of hi-tech and natural-stone countertop materials is not an easy task. Every kitchen countertop material has something different to offer. Among all, granite, marble, soap stone, quartz, bamboo and tile are trending these days.

Know about Quartz Countertops

Marble and granite have been ruling as the kitchen countertop material since a longtime. These countertops have been found in all types of kitchens. However, if you have noticed the recent kitchen countertop trends, you might have come across quartz countertops.

Unlike high-maintenance marble and granite countertops, quartz countertops are stain repellent and invulnerable to acidic foods. This material is resistant to chips and scratches. Also, quartz does not require any sealing. It looks stunning for a long period of time.

One of the biggest reasons behind increasing popularity of quartz countertops is aesthetics of man-made stone. Quartz countertops have unnaturally uniform patterns that create the variations and swirls of natural stone. This stone is way cheaper than granite and marble. Also installation of quartz is really very easy.

Quartz countertops are available in variety of colors and textures. It means you can have countertop complementing your kitchen décor. Quartz countertops look scintillating in the kitchen. With this countertop, you can give rich and royal look to your kitchen without spending a lot of money.

Since quartz is a man-made material. It is important to buy the quartz countertop from a reputable quartz countertop company. You can get all the benefits of quartz countertops only if you purchase it from the right source.

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