14

Apr

Granite Vs Quartz Counter top: What’s your choice

Granite and quartz countertops are almost the same, and the debate about which is better than the other continues to rage on. Although it’s hard to tell the countertops apart, there are still differences that will help you settle on the best depending on your needs. We delve deeper into the differences and similarities to help decide which of the two countertops fits your space

The difference between Quartz and granite

  • Material

Granite is made of 100% natural stone. Granite stones are taken from the quarries and cut and smoothened to form the granite countertop.

Quartz is made of 93 % natural stone, and the rest 7 % is colors and resin to hold the particles together.

  • Maintenance

Granite is porous and needs to seal often to avoid stain and scratches

Quartz, on the other hand, doesn’t require any sealing

  • Durability

Granite has its flaws when it comes to busy kitchens. If you are looking for a countertop for a busy kitchen, then granite may not be ideal as it scratches and stains when certain substances like wine, coffee, tomato juice are poured on it

Quartz kitchen countertops are durable and less prone to stains, and it’s therefore, perfect for those hotels that are super busy kitchens

  • Eco-friendly

Granite is eco-friendlier as it emits less amount of radon and other organic gases.

Quartz has higher emission levels of radon than granite

Reasons to consider Granite

  • Granite is a pure natural stone and has unique colors which make it possible to personalize your kitchen.
  • Granite is slightly cheaper than Quartz
  • Granite countertops are durable if not subjected to heavy use.

Reason to consider Quartz

  • Quartz is more flexible than granite and is thus easier to install.
  • The non-porous nature of quartz makes it the best countertop for busy kitchens
  • Its stain resistant
  • If you don’t want to see seams, then you need to use darker quartz

What is your choice?

The kitchen countertop you choose will depend on several factors;

  • Preference

When choosing between you need to decide whether you want the unique natural stone or man-made stone. Granite countertops are more beautiful and unique as compared to quartz.

  • Purpose and ease of use

Quartz countertops will work well in the large and busy kitchen as they are easy to maintain as they don’t require sealing. Quartz countertops are easier to clean and can be used heavily. Choose one that suits the need at hand

Conclusion

They say beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.It’s important to note that you can’t go wrong with either of the two countertops as they are both durable if used in the right place. Choose the kitchen countertop that will add aesthetic value to your house and if you feel lost talk to your granite-Quartz countertop installers for expertise on each of the countertops.

07

Apr

3 Factors You Should Consider when Planning a Kitchen Countertop remodel

Are you thinking of a kitchen remodel? There are countless options of what you can change to give your kitchen that fantastic look. You can change the kitchen countertop and replace it with a granite countertop. Give your walls and cabinets a fresh paint, change the flooring materials and fix that new lighting to illuminate the kitchen. Making sure that the remodel is worth the splurge is necessary. Remodeling the kitchen countertop will give your kitchen the ambiance you desire and to get the best out the countertop remodel contact the Rockville granite contractor for advice on how best to remodel the top to avoid excessive waste and expenses.

Factors to Consider when Planning a Kitchen Countertop Remodel

  • Size and layout of the current Kitchen

The Size will determine whether there is space for a kitchen island. Depending on the how much space you have you can add an extra countertop to add more space to your working area. Talk to your granite contractor to get the full cost of the countertop for the island or extra countertop.

  • Budget

How much have you reserved for your remodel? The amount of money you want to splurge on the remodel will determine what you can change in your kitchen.its imperative that you establish what it will cost to remodel the kitchen countertop. Begin with a plan, and a budget. Involve the experts while changing the countertop as they will advise on the best kitchen countertop to use. Granites are more expensive than quartz and depending on the budget, choose one that suits your pocket. Get a quote from your granite contractor to be able to assess the total cost of the repair.

  • Your Kitchen needs and style

Adding a kitchen island could cater for a growing family. You can add seats around the kitchen island to give you more seating space in the kitchen. A granite countertop, quartz or engineered stone countertop will give your kitchen a current look. Depending on your needs ensure they are catered for in the best way.

Other Kitchen Parts to Consider Remodelling

  • Kitchen Flooring

Changing the kitchen flooring materials will give your kitchen an all-new look. Depending on the current flooring material, ceramic tiles, wood laminates or stone floor will give your kitchen a look you want.

