14

Jun

What Are The Cheapest Kitchen Countertop Materials?

Replacing a countertop can get expensive. The driving factor of the cost of a countertop is the price of the material so if you choose the material carefully, you can have a countertop installed without breaking the bank. Can you get granite countertops at a lower cost? Well, here are the most cost-effective countertop materials.

Ceramic Tile Countertops

Although ceramic tiles are common for backsplashes, they can be installed as countertops too. Ceramic tiles are stain-resistant and waterproof and make cleaning easy for the most part. Moreover, you are not limited to a few options when it comes to the designs, patterns, and colors of ceramic tiles.

However, there are some downsides to using ceramic tiles for your countertop space. The tiles themselves are super easy to clean but the grout lines are a pain in the neck when it comes to cleaning. Also, due to these grout lines, the surface won’t be perfectly smooth and many home buyers don’t like kitchens where ceramic tile countertops are installed.

Another disadvantage of ceramic tiles is that they can crack on slight impacts as well. After a crack, you can repair it or replace the tile with a new one.

That being said, ceramic tiles are one of the cheapest materials you can find for kitchen countertops.

Laminate Countertops

Laminate countertops are also known as Formica countertops because Formica was the company that introduced these counters. Modern laminate countertops have improved a lot from their old counterparts due to technological advancements.

Laminate countertops are made with kraft paper and resins to form a thin and durable layer. Another solid layer is bonded to that layer for the formation of a laminate surface.

Modern laminate countertops are also known as high-pressure laminate where plastic resins and cellulose layers are mixed in high heat and pressure to create a solid surface. These countertops are considered more durable than traditional laminate counters.

Laminate countertops are cheap yet stain-resistant due to the use of resins. You can clean a laminate countertop with soapy water. But be careful and avoid using abrasive cleaners because they will scratch the surface.

Furthermore, laminate counters can be made to look like any countertop material. There are laminate countertops that look like granite, marble, quartz, steel, wood, and other materials.

Moreover, these countertops are lightweight so they are easy to install. It can help you save on the installation costs as well.

On the flip side, laminate countertops don’t add value to your house because they are not as durable as granite or quartz. They are also prone to scratches and heat damage. Moreover, the counters will delaminate if moisture penetrates into the surface.

All in all, if you want the cheapest countertop but can’t stand ceramic tiles, select laminate countertops.

Granite Tile Countertops

Granite is the most popular countertop material and granite slabs are commonly used for a smooth and durable surface. However, if you don’t have the budget for granite slabs and want granite as your countertop, you can choose granite tiles.

Granite tiles are much cheaper than even the lowest-cost granite slab. This is because granite tiles can be made with smaller pieces of granite. However, you would need to deal with grout lines if you install granite tiles. So, cleaning can become difficult due to this reason.

Moreover, any granite countertop whether slab or tile requires sealing so you would need to seal the tiles as well. You would also need to refill the grout lines every few years if you use counters a lot.

An advantage of granite tiles is that you can install them yourself if you have some knowledge of countertop installation. But if you go for professional installation, it costs almost the same as granite slab installation.

If you don’t want granite, you can choose tiles of any other stone as well that is available in tiles.

Solid Surface Countertops

Engineered stone countertops have two basic types solid surface and quartz. As quartz is a premium countertop material and priced in the same range as granite, you should look into solid surface countertops that are cheaper and have some advantages.

Keep in mind that solid surfaces cost more than laminate or ceramic tile countertops but they have many benefits that laminate and ceramic tiles can’t provide. Moreover, it costs similar to granite tiles and has some benefits over them as well.

For instance, there are no seams in solid surface countertops whereas ceramic and granite tiles, infamously, have seams that make cleaning difficult.

Moreover, solid surface countertops have a non-porous surface. Even though ceramic tiles are non-porous, the grout lines create the same problem that non-porous surfaces do. On the other hand, granite tiles can be sealed but they also have grout lines. Lastly, laminate can resist moisture but if the surface becomes damaged, moisture will enter the surface and damage the countertop.

In addition to that, you can easily repair solid surface countertops by sanding them out whereas laminate countertops can’t be repaired. Plus, solid surface countertops are more impact resistant than ceramic tiles and laminate countertops.

But solid surfaces have some problems as well. They are susceptible to heat damage. Hot pans can discolor or even cracks the surface. Granite tiles are better in heat resistance than solid surface counters.

