18

Jun

Wood Vs. Quartz Countertops: Is Quartz Better?

Kitchen countertops may seem like they’re no-fuss and you can just choose any material, but selecting the something that doesn’t meet your needs and requirements can surely trigger buyer’s remorse. If you’re leaning towards wood and quartz countertops, here is a comparison between these two countertop materials.

Comparing Wood And Quartz Countertops

The Material

You know the drill – you can’t decide which material is better for you if you don’t know what makes it. So, it is crucial to know the material, its composition, and everything in between.

Wood Countertops

Wood is, well, wood. It is also known as butcher block and it is a material that is sourced from the good ole trees. Trees have been the greatest source of wood since the beginning of time and over time, wood has gone through a lot of processes to make it perfect for use in the kitchen.

It is an environmentally friendly material that is a great insulator of heat and it looks really rustic, but in a good way. So, you know that it is always a winner when it comes to aesthetics.

Quartz Countertops

As for quartz, it is more like a rock, as compared to wood, but the great thing is that it is a man-made material. It is quite literally the best stone out there if you are looking for something that won’t demand a lot and will stay in pristine condition for longer.

Quartz is a light material that is made out of pulverized rocks and minerals, and everything is bonded with resin to give it that solid finish with a bit of sheen. It is a material that will win hearts with its qualities.

Durability

The next factor to consider is the durability of each material. Let’s be honest – if you are going to pick a kitchen countertop material, you want it to be strong. You don’t want to spend money on fragile material. It is literally of no use.

Wood Countertops

Wood is a decently durable material. It is not indestructible by any means, but if you are a die-hard fan of wood and want to get it in your kitchen, then you can, because it is amazing.

Wood is treated to ensure that it lasts in the kitchen for some time, but it does fall victim to cracks, especially if you put a lot of force on it, sit on it, and even manhandle it too much, which can lead to cracks.

Quartz Countertops

Quartz is an all-rounded amazing material when it comes to durability. It is strong, it is rock hard and it doesn’t budge even if you put a lot of weight on it. It is a great choice to go for, if you want something that is not fragile like marble, because it is going to last you a good while, even decades if you maintain it well.

Variety

People, no matter how minimal they are, want some sort of variety when it comes to countertop materials. Well, you need to see the same for wood and quartz, so that you can choose something that will entice the senses.

Wood Countertops

Wood doesn’t have a lot of color or finish options. You can only really get warmer colors in wood and it is available in a honed and polished finish. You can stain the wood to make it look a bit different, but again, the color will fall in the warm yellow or red category, so there is only so much you can do with wood.

Quartz Countertops

Quartz is available in almost any and every color your heart desires. The main reason for this abundant variety is because it is man-made and when things can be made by someone, you can dye the material any color you want.

All you need to do is choose a color and the fabricator will put in liquid dye or mica in the quartz mixture and you will have the color that you want in no time. Amazing, isn’t it?

Maintenance

Maintaining kitchen countertops can be a mean feat. It is something that you have to do, but you also want it to be manageable, because you don’t want to spend all of your time maintaining and looking after the material.

Wood Countertops

Wood is a high maintenance material. It needs to be sealed because it is not naturally water-resistant. It also needs to be polished from time to time, especially if you’re going for a glossy finish. Also, wood can catch fire and it can lead to heat stains, so you want to ensure that you are protecting wood countertops from these hideous black stains.

Quartz Countertops

Quartz is not as high maintenance as wood or any natural stone. Quartz, since it is man-made, is non-porous by nature, so you really don’t need to seal it. It can bead the water up on the surface and there is nothing that you have to do, besides wiping the water away on the surface.

Also, it has a naturally polished finish, but it can wear off over time, so you’ll need to freshen it up. One big drawback of quartz is that it can gradually fade, especially in sunlight, so you want to coat the countertops with a UV protectant to ensure that it doesn’t go from beautiful to bleh.

Price

The price is also something you’ll need to consider, because as good as a material is, it also needs to be affordable.

