14

Feb

Quartz Vs. Terrazzo Countertops: Which One Is Better?

Are you remodeling your kitchen? Well, if that’s the case, then you might also be thinking about which countertop option to choose. If you’re considering engineered countertops, there is a good variety in this category as well. Here is a comparison between two common man-made countertop materials: terrazzo and quartz countertops.

What Are The Differences Between Quartz And Terrazzo Countertops?

Composition

First, you need to know what each material comprises. You might think that composition is not as important, but you’re wrong. It is because of the composition of a material that you can determine the strength, the longevity, and the overall qualities and downsides of a material.

Quartz Countertops

When it comes to quartz countertops, they are made out of a man-made material. Quartz usually consists of pulverized stones and minerals and then it is compacted to make it look solid, strong, and almost indestructible.

Quartz is an amazing man-made material to go for and also one of the most popular ones among homeowners. As it’s an engineered stone, there is a huge variety of colors and patterns. Once you get your hands on quartz, you won’t want to go back.

Terrazzo Countertops

Terrazzo is a very unique material that is also man-made. It is sometimes referred to as a quartz look-alike, but there is still a difference in how the material is made. It is made of leftover shards and broken pieces of stones, like marble, sand, granite, glass, and even shells and then everything is bonded together with an epoxy.

This is what gives the countertop its hard and very stone-like appearance. This is an amazing material to go for if you want something that looks like quartz but isn’t that expensive.

Durability

The next thing to consider when you’re choosing from an array of countertop materials is durability. There is just something attractive about materials that can last long and there is always a flock of people around materials that are easy to handle and don’t get knocked off the line by the slightest of damages.

Quartz Countertops

Quartz is one of the best man-made materials you can go for because it is just so strong and durable. You don’t need to worry about chips, cracks, the material getting eroded, or anything like that. Quartz also has a great resistance to chemicals and harsh substances which is always a plus too.

Terrazzo Countertops

Terrazzo is less durable than quartz. See, terrazzo, even though it is made out of pulverized rocks and glass pieces, is still very vulnerable to cracks, corrosion, and damage because of the epoxy. It can also discolor over time and that is just not what you want to witness.

So, as amazing as terrazzo is, there is nothing that can make it more durable than quartz or many other man-made material. This is frustrating because terrazzo is a beautiful material, but it lacks potential, no matter how similar it is to some of the strongest materials out there.

Heat Resistance

Speaking of beauty, this is also a very important thing to consider when people are buying countertops. Of course, they want to get materials that are durable, but they also want to get their hands on materials that are easy on the eyes.

Quartz Countertops

Quartz is a beautiful material. A lot of people find it strikingly similar to marble which is just amazing. To have a material that looks like marble, but is stronger and more efficient than it is just out of this world. So, if you want to score some points in this department, then quartz won’t disappoint. It will transform your kitchen for the better.

Terrazzo Countertops

Terrazzo countertops are also very beautiful. The light background of colors and the slight sheen of the material is really good. You will not regret getting terrazzo either, especially if you’re the one who goes for the looks alone.

However, not all people like the way terrazzo looks. So, before buying, take a look at various terrazzo slabs to know if this is something you like because they are a bit different from other stones and materials.

Maintenance

Maintenance is the one thing that people fret the most over. No matter how beautiful, popular, or amazing a material is, if it’s high maintenance, then you can forget about it.

Quartz Countertops

Well, when it comes to quartz, the material is just very low maintenance, if you don’t count heat blisters. This is probably the only thing that quartz lacks and that is heat resistance. Other than that, the material is amazing when it comes to taking care of it.

You can use homemade or store-bought cleaners to clean the countertops. You don’t need to seal it because it’s waterproof and there are just a lot of things that you don’t have to do when it comes to quartz. Amazing, isn’t it?

Terrazzo Countertops

Well, as for terrazzo, sadly the same can’t be said. Even though it is decently durable, it is still nowhere near quartz. It is not as strong, it can’t take on harsh cleaning products so the choice of cleaners is really important if you don’t want to ruin your countertops, and it’s just overall a material that demands a lot. So, this is something that you need to go over. However, like many other materials, you can repair terrazzo countertops if they get damaged.

