07

Mar

Why Engineered Stones Countertops are Ideal for your Kitchen

Engineered stone countertops are made of crushed stones which are bound together by polymer resin or cement mix. Marble and quartz are the most used stones that produce engineered stones and are bonded together to create non-porous and beautiful engineered stone countertops. Apart from kitchen countertops, the engineered stone can be used for flooring and on walls. The engineered stone is made by forming blocks using machines after which the blocks are made into slabs for countertops or tiles.

Why Engineered Countertops

  • Strong, Durable and Attractive

Engineered kitchen countertops have a consistent look and will not fade for the longest time and have a uniform color making it perfect if you want to match your kitchen colors. The countertop comes in a variety of colors including earth tones colors. Colourants can be added to achieve the desired tone. While the engineered countertop is much cheaper, it has the same qualities as granite or any other slab. Engineered stones are resilient and durable ensuring that they last longer especially in a busy kitchen.

  • Heat Resistant

The engineered stones countertop is heat resistant and won’t crack easily. The engineered kitchen countertop is resistant to your cracks, which makes it ideal for the kitchen. Engineered stone does not accumulate bacteria or mold making more hygienic to use as the kitchen countertop.

  • Easy to Clean

The engineered countertops don’t absorb water or any dirt making it easy to clean. The stone is not susceptible to stains and that makes cleaning the engineered stone easier

  • Hygienic

The engineered countertop is non-porous and will not attract any germs or ide germs in the spaces.

The disadvantage of Engineered Kitchen Countertops

The only con to the Engineered kitchen countertops is, it’s hard to curve.

Steps to follow when maintaining Engineered Kitchen Countertops

  • Engineered countertops require minimal maintenance to keep their look
  • Regularly clean the countertop with warm water and mild soap. The countertop is highly resistant to stains and therefore don’t require much cleaning. Glossy finished surfaces require mild cleaners.
  • Don’t use strong chemicals, to clean the surface. Use the ingredients as recommended by the manufacturer.
  • In case of any stubborn stains, use a mild scouring pad to clean off the stain.
  • While installing the countertops, contact an expert installer to ensure its well done. Ensure that during installation there is expansion and contraction space for the countertop.
  • Scrape off any materials stuff on the countertop with a plastic knife
  • Occasionally polish the surface to give a shiny look
  • Avoid placing hot and very cold items on the countertop, as this will cause damage to the engineered countertop

Whether you choose granite countertops Rockville, quartz countertops or the Engineered stone countertops ensure it serves your purpose. Engineered stone countertops are ideal, especially for a busy kitchen. The countertop doesn’t require much maintenance; therefore if you are looking for simple and elegant, then this will work perfectly for you.

28

Feb

What You Need to Know About Quartz Kitchen Countertops

When remodeling your kitchen or building a new one you may be wondering what options you have on the kitchen countertop. It may be hard to decide whether to use granite or quartz or vanity countertops. To make your choice less daunting, we explore quartz kitchen countertops and everything about them that you need to know. Quartz is manmade and relatively new as compared to granite. Its durable and will give your kitchen the aesthetic value that it needs.

Advantages of Using Quartz

Quartz is made of around 95% quartz stones, and the rest of the composition is polymer resin to create a durable stone.

  • Non-Porous

Quartz has no pores in between; the resin polymer fills the gap in the crushed quartz to ensure that there are no spaces, making it more hygienic and easy to clean. The nonporous nature of the stone makes the stone resistant to stains, and food particles have no space to infiltrate making it ideal for a kitchen countertop as this will ensure high hygiene levels. You will find that bacteria, especially in the kitchen, will inhabit such spaces, but with quartz kitchen tops they ensure that there are no spaces for bacteria to latch on.

  • Scratch Resistant

Quartz stones are made of hard minerals and will take a long time before they yield to scratches making it a durable option for your kitchen. Quartz will not crack easily and therefore durable than natural stones

  • Heat Resistant

Quartz is not affected by heat and will take a long time, and any marks due to heat can be cleared if you use sandpaper on it.

  • Variety of Colors

Quartz is manmade and therefore comes in many colors as compared to natural stones. Consequently, it gives you a wider selection of colors.

Ensure that the quartz countertop is professionally installed by a quartz installer to achieve a professional look.

Disadvantages of Quartz

  • Quartz is humanmade and may not match the beauty of granites, and though its available in many colors, it may not match the regal look that comes with granite. We may not consider this a disadvantage as the beauty of something depends mainly on the buyer
  • Since the quartz is human-made, its likely to more expensive than natural stones as the manufacturer controls their availability.
  • Quartz is not ideal for outdoor use as exposure to sun, and other environmental factors will make the resin and color pigments to fade.
  • A quartz countertop will also have seams but they are less visible with a darker countertop. The quartz seams are easier to hide as color can be applied on the seams

Depending on your kitchen countertop needs, quartz is durable and easy to maintain. It’s ideal for use in high traffic kitchens as they are durable and heat resistant.

