16

Jun

Mistakes to Avoid When You Have a Quartz Kitchen Countertop

The majority of homeowners still see kitchen remodeling as one of the most important home renovation aspects. Based on statistics, one in every household does a kitchen remodel yearly.

The most important surface in your home is the countertop, and it is the main feature that homeowners want to replace. They contact countertop replacement services to have their quartz countertop installed. However, there are mistakes that some people make when it comes to their countertop. If you are planning to get quartz countertops, you should know what not to do in order to properly maintain it. Find out what you must not do so that it will last for a long time.

Relying Too Much on Harsh Cleaners

Harsh cleaners loaded with chemicals do not mix well with quartz countertops. It is important to stay away from alkaline and acidic cleaners because they can weaken the bonds between quartz and resin and can damage the surface layer over time. While it hampers the sealant’s efficacy too, the countertop can become prone to easily getting stained.

You Do Not Wipe Spills Right Away

If you allow any type of spill to sit on your countertop, specifically an acidic solution like vinegar or wine, for a long time on your countertop, it is going to penetrate the stone. This will result in staining. Quartz is normally marketed to be stain-resistant. It is crucial to remember that the engineered stone is not stain-proof.

The best way for you to prevent stains is to make sure they do not happen at first. However, if you spill something, make sure that you clean up the mess right away. You can take a dish cloth together with warm soapy water in order to clean up spills.

Using Pads that are Too Abrasive

Some homeowners like to use abrasive cleaning pads that can starch and dull quartz countertops. You need to avoid hard-bristled brushes, metal scourers, and scrubbing pads. You should use a gentle approach, ideally a soft rug for cleaning and clean cotton cloth for drying. This way, the quartz surface will remain beautiful and shiny for a long time.

You Place Hot Items on the Countertop Directly

Even if quartz countertops have heat-resistant properties, you should not assume that it is immune to heat. If the temperature is over 300 degrees F, it can damage your countertop.

You should not place hot pans or pots on the countertop because extreme heat can be damaging to the resin of your countertop’s surface, which results in discoloration. Discoloration, because heat damage is irreversible, and you would have to replace the entire slab of stone to remove the damage.

You Cut Food Directly on the Countertop

Most of the quartz slabs are NSF-approved. They can be used for food preparation. However, with the right force, using your knife directly on the countertop’s surface to cut and chop ingredients can cause scratches. The small scratches and nicks will gradually dull the surface and erode the beauty of your countertop.

Placing Your Sizzling Hot Utensils on the Countertop

Yes, quartz countertops are resistant to heat by nature. However, placing sizzling hot utensils on the countertop all the time will cause discoloration on the countertop. At the same time, it becomes more prone to cracks. Before placing your sizzling hot utensils on the countertop, you should put a tray or cloth where you can place your utensils so that they do not directly go on the quartz surface.

You can contact the quartz countertop installer Rockville for your kitchen countertop replacement.

26

Jul

Can’t Afford Granite Countertops? Engineered Stone Countertops Are A Great Option

While everyone would want to have granite countertops and other natural stone countertop materials in their homes, not everyone can afford them. Are you one of these people?

Don’t fret as there are plenty of other cost-effective alternatives you can go with when you are operating on a budget. The best options to go with are engineered stone countertops.

Why engineered stone?

Engineered stone comes with plenty of attractive features that include:

Attractiveness

The stone is made from quartz material that has been compressed into slabs that have similar color and texture to natural granite and slate. As a result, your entire kitchen matches perfectly.

The stone also comes with a variety of colors, such as: rose, grays, and many others. While most of the colors come from the natural color in quartz, you can talk to your designer and add colorants that give you a customized color.

Cleaning the surfaces is easy.

While natural stone countertops are beautiful and high end, the downside is they are porous. This leaves room for bacteria to get into fissures and pores where they are hard to get rid of.

Quartz countertop surfaces are non-porous so they won’t absorb liquids, which makes them easy to clean. If you work with fish, meat, raw vegetables, and other materials are known to make the countertops dirty, engineered stone is a great asset.

You have plenty of options

The countertops come in a wide range of colors and style that gives rise to plenty of countertops. They include:

Silestone

Silestone is made up of 94% quartz known to be extremely hard and resilient. Since the material is impervious to staining, acids, and scratches, Silestone is loved by many people looking for an alternative material. The cool thing is that it comes in plenty of colors with extraordinary textures.

Caesarstone

It’s made up of 95% quartz particles, with the other 5% comprising of polymer resins and coloring. Since quartz is hard enough, it’s highly durable and scratch and stain-resistant. This makes Caesarstone an excellent option for kitchen countertops.

Essastone

Another hard stone made up of 95% natural quartz. The stone is completely non-porous and homogenous and has a low maintenance finish that is resistant to scratches, heat, knocks, chemicals, and staining.

It comes in a variety of color palettes ranging from solids to patterns.

Smartstone

Smartstone comes in twenty-four designs with four color collections, and it’s made up of 93% quartz. First established in 2002, it comprises some of the quartz’s best surfaces. Smartstone comes with several attractive features such as high resistance to heat, chemicals, and staining.