Also, solid surface countertops are soft and more susceptible to scratches than granite tiles. So, you must use a cutting board for chopping food. However, to be fair, the suggestion of using a cutting board is valid for every material mentioned in this blog.

Wood Countertops

The accessibility and variations of wood allow for cheaper butcher block countertops that look beautiful and cost much less than granite and quartz. You don’t need to rely on brands for having a wood countertop because a woodworker can create a durable countertop for you and if you have some woodworking experience you can create one for yourself. This will drastically reduce the cost of your countertop installation.

Butcher block countertops provide a rustic appeal better than no other material. Still, they match any kitchen style. However, they are high-maintenance countertops. Even if you seal your wood countertops, any spill must be cleaned immediately.

Low-Cost Granite Slabs

As granite is so popular, many homeowners only want granite as their countertop. If granite tiles don’t work for you yet you can’t splurge on a high-quality granite slab, look for cheaper and low-cost granite slabs.

They won’t be as durable and long-lasting as premium granite slabs, but they would still last for many years given that you care for them well. However, as with any granite slab, you should not try DIY installation because it can result in damage to the slab. Hiring an installer will increase the overall cost of your countertop installation, but it will be for the best.

To keep your granite slab in good condition, avoid putting hot pans on it, use a cutting board, and clean it with cleaners made for granite cleaning. Moreover, cheaper granite slabs are less durable so make sure to never sit or stand on the countertop.

Conclusion

You don’t have to spend a fortune for purchasing a countertop material. Look into the above-mentioned countertop materials that are budget-friendly and fairly durable. For installing a granite countertop, get in touch with a granite contractor Potomac for low-cost granite slabs or tiles.

31

May

When To Replace Your Granite Countertops?

Countertops last for a long time, but how do you know when it’s time to replace them? There are signs which could show the deterioration of countertops and that’s when you know that you need to replace them. Here is everything you need to know about when to replace your granite countertops.

Your Countertops Are Broken

This sign is obvious. If your countertops are very old, to the point where they are beginning to break, then you need to replace them. The top surface of the countertops is affected the most by impact damage and it can really ruin the entire look of the counters. Even though granite is pretty strong, it’s still not going to last forever and it’s bound to break.

There Are Signs Of Erosion

Erosion is the eating away of the material, starting from the top surface of the countertop and penetrating deep. Erosion is usually caused by an acid reaction with the stone. Since granite is a natural stone, it is porous and it will react violently with acid. It is going to eat away the material and over time, you will see huge holes in the countertops and that’s because of not sealing the surface of the countertops.

Water can also damage the countertops and erode them. You can seal them, but if they are old, the best way to get rid of this problem is to get new countertops because, at this point, there’s no turning back.

The Countertops Have Chips

Chips are also a common problem with granite countertops. Chipping of the countertops will usually occur at the sides and edges of the countertops, where the stone is the weakest. This can also occur in edges, where the design is too pointy and it can break or chip under the slightest impact.

Broken countertop edges don’t look appealing at all, and although they can be glued together for the time being, the best way to make the kitchen countertops look beautiful again is to replace them, because chips, at times, can be extremely hard to repair.

There Are Huge Cracks On The Surface

Cracks are also quite common in granite countertops, especially if you haven’t taken good care of them. Granite countertops are heavy on the maintenance side and they will only last long if you take good care of them.

If you don’t seal them or put a lot of weight on them, then they are going to crack and these cracks will only get worse with time if you don’t fill them up right away. This can lead to immense damage and it also allows water and other liquids to freely penetrate into the stone and damage it further. This can lead to the countertops looking extremely unpleasant and over time, it will only get worse. This is about the right time when you should consider getting new countertops.

You Need The Extra Space

Things aren’t going to stay the same. There are going to be times when you want to revamp your kitchen and utilize the extra space. This is done by removing the countertops and putting that space to use.

This is a good time to think about the placement of things and how you want the new kitchen layout to look. This might sound similar to remodeling, but it’s not. It’s more like a minor renovation, where you’re removing the countertops to make extra space, either for a new appliance, a pantry, or some other necessary addition to the kitchen.