Price

This is also a very important factor to go over because if you can’t afford a material then what is the point of all of the qualities?

Quartz Countertops

This is where quartz loses major points. It is very expensive compared to other man-made materials. So much so that people usually can’t even afford it, which is a huge bummer.

Terrazzo Countertops

Terrazzo is cheaper than quartz. You don’t need to too much money when getting your hands on these babies and that is what makes this countertop material just that much more better than quartz.

Water Resistance

Lastly, you also want to consider the water resistance, because believe it or not, countertops are more damaged by water than anything else.

Quartz Countertops

Quartz is water resistant. It doesn’t need to be sealed because there are virtually no pores on the surface and it’s just amazing. However, it’s better if you can seal it, just to be safe. If there is even the smallest of scratches on the countertops, then it will be detrimental and you will have a huge problem on your hands. So, sealing quartz is always the better option.

Terrazzo Countertops

For terrazzo countertops, sealing is not an option but a requirement. Terrazzo is naturally quite porous and since the bonding material is epoxy, it can wear away quickly. This is why you want to seal the countertops to prevent them from either turning yellow or just getting ruined by water.

Sealing can be a pain in the neck, but the damage will be more painful and difficult to deal with if you don’t take care of terrazzo. So, it’s better to be safe than sorry and figure out the best way to safeguard your precious kitchen countertops.

Conclusion

Terrazzo and quartz are equally beautiful materials, and now you know exactly which one to go for. If you want something different from regular countertops and affordable, then terrazzo is a good choice. However, if you want low maintenance, durable, and beautiful countertops, pick quartz. For any queries, consult quartz countertop contractors Rockville.

25

Jan

How To Choose A Backsplash That Matches Granite Countertops?

Backsplashes are a hit or miss among people. Some people love them because they add that completed look to the space and some just think that they’re too much work. Well, here is what you need to do if you love backsplashes and want to pair them with granite countertops.

Picking The Right Backsplash With Granite Countertops

Choosing The Right Color

First, you need to understand that the color of the backsplash and the countertops should match. This doesn’t mean that you have to go for the same material or color when it comes to both countertops and backsplash, but you need to see which backsplash color complements your granite slabs the best.

There are a lot of colors to choose from, and sometimes it can be overwhelming to decide the color of backsplash you want to go for. So, if you can, try to look at your kitchen as a whole and figure out what looks best. If you think your kitchen has a more neutral vibe, then embrace it and make it the center of attention. That is how you can choose a perfect combination.

If you want to add that dark edge to your kitchen, you can even go for darker-colored backsplashes if that is what you prefer. There are lots of options out there and you shouldn’t get confused because it’s all your decision in the end.

Patterns Are A No-Go

Granite is already heavy on the patterns and textures, so it will only look overpowering if you add more patterns with a backsplash. What you want to do instead is choose a backsplash color and material that is just a a solid one with little to no patterns.

You may think that it won’t look good, but you’ll have to trust the process and see the results for yourself. The muted backsplash tile will add a lot of dimension to the very loud granite and it won’t look out of whack. So, the next time you want to select a backsplash, try something with minimal or no patterns.

Don’t Extend The Countertop

This is something that a lot of people end up doing, especially if they don’t have any idea about choosing the right backsplash for their granite countertops. They tend to extend the actual countertops by 4 to 5 inches in a strip and even though it’s alright, that trend is just not there anymore.

You need to think outside of just covering the back walls of your countertops with granite. It’s time to add some spice, and some jazz to your kitchen by selecting the right material and color for your kitchen backsplash. So, whatever you do, don’t settle for an extension of your countertops. It will look dull and boring.

Backsplash And Granite Countertop Color Combinations

Well, now you know the things you need to keep in mind when it comes to choosing a backsplash for granite countertops. Here are some beautiful color combinations that will get your brain moving.

