19

Jul

How to Choose a Counter top Replacement Company

Your kitchen is the heart of every home and plays a crucial role. Its the room where people meet to eat, cook and have a good laugh and it’s therefore important that features and accessories that you install give it the regal effect. A lot happens in the kitchen and the kitchen countertop can take a beating from all this or even break in the process. To replace the countertop, you need to find a countertop replacement companies to perk up the value of your kitchen. Wondering how to pick out the best countertop replacement company? Keep it here for an in-depth analysis of how can choose the best team for the job.

How to Select the Best Kitchen Countertop

There are different kinds of kitchen countertop materials. They are;

  • Quartz Kitchen Countertops
  • Granite countertops
  • Engineered stone countertops

Below are the some of the factors you should consider when choosing a kitchen countertop

  • Budget

Different countertop materials have different cost and before you choose a material to visit the granite company and get a quote on different material. Make sure that the cost of the materials and installation is included in the quote. Choose the one that that fits in your budget.

  • Use of the Countertop

Consider the use of the countertop and the reason for replacement. If you are replacing a broken countertop due to a higher kitchen traffic consider choosing a countertop that can handle the high traffic. Granite countertops work well in high traffic areas and doesn’t fade from direct sunlight exposure. Your granite countertop installers will help you choose the one that is perfect for your kitchen.

  • Style

What style do you want your kitchen to have? Make sure the material you choose bring out the visual look you want. Granite countertops have a natural look and feel and their look is timeless.

Once you have chosen the kitchen countertop that suits you, its now time to choose your countertop replacement company.

How to Choose a Countertop Replacement Company

The installation company plays a major role in the final kitchen look and its imperative that you pick the right team. Below are tips to help you pick the right countertop installers.

  • Expertise and Experience

Visit several countertops replacement companies and get to meet the team. Ask questions to be able to gauge their expertise. Ask to see past projects and gauge how well they have been executed. Choose a team that is knowledgeable and a vast experience. Check and ensure they have the right credentials and if they belong to an accredited organization. Make sure the team has necessary knowledge on the countertop you have chosen. Interview several companies and choose one that has the required expertise.

  • Ask for Recommendations

Choose a company whose work you have verified and loved. Ask your friends and family for the recommendations of companies that fixed their granite countertops or Quartz countertops. Pick the best out of the pack.

  • Get a quotation

Ask for a quotation from the companies and choose the one that fits in your budget. It’s important that you ensure that you choose quality over price. Make sure the quotation you get includes all the costs involved and look out for any extra charges.

  • Choose a company with the necessary equipment

Hiring countertops cutting materials will increase the cost of the kitchen countertop. Make sure the company you pick has the right cutting materials and any other materials that are required during the replacement.

Review the quotations you have received and ask any questions that you may have. Choose the company that has the right level of expertise and skills to do a perfect job. If two have the same quality of the job, choose the one offering a lower price. Make sure you gather as much information as possible on the company you choose. The granite-quartz countertops installers Rockville you choose should have the knowledge and expertise to give your kitchen a regal finish.

Once you have settled on the company of choice sign the quotation and work contract. Arrange details on when the work will be done. Make a schedule and if possible be part of the installation process. Make sure you communicate your expectations to the team before and during the installation.

29

Jun

Granite Counter top Installation Process

Installing a granite countertop in your kitchen is one of the best investment to perk up the value of the house. The process of choosing and installing the granite can be overwhelming and in this post, we guide you on what to expect during the installation. The first step is to get a professional granite installer to help you choose the best granite edges and the best color for your kitchen. Your choice of granite should leave your kitchen trendy and up to date.

Granite Installation Process

  • Visit the Showroom

You start by visiting the granite company and visiting the showroom to see the various granite samples available. Learn about the various granites available, various colors and the pricing for each. Ask the granite  countertop installer the price per square foot for each color and the labor cost for installation.

  • Decide on your Sink

Choose the sink that you want to be installed in you’re the kitchen countertop. It’s important that you decide the sink to use because the granite contractor will need to cut the granite out of the space occupied by the sink.

