24

Jun

How Long Does It Take To Install Kitchen Countertops

When installing quartz kitchen countertops or any other kitchen countertops, the time it takes to install them is vital, as sometimes you might be having guests over, and you want to complete the installation before they arrive.

Wondering how long does it take to install kitchen countertops? Well, the time varies depending on the type of countertops you are looking to install.

Laminate countertops

They have the fastest turnaround times, so if you are looking for fast-to-install countertops, these are the best to go for. You will even install them faster if you go with off-the-rack countertops often found in home improvement stores.

You should note that while the off-the-rack countertops are easy to install, they often aren’t as beautiful as the custom laminate countertops, so you should be ready to make the compromise.

If you want that perfect look, install custom laminate countertops, and these take a long time as the contractor will have to visit your home and demonstrate the various laminate countertops they have in stock.

After you have selected your preferred pieces, the contractor will then take a few weeks or even months to make the countertops. Once the countertops are ready, the contractor will schedule a time to remove the old countertops and install the new ones.

Installing the new custom laminate countertops takes about a few days to a week, depending on the size of your kitchen and the contractor’s experience.

Granite and marble countertops

If you ask any homeowner, the type of countertops they are looking to install, they will tell you granite or marble. And there is a good reason for it: granite and marble countertops are tough and give your kitchen an elegant look.

The time it takes to install these countertops is similar to the other countertops, but with these countertops, instead of the contractor coming to your home, you have to visit the contractor’s showroom to see the various countertops available.

When you are in these stores, don’t simply pick the slab that sticks out the most for you. Remember, your kitchen size, the lighting in your kitchen, cabinet design, and color, will heavily impact how the slab looks in your kitchen, so always take a sample with you in your home and see how it looks there.

Only buy a slab if it looks good in your kitchen.

After you have settled on a given countertop slab, the contractor will find similar slabs as your chosen slab and begin preparing them for installation. This process often takes 1-3 months to complete, depending on the availability of the chosen slabs and the size of your kitchen.

Wood, glass, stainless steel, and engineered stone countertops

These take the same time as laminate countertops to install, and you have to follow the same installation process. The countertop contractor comes to your home with countertop samples, and it’s up to you to choose the ones you like.

You should then wait for the contractor to make the countertops, return to your home, remove the old countertops, and replace them with the new ones.

In most cases, from the time you begin looking at the countertop materials to the time you install them, it takes about 4 months.

Concrete countertops

You can go about the installation in two ways: have the countertops made offsite or have the concrete formed and poured on-site.

The contractor will visit your home and measure the size of your countertop surface so that he can make a countertop of the right size. It often takes longer to have the countertop made on site, as the contractor has to bring everything on the site.

Tile countertops

Unlike marble and granite countertops Rockville that come in large slabs, these countertops are usually small tiles (often 4” X 4”), so as you can expect, they take a long time to install.

You have to follow the same process where the contractor comes to your home and shows you their samples. After settling on the tiles, they make them, then come to your home and install them.

Unlike other countertops that you can begin using immediately after installation, wait for at least a week for the tiles to completely stick to the counter surfaces before using them.

21

Apr

Can You Put A Hot Pan On Quartz?

Quartz countertops are manmade and tough and due to their tough nature, you will hear some homeowners asking, can you put a hot pan on quartz?

While the countertops are tough and heat-resistant, they aren’t heatproof. This means that the counters can be resistant to the heat to a certain degree, after which they can’t deal with the high temperatures. This means you might get away with placing the hot pan on the countertops once or twice but continuing with it will cause serious damage to the surfaces.

To answer your question about whether you can put hot pans on quartz, no, you shouldn’t.

What other things shouldn’t you do to the countertops?

Besides exposing the countertops to a lot of heat, there are plenty of other things you shouldn’t do to your countertops. Some of these things include:

Don’t ignore spills

Quartz is tough, but you shouldn’t test it. When spills happen, move with haste and remove them before they get worse. You should especially move with haste and remove them if they are juice, wine, vinegar, juice, or tea.

The reason you should remove these liquids is because they can be corrosive or acidic to the countertops and damage them. You don’t want this, do you?