Cream Backsplash

A color that goes exceptionally well with dark and dramatic granite countertops is cream. A cream backsplash is a neutral and safe choice to go for. It will complement your granite countertops beautifully and it will also make your kitchen look sweet and muted.

If you are a neutral color lover, then you need to give this combination a go because you won’t regret it and it will make your kitchen look amazing.

White Backsplash

If you want to go even lighter and love the color white, then this idea is for you. Granite is a dark color and while it’s not black, it’s not far from it either. So, if you want to add starkness to your kitchen and make the backsplash stand out more, but still be in the background without watering down the beauty of granite, then you need to go for a white backsplash with dark granite countertops.

Not just dark, white backsplash will look great with lighter granite too and a lighter kitchen will make your space look even bigger, which is great.

Black Backsplash

Now, a lot of the time, people don’t like the light and dark combo and they want to go for something edgy, dark, and mysterious. So, if you want, you can go for a black-on-dark theme with your granite countertops and backsplash. Granite countertops are available in those very ethereal dark gray colors and you can get a one or two shades lighter backsplash or you can darken things up a notch and go for a black and glossy backsplash.

This will make your kitchen look so beautiful that people will do a double take to make sure that their eyes capture this beauty.

Mosaic Backsplash

If you don’t want to go for solids, and want to play with a bit of patterns, then mosaic is a very safe bet. It will not make the countertops look underwhelmed and the backsplash pattern will add that extra layer of beauty to the entire kitchen.

For mosaic, you want to choose something that is minimal because, at the end of the day, you don’t want to throw the balance of textures off.

Wood And Granite

If you want, you can swap things up a bit. You can go for wooden countertops with a granite tile backsplash. You can even flip the scene around and something about the combination of warm and rich wood with that rocky mosaic material is just out of this world. It’s like two of nature’s beauties settled into your kitchen and are working their magic.

Wood and stone is a wonderful combination when you pair them in the form of backsplashes and countertops.

Glass Backsplash

If you want to get a glossy and very reflective backsplash to bounce the light off the walls and illuminate your kitchen even more, then you need to get your hands on a glass backsplash.

Tinted glass is better, but if you can get your hands on it, white or light glass will look exceptionally striking with darker granite countertops. The shiny glass with the shimmery granite is going to be wonderful to look at and you will love this combination in the end. It is something that you can’t go wrong with.

Conclusion

A backsplash with granite countertops is a wonderful combo and with these tips, you will make your kitchen a head-turner. For suggestions, material selection, and installation, consult granite countertop installers Potomac.

13

Jan

Dos And Don’ts Of Choosing Quartz Countertops

Choosing a kitchen countertop material can difficult because it will stay in your kitchen for years so you want to choose the right one. A good kitchen countertop needs to be durable, beautiful, practical, and low maintenance. And many of these qualities do match with quartz kitchen countertops. If you’re considering quartz countertops, then keep these dos and don’ts in mind.

Dos And Don’ts Of Buying Quartz Kitchen Countertops

Do Consider The Variety

When it comes to quartz countertops, there are a lot of things that you need to consider. There is huge variety of quartz out there. So, you need to find the right quartz grade, color, and pattern for yourself. It is done by scouring through every single store you can find and then selecting the slabs you love the most. Looking at the slabs is crucial too because you need to see what you’re getting.

So, checking all kinds of quartz is important. Even though you may like a slab initially, you never know if you fall in love with another kind of quartz.

Don’t Go For Super Light Colors

Even though quartz is available in most color shades, you still want to go for something that is not as light. It is important that you go for muted but slightly deeper colors because that will make all of the difference.

Quartz can be stained by heat if it’s low-quality or if the heat is above 150 degrees Fahrenheit. To make the heat stains look less obvious, you want to choose a color that will camouflage the heat stains better.

So, this is only better for you because it will make the stains look less obvious and you will save yourself from huge repairs in the long run. So, you see, color selection matters.