You Want To Add More Value To Your Home

If you’re trying to sell your house and want to bag extra cash, then this is a good time to think about changing your countertops. Granite countertops are very much in demand, regardless of their high maintenance and intense care, and people who are going to potentially buy your house, are going to appreciate the installation of fresh and new countertops in the kitchen.

Not only this, but you will get a good deal on your house too and it will be a high-priority purchase for people who have an eye for detail. With new granite kitchen countertops, you can get a substantial increase in the value of your home, which is a huge plus.

You Want To Update The Countertops

Granite is a classic material, but sometimes it can look outdated to you. There might be another color in your mind or a specific design or layout you want. This is a good time to change your countertops too because you can get something that is trendy and classic at the same time and the new countertops will add a nice touch to the rest of your kitchen.

If your kitchen is looking old because of your countertops, then you can change them. It’s an even better time if the countertops are getting old and you want to change up the space a bit. This change is going to give a new look and appeal to your kitchen and the whole place will look more put-together.

There’s No More Room For Repair

Granite countertops can last for a long time and they don’t need to be changed right away. You can get away with repairing it for many years, like filling up cracks with filler, sealing it timely in order to ensure that the countertops are waterproof, and so on, but there will come a time when repairs will cost you more or exactly the same as new countertops. So, the better option is obviously going to be replacing them.

Your countertops will reach a stage where they can’t be repaired anymore and you will have no choice but to replace them entirely.

You Don’t Like The General Look Of Your Kitchen

Old countertops can make your kitchen look dirty and outdated. It can also ruin the whole look of the space. So, if you want to make your kitchen look new without having to go through an entire remodel, then changing up the countertops is a great thing to do.

This is good for when your countertops are old, having surpassed the 10 to 20-year mark. This is a great time to replace the countertops with new ones because this is going to make your kitchen look instantly better and you will enjoy the new look a lot more.

You’re Remodeling The Kitchen

Last but not least, if you’re remodeling your kitchen, then you shouldn’t leave out the countertops either. The whole kitchen is being demolished, so it’s a great time for you to remove the countertops and install new ones.

Once the whole remodeling project is completed, you will fall in love with the new kitchen and it’s going to look beautiful and modern for years to come. During the remodel, you can also change up the place of the existing countertops and make an entirely new layout for the space. This will make the kitchen look new and modern.

Conclusion

There you have it! Granite countertops are extremely durable, but they also have a limit, after which they need to be replaced. Now you know exactly what the signs are to replace your granite countertops. If you spot any of the above signs, get in touch with countertop replacement services Potomac.

28

Feb

How to Protect Your Kitchen Countertops

After you spend so many hours looking through magazines, bringing samples home, and checking the way they look under different lights, you have finally chosen your countertops. You have ordered them from the quartz countertop installer, paid for them, and are now just waiting for everything to finish. The hard part is protecting them from everyday use. With the time, work, and money you spent on acquiring the countertops, you want to be sure that you do what you can so they will always look clean, new, and fresh.

Among the first things, people or prospective buyers notice when they enter a home are the countertops. They come in different materials, each having its own care instructions.

Material

Most kitchen countertops are made of granite or quartz, and they normally have a polished finish making them beautiful, but delicate as well. Even if granite is tough, you should never cut onto the surface directly. You should be careful not to drag pots and pans on the surface because it can scratch the polished finish. Spills have to be immediately cleaned to avoid stains since granite is porous that can absorb liquid easily. Certain foods in particular – acids such as vinegar, citrus, and soft drinks – will leave etches in granite. You should use gentle washing detergent to dampen the cloth to clean the kitchen counter and not abrasive or harsh cleaners.

Do Not Use Your Countertop as a Step Ladder

Even if countertops are known for their durability, they might not have the strength to hold your weight as you look for a pot in the cabinet or change a bulb. In terms of safety, you should not stand or step on the countertops. If countertops become cracked or chipped, you should contact a repair company right away.

Wipe up Spills Immediately

Regardless if it is soda in the kitchen or a contact solution, you should clean up spills right away. When you leave them sitting on the kitchen counter, even for a couple of minutes, it will allow time for them to soak into the countertop and leave a residue.

Make Sure that the Stone is Properly Sealed

Stone countertops are popular for their low-maintenance nature. Therefore, a lot of people have the tendency to forget that many kinds of stone are porous and might absorb liquids that can lead to stains. You can avoid this issue if you periodically seal your counters. When you have the right products, sealing can be simple.

