27

Feb

How To Polish Granite Countertops

Granite is one of the toughest materials in the market. Unfortunately, with time, it succumbs to scratches and etching. Dull spots also start showing giving the countertops an ugly appeal.

When this happens, you don’t have to replace the granite countertops. Work with granite experts and polish the countertops and restore the factory shine.

For you to do it effectively you should religiously follow a set of steps that include:

Clean the countertops

You can’t polish the countertops while they are still dirty, so you should start with cleaning them. Mix warm water and mild soap and use it to get rid of any spills and stains. Take caution not to use harsh chemicals on the countertops. Avoid products containing ammonia, bleach, lime, vinegar, lemon, and glass cleaners.

Get the granite polish

You can get the polish in two ways: you can make your own or buy already made polish from your local home improvement and kitchen stores. When purchasing the polish, avoid general-purpose polishing products as they have been proven to damage the countertops.

When it comes to making your polish, there are plenty of recipes you can follow. Regardless of the one you follow, ensure that the polish you make isn’t too acidic.

To make your granite polish, begin with three cups of warm water then add ¼ cup of baking soda.

Apply the solution

If your countertops are dull due to superficial scratches and light etching, you can restore the original countertop shine using granite polishing powder.

Make a paste by mixing the polishing powder with water then apply the polishing solution using a soft cloth. If using retail granite polish, spray it lightly on the countertops and let it sit for 2-3 minutes.

You should then buff the countertops with the polish using small, circular motions. Use a very soft cloth to do it as a more abrasive material will scratch the granite.

Once you are done, wipe off the polish with a damp cloth to get a streak-free finish. It’s normal to have excess water on the countertops after wiping the countertops down. If this happens, use another cloth to dry it off.

In most cases, your granite will polish nicely even when you do it by yourself, but if the countertop is profoundly scratched or damaged, the home remedies might not work. In such a case, contact a home restoration professional to professionally polish the countertops so that they look as good as new.

Professionals use wet or dry polishing techniques together with specialty tools. These tools cause irreversible damage, so you should only ensure professionals use them.

Tips on how to preserve your granite countertops

To reduce the frequency you polish the countertops, you should observe a set of tips that include:

  • Clean the spills immediately to prevent marks and stains from coming about. If you leave liquids on the surface for a long time, they cause dark, shadowy marks that give the countertops a cheap, ugly look.
  • Buff the countertops with cooking oil. This will make the countertops shiny and stain-resistant. Apply some cooking oil to the cloth and wipe it across the granite countertop surfaces. When doing it, apply gentle pressure. This will give the granite a nice shine, which also reduces the chances of stains coming about.
  • Although it’s tough and durable, granite is easily damaged when you cut directly on it. To protect it, always use a cutting board. You also shouldn’t leave any sharp objects lying around.
  • Place hot pans, pots, hair straighteners, and curling irons on an insulated mat. This is to protect the surfaces from getting burnt. It also prevents micro-scratches from coming about. According to granite installers Rockville, using an insulated mat also prevents the sealant from eroding quickly.
  • To prevent chemical damage, avoid keeping any cosmetics on the countertops. This is because most of the cosmetic products contain chemicals that can tarnish the countertops and break the sealer. Just like with hot products, place the cosmetics on a mat or tray. You can also lock them in a cabinet.
  • Keep the countertops sealed to protect the stone from everyday use. For peace of mind, do a bead test once in a while to confirm that the sealer is working optimally. Pour a few water drops on the countertops. If beads form, it shows that the seal is working properly. On the other hand, if the water drops get absorbed by the countertops, you should re-seal the countertops.
14

Feb

Quartz Countertops Installation Problems And How To Counter Them

Adding quartz countertops to your kitchen is an excellent way of brightening up your surfaces. The countertops are also tough, so when you install them, you are confident you have a surface that can withstand heavy use.