  • Choose the Granite Edge profile

The edge profile is the outer edge look of the kitchen countertop. Choose the edge that works for your depending on the kitchen size and safety.

  • Install the Granite

On the installation day, the granite fabricator will bring the slab home and set in place. The cabinets that hold the weight of the granite should be ready and installed. The granite countertop should handle with care to avoid breaking or cracking. The granite countertop installers will make sure there is space for the faucet and the granite is properly placed on top of the cabinets. It will take approximately two hours to complete the installation but that depends on the size of granite. If you have the time, it’s important that you take part in the process. Let the expert explain the process to you as that will guide you on what to expect.  Confirm details such how the granite countertops will be attached to the cabinets, what will be used on the backsplash and any other query that you may have.

Tips to Ensure a Smooth Granite Countertop Installation

  • Prepare the cabinets for the granite installation before the granite arrives. That will save you hassles of storing the granite
  • Talk to the granite installers on where the seams will be to make the cutting of the granite easier
  • Choose the sink before you choose the granite
  • Let the granite installer visit your home to determine how the countertop will line up with the oven

How to Choose a Granite Installer

The result of your kitchen countertop will depend on the expertise of your granite countertop installer and it’s therefore important that the one you choose has the required skills and knowledge

  • Expertise and Knowledge

Make sure the installer you choose has previous experience and the required expertise for a professional outcome. Granite is a huge investment and you, therefore, need a person who is a granite who will bring the best out and leave your kitchen looking trendy. Ensure that the installer has all the required tools that they will need during installation. Ask family and friends for a recommendation and visit the previous site to view the works done

  • Labour Cost

Before you choose the installer to get several quotes from the granite companies and compare. Choose one that charges a fair price and ensures all the cost are included. Make sure the granite cost, transportation, installation cost and any other accessories cost is part of the quotation.

The first step to a professional installation is understanding the process and clearly stating the expectation. View other installations to have a visual picture of what you expect and ask questions during the installation process. It’s imperative that you make sure your installation is quality and perfect and its therefore important that the granite company you choose should have the skilled granite installers Rockville. That will make the installation process easy. Make sure you gather as much information as possible as this will help you know the perfect installation. Once the installation is done add all the accessories your kitchen need and enjoy your beautiful kitchen.

09

Jun

8 Reasons Why You Should Get a Granite Counter top for Your Kitchen

Your Kitchen is the focal point of your home and the materials and appliances you choose will give your house style and value. One of the most crucial parts of the kitchen is the countertop and the material you use on the countertop determines the value of your house. Granite countertops are among the hottest high-end options for kitchen countertops and if you are looking to perk up the value of your house then granite is the ultimate kitchen countertop choice.  Despite the many options available for kitchen counter granite has remained the premier kitchen countertop material. The kitchen is one of the most commonly used room and its therefore imperative that the kitchen countertop you choose id durable, easy to clean and maintain. Before you choose a new countertop, we take you through what you need to know about granites and why Granites countertops are still the most stylish kitchen countertops.

Why You Should Choose a Granite Countertop for Your Kitchen

  • Durability

Granite is made from hard rocks and its second to diamond in terms of hardness. When well installed by the granite installers then you can be sure that your kitchen will stay in style for the longest time. Granite is extremely strong and therefore durable and the only time you will call your countertop replacement company is when remodeling your kitchen. It resists chipping and cracking and thus it will last you a lifetime.

  • Easy to Maintain

When properly sealed after the installation then it’s easier to clean and maintain the countertop. Proper sealing will ensure there are no bacteria on your kitchen countertop. To clean the countertop, you need to warm water and a piece of cloth to clean any spills. Sealing makes granite countertops nonporous and that makes it easy to clean.

  • Exquisite Beauty to your Home

Granite countertops are one of the best additions to your home as it adds style and exquisite beauty to your home. Granite comes in a variety of colors and that gives you the choice to choose one that will give your house the regal effect and compliment with the cabinets and floor. Choosing granite will give you the advantage of having a unique countertop that you will not find elsewhere.

