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.

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.

28

Feb

What You Need to Know About Quartz Kitchen Countertops

When remodeling your kitchen or building a new one you may be wondering what options you have on the kitchen countertop. It may be hard to decide whether to use granite or quartz or vanity countertops. To make your choice less daunting, we explore quartz kitchen countertops and everything about them that you need to know. Quartz is manmade and relatively new as compared to granite. Its durable and will give your kitchen the aesthetic value that it needs.

Advantages of Using Quartz

Quartz is made of around 95% quartz stones, and the rest of the composition is polymer resin to create a durable stone.

  • Non-Porous

Quartz has no pores in between; the resin polymer fills the gap in the crushed quartz to ensure that there are no spaces, making it more hygienic and easy to clean. The nonporous nature of the stone makes the stone resistant to stains, and food particles have no space to infiltrate making it ideal for a kitchen countertop as this will ensure high hygiene levels. You will find that bacteria, especially in the kitchen, will inhabit such spaces, but with quartz kitchen tops they ensure that there are no spaces for bacteria to latch on.

  • Scratch Resistant

Quartz stones are made of hard minerals and will take a long time before they yield to scratches making it a durable option for your kitchen. Quartz will not crack easily and therefore durable than natural stones

  • Heat Resistant

Quartz is not affected by heat and will take a long time, and any marks due to heat can be cleared if you use sandpaper on it.

  • Variety of Colors

Quartz is manmade and therefore comes in many colors as compared to natural stones. Consequently, it gives you a wider selection of colors.

Ensure that the quartz countertop is professionally installed by a quartz installer to achieve a professional look.

Disadvantages of Quartz

  • Quartz is humanmade and may not match the beauty of granites, and though its available in many colors, it may not match the regal look that comes with granite. We may not consider this a disadvantage as the beauty of something depends mainly on the buyer
  • Since the quartz is human-made, its likely to more expensive than natural stones as the manufacturer controls their availability.
  • Quartz is not ideal for outdoor use as exposure to sun, and other environmental factors will make the resin and color pigments to fade.
  • A quartz countertop will also have seams but they are less visible with a darker countertop. The quartz seams are easier to hide as color can be applied on the seams

Depending on your kitchen countertop needs, quartz is durable and easy to maintain. It’s ideal for use in high traffic kitchens as they are durable and heat resistant.