Wood is considered to be the winner in this department since it is way less expensive than quartz. Yes, some specialty woods can run expensive, but that is not always the case. Since quartz is made in a meticulous way and needs special equipment to cut and fabricate into slabs for countertops, the cost adds up.

Heat Resistance

Heat resistance is probably the most crucial thing you need to go through. You’re working in a kitchen. It is going to get hot in there and you have to get a material that won’t get burned by the woes in the kitchen.

Wood Countertops

Wood doesn’t do well when it comes to high temperatures. It doesn’t mean that you can’t ever put a piece of hot steak near it.

However, you have to understand that will cause blisters on the surface of the wood and that will just ruin the entire look of the butcher block countertops, which is the last thing you want after you’ve spent so much time getting them installed and making them look the way you want them to look.

Quartz Countertops

Heat is not an issue a huge issue for quartz slabs. First of all, the components used to make quartz are all quite heat resistant, and then comes the treating process in which the resin hardens, so you know that quartz can withstand a lot more than it looks like it can handle. So, if you want a material that is decently heat-resistant, then quartz is the best.

Conclusion

Wood and quartz are two different completely different materials. The former is an engineered stone while the latter is a natural material. If you want a rustic kitchen, then choose wood countertops. However, if you want a material that is durable, low maintenance and available in a variety of colors and patterns, then quartz countertops will be right for you. Get in touch with a quartz countertop contractor Rockville for taking a look at various quartz samples.

14

May

Why You Should Not Choose Wood Countertops?

Wood countertops appear amazing. Their beauty is out of this world, they have a classic look and add value to your home. But, sometimes, they’re just not the best when it comes to a long-lasting and easy material to deal with. Here are all the reasons why you shouldn’t go for wood countertops and consider natural stone or quartz kitchen countertops instead.

Avoid Wood Countertops When:

You Want To Avoid Maintenance

Maintenance is the middle name of wooden countertops. If you’re looking for a kitchen countertop material that is going to leave you feeling free and breezy with the work, then wood is not it. Wood is one of those very high maintenance materials and it’s not the one to go for.

There’s Too Much Moisture

Wood is also not the best when it comes to water and moisture damage. You might think that water is harmless since it doesn’t have any color or it doesn’t leave any stains. Well, that’s far from the truth. Water is one of those things that can stain countertops like crazy and wood will suck up all of the water and moisture and get ruined in no time.

So, if you don’t want your perfectly good and expensive countertops to be ruined with something as simple as water, then don’t go for it.

You’re Scared Of Stains

Wood can stain a lot too. Wood is a porous material and it can suck in any liquid on its surface. So, if you think that wood won’t leave stains, then you’re very wrong. Wood can get ruined and the look will be unpleasant if it is mottled with stains all over the surface.

Therefore, if you want to go for wood, then sealing it is a must, but then you’ll be taking on the burden of maintaining this very demanding material and that is not ideal at all.

You Want Variety

Wood doesn’t have a lot of variety. It’s just a plain ole material at the end of the day and there is not a lot you can do with its look. Now, some people love wood and it’s an amazing and beautiful material with natural veining and stained surfaces.

However, not everyone loves the look of wood. It is just too plain and too boring and there are almost zero color options besides the warm brown or some other shades of it. If you are someone who loves variety, then you need to go for other materials besides wood. They will satiate your inner indecisive person.

You Want Perfection

Wood is a natural material, so you can expect some spots and imperfections here and there. It is not going to be a 100% perfect material with no blemishes. So, if that’s something that can put you off, then you shouldn’t go for this material at all.

There are tons of other natural stone and man-made stone options out there that will be perfect from the front to the back, so you won’t have to worry about anything. The look will be amazing and there will be zero imperfections. However, wood is not part of that boat.

You Want Something Trendy

Wood is not a trendy option in any way. It is more like a timeless and classic material but that doesn’t mean that it always looks amazing too. Some people might find the look of wood to be too old and not contemporary.

So, if that is how you feel when you see wood, then it is not for you. You don’t want to commit to wood just because it’s “trendy”. There are other materials out there that will fit the trend theme perfectly. So, you can choose from an array of other materials, and leave wood where it’s supposed to be.

