16

Feb

Wood Vs. Granite Countertops: Which Option To Choose?

When it comes to kitchen countertops, there is a plethora of materials to choose from. Here is everything you need to know about wood and granite countertops, as well as which one is best suited for your kitchen.

Differences Between Wood And Granite Countertops

The Material

First up, we will explain what is the material actually made of.

Wood Countertops

As you know, wood countertops are made of hardwood. Usually, hardwood countertops are all 100% natural wood. In engineered wood and other treated wooden countertops, there might be some additives that make up for the strength of the material, but generally, wood is all natural, and it doesn’t have any additives. So, wooden countertops are naturally sourced and they’re really beautiful to look at.

A lot of people love wooden countertops because they add an element of warmth to the entire kitchen. So, if you’re someone who loves natural-looking countertops, then wood is definitely the one for you and it will steal your heart. However, if you also want to be mindful about the environment, you can use reclaimed hardwood or bamboo countertops.

Granite Countertops

Granite is an igneous rock and it is made out of the crystallization of molten magma. It is also mixed in with veins of mica, and it adds a very shimmery and beautiful look to the stone.

Granite is a natural stone that is extremely popular for kitchen countertops owing to its beauty and durability. It is a favorite among many people and even though it is a bit high maintenance, it is just so worth it.

Durability

Next up is the durability of these materials. When it comes to kitchen countertops, you do want to prioritize durability, because a material needs to be strong enough to be withstand the use and exposure in the kitchen.

Wood Countertops

When it comes to wooden countertops, they are not as durable as natural stones. Of course, they’re not fragile, but you do need to take care of them. Instead of traditional hardwood, people tend to go for engineered wooden countertops, because those are a lot more stronger than the former and they have amazing durability. Yes, they’re treated to make sure that they can endure everything, but it is the best choice you can go for.

Granite Countertops

Granite is literally a natural stone that is made under high temperatures and pressures. So, it is strong and durable. That’s not to say that granite counters don’t chip, but they usually don’t crack that easily. Moreover, unlike wood countertops, they don’t rot or warp.

Yes, granite does have some weak spots like the edges or the sides, since they are always exposed and are shaped in a way that makes it easy to break, but it is still stronger than many natural stone, engineered stone, and wood countertops.

Heat Resistance

Heat resistance is also a very important factor to consider when you’re considering a kitchen countertop material as you want to choose something that won’t leave you in the dust.

Wood Countertops

Wooden countertops are good when it comes to heat resistance, but again, they’re not great. Wood is an insulator of heat and you can’t really feel the hotness of the temperature on the surface, but that still doesn’t mean that heat won’t do anything to the countertops.

Hardwood countertops are prone to heat blisters and the stains left by very hot pots and pans can be diabolical. So, this is something that you need to take care of and make a habit of using trivets and coasters.

Granite Countertops

As for granite, the stone is made under high pressure and temperature, so there is very little that shakes this material to its core. You don’t have to worry about blisters or stains, because that won’t be a problem with granite. It can withstand very high heat and it’s highly unlikely that your sizzling steak will do a lot of damage to this robust material.

Still, you do want to ensure that you’re using a trivet or even a cutting board just to keep the countertops looking pretty for longer, because even though heat won’t budge granite, it can discolor it over time, which is not what you want.

Scratch Resistance

This is also a very important thing to go over, because you will be using all kinds of pointy and sharp things in the kitchen.

Wood Countertops

Wood countertops are good when it comes to scratch resistance. They don’t easily get scratched as compared to other materials that are a lot softer and more fragile, and they also don’t get ruined when you use sharp knives directly on the surface. Over time, yes, it can cause damage and scratches will appear on the surface, so it’s better to use a cutting board.

Granite Countertops

Granite is also decently scratch resistant, but there can be certain areas where the probability of scratches can be more than others. This is why it is always recommended that you use a cutting board, no matter how durable or strong your countertops are.

You want to avoid scratches at all costs because deep scratches won’t only look bad but they can also damage the seal. This means spills and debris can settle into these spaces and cause issues.

Maintenance

If you’re going to get a countertop for your kitchen, then you also have to think about the maintenance. This is yet another thing that you have to think about long and hard.

