30

Jul

Countertop Installation Mistakes

When you observe a person who steals installing countertops, with their given materials, making the job easy. However, people are unable to understand that installing a countertop, even the walls, floors, and cupboards are not always perfect, squared, or leveled. Professional kitchen and home builders will anticipate that expected places where they should be installed are imperfect and out of their control. It is going to take skills, experiences, and knowledge in order to set these items in place.

Aside from the capabilities of experts in installing granite countertop installers and doing things for you. It is worth it to know more countertop installation issues so you can understand the process. Therefore, here are common fitting issues and how they can be fixed.

Using the Wrong Material

When you choose a material for your countertop, you must consider if the slab is natural or man-made and is going to suit your needs. Natural stones of the slab are porous in nature, and it requires the application of a great quality sealer. Granite that is properly sealed and natural is durable and sustainable, but the marble slabs are susceptible to getting damaged by anything acidic such as citrus juices, wine, or vinegar. If you leave it out too long, they can leave a dull mark on your marble countertops. For some people, this gives you a beautiful patina, but some see it as a frustrating mistake.

The Granite is Too Thick

Granite slabs should not be glued together. The reason behind this is that even if your granite slabs are going to last for years, the adhesives do not offer the same amount of durability. Therefore, if you choose a slab that is 1.5” thick but you are looking for something thicker, you might want to glue two slabs together if you want the desired look. This should not be done because the glue is going to begin deteriorating and they will have gaps between them, and this leads to irreplaceable damage.

Choosing the Wrong Edge

You should consider the edge of your countertop. This is mainly true for a family house or if there are kids because the wrong edge could cause a bigger hazard. Therefore, it is important that you should think about which edge is making sense for your home countertops. Usually, a counter must be smooth-edged so you can maximize the value it brings you.

Cracks

One common problem with countertop installation is cracks. This normally occurs when the countertop installers do not handle the slab carefully or place too much pressure on it. But the granite countertop will only crack after the installation. Chances are, it was in an uneven era. If you spot cracks after the installation, you should inform the countertop installer right away.

However, if you want to avoid this, you need to allow installation experts to check the surface first. You will witness them using a laser level while measuring the surface prior to installing a countertop. This is going to help them in identifying imperfections on the surface and they can formulate the right strategy for them. The countertop should be cleaned before installation.

The Sink is Not Levelled

With granite countertops, you can have an under-mounted sink, making it easier to clean. However, if you do not level the sink properly with the granite countertop, there are loose particles that will spill and roll in several directions, which is going to make everyday tasks harder.

Those who work within the space should clean up after.

You should talk to granite contractors Potomac so that you can be sure that the installation will go smoothly.

 

18

Jul

Reasons Why Quartz Countertops are High-Quality

Quartz countertops are becoming more popular. However, the drawback is that it is expensive and its closest rival is granite.

The primary reason for the high price of quartz countertops is because it is manufactured inside the factory made from raw source and then they should be processed and cut into chips. After these chips have gone through the milling process, they will then be sent to distributors who will ship them around the world. The retailers purchase these chips and resell them, sometimes selling them multiple times the cost of producing them. Therefore, why is quartz pricey? The answer is that it is a manufactured mineral and it can be remade in case you have to.

Cost of Installing Quartz Countertops

The installation cost is about $70 to $100 for every square foot, but some factors can impact how new countertops cost. You are going to pay high prices if you want countertops that are mainly for faucets and sinks, like those or with custom edging. If you want an average quartz size for your kitchen countertop, you should be ready to pay about $4,500 for installation and materials.

It is an excellent idea to hire a countertop contractor in your local area so they can check the space before starting out. A pro who can see the space in person is important if you want to receive the right quote.

Trade Tariffs

Since the majority of materials are made overseas, trade tariffs imposed during springtime have multiple costs. For instance, quartz that was imported from China, which is mainly among the lower-end varieties had a price increase of about 300%. This is very high and it really affects the price of quartz.

High-Demand

Unlike marble and granite, quartz does not need sealing. This feature made quartz very popular among homeowners and similar to other popular items, there is a high demand for this.