Are you looking to install the countertops in your home? You should know that plenty of problems can come about during installation. The most common ones being:

Visible seams

Imagine this. You get into a house after the countertop installer has given the green light. The countertop color is perfect as it complements the floor and cabinets, but on a closer look, you notice a long and obvious seam where the counter pieces join together.

Your heart sinks as this isn’t what you wanted. When you began the project, you wanted your new countertops to be visually unmarred, but this isn’t the case. There are large unsightly seams. Your project isn’t a success.

Your countertops will have an unsightly seam when they are poorly installed. Discuss with your installer and agree on how you are going to go about it. They might have to remove the countertops then install them anew, or they can seal the seams, so they are invisible.

Countertop cracks

In most cases, the countertops will crack when there are problems with the cabinets, such as the cabinets not being of the same height.

If this happens during installation, the installation professional should fix it as part of their job, but if the cracks come about after installation, you should get in touch with your contractor and ask them to diagnose the problem and fix it.

Scratches, dents, and other problems due to poor workmanship

When you decide to update your kitchen, you want the project to be perfect, but it’s not always the case. Scratches and dents are a common sign of poor workmanship, and they happen when you hire a cheap, inexperienced contractor.

Accidents are common during installation, but you shouldn’t accept shoddy workmanship.  If the dent or scratch is due to installer’s fault, ask them to fix it immediately.

How can you prevent the problems from coming about?

Luckily, there are several things you can do to prevent the above issues from coming about and leading to loss of money. Some of the things you can do include:

Hire an expert

Many homeowners try to cut costs by hiring the cheapest contractor they find. Quality and low prices don’t go together, so you can’t expect exceptional workmanship from a cheap contractor.

To reduce the chances of countertop problems coming about, hire an experienced professional. While they will come at a premium price, they are worth it as they will expertly install the countertops.

When choosing a contractor, keep your eyes out for scammers that might try to rip you off. If the contractor charges you a price that is way off the standard rates, they are most likely ripping you off, and you should stay away from them.

Protect your cabinets

Contractors join countertops with cabinets using adhesives. Sometimes the adhesive can get on the face of the cabinets giving them an ugly look. To avoid this, protect the cabinets before you start the installation.

Protect the cabinets by applying a strip of painter’s tape to the face of cabinets. This ensures that no dripping adhesive makes contact with the cabinets.

Use supports where necessary

Quartz counters are heavy; thus, not all cabinets can hold them. The surfaces might also have unsupported areas such as desks and overhangs that might require additional support.

If your cabinets aren’t strong enough, place backer boards or plywood under them. If there are unsupported areas greater than 12-inches, use a steel plate, corbels, or any other material to provide support and prevent sagging or even cracking of the surfaces.

Have everything else ready

Before you ask the quartz countertop installer Rockville to begin the installation, ensure everything else is in place. The electrical and plumbing should be roughed, the walls should already be painted and dry, the cabinets should be installed, the flooring should be finished, and the appliances should at least be at hand if not already in place.

This significantly reduces the chances of problems coming about as no other contractor will touch the countertops after installing them.

06

Feb

8 Types Of Granite Countertops

When homeowners visit countertop stores, they want granite countertops. Did you know there are many types of these countertops in the market? The most common ones are:

Tiled granite

Often cheaper than other countertops in the market, tiled granite is made by placing tiles edge to edge then securing them with epoxy.

Although, it’s more affordable, tiled granite isn’t popular with most homeowners. This is because it’s high maintenance. Also, many homeowners don’t like its look so most homeowners opt for other types that are more grandiose.

Slab granite

These are the go-to countertops. When homeowners say they have installed granite in their homes, these are usually what they install.

They are made of a solid piece of granite fabricated off-site then customized to fit the dimensions of the surfaces you are looking to install —whether kitchen or bathroom.

Due to their design, the countertops are expensive. Fortunately, they are elegant to look at.

Since they are heavy and difficult to install, you should only have them installed by a professional. The professional will also ensure they don’t break or crack. After all, you wouldn’t want your countertops you have spent a huge chunk of your cash to get damaged, would you?