Wood Countertops

Wooden countertops do need to be sealed from time to time. This is something that is non-negotiable when it comes to use in the kitchen. If you don’t seal your butcher block countertops, then you will be done for. The surface will get faded and damaged very quickly.

If you take care of something, then it will last and the same goes for wooden countertops.

Granite Countertops

For granite, maintenance is also necessary. This is something that you just can’t get past. You have to seal the countertops, because granite is a naturally porous material and if you let moisture and water sit on the surface for too long, then stains will become permanent, and your countertops will be ruined.

Which One Is Better?

This is a question that only you can answer. This is not something that is very straightforward and cookie-cutter. You need to know which material ticks all the boxes for you.

In some cases, wooden countertops will take the cake, while in some other cases, granite countertops will seem more up your alley. So, the best thing you can do is to understand your preferences to figure out which countertop material is the best for you.

If you love the look of warm wood, regardless of its shortcomings, then wooden countertops are the ones for you. If you love rustic and beautiful natural stones, then granite countertops are the ones to go for.

Conclusion

Granite and wood both have their own set of qualities and downsides. It’s about preference and which look you’re going for. Get in touch with a granite contractor Rockville for guidance, and taking a look at various countertop materials, including granite and wood.

27

Nov

Paper Composite Vs. Granite Countertops

There are so many countertop materials to choose from, but when you’re concerned about the environment and the impact some materials or their manufacturing processes can have on the planet, the list shrinks quite a bit. Paper composite and granite countertops, both, are considered eco-friendly and durable options, but how do they compare against each other? Let’s find out!

Differences Between Paper Composite And Granite Countertops

The Material

First and foremost, when you’re comparing two materials, the composition of the material is what you want to look at closely.

Paper Composite Countertops

When it comes to paper composite countertops, the material composition is pretty obvious by the name. Paper must be the last thing that comes to your mind when you think about countertop materials. You might think that it will never last. Well, this is where paper composite will prove you wrong. Paper composite is a material that is 100% made out of recyclable paper and it is reinforced with petroleum-free resin.

Now, resin is also something that can have harmful effects on the environment, but paper composite is different since it is made out of resin that doesn’t have any of the toxic components or non-biodegradable substances in it. So, it will be the same as resin, but just better for the environment. The result is a sturdy and strong countertop material that is fit for the kitchen.

Granite Countertops

Granite is an igneous rock, and it is made when the core temperatures deep inside the Earth reach a point where rocks start to melt. This molten stuff gets mixed with mica that is nearby and when the stone is brought up to the surface to be quarried, the result is a stone that looks like a work of art. It is seriously a wonderful stone that has taken over the world of countertops.

Durability

Next up is the durability and this is something that you have to think about very carefully.

Paper Composite Countertops

In paper composite countertops, the main driving force is the resin. That is what turns the pulpy paper mixture into a rock-hard material that can be used as a kitchen countertop surface. But if you want to compare the durability, then it is obviously not as durable.

It is not fragile by any means, but when you look at other man-made materials, there are a lot of options that can be better in terms of durability than paper composite such as quartz.

Granite Countertops

Well, granite is known as the king of durability. This stone leaves all of the other materials in the dust and it is seriously something that will outlive many things in your kitchen, granted that you maintain it and take care of it the right way.

So, if you want to get something that is really good and durable and won’t shatter when you look at it wrong, then granite is the one to go for.

Maintenance

The next order of importance is the maintenance of the materials and this might be tricky for a lot of people.

Paper Composite Countertops

Paper composite countertops don’t need to be maintained a lot. You just need to install them and you’re good to go. They don’t need to be sealed, since resin is pretty much a water-resistant and waterproof substance and it provides a pretty good seal on its own.

The only thing that can bother you is the discoloration of the material after a while. Resin can turn yellow over time and there’s nothing you can do about it.

Granite Countertops

As far as granite countertops are concerned, even though they’re strong and sturdy, they’re not the best when it comes to maintenance. Maintaining granite countertops can literally cause people to second-guess their options.

Granite needs to be sealed. Since it is a natural stone, it needs to be sealed if you don’t want water or moisture to ruin the countertops and leave those hideous stains. Also, it needs to be cleaned up using special cleaners, which can honestly add up when you use them regularly and hate it as you might, cleaning is something you will have to do regularly.