Don’t cut directly on the countertops.

Quartz is one of the toughest materials in the market, as it’s fortified with manmade polymers that make it even tougher. While the countertop is tough, don’t cut directly on it. This is because the sharp knives will scratch the surface, giving them an ugly look.

Whenever you are looking to cut anything in the kitchen, use a cutting board. Don’t cut directly on the countertop, as you will damage it.

Don’t use harsh cleaning products.

You may want your countertops to look their best, so you might be tempted to use the toughest cleaning products such as bleach and others, but don’t go that route. While bleach and other high pH cleaners are highly effective, you shouldn’t use them as they can damage your surface.

You should note that regardless of how dirty the countertops look, you don’t need tough cleaning products to keep them clean. Mild soap and water are enough to give the surfaces a clean look and also remove bacteria and minor stains that might be forming.

Don’t slide things on the countertops.

Quart counters can stand a lot of abuse, but you can protect them from scratches and other forms of damage by being cautious about how you handle them. As a rule of thumb, don’t move ceramic, metal dishes, or utensils along the countertop surfaces.

You also shouldn’t slide knives and other potentially abrasive materials across the countertops, as they can leave black marks that might be difficult or impossible to remove.

Don’t use permanent markers on the countertops.

It’s tempting to let the kids do their homework on the kitchen island as you are making dinner. While you love your kids and want to spend as much time with them as possible, don’t let them do their school projects on the counters, especially if the projects involve permanent markers.

This is because it’s only a matter of time before the kids start doodling on the countertops with the permanent markers. And as you can guess, the permanent markers will adhere to the countertop surface and become hard to remove. In fact, you can’t remove the marker with anything else other than a harsh chemical that has high chances of causing damage.

If you have to have the kids in the kitchen, ensure they are using water-based markers. If the kids play with sharp objects, protect the surfaces, so they don’t damage the counters.

In conclusion,

These are some of the things you shouldn’t do to your quartz kitchen countertops Potomac. For the countertops to retain their look for a long time, you need to show love to them. Remember, you installed them for their strong, gorgeous, and easy-to-maintain look, so you need to take good care of them.

As a rule of thumb, avoid all of the above and clean the counters regularly. You also should register the countertops as soon as you buy them to activate the warranty.

09

Mar

Can Quartz Countertops Be Buffed?

Quartz is known for its tough nature, so when you install it, you have peace of mind that it will last for a long time and effectively handle oil spills, heat, dyes from foods, and beauty products.

To retain the look of the countertop, you need to keep it looking clean and polished. Can quartz countertops be buffed? Yes, they can. In fact, here are some of the ways to polish them.

Scrub the surfaces with soap and warm water

Have you noticed your countertops are losing their shine? You can restore it by scrubbing the surfaces with tough brushes.

Quartz surfaces are fortified and tough, so they will effectively stand up to the scrubbing brushes, so you don’t worry about scratching them during the scrubbing.

The best way to go about it is to use warm, soapy water. Put the water in a spray bottle and use it to soak the quartz. Once the surfaces are wet, scrub them with a sponge, washcloth, or scrub brush of your liking.

Once you are done, use a cloth or squeegee to dry the surface while ensuring you leave no streaks behind. Remember, the wet spots and streaks will tamper with the quartz’s continuity, making the countertops appear messy under some lighting conditions.

Windex and other window cleaners

Windex and similar window cleaners are highly effective at polishing quartz. The same way they shine and increase the clarity of windows, they can bring out the shine in quartz.

When using the cleaners, remember that less is more, so fill a spray bottle with water, then add a small amount of window cleaner, and then apply the cleaner to the counter’s entire surface.

After spraying the countertops, gently dry and polish them with a soft, clean cloth, and within minutes, your countertops will look as good as new.

Quartz polishing products

If you don’t like using water or window cleaner, you can always use specialized quartz polishing products. These cleaning products make sense when you have noticed your countertops getting stained or even getting damaged by the cleaners.

Like the other cleaners, follow the instructions on how to apply and polish the countertops properly. Ensure you give the countertops and surfaces a good cleaning before applying the polishing products.