Modular granite

These are pre-cut mini slabs that are often already fabricated into standard sizes and shapes to fit most standard kitchens and bathrooms.

If your surfaces don’t meet the standard sizes, you can still install the countertops, but you should be ready to deal with large seams that may be ugly to look at.

Since they are light and easy to install, they are loved by many DIY enthusiasts.

Black

Many homeowners shy away from black granite as it doesn’t show the veining like the lighter slabs. While the veins aren’t as visible as when you have white countertops, black comes with plenty of benefits. One of the benefits is that it sparkles more than the other types.

If considering installing the black color in your home, pair it with white cabinets for a modern classic look.

White granite

This is the go-to color for most homeowners, especially those looking for an elegant look. Some inexperienced homeowners avoid it as they have the impression that it will be plain and featureless.

Since granite is obtained from a natural stone, it doesn’t come in only one color. It has plenty of other minor colors in it that give it more character and make it more interesting.

For a great look, pair it with wooden cabinetry or with white or black cabinets.

Beige granite

Although, it almost resembles white granite, beige is more welcoming to homeowners. This is because it has more colors that give it more character. The countertop tends to have spots of black, gray, and black mixed in.

Due to its color, you can use it in a wide range of applications including traditional, country, and even in classic homes.

Brown granite

A tad darker than beige, brown granite looks excellent when paired with light wooden cabinets. Although, you can use it in different applications, it looks excellent in rustic and country style kitchens where it makes the house feel homey and warm.

Since it doesn’t contrast too strongly, it highlights the woodwork in the room which gives any house an inviting look.

Jewel-toned granite

You won’t find this granite in most homes but it’s excellent when used as a focal point in a toned-down kitchen. Green or red based granite looks excellent in an Asian style kitchen. For an elegant look, go for cabinets that aren’t too bright as they will clash with the countertops.

The secret to finding the right granite

With so many options to choose from, it can be confusing to tell the right one for your home. When making the purchase, you should note the countertops might look perfect in the countertop store but otherwise in your home.

To avoid shelling out a lot of cash for slabs you won’t be proud of, before you place a huge order, granite installers Rockville recommend you first go with a few pieces to your home and see how they blend with your floor, cabinets, appliances, and other parts of the house.

30

Jan

How Can You Get The Most From Granite Countertops?

In addition to being beautiful, granite countertops offer an excellent return on investment. When you install the right countertops, you significantly improve the look of the entire room and keep it looking fabulous for years, if not decades. It’s no doubt granite is a significant investment and one you will be proud of for years.

The only catch is that you have to buy the right countertops and install them professionally. Luckily, you can do it using these tips:

Always view the entire granite slabs

When you visit the granite stores, the countertop company will show you countertop pieces. If you aren’t experienced, you will be satisfied with the pieces, which ends up being problematic.

Since granite is a natural stone, it varies widely in color, veining, and patterns. These variations don’t appear accurately on countertop pieces, so you might be mistaken about how the countertops will look upon installation.

To avoid surprises, ask the countertop company to show you the entire slab so you can be aware of the color variations and veins. Keenly inspect the slab keeping your eyes out for areas that show significant variations and where the contractors will place a seam between two slabs.

To reduce the number of seams that will be on your countertops, select the largest granite slab. Granite slabs are often available in sizes of up to 10 feet in length. You should note that while they significantly reduce the number of seams, they are often brittle and heavy to handle and transport. So you should be ready to make the sacrifice.

Strive to keep the countertop prices down

Due to the popularity of the countertops, some sellers tend to markup their prices to take advantage of unsuspecting homeowners. For you to avoid buying the countertops at extremely high prices, take time to do your research.

Visit different companies and see what they have in store. Expect the prices to vary depending on the location of the company and the quality of the stone.

