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.

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.

09

Oct

5 Factors To Consider When Buying Quartz Kitchen Countertops And Other Kitchen Countertop Materials

Whether you are looking to install quartz kitchen countertops or any other types of countertops, you need to consider several factors that include:

Your budget

This is the first thing to think about. How much money are you planning to spend on the project? If this is the first time installing the units, sit down with an experienced contractor who will help you in making the calculations. When making the budget, think about the hidden costs such as the cost of transportation, the cost of the contractors, and other costs.

The worst thing you can do is to start a project and end up stopping in the middle or be required to take a second loan. Don’t rush to the stores and buy the countertop materials without fully understanding the amount of money you need.

Countertop materials

There are plenty of countertop materials in the market to choose from. The most common ones are:

Granite: A natural stone with plenty of colors to choose from, granite is preferred by many homeowners due to its ease of maintenance and durability. Granite countertops hold up excellently to regular kitchen use, and when you install them, you don’t have to worry about the surfaces getting burnt or scratched.

Marble: Marble is known for its soft and elegant look. Unlike granite, marble is high maintenance, stains, and etches easily. Despite these drawbacks, the stone has a unique veining and beautiful look. Due to the way they interact excellently with dough, Marble countertops are an excellent choice for bakers and pastry chefs.

Laminate: Laminate is the go-to countertop material for people operating on a tight budget. In addition to being affordable, it also comes in a wide range of patterns to choose from.

Wood: Made from wood strips, wood butcher block countertops give any kitchen homey warmth. While the countertops are susceptible to water damage, they are easy to refinish; therefore, you can easily maintain the new look for long. When they scratch or develop gouges, you only need to sand them.

Solid surface: These materials are ideal when you are looking for a seamless countertop surface. Made from a combination of polyester, acrylic, and pigments, solid surface countertops feature grooves that easily fit together, giving the surfaces a smooth look. To eliminate the seams, you only need to sand and buff them.

The look of the countertops

How do the countertops look in your kitchen? You need to think about it before you make the purchase. Many homeowners make the mistake of buying the countertops after seeing them in the stores. Remember how the pieces look in your kitchen depends on plenty of factors such as the design of the kitchen, the color of the tiles, among many other things.

Regardless of how beautiful the countertops look in the stores, don’t rush to place a large order. First, take a few slabs and go with them to your home. Place them on the counters and observe how well they blend with the kitchen. Only buy those that accentuate the look of the kitchen.

Durability

No one wants pieces that will come apart after a few uses. Your new kitchen countertops should last for a long time. They should hold up to spills and knife marks. Concrete countertops are quickly gaining popularity as they are durable and stylish. They are also resistant to cracking and chipping.

Natural stones such as quartz and granite are also durable. Unfortunately, they are prone to staining.

Cheaper materials such as laminate are stain-resistant, but they are easily damaged when exposed to kitchen knives and high heat.

When buying the pieces for the first time, consult an experienced contractor who will guide you on the right pieces that are not only durable but also will give your home a stylish and elegant look.

Ease of maintenance

The last thing to think about when making the purchase is how easy it is to own the countertops. The more the care you need to give to the countertops, the more expensive they are going to be in the long run. To ensure you know what you are getting yourself into, research thoroughly, and even consult granite companies Rockville and other professionals on the amount of care you have to give the various countertop materials.

15

May

Facts About Quartz Countertops

A lot of people believe that having kitchen countertops at home is just for the “well-off” ones. It is a fact that countertop installation can be heavy on the budget. However, it depends on the material and add-ons included during the installation process. One of the most popular countertops is quartz kitchen countertops.

Choosing the best countertop for your kitchen can be a daunting task. For one, you need to consider your budget and kitchen space. Quartz countertops are among the popular countertop choices. On the other hand, granite countertops and engineered stone countertops are also great options.

For now, we are going to focus on countertops made from quartz. Here’s what you need to know about this popular countertop material.

Trivia bites about quartz

Quartz is more than just attractive stone material. It is a popular countertop that offers several features and benefits. It is durable, non-porous, and easy to maintain and clean. Among other things you need to know about this material include the following:

You may have walked on quartz without you realizing it.

Most of us know that quartz is used as a countertop material. However, quartz is also used in flooring for airports, shopping malls, and even luxury boutique brands. Back then, slabs measured around 12×20 inches. Nowadays, it has increased in size and has been used other than a countertop material

Quartz is made from sustainable materials.

In case you are not aware yet, quartz is not made from 100 percent natural stone. In fact, the majority of the quartz countertop materials are actually made from quarrying by-products and not from natural quartz itself. That is why quartz is also referred to as an engineered stone.

A type of quartz material is connected with cheese.

Perhaps you have heard about Cambria quartz countertops. You may be interested to know that the company (owned by the Davis family) that produces this type of countertop also produces cheese for popular brands like Kraft Foods.

Quartz vs. Granite

Quartz and granite are among the most popular countertop materials. Each of them has its pros and cons, so you choose one that will suit your kitchen countertop needs.

On one hand, granite is composed of stones including quartz, mica, feldspar, and other trace minerals. It is 100 percent natural stone that is cut into slabs and polished for a fine and shiny finish. It comes in different color options, by which granite material is widely known for.

Quartz, on the other hand, is not made from 100 percent natural quartz. Rather, it’s made of a mix of natural quartz and polymer resins. Still, it looks like real stone and homeowners can customize its design. In other words, choosing among quartz kitchen tops can be easier.

