07

Nov

6 Tips On How To Prepare Cabinets For Granite Countertops

So, you have settled on granite? Good choice. But before you place your newly selected countertops in their assigned area, you have to ensure the space is ready for the new guest. How do you do this? Here are tips on how to prepare cabinets for granite countertops:

Remove the old countertops.

If you are replacing the countertops, you must first remove the old countertops before installing new ones. Start with removing the seal anchoring the countertops to the wall using a knife or any other sharp object.

Depending on the countertops, you may be having screws anchoring the old counters to cabinets. The screws will most likely be underneath, so look them there and remove them if present.

Once the screws are off, it’s time to remove the old countertop.

If the house is new and you are installing the countertops for the first time, the only thing you need to do is to ensure the cabinets are in good condition and level. Place a flat slab on top of them, and it should contact the cabinets in all areas.

If the cabinets aren’t level, you have a reason to worry as installing granite countertops will create pressure points that increase the chances of the countertops breaking.

Level the surfaces

To ensure your countertops have a long life, work on leveling the surfaces. One of the things you can do is to place shims under the cabinets to level the tops. You can also place plywood over the cabinets and place shims underneath the plywood.

You should note that placing plywood over the countertops will add height to the cabinets. Before installing the countertops, ask yourself whether you are comfortable with the added height.

Have enough supports

Granite is heavy, so you shouldn’t have large portions of it hanging over thin air. In areas where the countertops don’t have cabinets to rest on, add supports. There are plenty of materials you can use for this. Consult your contractor.

Remove plumbing

If you already put the plumbing systems in place, you may have to remove them as they often get in the way during installation. Over the years, we have seen homeowners removing the faucets and other plumbing appliances without first turning off the water.

Don’t do this as it often creates a huge mess that takes a lot of time to clear. Sometimes the water causes serious cabinet damage that you have to hire a contractor to help you fix them.

To be safe, turn off the water before you remove any plumbing appliance.

If installing the countertops for the first time, you obviously don’t have sinks or faucets in place. So have them delivered and be ready for installation to make it easy for installers to make a template to the sink’s exact specifications, so you have a perfect installation.

The same thing goes for faucets. If the granite installers have to cut space for them, they need to be on the site at least a day before installation.

Remove the dishes from the cabinets.

If you are like other homeowners, you don’t want your dishes exposed to the chaos of countertop installation so remove them before the installation process begins. Of course, you should place them in a different room.

If you have many dishes and don’t want to go through the trouble of removing them, then returning them, cover the top drawers with a protective sheet to protect them from dust and other debris.

Be present on the day of installation.

Even if everything is in order, you may still have to make last-minute decisions. For example, if you don’t want a lot of sink to show, you have to ask the granite contractor Rockville to move the granite edge flush with the wall of your kitchen sink.

If you don’t mind the top flange of the sink showing, let the contractor know about this to make the necessary adjustments.

The other decision you need to make is the location of the seams. Even if you bought the largest granite slabs, you have to deal with seams as long as your kitchen is large. Discuss with the contractor about the location of the seams. For an even and beautiful look, aim to hide the seams as much as possible.

12

Aug

What Is The Best Stone For Kitchen Countertops? Countertop Replacement Services Providers Answer

With lots of countertop materials in the market, many homeowners are confused about the right ones to go for. Are you wondering, what is the best stone for kitchen countertops? Here are some of the options to choose from as given by countertop replacement services providers:

Granite

Granite is one of the most popular countertop materials in the market. It has been around for centuries and is loved by homeowners as it completely transforms the kitchen when properly installed. The countertops give modest houses a pleasing, luxurious look.

For years, many homeowners have shied away from granite due to its high cost. Thankfully, due to technological advancements, its prices have drastically come down, making it more affordable.

Pros of the stone

  • Significantly adds value to your kitchen
  • Easy to maintain
  • Strong and durable
  • Almost impervious to heat
  • Comes in plenty of colors and designs

Cons

  • Tends to crack when exposed to a lot of stress or improperly installed
  • Not suitable for DIY installation
  • Expensive
  • Porous, so you need to seal it to prevent stains from coming about
  • Knives tend to quickly dull when you cut directly on the stone

Marble

Like granite, marble has been around since time immemorial, where you can see it even in palaces and other buildings that date back to the Roman era.

One of its most significant setbacks is its high price tag, which makes it impractical to install in large kitchens. Homeowners also see it as the material to install in specific areas of the kitchen, such as the island or sections of the countertop reserved as baking centers.

While marble is highly-priced, it doesn’t easily stain or scratch. To reduce its maintenance, you should seal it with a high-quality sealer.