Of course, avoid companies located in high-end areas as they will be more expensive due to the high rent. You also should avoid the big chain stores. In addition to selling countertop stones at high prices, they also don’t have variety, so you are stuck with only a few options.

While you should strive to keep the prices as low as possible, be cautious of a company selling the countertops at meager prices. The chances are that the slabs aren’t genuine and will come apart after a few months.

Take time and hire the right installation company

If you are like other homeowners, when you are looking for an installation company, you go online and key in your search term. You then proceed to contact the first company that shows up first in the search results. Don’t do this.

You are better off working with a contractor with a proven record. So the first thing you should do is to ask your friends and relatives that recently installed countertops about the contractor they used.

You also should visit the review sites and see some of the top-rated contractors in your area. Select a few and schedule an interview.

During the interview, ask them how they are going to install the countertops, how they are going to address the issues in your kitchen, and any other questions that will help you gauge their expertise.

Once you have found an ideal contractor, have a written quote. This will protect you from future attempts by the contractor to increase the price.

Go for a simple design

Although every homeowner wants a new look for their home, you shouldn’t go for an intricate countertop design that is not only expensive, but also hard to execute.

You should note that the countertop installation professional charges depending on several factors such as the size of the work surface, presence of matching backsplash, presence of cutouts for fixtures and plumbing, and other details.

A design doesn’t have to be complex to be elegant. Work with experienced granite countertop installers Rockville and install a simple design that will cost you less to install and last for a long time.

Parting shot

For you to install countertops, you will be proud of for years, buy a high-quality slab, and ensure an experienced contractor installs it.

16

Jan

Countertop Replacement Services: 6 Signs It’s Time To Replace Your Countertops

Regardless of the type of kitchen countertops you have installed in your home, it will come a time when you will have to replace them. Knowing the right time to hire countertop replacement services providers is the tricky part is you can replace surfaces that could have lasted a few more months or even years.

Luckily, there are a few things you can check to tell when your countertops are ready for replacement. Here are 6 of these signs:

The countertops are eroding

Countertop erosion is common with low-end countertop materials, but also high-end materials will wear out when you have had them for a long time.

Sometimes the countertops are too eroded that you can see the materials beneath them. Don’t wait for your pieces to get to these levels.

You can’t repair eroded materials, so the only way out is to replace them. When buying the new pieces, go for high-quality materials that you are sure will give you a long service.

The countertops have cracks on them

Cracks are common in wooden countertops and are often due to constant pressure on the countertops. The cracks will also come about when the countertops continuously come into contact with sharp or abrasive objects.

In addition to the cracks being unsightly and giving the countertops a cheap look, dirt and bacteria tend to get into the cracked areas putting your foods and tools at the risk of contamination.

It’s possible to repair cracks. The only issue is that you are unable to find the perfect color blend for the countertops. So, if your countertops have large cracks, don’t bother repairing them. Replace them.

There are stains, water damage, and discoloration on the countertops

Some countertop materials, such as limestone, are hard to maintain with just water and detergent. Using harsh chemicals damages them. As a consequence, they develop stains that are hard to get rid of.

Granite and quartzite countertops, on the other hand, stain easily when you don’t seal them properly.

Just like eroded or cracked surfaces, stained countertop surfaces are unsightly to look at. If you entertain a lot, you don’t want the guests seeing the ugly countertops, do you?

If looking to sell the house, the stained or discolored surfaces reduce the value of your home.

For you to be proud of your kitchen, get rid of the stained counters. Replacing the countertops will also improve the value of your property so you get the most value out of it.

You are renovating the kitchen

If renovating your kitchen, you don’t want to have elegant looking walls, floor, and cabinets while the countertops are still in their beat-up state.

To maintain a uniform look, consider fixing the countertops to improve their look. If you have installed many new parts, you also should install new countertops that will match the new kitchen.

There are burn marks on the countertops you can’t get rid of

It’s normal for countertops to develop burn marks, especially if you aren’t fond of placing pads or trivets under the hot pots.