You Want Reasonable Options

Wood is not a reasonable option at all if you want a high-quality wood option, and if you do hear that it is very cheap, then, well, it’s not wood or low-quality wood. Wood is an expensive material because it is limited in quantity. Wood is seldom manufactured in factories and if it is, then it is not real hardwood.

Real hardwood comes from trees and they have to be cut down to supply them to manufacturers and retailers all over the world. This makes things interesting because there is a lot of variety in terms of cost and quality of wood. There are low cost options, medium-range options, and then higher cost wood countertops. The quality is a concern in low cost options, however.

You’re Building An Outdoor Kitchen

If you have an outdoor kitchen or you’re building one and you want to get a countertop for it too, then stay far, far away from wood. Wood is not suited to be an outdoor kitchen countertop material. It can get damaged and burned by the sun, it is not the best when it comes to torrential rains and it just won’t last that long under constantly changing weather conditions.

So, if you want to get your hands on a good outdoor kitchen countertop material, then wood is not it. Go for something else and you won’t be disappointed.

What To Buy Instead Of Wood Countertops?

So, now that you know when you shouldn’t select wood as your kitchen countertop, then what should you do? Well, here are some of the better alternatives out there.

Granite Countertops

Even though granite is also a natural stone and does require maintenance as well, it is very durable when it comes to longevity and if you’re looking for a similar material in the sense of adding value to your home, then granite will tick all of the boxes.

Quartz Countertops

If you don’t want to go for natural materials, because they are too much work, then quartz is an amazing option. It is hard like stone, it is heat resistant, it is perfect for outdoor kitchens and it won’t put a dent in your wallet either.

Stainless Steel Countertops

If budget is not an issue and you want to try a completely different material, then stainless steel will give your kitchen that minimal and industrial look. It is expensive, but it requires no maintenance other than cleaning it every day.

Soapstone Countertops

If you love a good and almost slippery-feeling material, then true to its name, soapstone, will be a great option. It is a less demanding and low-maintenance version of marble, so there’s that.

Marble Countertops

Marble, even though it is extremely high maintenance, is a beautiful material nonetheless, and like granite, it is also quite up there in the ROI department. So, if you love elegant and neutral-colored materials, then marble is the way to go.

Limestone Countertops

Limestone is a much sturdier and low maintenance material as compared to marble. If you love the look of marble but don’t appreciate the price and the maintenance aspect of things, then limestone will not disappoint you. It is a decent material and it will make for a durable material.

Conclusion

Well, now you know exactly when to avoid wooden countertops and what to get instead if you want something durable, easy to maintain, and longer lasting. Get in touch with a quartz countertop contractor Rockville to pick the right countertop material.

14

Jun

What Are The Cheapest Kitchen Countertop Materials?

Replacing a countertop can get expensive. The driving factor of the cost of a countertop is the price of the material so if you choose the material carefully, you can have a countertop installed without breaking the bank. Can you get granite countertops at a lower cost? Well, here are the most cost-effective countertop materials.

Ceramic Tile Countertops

Although ceramic tiles are common for backsplashes, they can be installed as countertops too. Ceramic tiles are stain-resistant and waterproof and make cleaning easy for the most part. Moreover, you are not limited to a few options when it comes to the designs, patterns, and colors of ceramic tiles.

However, there are some downsides to using ceramic tiles for your countertop space. The tiles themselves are super easy to clean but the grout lines are a pain in the neck when it comes to cleaning. Also, due to these grout lines, the surface won’t be perfectly smooth and many home buyers don’t like kitchens where ceramic tile countertops are installed.

Another disadvantage of ceramic tiles is that they can crack on slight impacts as well. After a crack, you can repair it or replace the tile with a new one.

That being said, ceramic tiles are one of the cheapest materials you can find for kitchen countertops.

Laminate Countertops

Laminate countertops are also known as Formica countertops because Formica was the company that introduced these counters. Modern laminate countertops have improved a lot from their old counterparts due to technological advancements.