When you have soapstone counters, they never have to be sealed. Soapstone is extremely dense and will never absorb water. However, you might want to oil it to make sure that the stone patina is developed evenly.

Avoid Damage

There are a lot of things you can do to protect stone countertops and help prevent any damage. You should have your guests use coasters to avoid spilled liquids or drink rings. It is suggested that you place them out so that they can easily be accessed. This will also encourage your guests to use coasters, without getting prompted.

Another way you can avoid damage is to use pads that are heat-resistant. These handy kitchen essentials are excellent for pots and pans, together with casserole dishes, crockpots, and a lot more.

Even if this is given, it should be said that you must always use a cutting board when you prepare food. Sharp knives will leave etches on stone countertops, which normally cannot be repaired so you should be careful.

You can contact granite countertops Montgomery County MD anytime if you want to have the best countertops installed.

31

Jan

How to Have the Perfect Countertop Installation

When you are paying for a quartz countertop installer, you might probably be thinking that this is a no-brainer, yes? After all, the installation of a countertop is a quick and simple job that you can do on your own. However, you should not assume that it will be easy for you. This can be a simple job for some, but it can be tricky for others. You should learn how to acquire the best installation of a countertop so your kitchen is going to look its best.

Like with the majority of undertakings, you will have the perfect countertop installation if you prepare. In case you have the materials already, you would have to prepare your kitchen to make sure that the countertop seamlessly fits.

Careful Research is Needed

Preparation is important, and any good preparation means you have to research a lot. If you want a perfect countertop installation, you also need the perfect material. You should not be stingy in this aspect of your countertop because it might not fulfill what you intend to use it for.

You have to always make sure that you prioritize quality, not skimping on the price. You can choose to get countertops from a local store if you have the confidence when it comes to doing enough research to show brands with good quality. However, if you are not entirely sure what type or brand suits your kitchen, you can work with experts on countertops.

Proper Planning

Countertop installation is a huge project, so you would want to work around yourself and the schedule of your family. Countertop installations are quick, but you do not want to cook a huge meal the same day that you are redoing your counters. Keep in mind that if you do not have a kitchen, even for a short while, it can cause you stress. You must plan ahead so the installation process is stress-free.

Ask for an Estimate

After you have narrowed down the list of qualified companies you are choosing from, you should ask each one to give you an estimate. This is crucial because you want to be sure when you compare them side-by-side. No two companies will come up with exactly the same estimate for the job. Of course, you want to make sure to estimate from each company so that you will know the price range you are going to work with. When you get an estimate from all companies, you want to make sure to get detailed notes about what they tell you as they do the estimation.

Make the Countertop Support Strong

In the majority of kitchens, countertops are normally placed on cabinets. This is applicable to wall cabinets and kitchen islands. This is going to minimize the space that has been taken up, and it will ensure that the countertop’s bottom is put to good use.

Therefore, you have to be sure to make countertop support stronger. Aside from the item weight that is held inside, the kitchen cabinets should have enough strength to carry the countertop weight you want to install.

Measure

You would want to get measurements and space dimensions before you head off to choose new countertops. These measurements have to include the current and future space. Even if they do not need to be exact, they are going to help you choose materials and start the process faster. Measurement is very important because you would want to have a countertop that is just the right size for your kitchen.

You can check out granite countertops Potomac anytime if you want to install a new one.

25

Jan

How to Decorate Your Kitchen Countertop

In case you have never given much thought to what you should display on your kitchen countertop, you should change all of that. When you choose the proper elements, regardless if it is decorative or handy, or a mixture of both, you can add a lot of personality to the space. After paying the quartz countertop dealer when they finish, you can already start planning to accessorize it with the right elements. You can also use it to represent your personality. All you have to do is remember that this space can get easily cluttered, so your vision needs to be concise and clear.

If you want to gather the best ideas on how to decorate your countertop, you should read on now.

Bring Nature in

In a space where people are spending so much time in, you should consider adding a touch of the great outdoors. You need to cut branches if you want the glory and almost no work of a bouquet. They are going to last for a longer period than their flowery counterparts. The tall branches can make an island statement, but the shorter stems can look as pretty if you place them on a countertop that will fall below cabinetry or open shelving.