Tips to avoid staining the countertops

Instead of having to polish the countertops, isn’t it easier to simply prevent the stains from coming about? Here are some of the ways to prevent these stains:

Avoid food spills

Remains from food will cause stains as the food reacts with quartz countertops. Some of the notorious foods known to cause staining include: coffee, tea, red wine, fruit juices, tomato sauce, and fresh berries.

To prevent stains from these foods, avoid placing them directly on your countertops. Always have a trivet or any other protective material in place. You shouldn’t place even fresh fruits such as fresh berries on the countertops as they will most likely stain the surfaces.

If you must have the fruits on the countertops either for the look or to eat them as you are cooking, ensure they are in a bowl.

In the event juice spills or any other types of spills happen, move with haste and remove them before they react with the quartz and cause an off-putting stain.

Use the right cleaning products.

Did you know the products you are using to clean the countertops can affect your countertops’ look? If you are using paint thinners, oil soaps, detergents, and other products, they might be reacting with your surfaces, leaving dark or dull spots.

To bring the staining to a stop, use the right cleaning products. For example, use cleaning products specifically designed for quartz.

Bleach

When your countertops are damaged by bleach, they tend to have lighter or white spots. Bleach etches the surface, leaving its mark like marble etching. To prevent your countertops from being damaged by bleach, don’t use it directly on your countertops.

Heat or burns

Although quartz kitchen countertops Potomac are heat resistant, they are prone to heat damage. Your countertops are bound to be affected by heat when you place a hot item on them. So to prevent staining, avoid placing the hot pot directly on the countertop surface.

07

Jan

Why Is Quartz So Expensive?

If you have been in the countertops market, you must have noticed that quartz kitchen countertops don’t come cheap. Why is quartz so expensive? You must be wondering.

Well, there are plenty of reasons for the high cost. These reasons include:

High demand

Unlike granite and marble, quartz doesn’t require sealing. This feature has made quartz highly popular among homeowners and like any other popular item, there is a high demand for the stone.

The laws of demand and supply dictate that the higher the demand, the higher the price hence the high price of the stone.

Quality

Although the quality of the stone varies from one manufacturer to the other, quartz countertops are generally high quality where the stone is strong, consistently colored, and gives off lower levels of dangerous VOCs.

Since many homeowners know that quartz is a high-quality stone, they rush to buy it hence driving the price up.

As mentioned, the quality of the stone varies among manufacturers, so there is the risk of buying a stone and finding it inferior quality.

To avoid this, take your time when buying. Visit different stores in the company of a countertop professional and scrutinize the stone before making the purchase.

Quartz is highly versatile

Quartz comes in a wide range of colors, styles, finishes, and edge treatments. When it comes to thickness, the stone runs from 3/8” to 11/4”. Obviously, the thicker the countertop, the more expensive it will be.

Due to the versatility of the stone, it’s up to you to research and find one that will be ideal for your application. If not sure of the one that will look the best, get the input of a professional.

Quartz is easy to customize

Although, most homeowners want countertops that look like their friends’ or neighbours’, you can easily customize quartz if looking for that unusual countertop shape or width.

Quartz also allows you to create custom cutouts to accommodate your appliances. You can also create a bar sink and other special features with quartz.

High trade tariffs

Since quartz is manufactured overseas, the government has imposed heavy trade tariffs that have driven up the cost. For example, quartz manufactured in China, which is traditionally on the lower price end, has increased by over 300%.

Quartz is complex to install

Quartz lacks porosity, is dense, and heavy to lift. Before installing the slab, you have to level the cabinetry and vanities. You also have to securely support any sections not positioned on top of cabinets such as the breakfast bar.

To have the classic seamless look, you have to unobtrusively match the seams.

All of these make quartz installation a challenging project that can only be handled by a qualified and equipped contractor that doesn’t come at a low price which further increases the quartz cost.

Is there hope with all the high prices?

Despite the high cost, you can still install quartz in your kitchen. You only need to consider several tips that include:

Take your time

As mentioned above, the key to finding a high-quality stone is to take your time and shop around. Before you make the purchase, visit different stores and see what they have to offer.

