30

May

Why Granite Countertops are Better for Outdoor Kitchens

Among a lot of common modern-day design themes, the outdoor kitchen has become popular over the years. There are a couple of important features to consider if you are making this type of home upgrade, and one of them is which countertop is best for an outdoor space. Granite countertops are ideal for an outdoor space because of their material and durability.

Aside from that, there are other reasons to explore why you should choose granite for your outdoor countertop. In this article, you will discover what those reasons are and you will not mind paying a bit because of the benefits and quality you will get.

Read on to find out more now.

The Design is Beautiful

Granite is very unique and it offers various specks, patterns, and swirls that are different in each slab. That means each slab you have is unlike anyone else’s. There are endless possibilities in terms of individual design and style from the granite, and they can be made in any size or shape. Therefore, no matter the layout or size of an outdoor kitchen, granite makes it happen.

Heat, Moisture, and Stain Resistant

Granite is resistant to heat, stains, and changes in moisture levels, which makes it suitable for an outdoor space. Since it is a porous stone, it is recommended that you have your granite countertop periodically sealed to make sure it can resist stains from the regular kitchen spills. Therefore, it is in your best interest to wipe them up right away as they occur to retain the beauty of a countertop over the years and prevents discoloration.

In addition, this natural stone stands up well against any heat so it is not necessary to worry about the damage produced by hot pots and pans. However, you should still use hot pads and trivets to protect the sealant.

Compatible with the Outdoors

Granite has excellent durability, and it can withstand different natural elements, from snow and rain to heat and sleet. Aside from it being strong and sturdy, granite is heat resistant as well, which means it is not phased by exposure to hot summer all day. The truth is, that granite can actually benefit from sunlight. Once it shines on countertops, the beauty and depth of each piece are instantly revealed.

Another reason why granite is appropriate for an outdoor kitchen is that countertops can be built around ovens, stoves, pizza ovens, and other appliances that are hot. When granite is sealed regularly, granite can also repel rainwater.

Easy to Clean and Maintain

Granite does not give you a host of harmful bacteria and it remains sanitary, so it is safe to prepare and cook food on granite countertops. Cleaning a granite countertop is always easy even if you just use soap and water. You do not have to use a special cleaner.

Maintaining the quality of granite countertops is simple and it only needs the application of a sealer once every year. This sealer protects your countertops from spillage or rain, which can happen at some point in your kitchen outdoors.

Resistant to Germ and Bacteria

Cooking can get messy, whether you are outside or inside. Some of them are harmless, and others can contain harmful bacteria like salmonella, Listeria, and e.coli. Specific materials like laminate or tile can harbor these by providing the right growing conditions. In these instances, it is important to disinfect your kitchen countertop regularly so it is safe for food prep.

You can contact granite installers Potomac to have them work on your outdoor and install the granite countertop you love.

17

May

Benefits of a Quartz Countertop

It is a lot of fun choosing the countertop of your newly remodeled bathroom or kitchen. However, you should also take it seriously because it is a serious investment. It is also a huge commitment that can last at least 25 years if you choose the quartz countertops of another solid option. That is why it is imperative to know the benefits of quartz countertops.

Quartz is among the popular choices of the countertops of today because it is a high-quality material that is luxurious and easy to maintain. Unlike other surfaces, the quartz slab is engineered. This opens a new world of chances and possibilities. Find out more about why you should choose quartz countertops.

Good Variety

Since manufacturers are controlling the process, these countertops come in different colors and designs. A lot of people find it hard to distinguish top-quality countertops from marble, granite, and other natural stone. If you want a contemporary look, you can include recycled glass and flecks of metal.

It is also easier than you think to keep the quartz countertops in top shape.

Non-Porous

 Classic quartz countertops are made from about 90% quartz, and this is beneficial to you.

Quartz is non-porous so it is resistant to stain. That means as long as you wipe away liquid soon, after every spill, you should not be concerned. Over time, other countertops will absorb wine, oils, juice, and other substances that will be difficult to remove. This is because pores allow the substance below the surface where it cannot be wiped away.

Another good thing about the non-porous nature of a quartz countertop is it does not require sealing. In order to help prevent stains, it should be periodically sealed. This consumes a lot of time and if you leave it like that, the material can be harmed. Quartz material does not need sealing, so it requires less work to have it.