  • Kitchen Cabinets

Fresh paint on your kitchen cabinet will change the look of your kitchen. Make sure the paint color compliments with that of the cabinet and floor.

  • Kitchen Lighting

Changing the general and task lighting will upgrade your kitchen. Consider changing the lights to give your kitchen that regal effect.

  • Kitchen sinks and faucets

Replace the old sinks and the faucets with good quality ones. Chrome and copper are excellent materials for the faucets. To avoid a major renovation ensure the kitchen sink fits.

Conclusion

It’s important to involve an expert while planning the renovations to get the actual cost.Visit the countertop replacement company to get a rough idea of how your kitchen will look after the installation.

28

Mar

Care and Maintenance of Quartz Counter top

Quartz Kitchen countertops will give your kitchen the sophistication and appeal you need. They are luxurious yet easy to maintain. Quartz is made by combining a natural hard mineral known as quartz with resin, polymers, and pigments. Depending on how the grounding, coarsely ground quartz produces a flecked appearance while the fine one will give a smooth finish. Quartz which is moderate in weight is a readily available mineral meaning the cost of the quartz is not high.

Advantages of quartz countertops

  • Hard and Durable
  • Non-Porous with a gloss sheen
  • Stain and crack resistant
  • Doesn’t require sealing and resealing
  • Comes with a wide variety of colors
  • Easy to clean and microbial
  • Minimal maintenance

Cleaning quartz countertop

Its imperative that the material you choose for your countertop or kitchen countertop be easy to clean and maintain.

  • Daily cleaning

To clean use a soft cloth to avoid scratching the countertop

Mix water and soap, dip the cloth and clean the top with the cloth. Ensure you wring out excess water. Wipe the surface clockwise, and then dry the surface with a soft cloth.

Wipe the countertop every day to ensure it retains its shine and look

  • Cleaning grease from the surface

Buy a mild degreasing detergent to clean out any grease that may pour on the surface .they are products meant for quartz countertop and its ideal for the surface top. wipe out the grease as soon as it pours on the countertop. You can also clean grease with mild soap and warm water. Don’t use bleach on the surface. Properly care and clean the countertop with natural products to maintain the shine

  • Hard and dry out Spills

Use a blunt substance to remove any hard and dry spills. Start from the underside of the spill.

  • How to clean stains in the quartz

Soak the cloth in warm and using a clockwise motion clean out the stain. In case the stain doesn’t come out add a little alcohol on the cloth and rub the stain away. You can a citrus remover to clean out stains. Confirm that the cleaner is safe for the quartz countertops. Avoid any abrasive and alkaline cleaners while cleaning the countertop.

 What to avoid when you have a quartz countertop

  • The extreme heat of above 300 degrees will melt the resin in the quartz
  • Highly alkaline products will break the bonds between the quartz and resins.
  • Avoid slicing your dishes on the countertop as it may not withstand the effect of knives
  • Avoid using in an outdoor area as it may not withstand the harsh environment.
  • Avoid using abrasive scouring pads while cleaning
  • Avoid letting the stains settle in for long.
  • Avoid dropping heavy objects on the quartz countertops Potomac, MD. While transporting the countertop ensure there is no pressure to avoid breakage.
21

Mar

Tips on Choosing Granite Counter top Installers

If you are thinking of selling your home, it’s essential that you remodel your house to perk up the value and increase return on investment. Whether the remodel is for purposes of sale or beauty, you need to find a contractor to do the project.  One of the major remodels you can carry out in the kitchen by replacing your old countertop with granite countertops or quartz countertops. Its imperative that you find the right granite countertop installers otherwise your remodel investment may go to waste.

Factors to Consider when Choosing Granite Installers in Rockville

  • Expertise and Knowledge

It’s paramount that you choose a granite countertop installer who has the experience and expertise on how to install granites. You can ask questions on how granites are installed, and from there you can gauge the expertise of the installer. Ask the installer for ideas on colour and shape of the countertop you require. Such information will guide on how to pick the best installer. Check what credentials the installer holds and whether he is a member of the building association. If he is a member that will increase the credibility. Also, seek to see the installers portfolio and his past works as this will give you an idea what to expect and gauge whether its what you want.

  • Cost

Ask for a quotation on how much the installer is charging. Ensure that all they are in the quote including the cost of granite sealing, edge profiles, and the installation. While shopping for the granite, ensure that all the cost are clear so that no cost catches you unaware.