As a rule of thumb, avoid the big box stores as they not only have fewer options, but they also tend to be expensive. The best places to buy countertops is from the small stores.

You will find plenty of quartz options, pay less for them and establish meaningful relationships with the contractors that will go a long way towards keeping your countertops in top shape.

Be flexible

It’s not uncommon to find a beautiful quartz design and color only for it to be way out of your means. If this is you, it doesn’t mean your dream of owning quartz countertops is gone.

You only need to be flexible. If you can’t afford a given design or color, simply pivot and go for a design that is within your budget.

Minimize the number of slabs

When designing your kitchen or bathroom, work with your contractor and come up with a design that requires one slab instead of two. For a small project such as a bathroom vanity, visit your quartz countertops dealer Potomac and get a remnant instead of an entire slab.

09

Oct

Is Quartz Cheaper Than Granite Countertops?

Quartz and granite countertops are two of the most popular countertop materials. Since both are premium, high dollar materials, most homeowners can’t tell which to go for, so you will often hear them asking, is quartz cheaper than granite?

It’s hard to tell whether quartz is cheaper than granite as the price of each depends on plenty of factors such as:

Color: Rare colors will be more expensive than popular colors. For example, since granite is manufactured from natural stone, some colors will be hard to find hence more costly. Quartz is engineered so it can be made to mimic these colors, making it relatively less expensive.

Thickness: Of course, thicker slabs will be much costlier regardless of the material you are using.

Source and shipping cost: Where you are getting the materials will significantly affect the price of the countertops. For example, if getting the stones from China, they will be relatively cheaper than if getting them from Italy.

Since you have to ship both granite and quartz from overseas, their prices will be dependent on petroleum prices, tariffs, and other factors.

Installation: The final factor that will affect the cost of the countertops is their cost of installation. Some contractors will charge more than others. To avoid paying hefty amounts on your countertops, take time to research, and ensure you pay the correct amount for the pieces and their installation.

Other ways the countertops compare

Other than the cost issue, there are plenty of ways in which the countertops vary. This includes:

Composition

For those that don’t know, granite is purely natural as it comes directly from stone quarries then cut into thin slabs that are polished and fabricated into countertops.

Quartz countertops, on the other hand, are engineered stones containing large percentages of natural quartz but may also include other minerals. The slabs aren’t from quarried stone but rather from stone byproducts that are ground up and formed into slabs for countertops and other products.

Appearance

Since granite is natural, it tends to have a unique pattern and color that gives your home a unique, enticing appearance. Quartz, on the other hand, is more uniform in appearance, although you will find some pieces with unique colors and patterns, including some pieces that resemble granite in all ways.

The countertop you choose is solely dependent on your preference. If looking to give your surfaces a unique look, go with granite countertops.

Radon emissions

Although quartz is engineered, it’s good to note that it’s made from natural products (93%) with the remainder being color pigments and polymer resins that bond the materials together. Granite countertops are made from 100% stone, and they need to be quarried out of the earth.

Around 2008, there was media-induced fear regarding radon emissions from granite. Studies have shown that little or no radon is emitted from granite or engineered stone countertops, so you don’t have to worry about radiation when installing either of the countertops.

DIY installation

Unless you have a small project, you should avoid attempting to install the countertops by yourself. Both granite and quartz are extremely heavy materials and need expert skills to install them properly. If you are spending top dollar to buy high-quality materials, it doesn’t make sense risking installing the countertops and damaging them.

For proper installation and peace of mind, you won’t have to replace the pieces after a few years, let expert countertop technicians handle the installation.

Maintenance

Both granite and quartz are tough and durable materials, so there is no doubt that when you properly install them and take good care of them, they will give you a long service.

When it comes to maintenance, granite is porous, so it needs sealing to prevent it from staining. Granite also tends to have cracks and fissures that can be a source of weakness.

Quartz, on the other hand, doesn’t require any sealing, thanks to resins used in the fabrication of the slab. The material is also uniform throughout, so you don’t worry about it cracking after hiring an expensive quartz countertop installer Potomac to install the pieces.