Laminate countertops are made with kraft paper and resins to form a thin and durable layer. Another solid layer is bonded to that layer for the formation of a laminate surface.

Modern laminate countertops are also known as high-pressure laminate where plastic resins and cellulose layers are mixed in high heat and pressure to create a solid surface. These countertops are considered more durable than traditional laminate counters.

Laminate countertops are cheap yet stain-resistant due to the use of resins. You can clean a laminate countertop with soapy water. But be careful and avoid using abrasive cleaners because they will scratch the surface.

Furthermore, laminate counters can be made to look like any countertop material. There are laminate countertops that look like granite, marble, quartz, steel, wood, and other materials.

Moreover, these countertops are lightweight so they are easy to install. It can help you save on the installation costs as well.

On the flip side, laminate countertops don’t add value to your house because they are not as durable as granite or quartz. They are also prone to scratches and heat damage. Moreover, the counters will delaminate if moisture penetrates into the surface.

All in all, if you want the cheapest countertop but can’t stand ceramic tiles, select laminate countertops.

Granite Tile Countertops

Granite is the most popular countertop material and granite slabs are commonly used for a smooth and durable surface. However, if you don’t have the budget for granite slabs and want granite as your countertop, you can choose granite tiles.

Granite tiles are much cheaper than even the lowest-cost granite slab. This is because granite tiles can be made with smaller pieces of granite. However, you would need to deal with grout lines if you install granite tiles. So, cleaning can become difficult due to this reason.

Moreover, any granite countertop whether slab or tile requires sealing so you would need to seal the tiles as well. You would also need to refill the grout lines every few years if you use counters a lot.

An advantage of granite tiles is that you can install them yourself if you have some knowledge of countertop installation. But if you go for professional installation, it costs almost the same as granite slab installation.

If you don’t want granite, you can choose tiles of any other stone as well that is available in tiles.

Solid Surface Countertops

Engineered stone countertops have two basic types solid surface and quartz. As quartz is a premium countertop material and priced in the same range as granite, you should look into solid surface countertops that are cheaper and have some advantages.

Keep in mind that solid surfaces cost more than laminate or ceramic tile countertops but they have many benefits that laminate and ceramic tiles can’t provide. Moreover, it costs similar to granite tiles and has some benefits over them as well.

For instance, there are no seams in solid surface countertops whereas ceramic and granite tiles, infamously, have seams that make cleaning difficult.

Moreover, solid surface countertops have a non-porous surface. Even though ceramic tiles are non-porous, the grout lines create the same problem that non-porous surfaces do. On the other hand, granite tiles can be sealed but they also have grout lines. Lastly, laminate can resist moisture but if the surface becomes damaged, moisture will enter the surface and damage the countertop.

In addition to that, you can easily repair solid surface countertops by sanding them out whereas laminate countertops can’t be repaired. Plus, solid surface countertops are more impact resistant than ceramic tiles and laminate countertops.

But solid surfaces have some problems as well. They are susceptible to heat damage. Hot pans can discolor or even cracks the surface. Granite tiles are better in heat resistance than solid surface counters.

Also, solid surface countertops are soft and more susceptible to scratches than granite tiles. So, you must use a cutting board for chopping food. However, to be fair, the suggestion of using a cutting board is valid for every material mentioned in this blog.

Wood Countertops

The accessibility and variations of wood allow for cheaper butcher block countertops that look beautiful and cost much less than granite and quartz. You don’t need to rely on brands for having a wood countertop because a woodworker can create a durable countertop for you and if you have some woodworking experience you can create one for yourself. This will drastically reduce the cost of your countertop installation.

Butcher block countertops provide a rustic appeal better than no other material. Still, they match any kitchen style. However, they are high-maintenance countertops. Even if you seal your wood countertops, any spill must be cleaned immediately.

Low-Cost Granite Slabs

As granite is so popular, many homeowners only want granite as their countertop. If granite tiles don’t work for you yet you can’t splurge on a high-quality granite slab, look for cheaper and low-cost granite slabs.