Sustainability

Paper Composite Countertops

This is the category in which paper composite really takes the cake. This is a countertop material that can literally change the way you think about sustainable materials. It is made out of paper – recycled and used paper at that – so it is as sustainable as it can get.

Also, the fact that it uses petroleum-free resin says a lot about the material and how mindful the makers are when creating a material that will not only serve its purpose in the kitchen but also protect the environment and the planet.

Granite Countertops

As for granite, even though it is a natural stone and the process by which it is made is something that the Earth’s crust does on a regular basis, quarrying it is going to be really damaging to the environment.

Quarrying is the process of drilling the ground and extracting the stone from the ground and it uses a lot of heavy machinery and a whole lot of fuel, which is not the most environmentally friendly. Also, the cutting of the slabs as well as making specialty cleaners for granite countertops can produce a lot of toxic waste and that is just not it.

Price

This is a very important factor for a lot of people, but this is also where both granite and paper composite tie. Even though paper composite is very expensive as compared to other man-made options like laminate, solid surface, porcelain, etc., it is still considered very reasonable, judging by the fact that they’re made very mindfully.

Believe it or not, granite also falls in the same price category as paper composite. Yes, they’re both a bit on the expensive side, but when you compare the two, then it’s quite similar. However, if you factor in entry-level granite, then granite may be cheaper than paper composite.

Resistance To Heat & Water

This factor is extremely important to consider if you’re working in the kitchen. Heat and moisture are things that you’ll have to face when you’re in the kitchen, but when you have a material that doesn’t need to be handled with kid’s gloves and can handle everything the kitchen throws at it, then it’s all good.

Paper Composite Countertops

Paper composite is pretty water-resistant to begin with, so that will not be a problem, but what can be a hindrance is heat. Resin is not exactly super heat-resistant and if you put something very hot on it, then it can lead to heat stains. Solution? Use a trivet or a cutting board to create a barrier and you will be good to go.

Granite Countertops

Granite is innately heat-resistant. Heat doesn’t bother this beast much. What can bother the stone is water. So, it is highly recommended that you seal the slabs before you install them and also after every few years. Water might just ruin your perfectly good granite countertops and you don’t want to see that happen, so take appropriate measures.

Conclusion

Granite and paper composite countertops – this is a comparison guide you didn’t know you needed. Well, now you know exactly what you can expect from these two materials. To know more about these materials or check out samples, contact granite installers Rockville.

09

Aug

Are Granite Countertops Overrated?

Granite is considered to be the most popular choice for kitchen countertops, out of all natural stones, and for particularly good reasons. This is because granite countertops are beautiful to look at, they’re extremely long-lasting and granite is a classic option that never goes out of style. Due to this popularity, some think of it as overrated? Let’s know if they are.

The Affordability Of Granite Countertops

Granite is a material that’s considered to be reasonably priced, most of the time. As far as the material is concerned, it’s not as expensive. So, what’s the hold-up? If people love granite so much and the price is not an issue, then why don’t they go for it? Well, the main reason is the price of maintaining this material.

Even though granite, as a material, isn’t expensive at all, it has a lot of maintenance costs and post-installation costs that can put a dent in your wallet. It’s mainly the reason why people don’t go for it.

The Maintenance Of Granite Countertops

The maintenance of granite is nothing less than a pain in the neck. Even though it’s not a demanding material if you’re talking day-to-day because it can be easily wiped down with a wet washcloth and some soap and you’re done for the day. But that doesn’t mean that its annual maintenance is as easy.

Granite is a natural stone, so it’s going to have a lot of pores on its surface. Now, at first glance, these pores might seem harmless, but you don’t want to leave them be. These pores are quick to absorb any trace of liquid or moisture on the surface of the stone and that can greatly damage the countertop over time.

This is why sealing these countertops is very important because if you’re spending a good amount of money on granite, then you definitely want to do everything in your power to preserve the look of it for as long as possible. You also want to keep it away from harsh and acidic cleaners, because that’s just asking for an accident.