Sprinkle Color

You can use bright objects to draw attention around the room. For instance, the red fruit bowl in your kitchen will throw the focus on the red knobs on the mixer and range. The green vase with flowers will do the same if you have a yellow pantry door and a turquoise cookie jar. The white space will play a crucial role there as well. All the white elements from the walls to the cabinets give your eyes a spot to rest.

Consider the Kitchen Lighting

Good kitchen lighting is important when you are considering the décor. If there is no under-cabinet lighting, installing a plug-in or battery-powered light illuminates the existing decorative items. If you want less utilitarian lighting, you can use decorative candles that add ambiance to your kitchen while you remove unwanted smells.

Plants are Helpful

Plants are very versatile with kitchen décor. They have different sizes, shapes, and species that add dimensions to the kitchen. They are an excellent way to add more texture and warmth through greenery’s gentle touches.

If you do not have a green thumb, you should not worry. They do not need to be live plants. Faux plants, topiary balls, and decorative vegetables and fruits are all viable, with low-maintenance counterparts to the real one.

Limit the Color Palette

To make sure that your kitchen will not look too busy, the palette can be kept to two or three main colors. If the countertop items are creating a monotone effect, they are going to keep the space from looking chaotic or fuzzy. You can group together the similar-hued items for a tidier look. A touch of green can be a secondary color, which adds some color to this kitchen and needs to make a statement.

Decorative Dispensers Adds Personality

In a perfect world, countertops should be free of clutter because less is better. However, there are a couple of well-chosen decorative items that will complement the kitchen. Greenery parks and freshly picked flowers can be used to cook up the space. Another nice trick you can do is the decorative soap dispenses such as the one pictured using an apt message. You should also try to make it minimal.

You can contact quartz countertop contractors Montgomery MD if you want to have your countertop replaced and make your kitchen more decorative.

 

29

Sep

Best Places to Use Granite Countertops at Home

When it comes to granite, people automatically think of countertops. Even if it is true granite is an excellent countertop, there are popular places where it can be installed. Granite is very attractive and strong, making it a top choice for all homeowners. Granite contractors would gladly install them for you, and because of their great properties, it is important that prospective homeowners should know that there are additional ways that you can use granite as a countertop.

Granite has been used for thousands of years and it is regarded as a status symbol, of durability, and strength. The igneous rock is made of quartz, feldspar, and mica, which gives the stone a unique collection of colors.

Read on to learn more.

Use Granite as a Kitchen Island

The kitchen is the best place that homeowners can choose to install granite. The popularity of granite comes from it being strong, and resistant to heat and water, and very easy to clean. With a lot of color options available. Granite will look good in any traditional or modern kitchen, which is why a lot of homeowners want to use it in their kitchen.

Overmount Sinks

Since granite is non-porous, it is hygienic for sinks because grime or other bacteria can seep in and make it a breeding ground for bacteria and germs. Since it is a natural stone, all granite slabs are unique from each other, and this gives a unique finish to any small sink space. Based on the granite weight, brackets can be used as overmount sink support.

Any rock should contain about 20% quartz so that it qualifies as granite. For instance, a lot of blue granite is larvikite or anorthosite.

Bathrooms

The second place where you will think of putting granite countertops is your bathroom. Since granite is best for wet spaces, it is a top choice for any spot where you can wash your hands and brush your teeth daily. In addition, granite is beautiful and it will surely get compliments from guests.

Vanity Top

Like the reasons for kitchen popularity, granite is a common material for bathrooms. The bathroom is also an abused room in the house, which is why having a strong and water-resistant countertop is ideal. It will also not develop mold.

Drop-ins

Drop-in sinks that are made from granite are very smooth and it prevents food and debris from getting stuck in the crevices. Even if it is a heat-resistant material, the hot utensils cause less damage when you put them straight into the sink.

Sinks are made with more seams because multiple granite pieces should be properly lined up and joined together with epoxy. This can get trickier with patterns or veining. In order to reduce costs, you need to work out the seam designs before installation.

Laundry Room

When it comes to wet spaces, it is more common to find granite countertops in laundry rooms. Granite can make a granite surface for spot cleaning stains before clothes can go inside the washer. You are going to have a convenient area where you can fold laundry when your clothes come out of the dryer.