These features make the stone an ideal material for bathrooms and kitchens.

Quantum quartz

Quantum Quartz is made up of 93% natural quartz, and the other 7% is made up of bonding agents and pigments. Quantum Quartz is low maintenance and ultra-hygienic, making it an ideal material for kitchen benchtops.

You can also use it in bathrooms and on the floor in the form of tiles.

What are the major flaws of engineered stone?

While engineered stone comes with all of the above advantages, it comes with its fair share of negatives. One of the negatives is that it’s hard to create curves with engineered stone. You should note that this doesn’t mean it’s impossible to create the designs. You can do the designs, but it will take a long time.

When you are hiring a contractor to do the work, it will cost you a lot of money to complete the work.

Taking care of engineered stone

While the stone is easy to maintain, you still need to take good care of it. Some of the ways of doing it include:

Clean it regularly: The beauty of it is that it’s easy to clean the countertops as they are non-porous. Use regular soap and a piece of cloth to clean the surfaces. Like when cleaning granite and other natural stone countertops, avoid harsh cleaning products as they will etch the surfaces.

You also should avoid placing a lot of pressure on the countertops. While the stone is strong, quartz countertop contractors Potomac advise against hitting the surfaces with a hard object as it can break the countertops. You also should avoid sitting on the edges where the countertops are known to be weak.

29

Jul

The Best Choices for Bathroom Vanity Top Material

Whether you are remodeling or you are looking for a way to make your bathroom more beautiful and functional there are different countertops material that will enable you to do exactly that. The bathroom vanity countertop you choose should be able to withstand soap, a lot of water, hair chemicals and treatments and liquids that have alcohol and any other element. If you already have a kitchen countertop then your journey to finding a perfect bathroom countertop may be easier as the same material used in the kitchen will work in the bathroom. Although there is less activity in the bathroom consider choosing a material that is less likely to scratch as there is a higher chance of scratching in the bathroom. The granite contractor or quartz Countertop dealer will be a good guide in helping you choose the best material depending on the functionality of your bathroom.

Factors to Consider While Choosing a Bathroom Vanity Countertop Material

  • Use of the Bathroom

Before you decide which material, you want to use in your bathroom, consider the number of people who are likely to use the bathroom. Is the bathroom for your restaurant employees or is it a small family bathroom? High traffic area will require a durable material while the family bathroom requires a material that will bring out the beauty of the bathroom. Depending on the number of users choose the material that can withstand the daily activity expected.

  • Budget

Different countertop material has a different cost, consider your budget and choose the material that fits right into your budget. The granite installers will be able to give a quotation for the various materials available. Ensure the quotation is inclusive of all the cost and choose one that is within your budget.

  • Durability

You want the material that will last longer and be able to withstand the bathroom activities without getting damaged. The granite company will be able to advise you on the best countertop material for your bathroom. It’s important to choose a countertop that will able to withstand hot shower splashes, soap, toothpaste, and toiletries.

  • Blending and Style

Choose a countertop material that will complement the floors and the bathroom cabinets. Choose the material that will bring a cohesive design. If it’s a children bathroom and you want to create a fun and warm place choose the material that will bring that out. Choosing the best bathroom countertop material, makes every day feels like that posh hotel you have always wanted to visit.

Best Choices for Bathroom Vanity Countertop Materials

Granite Countertops

Granite is the most popular material and is the number one material for kitchen and bathroom countertops. Granite is attractive and beautiful and available in a variety of colors, patterns, and styles. Each granite countertop has a unique hue and you may not find two granite hues that are same.in addition to the beauty, the countertop is durable and scratch resistant that makes it an ideal for your bathroom. If the curling iron or flat iron accidentally falls on the granite, there will no damage and that makes it ideal for your bathroom.

Quartz Countertop

Quartz is made of 93% natural quartz minerals bound together by resin. Its naturally waterproof and won’t require any sealing. Quartz is perfect for the bathroom as its durable and heat resistant. If you love a natural look quartz may not be the best choice for your bathroom.

Marble Countertops

Marble is a crystalline form of limestone and comes with a wide variety of colors. Its durable and can be polished but needs to be repeated often. Marble countertops may not work in a high traffic area since It requires resealing.

Solid Surface Countertops

The solid surface countertops or the engineered stone countertop are made from acrylic resin, quartz, and other crushed minerals and come in a range of colors, patterns, and styles. The engineered countertop material is the best material in areas with high traffics like hotels with a lot of employees. The solid surface is water resistant, and stain resistant and therefore ideal for a bathroom vanity.

Consult the expert at the granite company on the best countertop material for your bathroom. Involve the granite-Quartz countertop installers Rockville for the best outcome and you can be sure your vanity will bring out the beauty and ensure functionality.

09

May

How to Choose the Best Countertop for an Outdoor Kitchen

If you are an avid cook, then the kitchen is the focal point of your daily life and its functionality and beauty is an important aspect for you and family. There is a various aspect that makes the kitchen have the aesthetic value and functionality we all love that includes finding the right granite countertop installers, right flooring material, and cabinets that suit your kitchen needs.