Durability

When you have a quartz countertop, you are getting an extremely strong and tough material that stands up to many decades of use by your family. It is scratch-resistant and does not chip away. Since it is waterproof, it is also stain and water-damage-resistant. The truth is, this is among the biggest reasons why people choose quartz for their kitchen countertop. They are not totally indestructible and you still need to use cutting boards, quickly wipe up spills and use trivets to protect dishes and hot pans. Since quartz countertops are durable, manufacturers issue a lot of warranties against damage and defects in manufacturing.

Stylish

One of the main benefits that you will get from having a quartz countertop is the stylish options available. Quartz comes in a wide range of patterns and colors. It can mimic the look of granite, marble, or concrete, and it can be in colors that cannot be obtained in other materials like bright green.

Every quartz countertop is made to order. That means if you have odd curves, angles, want a unique edge, or other unique aspects, quartz can be shaped to what you want. You can also choose the finish, with a lot of colors that come in polished and leather textures. This will allow you to customize the quartz look of your countertop to match your home.

Fewer Imperfections

Quartz countertops are made with a lot of precision, using controlled material quantities, quality control, and care. This minimizes the occurrence of pits, fissures, and other imperfections that normally show up.

You can contact quartz countertop installer Potomac to have the best result for your kitchen remodeling project.

08

May

Common Mistakes When Choosing Granite Countertops

Granite kitchen countertops are among the best materials that can be used in the bathroom and kitchen reservations if you want a pristine and durable finish. While the beautiful and unique surface offers a lot of durabilities to withstand resist chips and heat, spills, and a lot more, there are a couple of mistakes that cause some damage to the stone.

Caring for your granite countertops and staying away from the common mistakes that cause damage maintains the surface’s longevity. While you know that life happens, knowing that can be damaging to your granite countertop is important in preventing you from paying for granite contractors again too soon.

You should not worry, because the common mistakes you need to avoid are mentioned here.

Wrong Thickness

There are 3 standards of marble thicknesses when choosing counters. You can choose between ¾ inch, 1.75 inches, and 1.5 inches.

You should avoid using the last options because problems can emerge from attaching two granite slabs. When the glue starts to deteriorate, it can cause gaps in the seam together with the horizontal edge or it can cause future damage to the surface, especially from everyday use.

Choosing Color Over Quality

Another common mistake is that first-time granite shoppers choose the color over the stone quality. Sure, it is important to match the surface’s color to the existing features of the kitchen, but you need to be careful to not sacrifice it because of aesthetics. White is among the most popular options for most stone countertops. However, white needs more caution and care because it easily stains compared to others. Dark colors such as brown and black hide spills and stains, there it reduces the maintenance needs and stain-removal treatments. One incident is that if you drink a glass of red wine, it could ruin your white surface if you accidentally spill it. Stains are difficult to remove without professional stain removal or sanding.

Seam Placement is Incorrect

Between granite’s natural colors, patterns, and great installer, seams should not be noticeable. Therefore, you can guarantee to have a seam on your countertop, so you must try planning for it. The more action a seam directly gets, the faster it is going to wear out.

You should try positioning the seam inconspicuously away from the faucet. If possible, it should not be right next to the sink. However, if you have no choice, position it perpendicularly and not parallel to the side edge of the sink. By doing this, you are providing extra support to the sink and preventing unnecessary joint stains.

Does Not Match the Cabinet Styles

You must always choose an edge for the granite countertop that will complement your cabinet style or vanity. For instance, flat or beveled edges will look best in a room that has modern cabinets. If you have traditional-style cabinets, you should choose a bullnose edge. The edges have to be round, especially if it is on the bottom if you have small children who can bump their heads on the granite’s edge.

Poor Edging Choices

When you are choosing an edge profile, indecisiveness comes naturally. You want to choose an edge that matches your current kitchen, but you also want a slab edge that is versatile. It should be able to match the future style changes and upgrades. However, you must choose the correct profile upon installation because you cannot change it without removing the stone and then sending them back to the manufacturer. That is why you must finalize your installation.

You must contact granite countertops dealer Potomac to help you achieve your dream kitchen countertop.