Concrete

Does your kitchen have an unusual shape, and you would like to maintain the unique look? Why not install concrete countertops? Homeowners have the impression the concrete used is the same you find in the sidewalks, but this isn’t the case.

The concrete used on the countertops is usually highly polished and often textured or even acid-stained to give it unique colors.

Pros of the stone

  • You can tint it to your preferred color
  • Gives your kitchen a unique, exotic look
  • Heat and scratch-resistant

Cons

  • You can’t install it on your own—you have to hire a professional to install it for you
  • You have to seal the surfaces to reduce the porosity
  • Cracking can happen
  • Gives the kitchen an industrial look which might be off-putting to potential homebuyers—if looking to sell the house later on.
  • Due to the customization, the cost of the stone might be high.

Quartz

Also known as engineered stone, quartz comes in a wide range of colors and features a nonporous surface that is resistant to staining and scratching.

Pros

  • Even with minimal skills, you can install the countertop material
  • Quartz slabs are uniform, without any imperfections
  • You can custom fabricate the slabs into any size and shape
  • Due to its nonporous nature, the countertops are resistant to stains and impervious to heat and acid
  • Concrete is easy to maintain as you don’t need to seal it.

Cons

  • The countertops are expensive so unaffordable for many people
  • Quartz is heavy, which can add on a lot of weight on your surfaces.

Ceramic tile

Compared to quartz, marble, and other natural stone countertops, ceramic tile is much more affordable. The countertop material has undergone great transformations, so you will easily find porcelain tiles with different designs. You will find tiles that resemble wood, cork, marble, and even leather.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Comes in a wide range of colors and styles
  • Resistant to heat damage from hot pans
  • Ideal for DIYers as they are easy to install
  • Easy to clean

Cons

  • If looking for custom tiles, they can easily get too expensive
  • They don’t carry the same prestige as quartz or granite which might put off future house buyers
  • Ceramic tiles are brittle and can easily crack when put under a lot of stress.

Over to you

There is no definite best stone countertop you can install in your home. The choice solely depends on your tastes and the look you want to create. To choose the right material, consult granite installers Rockville, or any other professionals.

20

Feb

Mistakes to Avoid While Choosing a Granite Counter top

Kitchen countertops add aesthetic value to your home and make your kitchen more functional. Granite countertops are one of the most common materials in kitchen remodels due to their unique characteristics. Granite countertop is durable, easy to maintain and will give your house a classy look. A well-installed granite countertop will increase the value of your home, and it’s, therefore, crucial to ensure proper installation.

Why you should use Granite Countertop for your kitchen remodel

The kitchen is one of the most important spaces in a house. Remodeling your kitchen will enhance the look of your home. A kitchen countertop will increase the value of your home, and it’s important to ensure that you choose the best material. Granite countertop will help create a timeliness look and below are the reasons why you should consider using granite countertop

  • Elegant

Granite will make your kitchen stylish. Granite comes in a variety of colors, and it will make your kitchen attractive. Granite kitchen countertop will remain trendy for years.

  • Easy to maintain

Once the countertop is sealed, it requires little maintenance. You can seal the countertop once every two years depending on how often the countertop in use. To keep the countertop looking good, you need a mild detergent and water to clean it.

  • Durability

Granite is hardy and will last a lifetime. The kitchen countertop can withstand heat up to a certain level.

  • Variety of colors

Granite is available in different colors and designs, and you can bring out your style

  • Natural

Granite is a natural stone and its environment-friendly.

  • Cost Effectiveness

Granite is affordable, and it’s cost-effective. Granite is more cost-effective than a material such as quartzite.

Mistakes to Avoid While Installing Granite Countertop

Granite countertop is affordable and durable. It’s important to ensure that you work with an expert granite installer to ensure a professional installation. Below are some mistakes you should avoid when selecting granite countertops.

  • Incorrect seam placement

Make sure that the seams are placed in the right place. If seams are placed in the wrong place, they will make the countertop lose its aesthetic value

  • Selecting the wrong color

Picking the right granite countertop color is crucial because that determines the overall look of your kitchen. You can consult the granite contractor on the best color for your kitchen countertop. If you have a very busy kitchen, consider choosing the darker slabs. To make your kitchen look huge and spacious use lighter slabs.

  • Mismatched Countertops

Make sure your kitchen colors are matching, and that will make your kitchen unique. Choose the countertop that will bring out your style. Whether you want to bring a modern look or a traditional look the granite countertop dealer will help you choose the right countertop. Avoid mismatched countertops because that will make your kitchen lose value.

