19

Jun

Is Your Quartz Kitchen Counter top Heat Resistant?

Your Quartz kitchen countertops go through a lot in their kitchen lifetime and anyone who wants to replace their countertops wonders whether they will withstand. It’s important that you get the countertop that will stand the test of time and in this post, we review what the quartz countertops can bear. Hot pans are placed on them, they get wet, knives scratch their surface and exposure to various substances that may cause stains. The kitchen countertop material you choose should depict style, good in appearance, durable and heat resistant. When it comes to quartz countertops most people wonder whether its heat resistant and up to what level it can resist the heat. Over the year the debate whether quartz is heat resistant rages on and we indulge to find out whether you should place that hot pan on your Quartz kitchen tops.

How Quartz Countertops are Made

Before you choose your kitchen countertop, you need to understand the mineral composition of the top. Quartz is a naturally occurring material composed of silicon and oxygen and to make kitchen countertops resin is added to bond the minerals.

Is Quartz Heat Resistant

Quartz has over the years gained prominence in our kitchen and Over and over the question, whether a quartz countertop will be affected by heat is flouted. When it comes to heat there are two qualities that we need to differentiate, Heat Resistant and Heat Proof

Heat resistant means the ability to be able to resist heat and remain unaffected while heatproof means the ability to withstand heat. With that in mind let now. Quartz relates up to 150 degrees or more of heat and thus its actual heat resistant up to that level. That means that the quartz countertops can bear the heat from hot pans without causing the top to discolor. The beauty of your Quartz Kitchen countertop will remain for many years even after placing the hot pans on it and that makes quartz pass the heat test. That makes quartz the perfect deal when it comes to kitchen countertops.

On the other hand, is Quartz heat proof?

As we have stated above quartz can handle heat up to a certain level but beyond that, the binding polymer resins will be destroyed. As a precaution, the quartz installers recommend placing trivets on the quartz countertops to avoid damage. It might hard to tell the temperature of your pan and it’s therefore important to invest in the trivet or hot pads where you can place the hot items. Too much heat may cause irredeemable damage to your countertop. With the above, you can rest easy knowing how much heat the countertop can bear and how to protect your countertop.

What if the Quartz is damaged?

In the unfortunate event that the Quartz countertop is damaged, the first step is to contact the Quartz countertop contractor so that they can access the extent of the damage. Accidents may damage the heat and the quartz countertop installers from the countertop replacement companies will assess and advise the best option based on the damage. Quartz countertops will rarely get damaged and if they let the expert quartz installers do the repair and the replacement.

Care Tips for Your Quartz Countertops

  • Quartz is not porous but its good maintenance practice to wipe away any spills as soon as they happen
  • Don’t expose your quartz kitchen countertop to very high temperatures to avoid damaging it
  • Avoid powerful and permanent markers on the countertop as this may cause damage. It’s however important to note that quartz is stain resistant but not for very strong chemicals.
  • Use a cutting board to avoid marks and scratches on the countertop.
  • Avoid abrasive cleaners as they will damage the shine and make the polish will inconsistent. Clean the countertop with warm water and a mild soap.

Quartz is one of the best kitchen countertop materials due to the various qualities it possesses. You need to seal the countertop often as its porous and therefore perfect low maintenance. It’s Durable making it suitable for all sorts of kitchen, especially high traffic, and busy kitchen. Ensure that when your countertop is damaged you let the quartz countertop installers Rockville assess the damage and do the repair and replacement.

19

May

7 Features to Remodel in Your Kitchen for a Timeless Look

The kitchen is the focal point of the home and it’s important that you design your kitchen in a way that will not go out of style quickly. When remodeling your kitchen think of it twenty years from now and whether the changes you are making will still be relevant. Choose designs that will be timeless and that won’t need to change with every new trend. Some basic remodeling remain timeless and to achieve this involve experts such as granite-Quartz installers Rockville and architects to help bring out the best

Timeless Features to Have in Your Kitchen to Keep that are Timeless

  • Great Lighting

The best lighting to have in the kitchen is the sunlight, but if you don’t large windows in your kitchen all is not lost. Having the right lighting will set the kitchen and make it look amazing. Pendants lights have been here for a while and remain trendy and just one above the island or worktop make a bold statement for ages. Choose one that compliments the rest of your kitchen and that will add a bold visual impact. A great pendant light doesn’t have to be so expensive but will make your kitchen outstanding.