Backsplash

The water-resistant and durable granite works great for backsplashes. It can contrast with the texture and color of the countertop. In case you have enough granite, left after you have installed the countertop, then you can save on your budget and use the same one to make the backsplash as well.

You can talk to granite countertop installers Potomac if you need them to work in different parts of your house to install granite.

13

Sep

Choosing the Right Countertop Backsplash

With a modern kitchen design inspiration, most of the time the backsplash is an oversight. You will most likely plan your appliances, countertops, and kitchen cabinets in advance, but a lot of homeowners forget the backsplash.

Even if a kitchen backsplash is mostly a practical tool that is used for stopping walls from becoming dirty, it also serves as an aesthetic backdrop and focal point in the kitchen. It depends on the design, but you should know which one to choose. You can ask the advice on countertop replacement services, but it would also be good to have your own ideas.

The nice thing about choosing a beautiful backsplash is that you do not have to be a professional interior designer to choose one that matches your style.

Tile or Stone Backsplash

There are many kinds of kitchen backsplashes to pick from, but the majority of homeowners choose a stone or tile. If you have granite or quartz countertops, you can get a matching backsplash that goes along the walls. This option is not for all applications, it can be expensive to install. The stone is heavy and it needs sturdy bracing to secure the walls. It is hard to cut around the cabinet layout.

For the majority of kitchen designs, tile is the best way to go. You can have it customized, installation is easy, and it is more cost-effective as time goes by.

Calculate How much You Need

If you want to calculate how much backsplash you will need, you should take the length of the area where the tile is going to be placed and multiplied by the area height. You can complete this calculation for each tile area. You can then add each amount together and multiply it by 1.1. This allows a 10% overage if there is a broken tile or odd tile cut.

Design Accent

In a lot of kitchens, the area on top of the stove is the best place for an added feature. This is normally a rectangle or square tile that looks a little different compared to the rest of the backsplash. If your backsplash is fake, the accent can be a herringbone pattern of brick that has a square border. These small changes help in making your kitchen look personalized and thought out.

Glass Tile

You would not think it will be a nice backsplash for your kitchen, but glass is 100% waterproof, so it is a great backsplash option if your kitchen has a lot of moisture, steam, and splashes.

And it will not easily shatter, so do not worry.

Glass tile has a lot of colors and the natural translucency can create a dazzling shiny effect unlike anything else. Usually, the glass will be reinforced and scratch-resistant as well.

However, since glass is translucent, you will see grouting that is poorly done beneath it, so a professional installation is required. No one wants to look at their glass style and see adhesive or grout staring at them.

Do Not Break Your Budget

If you are currently remodeling your kitchen, the costs add up, which is why it is important to balance your budget. Even if there are areas where you can splurge and save on some, you can be more conservative if you choose tiles.

With a lot of tile options available at great prices, it is not sensible to dedicate a huge part of the budget to your backsplash. Therefore, you do not have to pay too much.

You can contact granite companies Rockville once you have chosen a backsplash so they can install them already.

30

Aug

Fun Facts About Quartz Kitchen Countertops

If you have not undergone a kitchen remodel before, or you considered even just one, you are aware that it is important to choose the right countertop material. This can be the hardest decision you will ever make in the process. Every homeowner is different, which means there is not one material that is the best for any situation.

Therefore, to make maintenance easier and achieve versatility, you can do a lot better if you go for quartz kitchen countertops. Quartz is popular because it is customizable and it can be made into almost all shapes and patterns. Most of the time, they are the most expensive luxury countertop materials. Read on to know more facts about quartz countertops.

Durable and Damage Resistant

Quartz is among the hardest materials you will find, and it is the compound stone that is used for countertops that maintains a lot of that toughness. This makes it the most durable material for countertops. When you are using quartz, you do not have to worry about the wear and tear so much, like the scratches, and heat resistance. Aside from that, since it is non-porous and resistant to germs, mildew, and bacteria, it helps alleviate worries when it comes to sanitation.

Even if it is a hard material, it is flexible as well, so it can be shaped into almost anything and have the counter you want. Therefore, if you do not use an uninterrupted slab, that is fine, because it cuts cleanly. That means there are barely perceptible seams.