Do Remember Cleaning

This doesn’t just go for quartz. It needs to be taken care of, regardless of what countertops you have, but if you have quartz, then you need to remember to clean it every so often. This will ensure that you have clean countertops to work on.

Cleaning doesn’t only keep the countertops spotless, it will also ensure sanitary working conditions because think about it – working on dirty countertops doesn’t sound appealing at all. So, if you’re considering quartz countertops, then you need to know about the cleaning requirements of the very material.

Don’t Use Harsh Chemicals

Even though quartz is a  durable material, nothing can stand up against harsh chemicals, not even natural or man-made stones. So, you want to keep it in mind to not use harsh or abrasive cleaners on quartz countertops.

This is something that a lot of people don’t keep in mind and then their countertops can get littered with scratches, which is not a pretty sight for anyone. So, you want to avoid using anything too harsh and chemical-based on quartz countertops because it might just do more bad than good and your countertops will be ruined.

Do Your Research

When it comes to choosing quartz countertops, you don’t want to jump in blindly. You want to do your research as much as you can. This will ensure that you know all of the ins and outs of the material and that you know what are the downsides and upsides of quartz.

So, if you want to get a countertop material that will last for a long time, then research is very important. You will know exactly what there is to know about it and you will make the best decision that will pay you off for a decent amount of time.

Don’t Put Hot Things On It

Quartz can withstand heat without staining up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit and it warps or cracks above 302 degrees Fahrenheit. This is something you need to keep in mind  and you will have to protect the countertops from getting heat stains.

Heat stains are black and very much permanent that are difficult to remove. These stains are really ugly and they can leave the countertops looking just unpleasant, so you need to keep this tidbit of information in mind when you’re choosing quartz countertops. You will need coasters or trivets to put your hot foods and utensils on the countertops. This will only save them from ugly heat stains.

Do Check Samples

Samples are one of the most important things to look at when you’re considering quartz countertops. If there are samples, then you don’t want to skip the chance of taking a look at them.

Yes, samples can be a bit different from the actual slab, but it still gives you a general idea about how the slabs are, how they’re made, and how they feel when you run your hand over them. You want to check the samples before you commit to buying quartz because it will give you a very good idea about the material you’re going for.

Good quality quartz is consistent in color throughout the slab. Also, the polish has consistent shine. If you can test a quartz sample, then perform a scratch test. Use a knife to scratch the sample quartz surface. Good quality quartz will show a black line while a poor quality quartz will have a white line.

Don’t Forget That It’s A Man-Made Stone

A lot of the time, people mistake quartz for quartzite. Even though they sound very similar, they are completely different stones. Quartz is a man-made stone while quartzite is a natural stone.

Quartz is made out of crushed rocks and mixed with resin to give it that rock-hard appearance. Whereas, quartzite is a material that is made naturally deep inside the Earth’s surface just like other natural stones such as granite and marble. So, you need to know what you’re going for because it will make all of the difference in the long run. Don’t let the similar names fool you.

Do Keep Maintenance In Mind

When it comes to quartz, especially if someone has had it for a long time, it can lead to a lot of chips and cracks on the surface. Well, that is common and you need to get it fixed. Even though quartz is a durable material, you will want to make sure that it is well-maintained and spotless whenever you look at it.

This is not something majorly difficult, but it is part of maintaining the stone to ensure that it looks amazing for years to come. So always keep in mind that you will need to maintain the stone from time to time. Durability doesn’t mean no maintenance.

Don’t Seal It

Lastly, quartz is not a natural stone, so you will be happy to know that you don’t need to seal it. Sealing can be a very troubling process, and it is something that needs to be done for natural stones because they’re porous and they need to be sealed otherwise water would ruin them.

But because quartz is made out of resin, which is non-porous, it doesn’t let water in and beads the drops on the surface. So, quartz is an amazing material for countertops.

Conclusion

Now you know exactly what to do and not do when it comes to choosing quartz countertops. This will lead to you picking something that not only you’ll love but it’ll last for a long time too. For high quality quartz slabs and proper installation, consult quartz countertop installers Rockville.