As for the price, quartz countertop installation can be more expensive than granite. The former can cost as much as $5,000. The latter, on the other hand, can cost about $4,000. Nevertheless, you should rely on professional countertop replacement companies for the installation process.

Quartz countertop maintenance

Maintenance-wise, quartz is easier to clean than granite. Stain marks may occur on granite countertops. Resealing may also be needed on granite countertops.

With quartz, cleaning can be a simple task – soapy water and a clean cloth are enough. Here are some tips in the proper cleaning of a quartz countertop.

  • Clean any spills as soon as possible. Even if quartz is non-porous, it is still best to address stains to prevent the occurrence of marks. At the same time, you can maintain its appearance at all times.
  • For hardened, crusty messes, you can chip it off using a plastic scraper. Spray the stain with warm water so you can scrape it easier. Avoid using metal scrapers as it can damage the countertop material.
  • Use vinegar solution for hard-to-remove stain residue. Sometimes, simply wiping it with water and soap may not be enough. Mix distilled white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray on the stained area, let it sit for a while, and then wipe using a kitchen sponge.

Choose the best countertops

Countertops are a great addition in every home. More importantly, you should choose one that can last for years and enhance the aesthetic value. Find the best countertop replacement companies in Potomac today and check out their sample works.

19

Aug

How to Fix Problems with Kitchen Countertops

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

Main Kitchen Countertop Problems

  • Rupture

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

  • Stains

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

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

  • Scratches

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

  • Etch Marks

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

  • Cracks

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

  • Wrong Design

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

How to Avoid and Fix the Main Countertop Problems

  • Cleaning the countertops

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

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

  • Use Cutting Boards to Protect the Countertops

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

  • Hire a Professional Installer

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

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

09

Aug

10 Quick Facts About Quartz Counter top

Quartz countertops are increasingly becoming popular among homeowners due to their stunning look. Quartz can be used as kitchen countertops or a bathroom vanity countertop material. Quartz kitchen countertop will give your kitchen a whole new amazing look and regal look and perk up the value of your house. In this post, we tell you facts about quartz that you should know and how it’s a good choice for your kitchen worktop and island. If you are planning a remodel and one of the countertop material you are considering is quartz, then you are in the right place, below are some insightful facts about the stone.

Facts About Quartz You Should Know

  • How Quartz is Made

Quartz is engineered in the factory and it’s made up of 95% natural quartz stones bound together by 5% polymer resins and color pigments. Some design of the countertop contains metallic flecks and recycled glass. Quartz is one of the hardest minerals and the result is a gorgeous, durable and eye-catching kitchen countertop.

  • Where to Buy Quartz Countertop and the cost

To get the price of the quartz countertop talk to the quartz countertop dealers and get a quotation and ensure that the quote is all-inclusive. Make sure there are no hidden charges on the quotation and if you have any queries the quartz contractor will be able to take you through the quotation and attend your concerns. The cost of the countertop will depend on the size of the counter you need, transport cost and installation cost. Make sure the quartz countertop dealer has a variety of colors that you can choose from and ensure that your kitchen looks gorgeous.

  • Color Variety

Quartz has a variety of colors available since the different color pigments can be added to the resin to bring out different colors. Modern quartz color looks like granite and is varied giving you a wide selection. Quartz can look as natural as possible with fewer color resins, and as bold and festive as you would want.

  • Where Else Can You Quartz Countertops apart from the kitchen?

Quartz will look amazing in your kitchen, but what other places can you use the countertop?. The countertop is a great choice for your bathroom as there are many styles you can choose from and it’s water-resistant and won’t require sealing. Its Mold resistant and that makes it ideal for the bathroom countertops. While quartz is durable, it’s sad to note that it may not work in an outdoor kitchen as it will fade due to the weather effects.

  • What is the difference between Quartz and Quartzite?

Quartzite is naturally occurring stone and its mined from the earth, cut and polished to make countertops. Quartzite requires sealing to avoid stains while quartz is an engineered stone made by mixing quartz with polymer resins and color pigments.

  • How to Maintain Quartz Countertop

Quartz countertops are easy to maintain as they don’t require constant sealing. The best way to maintain a quartz countertop is to clean it by using a mild soap and warm water. Dip a cloth in the water with soap and wipe off any dirt on the countertop. Avoid harsh cleaners and abrasive brush as that may damage the countertop. Quartz is stain resistant but don’t neglect the countertop. Clean any spills as soon to avoid forming marks on the countertop. Avoid cutting directly on the countertop as that may leave marks if too much force is being used. To remove any gum stuck on the countertop, use a gentle brush or a plastic scraper.

  • Difference Between Quartz and Granite

One of the main difference is that the granite countertop is made from natural stone while quartz is man-made. Quartz doesn’t require constant resealing as compared to granite making easier to maintain. Granite is ideal for outside countertops as it’s not affected by weather as compared to quartz.

Conclusion

Quartz is stain resistant and won’t scratch easily making it ideal for kitchen countertop or bathroom vanity for high traffic areas. Let the quartz countertop installers Rockville do the installation to give your kitchen or bathroom a professional look. If you are looking to remodel your kitchen or bathroom then you have a perfect fit in quartz, as it’s almost maintenance free and will last you a lifetime.

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.