05

Aug

Tips On How To Maintain The Shine On Your Quartz Countertops

There are plenty of reasons you can opt for quartz countertops. They are durable, they last for a long time, they are easy to maintain, among many other things. No homeowner wants ugly countertops, so when you install them, you should take good care of them to retain their great appeal.

To help you out, here are tips on how to keep your countertops looking awesome for years:

Clean them daily

Cleaning the countertops daily not only eliminates dirt and dust, but it also gets rid of germs that might contaminate your food. The cool thing is it’s easy to clean the countertops. Using soap, water, and a soft rag is enough. You can also use a mild detergent, but take care the detergent isn’t too tough for the surfaces; hence end up causing damage.

While regular daily cleaning is enough to keep your surfaces in top shape, you should occasionally use a glass cleaner to clean the countertops deeply. To clean the surfaces, spray the cleaner on your countertops, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse it off with a wet cloth.

You should stay away from harsh cleaners as they will damage the surfaces. These cleaners are highly acidic or alkaline. Some of the cleaners to stay away from include: bleach, oven cleaner, drain cleaners, Methylene chloride, trichloroethane, and dishwasher rinsing agents.

Get rid of stains as soon as possible.

Although, the countertops are highly resistant to stains, liquids such as coffee and wine can spill on the counters and leave a stain that is hard to remove. To remove the stains, you should use an adhesive remover.

Pour a little bit of cleaner on the stain then let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then remove the stain with a soft cloth. After removing the stain, clean the surfaces with warm water.

Watch the edges

The countertops are tough, but the corners and edges of the surfaces will chip and crack if you consistently strike them with a blunt or sharp object. While you can always hire a countertop restoration professional to fix the surfaces, it’s always good to prevent the chipping in the first place.

When working on the surfaces, avoid working on the edges. If you have many people in the house, let them know how to take care of the surfaces and how to conduct themselves around them.

Keep hot objects away.

The countertops will rarely crack at high temperatures, but when you regularly expose them to hot objects, you put them at the risk of losing their color. To avoid this, you should keep hot pots, pans, and baking sheets from the surfaces.

If you have to place the hot items on the surfaces, use a mat, trivet, or pad.

Use a cutting board

While quartz is highly scratch-resistant, it’s not scratch proof.  So to keep the countertops free of unnecessary scratches and avoid dulling the knives, you should use a cutting board when cutting meat, onions, tomatoes, or any other material.

Keep off permanent markers.

As you are preparing the meals, it’s normal for the kids to come and stay with you in the kitchen. As they are there, it’s tempting to allow them to do their school projects on the kitchen island.

Sometimes they might be using permanent markers that are known to adhere to the surfaces making it hard to remove them.

To remove the colors, you have to use harsh chemicals. While the chemicals will remove the colors, they also tend to damage the countertops. If you have to invite the kids to the kitchen to complete their homework there, ensure they are using water-based markers.

Keep the warranty certificate.

Most reputable manufacturers give a warranty for their products. While quartz is known to last for decades, sometimes problems might come up. For example, the countertops might break or even lose their original color.

When this happens, you can’t return the slabs without the warranty certificate. To have an easy time getting a replacement for your quartz kitchen countertops Potomac, you should keep the warranty certificate.

The certificate also means the countertop company can send a technician to repair or even replace the countertops at no cost on your end.

26

Jul

Can’t Afford Granite Countertops? Engineered Stone Countertops Are A Great Option

While everyone would want to have granite countertops and other natural stone countertop materials in their homes, not everyone can afford them. Are you one of these people?

Don’t fret as there are plenty of other cost-effective alternatives you can go with when you are operating on a budget. The best options to go with are engineered stone countertops.

Why engineered stone?

Engineered stone comes with plenty of attractive features that include:

Attractiveness

The stone is made from quartz material that has been compressed into slabs that have similar color and texture to natural granite and slate. As a result, your entire kitchen matches perfectly.

The stone also comes with a variety of colors, such as: rose, grays, and many others. While most of the colors come from the natural color in quartz, you can talk to your designer and add colorants that give you a customized color.

Cleaning the surfaces is easy.

While natural stone countertops are beautiful and high end, the downside is they are porous. This leaves room for bacteria to get into fissures and pores where they are hard to get rid of.

