23

Dec

Pros And Cons Of Waterfall Quartz Countertops

There are many quartz countertop styles and edging profiles, and while some are minimal, others are extremely extravagant. Waterfall countertops are a blend of the two. They are extravagant but still look sleek and modern. So, here is everything you need to know about them this style or edging profile of quartz kitchen countertops.

What Are Waterfall Quartz Countertops?

Waterfall countertop edging profile is really beautiful to look at. Basically, regular countertops end at the top of the counter surface. They can sometimes be protruded outwards, but that is pretty much it. Now imagine this protrusion going all the way down the countertop height. This is a waterfall countertop edge design.

It is basically the waterfall effect of the countertop material and it covers almost the entire countertop height. It can either be on one side, forming an L-shaped design, or it can cover both sides of the kitchen island, if they’re designed that way, giving the island a U-shape look.

This countertop edge design is a really classy way of making your countertops look unique and out of this world. This is really going to make the countertops look so chic and stylish that you’ll want this edge design on all of your countertops from this point on. The look of the waterfall is very continuous and it makes for a seamless design, which is perfect for people who want the material and its beauty to be on full display.

Pros Of Waterfall Quartz Countertops

So, now that you know what waterfall quartz countertops are and how they look, the next thing to go over is the qualities of this specific countertop design. So, here are some of the things that will make you want to get these countertops right this instant.

Very Elegant

If you don’t love the discontinuous look of regular quartz countertops that just end at the top, then waterfall countertops will steal your heart. This countertop edge design ensures that all you see is the beautiful material. It looks very elegant and stylish, but in a very understated way too, which is something that a lot of people love. And then there are many waterfall countertop ideas you can get inspiration from.

If you have a really beautiful quartz pattern and you want it to be the center of attention at all times, then this edge design will always put the spotlight on the pattern and the way it flows down.

Protect The Counters

If you have really fragile countertop bases or if they look just old and you don’t want them to be out in the open, then you can go ahead and cover the entire countertop base with this edge design.

It will be a win-win for you because you will be able to protect or cover the counter base and you will have a beautiful quartz slab draped over the base of the countertop and it will look like a dream. So, you don’t need to change the counter base when you follow the waterfall countertop tend.

Give A Cohesive Look

If you hate seams in countertops, which a lot of people do, then you will love the waterfall quartz countertop edge design. It is a very continuous and cohesive design and it literally looks like a waterfall of the material without any seams.

This might not be a huge issue, but for some, seams can really ruin the whole look of the countertops and sometimes, some materials shine the best when there are zero seams. Although, you can get a seamless installation without the waterfall design as well, but this design is a cherry on top.

Can Be Very Attractive

Waterfall countertops are adored by everyone out there. You can’t find one person who will find this countertop edge design too much. Because of the design of the edge and the overall softness of the material, waterfall countertops don’t look overpowering, which adds to the charm and appeal. So, if you love these kinds of unique edges and you want other people to bask in the beauty of this edge design, then it will be a treat for the eyes.

Quartz Is Excellent For Waterfall Edges

Not every material is good for the waterfall edge design, but quartz is one of the best options. This is because you can ensure a consistent pattern and seamless design, and it’s also low-maintenance compared to many countertop materials.

Other options that are good for a waterfall edging profile are granite, quartzite, sintered stone, porcelain slabs, and others. Some that you should avoid are tiles, wood, and laminate.

Cons Of Waterfall Quartz Countertops

Waterfall countertops sound like a dream, but they can also turn into a nightmare really quickly. So, here are some of the things about these very countertops that will make you want to think twice before getting them.

Hard To Craft

The waterfall edge design is beautiful and all that, and even though it might look really easy to craft and install, but it’s actually quite the opposite. Getting that perfect curve to create the waterfall shape and effect can take some time and effort. There are specific fabricators for the job and if they can’t get the job done, then no one can.

So, this countertop design is a labor of love and it really shows in the way it is made and the way it drapes over the counters.

They Are Expensive

You see a sleek and uniform countertop surface with a waterfall design, so this won’t come as a surprise that these countertops will run very expensive. This is something that is a huge bummer for a lot of people. They definitely love the edge design and all that, but when it comes to the price, it can make them stop and rethink their decisions

Also, there is more quartz used in this specific countertop design. You’re practically using another slab of quartz vertically as well. So, it will obviously cost you a lot more, especially if you end up using high-quality quartz.

There Are Hindrances

There are many things that you put on top of the counters and some of them are appliances that are powered by electricity and need outlets nearby. Well, with the waterfall countertop edge design, installing outlets can actually be impossible, because the very waterfall shape that everyone knows and loves can be an obstacle for the outlets and the wires of the appliances.

So, the waterfall countertop edge is not exactly the most practical edge design to get if this is an afterthought and the kitchen layout, appliance placement, and electrical outlets are not planned accordingly.

Conclusion

Waterfall quartz countertops are amazing, but they do have their own areas of lacking and that is something this guide will give you a lot of clarity on. If you want to go ahead and get this edging profile, then make sure to hire a skilled quartz countertop installer Rockville for a seamless and sleek countertop.

13

Dec

Engineered Stone Vs. Natural Stone Countertops

There are many countertop materials to choose from, but they’re divided into two major categories. They’re either naturally sourced or they’re engineered for reinforced strength and durability. Popular natural stones are marble and granite while common engineered stone countertops are solid surface and quartz countertops. Here is everything you need to know about the two different types of countertop stones.

Differences Between Engineered Stone And Natural Stone Countertops

The Material

First and foremost, you need to know what natural stone and engineered stone are.