  • Up to Date Cutting Equipment

The best granite countertop installer  will have up to date equipment to cut the granite into the required shape. That will ensure the kitchen countertop is cut neatly and accurately and minimize wastage and chances of damage.

How to Find the Best Granite installers in Rockville

It’s imperative that you find the best granite installer to give your space that ambience and regal effect. You can find the installers through;

  • Granite selling companies

Most granite sellers are also the installers. Confirm whether this is so, before buying the granite as this is the best option. A buy and installation will make your remodel hustle free because you are sure the company will have the experts and up to date cutting equipment.

  • Referrals

Ask friends and family about who did their remodels, visit the project to gauge the work done. Ensure you get a full review of the granite countertop installer, including their personality, reliability and ability to complete the work on agreed timelines. Involve the granite installers Rockville as you shop for the granite, their knowledge of the best and authenticity will go a long way to ensure you have the best

14

Mar

The Most Commonly Used Granite Counter tops Colours

Granite is one of the gorgeous kitchen countertops material. In spite of the cost, granites have stood the test of time and remain a premier choice for kitchen countertops or bathroom countertops. The speckled and swirls in some of the colours make granite countertops in any kitchen to stand out. Granite comes in a variety of colours, and we look at the most commonly used granite colours. The colour of granite to use depends entirely on the owner of the kitchen, but we review some of the most commonly used colours.

Most Commonly Granite Countertops Colors

  • Black Pearl or Dark colours

Black pearl granite has speckles that make it bring out the beauty of your kitchen. Dark colours will harmonize your space more especially if the cabinets and floor are darker than if they are lighter in colour. If you don’t like the shouting colours, then black will work perfectly for you. Black or dark colours are easy to maintain and clean making it ideal especially in a busy kitchen. Black is one of the most popular colours of granite in use in the world, be it in offices, kitchen and bathrooms.

Black or dark coloured countertop will work if;

  • Your cabinets are dark, and you want to harmonize
  • Your wall and cabinets are of shouting hue, and you want to neutralize
  • If you want to achieve a white and black theme

 

  •  Veined White Granites

There are no pure white granites, but it comes with flecks that break the monotony. White is ideal if the kitchen is small as it creates a large space effect. White granites are ideal for

  • If you are looking to give your kitchen a lighter appearance
  • To give a small space a larger appearance
  • White will complement other kitchen colours
  • To make your kitchen more striking, add ambience and modern style

 

  • Brown granite countertop

Brown granite countertops create a warm and rustic look and pair well with light cabinets. It’s ideal if you want to create a country feel and look. Brown granites are ideal for;

  • If you have a wooden look and you would like to complete it
  • To create rusticity

Tips While Buying Granite Countertop

  • Get granite samples

Get granite samples and take them home to be able to compare with cabinets and wall That will give you an impression of what the best colour for your kitchen countertop. You will also be able to see the granite in your kitchen or bathroom lighting and whether it fits.

  • Consider Maintenance and upkeep

Depending on how busy your kitchen is, dark-coloured granite will be better for a busy kitchen while lighter colours will work in small and fewer use spaces.

  • Choose the colours that you love

Even if your favourite colour is not among the most common, ensure that the colour you choose is what you love and will bring out the aesthetic value of the kitchen or bathroom.

Since granite is the last to be installed, ensure that you choose a colour that harmonizes the rest of the house items such as cabinets and walls. Your granite contractor potomac will be able to advise you on how to match the granite, size that you need and ensure that the granite is professionally installed.

07

Mar

Why Engineered Stones Countertops are Ideal for your Kitchen

Engineered stone countertops are made of crushed stones which are bound together by polymer resin or cement mix. Marble and quartz are the most used stones that produce engineered stones and are bonded together to create non-porous and beautiful engineered stone countertops. Apart from kitchen countertops, the engineered stone can be used for flooring and on walls. The engineered stone is made by forming blocks using machines after which the blocks are made into slabs for countertops or tiles.

Why Engineered Countertops

  • Strong, Durable and Attractive

Engineered kitchen countertops have a consistent look and will not fade for the longest time and have a uniform color making it perfect if you want to match your kitchen colors. The countertop comes in a variety of colors including earth tones colors. Colourants can be added to achieve the desired tone. While the engineered countertop is much cheaper, it has the same qualities as granite or any other slab. Engineered stones are resilient and durable ensuring that they last longer especially in a busy kitchen.