Quartz countertop surfaces are non-porous so they won’t absorb liquids, which makes them easy to clean. If you work with fish, meat, raw vegetables, and other materials are known to make the countertops dirty, engineered stone is a great asset.

You have plenty of options

The countertops come in a wide range of colors and style that gives rise to plenty of countertops. They include:

Silestone

Silestone is made up of 94% quartz known to be extremely hard and resilient. Since the material is impervious to staining, acids, and scratches, Silestone is loved by many people looking for an alternative material. The cool thing is that it comes in plenty of colors with extraordinary textures.

Caesarstone

It’s made up of 95% quartz particles, with the other 5% comprising of polymer resins and coloring. Since quartz is hard enough, it’s highly durable and scratch and stain-resistant. This makes Caesarstone an excellent option for kitchen countertops.

Essastone

Another hard stone made up of 95% natural quartz. The stone is completely non-porous and homogenous and has a low maintenance finish that is resistant to scratches, heat, knocks, chemicals, and staining.

It comes in a variety of color palettes ranging from solids to patterns.

Smartstone

Smartstone comes in twenty-four designs with four color collections, and it’s made up of 93% quartz. First established in 2002, it comprises some of the quartz’s best surfaces. Smartstone comes with several attractive features such as high resistance to heat, chemicals, and staining.

These features make the stone an ideal material for bathrooms and kitchens.

Quantum quartz

Quantum Quartz is made up of 93% natural quartz, and the other 7% is made up of bonding agents and pigments. Quantum Quartz is low maintenance and ultra-hygienic, making it an ideal material for kitchen benchtops.

You can also use it in bathrooms and on the floor in the form of tiles.

What are the major flaws of engineered stone?

While engineered stone comes with all of the above advantages, it comes with its fair share of negatives. One of the negatives is that it’s hard to create curves with engineered stone. You should note that this doesn’t mean it’s impossible to create the designs. You can do the designs, but it will take a long time.

When you are hiring a contractor to do the work, it will cost you a lot of money to complete the work.

Taking care of engineered stone

While the stone is easy to maintain, you still need to take good care of it. Some of the ways of doing it include:

Clean it regularly: The beauty of it is that it’s easy to clean the countertops as they are non-porous. Use regular soap and a piece of cloth to clean the surfaces. Like when cleaning granite and other natural stone countertops, avoid harsh cleaning products as they will etch the surfaces.

You also should avoid placing a lot of pressure on the countertops. While the stone is strong, quartz countertop contractors Potomac advise against hitting the surfaces with a hard object as it can break the countertops. You also should avoid sitting on the edges where the countertops are known to be weak.

16

Jun

Can You Stand On Quartz Countertops?

Some people term quartz as indestructible as they have impressive compression and tension strength—even better than granite. Due to this, many are tempted to sit or even stand on the countertops.

Can you stand on quartz countertops? While standing on the countertops might seem harmless, it’s not. Plenty of cases have been reported where people stand on the countertops, and they part at the seam where two slabs are sealed together.

Installing or even repairing the countertops isn’t cheap, so you should avoid risking standing on them. In addition to damaging the countertops when you stand on them, you also risk voiding the warranty.

Better options to standing on the countertops

To avoid the risk of standing the countertops, you should try out other ways of going about it. Some of the other things you can do include:

Get a step stool: If you are stepping on the countertops due to lack of a stepping stool, you should get one. Get a small stool and tuck it somewhere in your kitchen such as between the refrigerator and counter. Always keep it in the kitchen, so when you need to reach out for something, you simply grab it and hop on the counter.

Get a ladder: Need more height? Consider getting a ladder from your local store. The ladder will cost you more than the step stool, but still, it will be cheaper than replacing the countertops.

Other things you shouldn’t do to quartz

Other than avoiding standing on the countertops, other things you shouldn’t do to the countertops include:

Don’t ignore spills: When cooking, it’s common for spills to happen. Whether its wine, tea, juice, vinegar, or soda spills, you should get rid of them as soon as you can. This is because the liquids are acidic and corrosive and will damage your countertops if you let them sit there for a long time.