  • Under Cabinet Lighting

Adding a LED rope while remodeling your house will add a timeless elegance to your kitchen. Under cabinet lighting will change your kitchen look and feel. Its a major timeless addition to your kitchen.

  • White Cabinets

White colored cabinets date back and up to date, they remain stylish over the years. White cabinets are easy to compliment and weather the test of time.

  • A kitchen Island

A kitchen island will make working in your kitchen very easy. The island can serve different purposes such as a place for the kitchen sink, oven place, working space or some seating space. The island adds class and glamour to your kitchen. Depending on the functionality chooses quartz countertops, granite countertops or engineered stone countertops. Your granite installer will advise you on which countertop works best for your kitchen. Countertops will star your kitchen and granite countertops have stood the test of time and still look trendy. Quartz countertops and Engineered countertops are ideal if you have a busy kitchen.

  • Textured Kitchen Tiles

Tiles add warmth, color, and texture to your kitchen. Choose tiles that have a neutral color as they will look good for a long time. Basic primary colors never go out of trend and they are easy to compliment. Too much color on the tiles may not be timeless and may be hard to complement. You can add small tiles on the wall that have a design to complement the basic tiles. Checked floor tiles also never go out of fashion and are therefore good to use while remodeling. Hardwood is also a classic material to use on the floor. Over the years wood has remained trendy and classic. Tiles that have a wood look are considered classy and will stand the test of time. Ensure the design you choose makes your kitchen, the kitchen of the year designed to stand the test of time.

  • Storage Space

Enough cabinets in your kitchen for storage is a timeless design. Kitchen cabinets premiered in 1900and have since remained to add a trend to your kitchen. Glass door cabinets will open up your kitchen and give the kitchen timeless elegance. You can store the vintage appliances in the glass cabinets to bring out the charm over the years.

  • Kitchen Countertops

Granite countertops have dominated our kitchen for ages. The natural look and variety of colors give you the options to choose and compliment your kitchen cabinets and floor. Granite countertop has been the undisputed king when it comes to kitchen countertops but we also have the artificial

quartz countertops and engineered countertop that will endure high kitchen traffic. Quartz and engineered countertops don’t require regular sealing making them a better option for high traffic kitchen. They also require minimal maintenance.

Kitchen trends will come and go but the above have remained since time immemorial. It’s however important that during installation of granite, engineered stone and quartz kitchen countertops and the kitchen island that your let your quartz-granite installers Rockville do the installation for a professional look. Tiles and lighting should also be professionally installed for the timeless look.

09

May

How to Choose the Best Countertop for an Outdoor Kitchen

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

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

Factors to Consider when Choosing Materials for an Outdoor Kitchen

  • Weather Conditions

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

  • Exposure Levels

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

  • Function and Elements to include

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

  • Space Available

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

Choosing the Outdoor Kitchen Countertop Material

Choose the countertop material wisely for durability and longevity

  • Quartz

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

  • Marble

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

  • Granite

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

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

14

Apr

Granite Vs Quartz Counter top: What’s your choice

Granite and quartz countertops are almost the same, and the debate about which is better than the other continues to rage on. Although it’s hard to tell the countertops apart, there are still differences that will help you settle on the best depending on your needs. We delve deeper into the differences and similarities to help decide which of the two countertops fits your space

The difference between Quartz and granite

  • Material

Granite is made of 100% natural stone. Granite stones are taken from the quarries and cut and smoothened to form the granite countertop.

Quartz is made of 93 % natural stone, and the rest 7 % is colors and resin to hold the particles together.