  • Wrong countertop finish

Choosing the right granite countertop finish for your kitchen is critical because that will determine the functionality of your countertop. A polished granite countertop is one of the most common surfaces. It’s elegant and stylish. The honed finish will add rustic beauty to your countertop. Choose the tight countertop finish.

  • Picking the wrong countertop edges

It’s important to pick the right countertop edges. If you have small children, it’s important to ensure that you use the right countertop edge. Consult the experts at the granite company on the best edge for your kitchen. You don’t want an edge that will hinder movement in the kitchen.

  • Choosing an unqualified installer

Make sure you work with an expert during the installation process. Work with the expert granite countertop installer to ensure best results. Visit the granite company and ask to the work of the expert before you begin the installation. It’s imperative that you work with a trusted granite installer.

It’s important that you avoid the above mistakes when installing your granite countertop. Consult the granite installer Rockville on the best finish for your kitchen, edge, color, and the seam placement. By avoiding the above mistakes, you will ensure that make your kitchen amazing and perk the value of your home. Work with an expert granite installer who will ensure that your countertop is appropriately installed. Take care of the granite countertop, and it will last a lifetime.

19

Aug

How to Fix Problems with Kitchen Countertops

The kitchen countertop is a major investment and it’s important that whichever countertop you choose that it’s not bespeckled with scratches and black marks. The tiniest mark, scratches, stains or etches on your countertop means a drop in the value of the countertop and subsequently depreciation in your house value. It, therefore, goes without saying that you need to take utmost care of your Quartz kitchen countertop to keep it looking good for long. Most of the countertop problems can be avoided by simple maintenance practices and before you settle on any countertop ensure that it suits your kitchen and you are able to take care of the countertop.

Main Kitchen Countertop Problems

  • Rupture

A ruptured countertop result from installing the countertop in unlevelled surface or the adhesive used to bind the countertop was not given enough time to dry. A rapture could also result from placing a very heavy load on a small countertop.

  • Stains

The kitchen is one of the busiest places in the house and sometimes it gets messy. Liquids will often spill on the countertop and that may result in stains. Foods such as oil, the wine will occasionally spill on your quartz countertop or granite countertop resulting in stains. Red wine especially may cause the countertop to change to red color while water left for long on the countertop will make it dull. A lighter shade of countertops will stain easily from water than the darker ones.

Water-rich in minerals could also cause a build-up in the countertop resulting in a circular stain.

  • Scratches

Abrasive cleaning detergent or that sharp knife will result in scratches ruining your countertop

  • Etch Marks

Etch marks will make the granite countertop duller and this results from acidic chemicals. Some granite countertops minerals will dull if they come into contact with acidic detergents.

  • Cracks

Countertops will mostly crack on the edges when they lack enough support from below. It’s important to let the professionals from the granite company install your countertop. In case the cracks are in the middle its best to contact the granite installers as they will know how to repair a separating countertop without damaging it.

  • Wrong Design

Wrong countertop design is a common problem during remodels. You will find problems such as long or short countertops, wrong edge profile, horizontal surfaces which are no flat or wrong angles can be devastating.

How to Avoid and Fix the Main Countertop Problems

  • Cleaning the countertops

While cleaning the countertops ensure you use detergents with a neutral PH. Avoid acidic solutions such as lemon, vinegar, or any cleaner with acidic and harsh ingredients. Wipe any spills immediately especially if the spill is acidic to avoid staining the countertop. You can prevent stains by cleaning the countertop immediately. Ask your quartz countertop dealer for any cleaning ingredient specifically meant for the kind of countertop you have. Always place acidic foods in a plate when preparing them.

When removing stuck foods use a brush with soft bristles to remove the stuck dirt. Avoid abrasive scrubs as they will lead to scratches.

  • Use Cutting Boards to Protect the Countertops

Make sure you protect your countertop from scratches and etches by using cutting boards while cutting any foodstuff. Avoid cutting meat or any other when its directly placed on the countertop as that will result in scratches or even cracks. Some foods may contain acidic liquids that may stain your countertop.

  • Hire a Professional Installer

Make sure you the granite installer or quartz installer for a perfect professional installation. Avoid home DIY as that will result in losses and damage to your countertop. If you notice a rapture on your countertop let the granite installer asses it and advise on the best way to remedy the rapture. Make sure the countertop is installed by the expert from quartz countertop dealer to make sure the design is right.

Choose the most ideal countertop for your kitchen, one that can handle the kind of work that happens in your kitchen. With the right countertop, the right care and maintenance will help prevent most countertop problems. Talk to the Quartz-granite installers Rockville and they will advise you on how best to take care of your countertop. Develop routines on how to clean your worktops especially if you run a hotel. Let the experts at the granite company install the countertop for you to avoid any installation problems.