  • Boost the value of your home

If you remodel your home with granite countertop you can be sure that the value of your home will go up. With expert installations, your home is going to get a sale more quickly when it has a granite countertop.

  • Heat Resistance

Granite is able to withstand heat from pans and other hot objects from your kitchen making it a viable material for your countertop. You can set hot pans and pots on the granite without causing any damage.

  • Easy Installation

As you will notice, when the granite installer is installing, it’s relatively easy and fast to install granite tops.

  • Cost of Granite

Granite is relatively cheap and it can cost from $ 40 per square feet depending on the granite company you buy from and the size you need.

  • Long-term investment

When you remodel your kitchen countertop with granite, you can be sure that it will last a lifetime and thus its longtime investment. Granites will last more than any other countertop.

Tips for Taking Care of your Granite Countertop

  • Seal the Countertop

The first and most important step in ensuring the countertop is clean is ensure your granite installer has sealed the top. Sealing will protect the countertop and make maintenance easy. After the sealing then follow the below steps to keep your granite shiny and stylish

  • Avoid using harsh abrasive cleaners and sponges.

Acidic cleaners like lemon, ammonia, and bleach should not be used to clean the granite as this will destroy the sealant and dull the top. While cleaning use warm water and mild soap to clean the top. The granite contractor will advise you on the best cleaning materials for your countertop if you want to purchase cleaning products meant for granites.

Granite remains the leader in the pack and you can never go wrong when you install a granite countertop in your kitchen. It’s however important that the installation and sealing are done professionally by the granite installers Rockville to ensure there is no damage to the countertop and outcome gives your house the stylish look.

29

May

6 Most Stylish Kitchen Counter top Edges

The shape of your countertop edge can have a huge impact on your kitchen as it plays a major role in safety, cleanliness of your kitchen and the aesthetics of your kitchen. Your quartz kitchen countertop edge is important to the final visual look of your kitchen. The edge profile is the surface you will come into contact as you make the delicious dishes in your kitchen and it’s therefore important that the edge you choose can be maintained easily and guarantee safety. The granite installers or the quartz countertop installer will play a key role in helping you choose the edge profile that suits your kitchen.

Types of Countertop Edge Profile

  • Eased Edges

The profile has all sides squared and its one of the most basic kitchen countertop edges. The basic edges are square with a slightly eased top and it’s the simplest and most commonly used edge profile. The edge profile will give your granite countertop a thick look especially if you have a small kitchen. If you want minimal cleaning then this is the profile to have on your quartz countertop.It’s important that you involve an expert to be able to choose the right edge for your countertop.

Advantages

  • Gives your kitchen a clean, contemporary look
  • Easy to clean and maintain

 

  • Bullnose Edges

The edge profile works well with different kitchen countertop materials and its one of the versatile edge profile. Its characterized by rounded edges from the top to bottom making it delicate. Its suitable for high traffic areas, and where you have kids going in and out of the kitchen. The half bull nose is mostly used on granite countertops giving your kitchen a more elegant look. The bullnose edges will make your countertop thicker and highlight the beauty of your countertop. The edge profile is not recommended for wet areas.

Advantages

  • Gives your countertop timeless appeal
  • Soft rounded edges for safety

 

  • Bevelled Edges

The clipped flat corner shaped with a 45-degree bevelled edges will give your kitchen a contemporary look. They are easier to clean but when there are spills they tend to spread too quickly. You can ask the granite installer to customize the countertop edges and angles to match your needs and enhance the edges. The bevel can either be single bevel or double bevel

Single Bevel is a popular edge used on granite countertops usually has a 45 degree

Double Bevel will work best if you want a greater impact and extra dimension for your countertop. It has double 45 degrees at the top and the bottom. It will make your kitchen appear more luxurious and brighter

Advantages

  • Gives your countertop greater accent edge and also gives the countertop a classic look