  • Heat Resistant

The engineered stones countertop is heat resistant and won’t crack easily. The engineered kitchen countertop is resistant to your cracks, which makes it ideal for the kitchen. Engineered stone does not accumulate bacteria or mold making more hygienic to use as the kitchen countertop.

  • Easy to Clean

The engineered countertops don’t absorb water or any dirt making it easy to clean. The stone is not susceptible to stains and that makes cleaning the engineered stone easier

  • Hygienic

The engineered countertop is non-porous and will not attract any germs or ide germs in the spaces.

The disadvantage of Engineered Kitchen Countertops

The only con to the Engineered kitchen countertops is, it’s hard to curve.

Steps to follow when maintaining Engineered Kitchen Countertops

  • Engineered countertops require minimal maintenance to keep their look
  • Regularly clean the countertop with warm water and mild soap. The countertop is highly resistant to stains and therefore don’t require much cleaning. Glossy finished surfaces require mild cleaners.
  • Don’t use strong chemicals, to clean the surface. Use the ingredients as recommended by the manufacturer.
  • In case of any stubborn stains, use a mild scouring pad to clean off the stain.
  • While installing the countertops, contact an expert installer to ensure its well done. Ensure that during installation there is expansion and contraction space for the countertop.
  • Scrape off any materials stuff on the countertop with a plastic knife
  • Occasionally polish the surface to give a shiny look
  • Avoid placing hot and very cold items on the countertop, as this will cause damage to the engineered countertop

Whether you choose granite countertops Rockville, quartz countertops or the Engineered stone countertops ensure it serves your purpose. Engineered stone countertops are ideal, especially for a busy kitchen. The countertop doesn’t require much maintenance; therefore if you are looking for simple and elegant, then this will work perfectly for you.

28

Feb

What You Need to Know About Quartz Kitchen Countertops

When remodeling your kitchen or building a new one you may be wondering what options you have on the kitchen countertop. It may be hard to decide whether to use granite or quartz or vanity countertops. To make your choice less daunting, we explore quartz kitchen countertops and everything about them that you need to know. Quartz is manmade and relatively new as compared to granite. Its durable and will give your kitchen the aesthetic value that it needs.

Advantages of Using Quartz

Quartz is made of around 95% quartz stones, and the rest of the composition is polymer resin to create a durable stone.

  • Non-Porous

Quartz has no pores in between; the resin polymer fills the gap in the crushed quartz to ensure that there are no spaces, making it more hygienic and easy to clean. The nonporous nature of the stone makes the stone resistant to stains, and food particles have no space to infiltrate making it ideal for a kitchen countertop as this will ensure high hygiene levels. You will find that bacteria, especially in the kitchen, will inhabit such spaces, but with quartz kitchen tops they ensure that there are no spaces for bacteria to latch on.

  • Scratch Resistant

Quartz stones are made of hard minerals and will take a long time before they yield to scratches making it a durable option for your kitchen. Quartz will not crack easily and therefore durable than natural stones

  • Heat Resistant

Quartz is not affected by heat and will take a long time, and any marks due to heat can be cleared if you use sandpaper on it.

  • Variety of Colors

Quartz is manmade and therefore comes in many colors as compared to natural stones. Consequently, it gives you a wider selection of colors.

Ensure that the quartz countertop is professionally installed by a quartz installer to achieve a professional look.

Disadvantages of Quartz

  • Quartz is humanmade and may not match the beauty of granites, and though its available in many colors, it may not match the regal look that comes with granite. We may not consider this a disadvantage as the beauty of something depends mainly on the buyer
  • Since the quartz is human-made, its likely to more expensive than natural stones as the manufacturer controls their availability.
  • Quartz is not ideal for outdoor use as exposure to sun, and other environmental factors will make the resin and color pigments to fade.
  • A quartz countertop will also have seams but they are less visible with a darker countertop. The quartz seams are easier to hide as color can be applied on the seams

Depending on your kitchen countertop needs, quartz is durable and easy to maintain. It’s ideal for use in high traffic kitchens as they are durable and heat resistant.

22

Feb

Simple Remodel Ideas to Give your Kitchen a New Look

Upgrading and decorating the kitchen can give such a huge impact and add such value to the house. An upgrade does not have to cost you an arm and leg, but a mix of different color and materials will make look so regal. An addition of a quartz countertop or a granite countertop in the kitchen will not only increase the monetary value of the home but also make it beautiful and appealing.