Most of the marks will come out when you clean the surfaces, but if you have tried scrubbing or even sealing the marks and they can’t come out, start thinking about replacing the countertops.

Before you rip out the countertops, do some research and ensure that you can get rid of the cracks, burns, stains, or chips in less invasive and inexpensive ways.

This calls for you to consult an expert who will help you out.

The countertops are outdated

Are you one of the homeowners that care deeply about the hottest countertop trend? If you are and the countertop design is outdated, the surfaces must be an eyesore to you, and you won’t be proud of your kitchen.

To restore the pride and have fun in the kitchen, consider replacing your countertops. To ensure that the new countertops aren’t outdated in the next few months or years, choose durable materials.

When it comes to design, go with classical designs as they are timeless.

To eliminate the urge to replace the surfaces, granite contractors Rockville recommend that you regularly apply new paint on the countertops.

06

Jan

7 Things To Consider When Buying Granite Countertops

Granite countertops are elegant to look at and extremely easy to maintain. Unfortunately, you can’t buy any slab you come across. You need to take your time and find the right one. What should you consider when buying the countertops?

Your taste

Everything begins here. You want a slab that you will be proud of when you get in the house. The slab you go for depends on what you like and how you live. Before you buy the granite, ask yourself these questions:

  • Do you want straight lines or right angles?
  • Are you looking to install a top-mount, under-mount, or drop-in sink?
  • Do you prefer countertops with details on them?
  • Are you into light or dark colors?
  • Do you want the countertop to be stable or moving?
  • What type of vein style do you like?

Your preferences and the look you want to create will come in handy at helping you choose the right material from the thousands that will be thrown at you by the fabricator.

Size of your kitchen

Do you have a large or small kitchen? The size of the kitchen will help you determine the right granite slab and its pattern. If you have a small kitchen, go for light-colored granite such as Giallo ornamental. The countertop will make the kitchen look larger and more appealing.

If you like dark colors, go with dark granites with light veins. They will also give your kitchen a large look.

Do you have a large kitchen? Experiment with dark colors. You also should try out different patterns depending on the size of the kitchen.

Three of the best patterns are: marbled, solid, and speckled.

Amount of lighting

The lighting in the house will also greatly determine the type of countertops that you will install in your home. If your kitchen doesn’t have any natural light, go with gold or white countertops.

Does your kitchen have substantial light? Darker colors such as black, mahogany, and deep blue will give the kitchen the look you want.

You should note that you can add more light to the kitchen by installing more lights. So, before you head to the stores to make a purchase, consider the chances of adding more lights to the kitchen to improve its look.

Color

You can’t buy a countertop of any color—it has to match the cabinets, floor, and other parts of the kitchen. You can carry a sample to your home or bring the cabinet door with you into the showroom so that you can see how it will look with your cabinets in place.

The color of the cabinets depends on the look you want and the lighting in your home.

Countertop edges

In addition to the look they give to your kitchen, the countertop edges also affect how people interact with surfaces. If you have small children, you want round corners other than sharp edges that will hurt the little ones.

Type of sink

The sink you install in your kitchen or bathroom needs to be stylish and functional. The type of countertops you are looking to install depends on the type of sink you are interested in.

For you to buy the right design, size, and color of granite, work with your contractor, who will guide you.

Finish

How would you like the countertops to look like once you have installed them? Are you looking for a honed, polish, or leather look?

The honed finish is also known as matte finish, and when appropriately done, it leaves the surfaces smooth and feeling like satin. You need to reseal the countertops regularly. This finish is ideal when installing the countertops in a casual, low traffic area.

The polish finish is meant to hide smudges and fingerprints. When done right, the polish reveals the true character and color of the countertops.

Finally, there is a leather finish. It’s much more effective at hiding smudges and imperfections than any other material. The finish looks much better in dark granite. For you to maintain a great look, countertop contractors Potomac recommend you clean the surfaces daily with a microfiber cloth and cleaner.