The law and demand supply dictates that if there is a higher demand, the higher the price will be which is why it is expensive.

Installation

Due to lack of porosity, quartz is dense and heavy. Cabinetry or vanities should be leveled prior to installation, and a section placed directly on the cabinets should be supported securely. If you want to maximize the sleek look, the seams should be matched unobtrusively. These are the things that make quartz countertop installation a difficult project that requires the services of an equipped and qualified professional contractor.

Versatile

Quartz has a lot of styles, colors, finishes, as well as edge treatments. In terms of thickness, the stone is running from 3/8” to 11/4”. Obviously, if there is a thick countertop, the pricier it will be.

Due to the versatility of quartz, you should research and look for one that is going to be ideal for your application. If you are unsure of the one that is going to look best, you should get what the professional is saying.

Customization

In case you are looking for an unusual countertop width or shape, or maybe custom cutouts in order to accommodate the appliances you own or a special feature such as a bar sink? They are doable with quartz but it will be expensive.

Uniqueness

Quartz countertops have a distinct place among the trends of today. In the era of people not wanting to miss out, the popularity of this kind of countertop has caused a demand that normally goes over the supply. This has the tendency to drive the costs high.

You can contact quartz countertop Montgomery County MD for the best contractors and deals.

 

09

Jul

How Granite Countertops Increase Home Value

If you own a home and you know that you will eventually sell the property, you should consider renovating carefully. While a home renovation is appealing, not all upgrades can improve the value of your home as much.

One room that a lot of homeowners normally improve and renovate is their kitchen. Granite countertops are among the first areas in your kitchen where you can consider upgrades. These granite countertops are now more popular, but a lot of homeowners are wondering if the value-added can justify the expense of an upgrade.

If you are investing in kitchen renovation, one way to revamp your room is to use granite for a clean and high-end look. They are very durable and contemporary in any kitchen. Read on to know more reasons why granite increases the value of your home.

The Appeal is Timeless

Granite retained its popularity and appeal for a lot of reasons, which include strength, beauty, and durability. The veining, marbling, and colors occur naturally, and no two swabs are the same. If your concern is about adding home value and making it more appealing to future buyers, go for granite with neutral or earth tones such as black, white, or brown. Granite is very popular that a lot of home buyers consider it a necessity.

Aesthetically Appealing

Granite countertops are known for having rich colors and they have distinctive veining, which adds unique character and unparalleled appeal to the décor of your kitchen. Each slab has its own shade and flecks, as well as streaks that allow you to see impressive visual effects and personalized designs as well. These subtle variations and contrasts make granite look so stylish and luxurious.

High Return on Investment

Real estate experts will tell you that kitchens are going to sell homes. When you update your kitchen, homebuyers will appreciate it even more. However, a kitchen upgrade does not have to cost a fortune.  A minor to moderate kitchen renovation can cost between $20,000 to $25,000, which offers a return on investment between 90% to 100%. This might include upgrading your granite countertops, which the majority of buyers see as a desirable material.

They are Practical and Durable

Granite is strong and hard, which means it can retain the gorgeous look and feel even after many years of use. When you seal it properly, it is scratch-resistant and stain-free, which takes the normal wear and tear very well. In addition, granite is not a heat conductor and it can withstand 900 degrees Fahrenheit without getting damaged. Granite surfaces do not get marred by scraping, cutting, or other kitchen activities and have little requirements for maintenance. All you have to do is to keep your countertops looking good and clean by wiping the surface using a dampened cloth with warm water and mild detergent when the day ends.

They are easy to clean and durable, resistant to heat and scratch, suitable for preparing food, and great for kitchen countertops.

Environmentally Friendly

Unlike a lot of countertop materials sold in the market today that are harmfully manufactured, granite is a product that is naturally quarried from the earth without chemical damage. You can polish or hone granite before installation, but there is no need for a manufacturing process. If you properly maintain it, granite countertops can last a long time, which reduces landfill waste. You should clean it regularly to maintain your granite countertop, and it is a lot easier than other countertop materials.

You can talk to granite installers Rockville if you want to increase your home value with the best outcome.