Natural Stone Countertops

As the name suggests, natural stones are, well, naturally obtained. They’re made by nature and in nature. Some are naturally made by incorporating molten rocks, mica, and other materials fused together at high temperature and pressure, whereas others are made inside mountains, underground, and even in water.

Natural stones are made through natural processes and they have different compositions. They include granite, marble, quartzite, sandstone, limestone, travertine, onyx, soapstone, and many more options. These natural stones have different properties, different looks, different ranges of durability, and they’re just overall amazing.

Engineered Stone Countertops

When it comes to engineered stones, you have to understand that they are man-made materials. If you see the suffix, engineered with any stone or even material, then you can automatically assume that it is man-made and it’s either treated with a mix of natural and synthetic materials or made solely of synthetic materials.

There are many engineered materials out there, but we talk specifically about engineered stone surfaces, they are: quartz, solid surface, porcelain, and sintered stone. Porcelain is not exactly a stone because it’s made of clay, but it’s still categorized in engineered stones.

Now, quartz is a popular one. It’s made by pulverizing rocks and making them into stones with the help of strong binding agents and adhesives. Just like natural stones, the durability, heat resistance, and other properties differ from stone to stone.

Durability

The next thing you can compare between natural stone as well as engineered stone is the durability. You want to select a stone surface that is amazing in quality as well as durable.

Natural Stone Countertops

Most of the natural stones are amazing in durability. You don’t need a lot of convincing when it comes to natural stones, because they are stones that are literally made under high pressure and temperature. They are not made to crack.

Natural stones have a lot of strength and most stones outlive everything else, given that they’re maintained and taken care of. Granite and quartzite are two of the most durable natural stones followed by soapstone, slate, marble, and others.

Engineered Stone Countertops

Engineered stone surfaces are also strong. They’re really amazing when it comes to durability, because they are literally treated to make them stronger and enable them to endure various elements. Quartz, for instance, is an amazing material with outstanding durability even though it lacks a bit in heat resistance due to resin in its composition. However, in strength and durability, it rivals granite. Then, there are sintered stone countertops that are both durable and heat resistant.

Maintenance

Next up is the maintenance. Every stone in this world, whether it be natural or engineered, needs to be maintained. That is just how things go. You need to clean them, seal them, and keep things away that can damage them.

Natural Stone Countertops

When it comes to natural stones, you are usually high maintenance. You can’t just make do with cleaning. You also have to seal these babies because natural stones are porous. That is just something that comes with the properties of natural stones.

They have small holes on the surface that can suck in water and moisture and if you don’t seal your natural stone countertops, then they can cause stains on the surface, which isn’t good at all. If you want a natural stone that doesn’t require sealing, choose soapstone or consider engineered stone surfaces.

Engineered Stone Countertops

Since engineered stone countertops are man-made, their properties can pretty much be controlled. So, it is a very good thing to know that engineered stones like quartz, solid surface, and sintered stone are non-porous.

They don’t have the tendency to suck in moisture present on the surface. So, you can totally get away without sealing these materials. You just need to give these materials a good wipe down and you’ll be good to go.

Variety

People love options. They love to have a list of colors and designs to choose from. Some might think that it adds to the confusion, but it is what it is.

Natural Stone Countertops

There are lots of options in natural stone countertops depending on the materials but the options are not as much as in engineered stone surfaces. Why? Because natural stones are, well, naturally made, so the colors in which natural stones are available are default colors and there is only a slight chance of ever having exotic colors and those unique colors usually cost much more.

In short, when it comes to customized designs and colors in natural stones, you have to put a lid on your choices. You can only choose from what is available. This is good for most people, but some just don’t vibe well with it.

Engineered Stone Countertops

Engineered stone options regarding colors and designs and even patterns are literally endless. You can get almost any color, design, and pattern your heart desires. Since they are man-made, the choices are in the hands of the manufacturer.

There are just as many colors in engineered stones as you can think of and you can even customize them to your liking. This is something that a lot of people love.

Cost

The cost is also something that a lot of people want to know about. You want to invest in a good stone, no doubt, but you don’t want to spend a fortune on them.

When it comes to natural stones, they can run a bit more expensive than man-made materials. However, even engineered stones can be pricier than regular man-made materials. The reason is that engineered stones are treated and reinforced with more strength and properties that make them as hard as rocks and more durable. Anyway, in both types, cost depends hugely on the quality of the stone.

Resistance To Heat & Water

Lastly, you might also want to know about the resistance to heat and scratches and it’s quite interesting.

Natural Stone Countertops

Natural stones are great when it comes to heat resistance. For instance, granite, quartzite, and soapstone can resist temperatures up to 450–500°F, whereas, marble and travertine can only withstand up to 250–300°F.

In the scratch resistance category, there are some natural stones that don’t do so well like soapstone, onyx, and marble. However, there are some that are excellently scratch-resistant like granite, quartzite, basalt, and sandstone.

Engineered Stone Countertops

Engineered stones are great when it comes to scratch resistance, but not so much when it comes to heat. These stones can get blistered by heat really easily such as quartz (withstands temperatures up to 300–350°F).

The main reason why it happens is that these stones have resin in them and they are not able to resist heat, which is why the surface of these stones can get darkened after you put very hot pots and pans on the surface. So, you need to be careful when it comes to both of these stones.

However, there are sintered stone and porcelain slabs that are both excellent in heat and scratch resistance.

Conclusion

Engineered and natural stones both have their own sets of pros and cons. Well, now you know exactly which one to choose in case you’re replacing your kitchen countertops. If you want to take a look at various engineered and natural stone options, consult a quartz countertop contractor Potomac.