The Appearance Of Granite Countertops

Granite is one of the most beautiful natural stones out there. The look of granite is so ethereal and beautiful and it is one of its kind. Granite is usually a darker stone, but it’s also available in lighter colors.

The main feature of this stone is the speckles of grains and veining spread throughout the surface. In certain lights, this constellation of grains can shimmer and it looks absolutely beautiful. People who want a beautiful material for their kitchen countertops adore granite.

The Variety Of Granite Countertops

Granite is not just a beautiful material. It’s also available in a huge variety considering that it’s a natural material. Most people would think that granite has a smaller range of patterns and colors, but the design catalog will show you otherwise. There are lighter-colored variants, dark stones, and even rare colors like blue, gray, and purple that are artsy and mesmerizing in their own way.

The signature veining can be light, dark, thick, and thin in various stones and all of these things combined form the beauty of granite that’s unmatched in the world of kitchen countertops.

Things To Know About Granite Countertops

Here are some additional things to know about granite countertops, to show whether they’re overrated or not.

They’re Natural

Granite is a natural material. It’s dug up from the Earth in huge pieces, then these huge pieces are taken to factories where they’re cut into more manageable and countertop-sized slabs. It can be an advantage as well as a disadvantage. Granite being a natural stone has a very beautiful look, that doesn’t need to be altered and it can be installed as it is.

As a downside, however, granite needs to be sealed otherwise the surface will be covered in splotches and stains.

Good Heat Resistance

Granite is one of the few stones that are highly heat resistant. You might have heard a lot that you’re not supposed to put hot pots and foods directly on the surface of the countertop because that can blitz the surface and lead to hideous heat stains.

Well, you don’t need to worry about these stains when granite is concerned. Granite can naturally withstand high temperatures, reaching up to 1200 degrees Fahrenheit and it won’t crack or chip easily with heat.

However, if the heat is high enough, it can stain the surface and even crack the slab.

Installation Is Hard

Installation of granite is a tedious process because of two main reasons. Firstly, granite is an extremely heavy material and if you’re getting slabs, then they’re going to be hard to carry around and manage during granite countertop installation.

Secondly, if you’re getting granite tiles installed, then they’re a breeze to manage and handle, but seams are going to be a huge issue. Seams are the inconsistencies or gaps in the tiles and smaller slabs that can look very unappealing.

Seams are very hard to get rid of and the slabs/tiles need to be placed meticulously to ensure that the pattern is consistent on the top, like a perfect puzzle.

A Sanitary Material

Granite is a very sanitary material given that it’s sealed in the first place. A lot of the time, porous stones and materials are hotspots for bacteria and small organisms can thrive in these small crevices.

This is not ideal especially if you’re using the countertop to deal with edible items. Juices and moisture leaking from fruits, vegetables, and even meats can penetrate the pores of the material and that can be very unappetizing to think about.

If the countertops are sealed, however, this is not going to be a problem and you can say goodbye to bacteria for good.

Adds Value To Your Home

Granite might be an expensive material, but a lot of the time, it’s considered an investment for your home. Confused? Well, granite is a very popular and sought-after material, and if you’re trying to sell your home, then the addition of granite countertops in your kitchen might just get you a killer deal on the property.

Potential buyers will love the fact that the kitchen comes with granite countertops already installed, so they won’t hesitate to offer you a price higher than your initial demand.

They Can Crack

This fact might come as a shock to you because granite is marketed to be extremely durable and strong, but yes, it’s not invincible and it can crack and chip.

The most fragile parts of a granite countertop are the edges and the sides. This is where cracks can be the most evident. Cracks can occur if you’re bumping into the slab too hard or are standing on top of the counters. Countertops are not meant to hold the weight of a normal person and you shouldn’t test their limits. It’s best that you don’t put too much force on countertops.

Conclusion

Granite countertops are great and all, but that doesn’t mean that it’s the first choice for most people. Some may feel they are overrated and that’s fine.

However, if we look at its benefits and drawbacks, granite is popular for a reason (well, many reasons). Even though it can crack and requires sealing, it’s durable, stain-resistant, withstands heat, and lasts for decades. This justifies its popularity. Get more information on granite countertops by contacting a granite contractor Potomac.