While quartz is tough, the spills will destroy it if you let them sit on the surfaces for a long time. As mentioned above, wipe them with a wet dishcloth as soon as you notice them.

Don’t cut directly on the countertops: Quartz is made from manmade polymers that make it a tough material. While this is the case, you shouldn’t use it as a cutting board as sharp knives can scratch the surface. Whenever you are looking to cut something, get a cutting board, and protect the slab’s smooth shine.

Don’t place heat directly on the counters: Quartz won’t melt or burn when you place a warm plate or pot on it, but you can damage the surfaces. The damage results from the sudden temperature changes that lead to thermal expansion and subsequent cracking of the countertops.

If you have to put anything on the countertops, use a trivet with padded feet. It’s also wise you use pads under the trivet to prevent the trivet feet from scratching the quartz surface.

Don’t use permanent markers near the countertops: It’s common for kids to come to the kitchen and do their school projects there as you are making dinner. As much as you have quality time with them, don’t let them use ink or permanent markers on naked quartz.

This is because the ink adheres to the surface and becomes hard to remove unless you use a harsh chemical that can damage the surfaces. When the kids are on the counters, ensure they aren’t using permanent markers—give them water-based markers instead.

Tips on how to maintain quartz

For you to keep your countertops looking great for a long time, you should take good care of them. Some of the things you can do include:

Clean the countertops daily: Daily cleaning gets rid of dirt and debris. It also helps you catch spills as soon as they happen, so you keep your countertops in top shape all the time. As you are cleaning the countertops, use a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid an abrasive scouring pad as it can scratch the surfaces, and you end up damaging them.

Protect the surfaces from extended, direct sunlight: Extended exposure of quartz kitchen countertops Rockville to direct sunlight can discolor them so you should protect them from the sun by keeping the blinds closed as much as possible.

29

May

How Hard Is It to Replace Countertops? Countertop Replacement Services Providers Answer

You save a lot of money when you install countertops by yourself as you don’t have to hire countertop replacement services providers. While this is the case, the biggest question homeowners ask is how hard is it to replace countertops?

Like any other thing, the ease of replacing countertops depends on your skill level and the scope of the project. If you are used to installing countertops, you will find it easy to undertake the replacement. The same thing applies if you have a small project.

Regardless of your skill level and the size of the project, you need to know several things as you are replacing the countertops. Some of these things include:

Completely remove the old countertop.

If you have had your countertops for a long time, it’s normal to be attached to them. This can tempt you to have a few pieces remaining as souvenirs. Don’t do this as the remaining pieces will keep your countertops imbalanced. In some cases, they might prevent you from properly installing the countertops.

For the best result, completely remove all the old countertops and leave the surfaces clean and ready for the new countertop material.

Take precise measurements

Before you head to the stores, take the right measurements of the countertop materials you are looking to buy. This calls for you to take the right measurements of your kitchen. You can take the measurements by yourself, but if you aren’t confident in your skills, let a professional help you.

When taking the measurements, mark off the sections of continuous countertops, sink countertops, and island countertops.

Know your countertop options

When is the last time you bought countertop materials? Unlike decades ago, you have plenty of countertop materials to choose from. Popular options include: granite, quartz, and marble.

All of these materials have an elegant appeal, and when properly installed, they add value and beauty to the kitchen.

The materials go at different prices and have different features. To familiarize yourself with them, take time to research more about them.

Are you strapped of cash? Go for quartz countertops. While they don’t match the executive look and grace of granite and marble countertops, they still give your home an appealing look.

If you want to give your home a grand appeal, you should go for granite countertops.

Other countertop materials to choose from include: laminate, concrete, and solid surface. To ensure you are making the right choice, consult a reputable contractor.

Think about the installation time

Most homeowners replace their countertops when they are expecting family or friend gatherings. As you are looking to replace the countertops, also think about the time it will take to complete the installation.

Small to medium jobs will take one day when handled by an experienced professional, while more substantial projects can take two or even three days.

A regular-sized kitchen or bathroom will take three to five hours to complete.

Leaving enough time for installation ensures you aren’t in a hurry to complete the project. It also gives the materials enough time to dry completely before you start using them.

Repair or replace the countertops?