What if your kitchen is outdoor? What do you need to make it look as fashionable and trendy as you would hope for and yet serve the function. When designing an outdoor kitchen there are various factors to consider. One of the most important section of an outdoor kitchen to consider is the kitchen countertop to use, but before we go to the materials that are best for the outdoor kitchen countertop, we look at what factors do you consider while choosing the materials for your outdoor kitchen.

Factors to Consider when Choosing Materials for an Outdoor Kitchen

  • Weather Conditions

The material you choose should be able to withstand fluctuating weather conditions. The Cabinetry materials that you use should not absorb moisture or crack due to the heat outside. Whether it’s the granite countertop, quartz or engineered stone countertop, it should be able to withstand the extreme weather conditions. Involve your granite contractors as they will be able to help choose the best surface for an outdoor kitchen countertop. Your quartz countertop dealer has the experience and knowledge and will advise accordingly. Granite countertops are top of the list when it comes to countertops as they can withstand hot and cold conditions.

  • Exposure Levels

Is your outdoor kitchen fully exposed or its partly? Depending on the level of exposure choose materials that are durable and will able to withstand the weather and still look good. The flooring material you choose should not fade due to the sun or absorb moisture. Your kitchen countertop should be able to withstand the level of exposure . The material should be fade free, heat resistant to ensure that the countertop serves you for long while its still good looking.

  • Function and Elements to include

How often is the kitchen going to be in use and what the purpose of the kitchen? Depending on the use choose materials that can withstand traffic. It’s also important to decide what elements and appliances you want in the kitchen. If the kitchen is near the house you may not need to have the refrigerator in the outdoor kitchen.

  • Space Available

Look at the available and decide on the how your kitchen will look like, how much space you have determined the size of the quartz kitchen countertop. The space available will help choose the appliances, cabinets, and equipment you have in your kitchen. Ensure that your kitchen space is optimized.

Choosing the Outdoor Kitchen Countertop Material

Choose the countertop material wisely for durability and longevity

  • Quartz

The wide variety of colors and styles of the quartz countertops makes it ideal for outdoor kitchen, but the resin used in bonding the countertop together may not handle extreme temperatures. Use quart for the countertop if there is no complete exposure and the temperatures are not extreme.

  • Marble

Marble comes in a variety of colors but can’t stand prolonged exposure to weather elements. it’s therefore not ideal for outdoor as it will not last. You can, however, use the countertop on a table worktop that you move after use.

  • Granite

Granite is all time favorite and remains one of the best kitchen countertop material because of its ability to withstand both hot and cold and even wet conditions. Proper care and maintenance will ensure the countertop looks good for long. The variety of color and its natural aesthetic make a granite countertop ideal for your outdoor.

To get the best out of your outdoor kitchen consult the granite-quartz-marble countertops installers Rockville at the granite companies on the best outdoor material based on the above factors. The granite-marble-quartz colors should complement the outdoor kitchen to give the regal effect it deserves. The quartz countertop installers should be able to do the installation and give the kitchen the best functionality it deserves and you can enjoy your cooking as you overlook the beach or that mountain or town.

22

Apr

4 Factors to Consider When Choosing Kitchen Counter tops

Kitchen countertops are the focal point of your kitchen and the house as whole. The countertop you choose should serve and bring out the beauty of the house. They are several countertops available including granite countertops, quartz countertops, and engineered stone countertops among others. Given the many options available it’s important to understand how to choose countertops. Whether it’s for a residential house or for commercial purposes your countertop should be durable and long lasting

Factors to consider when Choosing a countertop material

  • Purpose and durability of the countertop

Granite countertops will work well in areas where there is not much traffic while countertops made from engineered stone, quartz are perfect for a busy kitchen. The choice of countertop should serve your purpose effectively. Choose a countertop that will be able to withstand the traffic in your kitchen. Engineered stone countertops are ideal for very busy kitchen and will last long. Granite may not be ideal for high traffic areas as they require sealing often. Assess your needs and choose a countertop that will last long. If you are replacing the countertop in a rental it’s important to choose one that is durable and stain resistant.

  • Cost of the material

Choose a surface material that suits your budget. Granite is the more affordable than quartz or marble. Select the kitchen countertop that suits your budget and still looks great in your house.

  • Maintenance

Before you settle on a countertop, establish the maintenance practices required for each type of the worktop. Countertops such as granite require sealing to keep out stains and bacteria while engineered stone countertops don’t require the sealing procedure. Granite contractor will advise you on the maintenance practices for each countertop

  • Style

Most people look at the visual appearance of the countertop. It’s therefore important that the countertop you choose should complement the kitchen cabinets and other kitchen appliances. If you want the more natural look in your house, choose materials such as granite that will give your space that natural feel. Choose the countertop that gives your house the aesthetic value you want.

The countertop you choose should reflect the purpose of your kitchen. If you are looking for a more natural theme, granite countertop is most ideal, if you have a busy kitchen choose the countertop that requires the least maintenance and still looks good. The granite countertop installer will ensure that your countertop is well fabricated giving your kitchen the regal effect. Consult and research on the best countertop for your kitchen. Granite company Rockville will give you advice on the ideal countertop for your kitchen.

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.

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.