They won’t be as durable and long-lasting as premium granite slabs, but they would still last for many years given that you care for them well. However, as with any granite slab, you should not try DIY installation because it can result in damage to the slab. Hiring an installer will increase the overall cost of your countertop installation, but it will be for the best.

To keep your granite slab in good condition, avoid putting hot pans on it, use a cutting board, and clean it with cleaners made for granite cleaning. Moreover, cheaper granite slabs are less durable so make sure to never sit or stand on the countertop.

Conclusion

You don’t have to spend a fortune for purchasing a countertop material. Look into the above-mentioned countertop materials that are budget-friendly and fairly durable. For installing a granite countertop, get in touch with a granite contractor Potomac for low-cost granite slabs or tiles.

21

May

Replacing Kitchen Countertops On A Budget? 7 Countertop Options To Choose From

If your countertops are damaged, worn out, or you want to revamp your kitchen or bathroom, you should contact countertop replacement services providers to replace the countertops.

If you have a large budget for the work, you do not worry as you can use any material you want, but you can only go with cheap materials if you are working on a tight budget.

Thinking about replacing kitchen countertops on a budget? There are several countertop materials you can go with. The most common ones being:

Laminate

Although laminate countertops were popular a few decades ago, you can still install them in your home at an affordable price. The beauty of modern laminates is that you can find countertops that resemble almost anything. Thanks to advances in technology, you can find laminate countertops mimicking stone, wood, and other materials.

The main flaw with laminate is it tends to easily scratch, so you need to be cautious when preparing your meals or cleaning so you don’t cause substantial damage. Thankfully, you can reduce the chances of scratching by sealing the countertops. When doing it, ensure that you use sealant materials specifically designed for laminate countertops.

Cultured marble

This is faux marble that resembles real marble but comes at a much lower price. The countertops are made from a mixture of polyester resin and pigments, marble dust and fillers.

These surfaces replicate the marble appearance, but they are more stain-resistant than the real marble, making them easier to maintain.

Paint

Many people use paint to revamp their walls, but did you know you can also transform your counters using it? The cool thing is you can easily paint the surfaces by yourself without requiring the services or contractor.

All you need to do is to find a color that will give your surfaces a brand new look you are looking for. You can paint any counter surface, so whether you want to transform tile, laminate, solid surface or any other surface, you can definitely use paint.

Bamboo

Bamboo isn’t the most popular countertop material, but it can give your surfaces a unique natural look when properly done.

Bamboo surfaces are known to be stylish, tough, and eco friendly. The only flaw with them is they require significant levels of maintenance. For example, you need to paint them or seal them, so they aren’t damaged by water.

Tiles

Are you looking for durable countertops, but you are operating on a tight budget? These are the countertops to go for. Besides being tough, the countertops are colorful, so they will significantly transform your surfaces with their unique colors.

To make the countertops more appealing, use them in conjunction with plainer, more affordable styles.

Wood

Wood or butcher block counters add warmth to your surfaces and give them a unique natural look. The beauty of wood is it’s cheaper than stone countertops, so you will save a significant amount of money by installing them.

Bamboo and maples are two of the most popular wooden countertop materials, but you can install any other wooden countertops of your choice. When you install them, you should note that the countertops require regular oiling to prevent them from wood-boring insects. You may also have to seal the surfaces to prevent them from water damage.

Stainless steel

Although a good quality stainless steel countertop isn’t cheap, a properly constructed custom made steel countertop can double as a kitchen island, meaning you don’t need to build a kitchen island, and as you can imagine, this saves you a lot of money.

The cool thing is many freestanding stainless steel counters provide plenty of storage space beneath, so you don’t need to construct storage cabinets for your produce.

Recycled glass

This is a new entrant in the market and has quickly risen in popularity. Recycled glass surfaces are made by mixing pieces of recycled glass with cement and other binders. At first look, the countertops are beautiful and easy to maintain, but this isn’t the case.

You need to be ultra-cautious when preparing your meals or placing hard objects on the countertops as they can easily chip or break. So like granite countertops Rockville and other countertop materials, you need to be careful, so you don’t damage them.