Sometimes you might think you need to replace the countertops while you need to repair them. The condition of the countertops will influence your decision. If the countertop has a small crack, you don’t need to replace it—repairing it will save you a lot of money.

On the other hand, if the damage is extensive or the countertops are worn out extensively, you have no other option other than to replace them.

Understand about stone quality and grades

Natural stone countertops come in different grades. The grades vary from one to five, depending on the stone defects present. A grade 5 stone is flawless but costs more than a lesser grade stone that might be having a few design defects.

Some defects are invisible in some cases, and you have a better return in investment when you select a grade 2 or 3 stone countertop.

Whether looking to marble, granite, or any other countertop material, ensure you buy from a reputable store. You also should ensure the countertops are installed by a professional quartz countertop installer Potomac or any other expert.

28

Apr

Tips On How To Shine Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops are an excellent addition to any home. Compared to both natural and artificial countertop materials, they are harder, more durable, and require less maintenance.

For you to keep your home looking spectacular, you have to maintain the countertops shining all the time. Would you love to know how to do it? Here are tips on how to go about it:

Clean the countertops daily

There is no way you can expect to have shining countertops if you don’t clean them. At least once a day, fill a spray bottle with plain water then squirt a couple of drops of mild soap such as dish detergent on the countertops.

Spritz water on the countertop to dilute the soap then use a soft cloth to wipe the counter.  When cleaning, start from one end and move to the other spraying and wiping a few feet at a time.

You shouldn’t worry about scratching the surfaces as quartz is tough. However, avoid using abrasive pads as they can leave streaking in the polish. They also sometimes leave a residue behind.

If you have gone for a long time without cleaning the countertops, it’s common to come across stubborn areas. To clean these areas, apply a small amount of vinegar to the problematic area and leave a wet rag sitting on top for a few minutes to loosen the gunk.

When it comes to soap, don’t use oil-based soaps as they can dull the shine. The best soap to use is standard dish soap.

Apply some polish

What better way to make your countertops shine than to use some polish? The cool thing is that you don’t have to buy the polish—you can make one in your home. To do it, add 25% vinegar to 75% water and mix it in a spray bottle. You can also purchase a vinegar-based spray cleaner.

Spray and polish as you work your way across the counter to keep the surfaces looking excellent. For extra dazzle, give the countertops the final polish using some spray and microfiber cloth.

Refinish the countertops

Do your countertops have a brushed and textured finish that wasn’t meant to be shiny? The solution for this is refinishing the countertops. You should note that different finishes have different results, so before you apply the finish to the entire surface, first apply it on a small area to see how it looks.

Get rid of food residues by thoroughly rinsing the countertops.

Sometimes keeping the countertops shining is as simple as rinsing them. Using a spray bottle, get the countertops as wet as possible. Since quartz is non-porous, nothing gets absorbed into the countertops, and this can leave a film on the surfaces that you won’t see in other materials.

To clean quartz surfaces, you only need to use a sponge to scrub the quartz and wipe the water off with a clean, dry cloth. Once the countertops are thoroughly dry, there shouldn’t be any streaks.

Disinfect the surfaces

It’s also important to disinfect the surfaces after they have come into contact with raw meat, fish, poultry, and seafood. To disinfect the surfaces, use paper towels to remove any residual moisture and other debris.

Then using a clean paper towel, spray the counter with a multi-surface antibacterial spray cleaner and allow it to stand for a few seconds. Work across the countertop while spraying and wiping from one end to the other until you are done.

If you don’t have a paper towel or don’t like using them, use bleach-free disinfecting wipes.

Tips to consider when shining the countertops

One of the main reasons the countertops aren’t shining is they have plenty of stains on them. Instead of going through the trouble of cleaning the stains, prevent them from happening in the first place. You can do this by:

  • Keeping the countertops clean all the time
  • Wiping away spills as quickly as possible
  • Regularly inspecting the countertops and getting rid of any stains or flaws you might come across.

When cleaning the surfaces, quartz countertop contractors Potomac advise against using substances with a high pH. This calls for you to avoid products such as oven cleaners, de-greasers, and ammonia. You also should avoid bleach and acetone.