  • Maintenance

Granite is porous and needs to seal often to avoid stain and scratches

Quartz, on the other hand, doesn’t require any sealing

  • Durability

Granite has its flaws when it comes to busy kitchens. If you are looking for a countertop for a busy kitchen, then granite may not be ideal as it scratches and stains when certain substances like wine, coffee, tomato juice are poured on it

Quartz kitchen countertops are durable and less prone to stains, and it’s therefore, perfect for those hotels that are super busy kitchens

  • Eco-friendly

Granite is eco-friendlier as it emits less amount of radon and other organic gases.

Quartz has higher emission levels of radon than granite

Reasons to consider Granite

  • Granite is a pure natural stone and has unique colors which make it possible to personalize your kitchen.
  • Granite is slightly cheaper than Quartz
  • Granite countertops are durable if not subjected to heavy use.

Reason to consider Quartz

  • Quartz is more flexible than granite and is thus easier to install.
  • The non-porous nature of quartz makes it the best countertop for busy kitchens
  • Its stain resistant
  • If you don’t want to see seams, then you need to use darker quartz

What is your choice?

The kitchen countertop you choose will depend on several factors;

  • Preference

When choosing between you need to decide whether you want the unique natural stone or man-made stone. Granite countertops are more beautiful and unique as compared to quartz.

  • Purpose and ease of use

Quartz countertops will work well in the large and busy kitchen as they are easy to maintain as they don’t require sealing. Quartz countertops are easier to clean and can be used heavily. Choose one that suits the need at hand

Conclusion

They say beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.It’s important to note that you can’t go wrong with either of the two countertops as they are both durable if used in the right place. Choose the kitchen countertop that will add aesthetic value to your house and if you feel lost talk to your granite-Quartz countertop installers for expertise on each of the countertops.

28

Mar

Care and Maintenance of Quartz Counter top

Quartz Kitchen countertops will give your kitchen the sophistication and appeal you need. They are luxurious yet easy to maintain. Quartz is made by combining a natural hard mineral known as quartz with resin, polymers, and pigments. Depending on how the grounding, coarsely ground quartz produces a flecked appearance while the fine one will give a smooth finish. Quartz which is moderate in weight is a readily available mineral meaning the cost of the quartz is not high.

Advantages of quartz countertops

  • Hard and Durable
  • Non-Porous with a gloss sheen
  • Stain and crack resistant
  • Doesn’t require sealing and resealing
  • Comes with a wide variety of colors
  • Easy to clean and microbial
  • Minimal maintenance

Cleaning quartz countertop

Its imperative that the material you choose for your countertop or kitchen countertop be easy to clean and maintain.

  • Daily cleaning

To clean use a soft cloth to avoid scratching the countertop

Mix water and soap, dip the cloth and clean the top with the cloth. Ensure you wring out excess water. Wipe the surface clockwise, and then dry the surface with a soft cloth.

Wipe the countertop every day to ensure it retains its shine and look

  • Cleaning grease from the surface

Buy a mild degreasing detergent to clean out any grease that may pour on the surface .they are products meant for quartz countertop and its ideal for the surface top. wipe out the grease as soon as it pours on the countertop. You can also clean grease with mild soap and warm water. Don’t use bleach on the surface. Properly care and clean the countertop with natural products to maintain the shine

  • Hard and dry out Spills

Use a blunt substance to remove any hard and dry spills. Start from the underside of the spill.

  • How to clean stains in the quartz

Soak the cloth in warm and using a clockwise motion clean out the stain. In case the stain doesn’t come out add a little alcohol on the cloth and rub the stain away. You can a citrus remover to clean out stains. Confirm that the cleaner is safe for the quartz countertops. Avoid any abrasive and alkaline cleaners while cleaning the countertop.

 What to avoid when you have a quartz countertop

  • The extreme heat of above 300 degrees will melt the resin in the quartz
  • Highly alkaline products will break the bonds between the quartz and resins.
  • Avoid slicing your dishes on the countertop as it may not withstand the effect of knives
  • Avoid using in an outdoor area as it may not withstand the harsh environment.
  • Avoid using abrasive scouring pads while cleaning
  • Avoid letting the stains settle in for long.
  • Avoid dropping heavy objects on the quartz countertops Potomac, MD. While transporting the countertop ensure there is no pressure to avoid breakage.