Simple Upgrades to Remodel Your Kitchen

  • Use a granite/quartz counter top

A granite/quartz countertop will give your kitchen an instant makeover.Ensure that you contact a granite installer in Rockville to do the job. That will ensure that the countertops are installed professional and sealed as required. Ensure the color you choose complement other kitchen colors to create an ambiance. You can get the best granites from granite company Rockville.

  • Improve Kitchenware display

Display some of your utensils in open cabinets, and this will give your kitchen a different look altogether. If all the cabinets are made of wood, replace some of the wood with glass. Change the color of the kitchen seats to complement the rest of the items in the kitchen. You can add a movable kitchen bar. You can also add some of the appliances like a new kitchen stove, and that will change the way your kitchen looks.

  • Change the Lighting

If your kitchen is dark, even if the other items are beautiful, it may not seem as though any changes have taken place. New lights over the granite countertop will give your kitchen a magnificent look. You can add a glass pendant to illuminate the kitchen.

  • Floors

If you have a wooden floor, you can varnish the wood and if you floor is ceramic invest in general cleaning of the tiles. Whichever flooring that you have clean it up or apply varnish and that will give your kitchen a completely new look

  • Change the Wall Paint

The wall plays a major role in how the kitchen looks; a little feature wall will give your kitchen a completely different look.  Use bright paint to create a feature wall. It’s important to let a professional painter do the job to make sure your kitchen remodel doesn’t ruin other parts of the kitchen.  You can use wall tiles to create a pattern on the wall.

  • Remove Clutter

Remove unnecessary items from the drawers and remake them. If you have stored up thing like bottles, dispose them to create more room in your kitchen.

Tips to Follow during your remodel

  • Ensure you involve the granite countertop installer to ensure  a professional look
  • If the kitchen is small, use light colors to make more appealing
  • Look out for giveaways while shopping for appliances
12

Feb

Granite Countertop Maintenance Tips

You should contact a granite contractor for your kitchen countertops, to add value, timeless elegance and beauty. Granite is a great investment for your kitchens, an investment that is expensive and durable at the same time.

Granite is a natural resource that is made through many natural processes occurring over a period of many years with many chemical compositions. The pieces of granite have many impurities which give them the unique patterns and designs. They are available in many designs and colors and their cost varies according to the detailing of the designs and color. Your local granite countertop installers may give you more details about the colors and patterns of designs available. Once you spend a hefty amount on a granite countertop, then you will want it last a long time. To make it last a long time without losing its natural shine, you will need to maintain your granite. Below are some top maintenance tips.

  • Although your granite contractor has told you that granite is heat resistant, still, you should place heating pads before placing hot pots and pans to avoid your granite wearing off.
  • Clean your granite countertop daily with a mild cleaning liquid and a washcloth or sponge.
  • Avoid spilling acidic drinks or alcohol or any other harp liquid on your granite countertop and if accidentally it gets spilled, then wipe and clean it immediately to avoid sharp stains.
  • Ask your granite countertop installer to tell you about the best granite countertop cleaner available. You can use the cleaner every 3 months to get a polished look for your granite countertop.
  • Do not use sharp knives or heavy utensils on your granite countertop as it could scratch your granite and make scratches and chips on it.
  • Do not drop heavy objects such as your tools or very heavy materials and items on your granite countertop as it could damage your granite countertop.
  • You should call your granite contractor for a yearly maintenance of your granite countertop. They should take care of all the scratches and chips if any and repair them professionally and remove all the stubborn stains and give it a polish and a sealing coat to make it shiny and new again.
  • Do not use harsh cleaners for your granite countertop such as bleach. Also do not go for natural acidic cleaners such as lemon juice, vinegar or baking soda for your granite countertops as these ingredients are acidic in nature and can dull your granite countertops.
  • If you have pets, then do not let them sit on your countertops as their paws can scratch the countertops.
  • Do not put your toiletries such as your creams, lotions or perfumes or any other liquid stuff. It may also fall, spill or leak on your granite countertops and can stain and damage it.
  • Sealing your granite countertop is a must to maintain it. You should contact your granite countertop installer Rockville, MD to reapply the seal on your granite countertop every 6 months.