22

Feb

Simple Remodel Ideas to Give your Kitchen a New Look

Upgrading and decorating the kitchen can give such a huge impact and add such value to the house. An upgrade does not have to cost you an arm and leg, but a mix of different color and materials will make look so regal. An addition of a quartz countertop or a granite countertop in the kitchen will not only increase the monetary value of the home but also make it beautiful and appealing.

Simple Upgrades to Remodel Your Kitchen

  • Use a granite/quartz counter top

A granite/quartz countertop will give your kitchen an instant makeover.Ensure that you contact a granite installer in Rockville to do the job. That will ensure that the countertops are installed professional and sealed as required. Ensure the color you choose complement other kitchen colors to create an ambiance. You can get the best granites from granite company Rockville.

  • Improve Kitchenware display

Display some of your utensils in open cabinets, and this will give your kitchen a different look altogether. If all the cabinets are made of wood, replace some of the wood with glass. Change the color of the kitchen seats to complement the rest of the items in the kitchen. You can add a movable kitchen bar. You can also add some of the appliances like a new kitchen stove, and that will change the way your kitchen looks.

  • Change the Lighting

If your kitchen is dark, even if the other items are beautiful, it may not seem as though any changes have taken place. New lights over the granite countertop will give your kitchen a magnificent look. You can add a glass pendant to illuminate the kitchen.

  • Floors

If you have a wooden floor, you can varnish the wood and if you floor is ceramic invest in general cleaning of the tiles. Whichever flooring that you have clean it up or apply varnish and that will give your kitchen a completely new look

  • Change the Wall Paint

The wall plays a major role in how the kitchen looks; a little feature wall will give your kitchen a completely different look.  Use bright paint to create a feature wall. It’s important to let a professional painter do the job to make sure your kitchen remodel doesn’t ruin other parts of the kitchen.  You can use wall tiles to create a pattern on the wall.

  • Remove Clutter

Remove unnecessary items from the drawers and remake them. If you have stored up thing like bottles, dispose them to create more room in your kitchen.

Tips to Follow during your remodel

  • Ensure you involve the granite countertop installer to ensure  a professional look
  • If the kitchen is small, use light colors to make more appealing
  • Look out for giveaways while shopping for appliances
12

Feb

Granite Countertop Maintenance Tips

You should contact a granite contractor for your kitchen countertops, to add value, timeless elegance and beauty. Granite is a great investment for your kitchens, an investment that is expensive and durable at the same time.

Granite is a natural resource that is made through many natural processes occurring over a period of many years with many chemical compositions. The pieces of granite have many impurities which give them the unique patterns and designs. They are available in many designs and colors and their cost varies according to the detailing of the designs and color. Your local granite countertop installers may give you more details about the colors and patterns of designs available. Once you spend a hefty amount on a granite countertop, then you will want it last a long time. To make it last a long time without losing its natural shine, you will need to maintain your granite. Below are some top maintenance tips.

  • Although your granite contractor has told you that granite is heat resistant, still, you should place heating pads before placing hot pots and pans to avoid your granite wearing off.
  • Clean your granite countertop daily with a mild cleaning liquid and a washcloth or sponge.
  • Avoid spilling acidic drinks or alcohol or any other harp liquid on your granite countertop and if accidentally it gets spilled, then wipe and clean it immediately to avoid sharp stains.
  • Ask your granite countertop installer to tell you about the best granite countertop cleaner available. You can use the cleaner every 3 months to get a polished look for your granite countertop.
  • Do not use sharp knives or heavy utensils on your granite countertop as it could scratch your granite and make scratches and chips on it.
  • Do not drop heavy objects such as your tools or very heavy materials and items on your granite countertop as it could damage your granite countertop.
  • You should call your granite contractor for a yearly maintenance of your granite countertop. They should take care of all the scratches and chips if any and repair them professionally and remove all the stubborn stains and give it a polish and a sealing coat to make it shiny and new again.
  • Do not use harsh cleaners for your granite countertop such as bleach. Also do not go for natural acidic cleaners such as lemon juice, vinegar or baking soda for your granite countertops as these ingredients are acidic in nature and can dull your granite countertops.
  • If you have pets, then do not let them sit on your countertops as their paws can scratch the countertops.
  • Do not put your toiletries such as your creams, lotions or perfumes or any other liquid stuff. It may also fall, spill or leak on your granite countertops and can stain and damage it.
  • Sealing your granite countertop is a must to maintain it. You should contact your granite countertop installer Rockville, MD to reapply the seal on your granite countertop every 6 months.