 

  • Ogee Edges

The profile has a waterfall like an appearance with a dip and then a less gradual dip. Its labor intensive and is considered one of the classic and dignified profiles. It will be more expensive than the other edges as it requires more time and labor. The ogee edges work best in large spaces and require greater care when it comes to cleaning and maintenance

Advantages

  • Gives your kitchen a classic and regal effect

 

  • Chiseled Edges

The chiseled edges resemble rough stones and it gives you a more natural look. Its perfect for that outdoor kitchen. To ensure safety you have the edges sealed. The chiseled edges are unique and it’s perfect if you want to make a design statement.

Advantages

  • Gives your outdoor kitchen the natural look you are trying to achieve

 

  • Laminated Ogee over the full Bullnose

When the second layer of granite is placed over the bottom edge of your countertop, then it’s said to be laminated. That will make the countertop appear thicker allowing you to have a variety of edges. The edge profile will be costly but gives your house a complicated and elegant look.

It’s important that your edge is done by the granite installer with the expertise to avoid damaging the kitchen countertop. The quartz-granite countertop installers Rockville will advise the best countertop edges for each countertop material and what suits your kitchen depending on the traffic, kitchen style you want and the budget. The edge profile that you choose will greatly impact the final look of your kitchen, therefore choose a design that makes you kitchen elegant and outstanding.

28

Apr

The 3 Best Counter top Replacement Materials

Replacing unattractive kitchen countertop will transform and perk up the value of your house. It’s important that the material you choose gives your kitchen the regal effect, one that caters to the traffic and modernizes your kitchen. There is a variety of material available and its necessary to consult the granite countertop installer for the ideal countertop for your kitchen. Involve the countertop replacement company during the remodel of your countertop for best results.

Best Countertop Replacement Materials

  • Granite

Granite is made from natural stone and it’s undisputedly the best and most used material. It comes in a variety of colors and will make your kitchen look elegant. The material you choose should be able to handle the kind of work that takes place in your kitchen and granite is ideal for kitchens which are not super busy. Granite requires resealing often to avoid staining and attracting dirt.

  • Engineered stone countertops

Engineered stones are made of quartz crystals bound together by resin and have a uniform color, unlike the natural stones which have different hues. The engineered stone has the advantage of durability and will not crack easily. The material is heat resistant, scratch resistant making it ideal for high traffic and busy kitchens. It’s non-porous making it easier to clean and keep away bacteria. It doesn’t require sealing and if you work with foods that drip blood and other liquid the countertop will not absorb the liquids.Engineered stone countertops are the best  countertops for busy kitchens

  • Quartz Countertop

Quartz mineral is one of the hardest material and therefore quartz countertops are one of the most durable countertop replacement material. Quartz is made of quartz minerals bonded together with polymer resins. Quartz countertop comes in a variety of colors and you can complement the colors in your kitchen space. The countertop is non- porous so dirt and bacteria cannot penetrate the surface. it’s easy maintenance and does not require periodic sealing. Since it’s made of resin, it’s flexible and easier to shape around corners.It’s important that quartz countertops are heat resistant up to a certain point, extreme heat may damage the countertop.

Tips to Consider When Choosing a Countertop Replacement Material

  • Durability and long-lasting material

Choose the countertop material that will last long with minimal maintenance. Depending on the traffic in your kitchen, choose the material that is scratch resistant, heat resistant and will last a lifetime

  • Maintenance

If you run a hotel, you don’t want to spend a lot of time cleaning and taking care of the countertop material.  Choose the material that doesn’t require too much care if you run a busy kitchen. Granite countertops may not be ideal for hotels and busy kitchen as they require extra care and sealing often.

Stylish and modern

It’s important that the countertop you choose increase the aesthetic value of the home. Granite countertops will give your home a natural feel while quartz adds elegance to your home.

Ensure that the material you choose works for your kitchen. Let the granite installers Rockville to do the installation for a professional look and to ensure that the countertop lasts a lifetime.

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.