It is More Than Meets the Eye

A lot of people might be shocked to hear that many quartz countertops are not made of quartz. Some of them do, but naming quartz countertops is only requiring that they follow a certain manufacturing process known as the Bretonstone process. It does not mandate that quartz stone should be used in the manufacturing process. Therefore, a lot of companies began to use materials to achieve the same result and the polished look that quartz owners love. Therefore, those quartz countertops you have eyeballed might be comprised of a combination of marble granite and other types of stone. They are mostly made using crushed quartz. It is available and extremely durable, so it is an excellent choice for the Bretonstone process of production.

Wider Color Range

Since quartz countertops are made out of ground-up minerals and are not cut from one piece of material, they need a manufactured finish. Even if about 90% of a quartz countertop is made using ground-up quartz, the other 10% is comprised of polymers, resins, and pigments. Using pigments at this stage lets manufacturers create an endless variety of color options. Even if natural stone countertops are confined to the colors in stone around the world, engineered stone can be engineered in its appearance and structure. Quartz countertops are made to look like other kinds of stone or concrete.

There are More People Embracing Quartz Today

Many years ago, quartz became a way for people to achieve the look of granite and marble without paying a high price. Companies are doing their best to go with the trends every year in terms of a specific pattern or popular countertop shades. Since quartz has been there so long, it has helped bring it out from the shadows. People are now more confident with their self-expression as well. One benefit of quartz and other engineered stone is that they are customizable.

You can contact countertop replacement services Potomac anytime once you are ready to have your quartz countertop installed.

09

Aug

Causes of Stain on a Quartz Countertop

Quartz countertops are made using two main materials: natural quartz and polymer resins. Natural quartz is the one that is impervious to different liquids, non-reactive, and impermeable to gases.

The polymer resins are binding the quartz particles. However, in certain conditions, the polymer might experience some chemical transformations. This can occur if you leave behind any harsh chemicals on the countertop for a longer period.

Slow reactions can lead to staining. This might sound alarming but different manufacturers use stable polymers with high resistance to chemicals, which makes countertops safe for preparing food. The quartz will unlikely stain since it is non-porous and hard.

Here are the causes of staining on a quartz countertop.

Acids

Acidic liquids such as vinegar are a huge no-no regardless if you have granite or quartz countertops. The spills can be wiped off, but you can try to prevent your vinegar from drying on the surface. The same goes for wine. The wine stains can be cleaned easily, but when you cook using these ingredients together with balsamic vinegar, you would want to clean up all the mess right away.

From Cleaning Chemicals

You must never use chlorine or bleach-based products on your countertop. These are corrosive chemicals and cause heavy etching. When you use these chemicals, the sealant can also degrade on your countertops.

The time you can use bleach is through deep cleaning where you might have to use it on the surfaces inside your home. It can be used once the quartz countertops are dry and then it should be immediately wiped off.

The top cleaning solution you can use for quartz countertops is a commercial-level cleaner that is primarily made for stone surfaces. These cleaners are going to ensure that your quartz countertop will always look new and shiny for many years to come.

Coffee and Tea

Like wine and vinegar, you should never allow coffee and tea spills to linger on the quartz countertop until it becomes dry. The tannins that give these drinks their colors will slowly penetrate your quartz countertop’s seal. Through time, this will slowly make your countertops appear more aged than it is. Thankfully, the majority of coffee stains can easily be removed using a quick wipe of a damp cloth. For the tougher stains, you can use a granite cleaner and mild quartz.

Heat Damage Caused by Hot Pots

Similar to hot spills produced by coffee, oil, etc. It can cause your quartz surfaces to get badly stained, heat damage coming from hot pans, and others can cause stains to appear on the quartz.

If you put a hot pot on the quartz surface, the heat damages the resins that hold the stone together which causes staining.

Even if you can use a hot pad or trivet to prevent any heat damage, you should avoid putting anything that goes directly on quartz surfaces.

In case you end up with heat damage, talk to a professional right away to restore the surfaces. They can provide you with resurfacing and cleaning solutions that effectively remove stains without damaging your quartz surface.

Sealants

As much as you want to keep future stains from happening with physical barriers, you should not use sealants that are for natural slabs. Quartz is non-porous, while natural slabs are, which means the sealants will not absorb and adhere.

Sealants are not going to be effective on quartz surfaces, and sometimes, sealants can change the color of quartz surface so it becomes hazy.

You can contact quartz countertop installer Rockville anytime if you have questions about the care and maintenance of your countertop.

 

 

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.