14

Nov

What Are My Kitchen Countertops Options?

Are you thinking about installing kitchen countertops and asking what are my kitchen countertops options? Well, there are plenty of options you can go with, with the common ones being:

Natural stone countertops

From their name, these are countertops obtained from natural stone, and they include: soapstone, marble, slate, and granite countertops.

Granite countertops are one of the most popular, and they are sold primarily through local fabricators, but you will sometimes find them in home improvement stores and kitchen showrooms.

Granite comes in a wide range of colors ranging from variegated browns to vibrant blue. It goes that the rarer the color, the more expensive the stone, so if you are on a budget, you should stay away from the rare colors.

Marble is another popular natural stone countertop that has fewer color patterns than granite. Marble is relatively soft and porous than granite, which makes it more prone to stains.

Despite this, marble is regarded as an almost perfect work surface for activities such as making fresh pasta and baking.

Soapstone and slate aren’t as popular as granite and marble, and they come in far fewer colors than granite. Soapstone is usually dark greenish-black in color, but it’s not uncommon to find lighter green-gray slabs.

On the other hand, slate is extremely dense and comes in five subtle colors such as red, gray, green, black, and purple. You will sometimes find mottled purple and variegated purple slates with visible veins and shades of contrasting colors.

If working with an experienced contractor, soapstone and slate can be fabricated into sinks to match the countertops.

Like the other natural stone countertops, soapstone is porous, and you need to seal it to reduce staining regularly.

Solid surface countertops

Made from dense polyester, acrylic, or a blend of the two, solid surface countertops come in various colors and patterns. They are non-porous, which means they are highly stain and scratch-resistant. It also means that they are highly easy to maintain.

The unique thing about these countertops is they are renewable and repairable. This means that if you scratch or burn the surfaces, you can easily sand them out and fill the gouges.

The countertop seams are fused to create undetectable joints, making the countertops perfect for large or long sections of countertops and oversized island tops.

Concrete

Concrete counters closely resemble natural stone and are popular among homeowners looking to create custom countertops.

Unlike the 80s concrete countertops where the fabricators messily poured the concrete on top of the cabinets, modern fabricators offer pre-cast counters made in the workshop then delivered to your home already fully cured and finished.

The pre-cast concrete counters are 1 ½ inch thick and are available in slabs of up to 10 feet long.

The fabricators can create them in any color, which is achieved by adding pigments to the concrete during mixing.

Once cured, the slabs are honed and sealed to prevent them from staining.

The major problem with concrete is cracking. Fabricators go around this by using wire mesh, metal bars, or fiberglass to strengthen them.

Engineered stone

Also known as quartz composite, engineered stone comprises 90% quartz and 10% acrylic or epoxy binder. The most popular composites under this category are: Silestone, Formica solid surfacing, and Corian Quartz.

You must be wondering what is the difference between the traditional solid surfacing and engineered stone countertops, right? Well, the difference is that engineered stone is much harder and has more depth than the other countertops. It also has clarity and radiance you won’t find in other countertops.

Ceramic tiles

Most homeowners now prefer countertops that are easy to install, maintain, and provide a seamless counter. Due to this, few countertops are covered with porcelain or ceramic tile.

While this is the case, it doesn’t mean that you should rule out ceramic countertops for your project. The tiles make an excellent choice for backsplashes or secondary work surfaces such as islands, peninsulas, eat-at counters, and butler pantries.

Whether you are seeking countertop replacement services Rockville or any other service, you can install ceramic tiles, but you need to ensure that you install the right ones. Don’t install wall tiles on the counters as they are bound to crack as a rule of thumb.

15

May

Facts About Quartz Countertops

A lot of people believe that having kitchen countertops at home is just for the “well-off” ones. It is a fact that countertop installation can be heavy on the budget. However, it depends on the material and add-ons included during the installation process. One of the most popular countertops is quartz kitchen countertops.

Choosing the best countertop for your kitchen can be a daunting task. For one, you need to consider your budget and kitchen space. Quartz countertops are among the popular countertop choices. On the other hand, granite countertops and engineered stone countertops are also great options.

For now, we are going to focus on countertops made from quartz. Here’s what you need to know about this popular countertop material.

Trivia bites about quartz

Quartz is more than just attractive stone material. It is a popular countertop that offers several features and benefits. It is durable, non-porous, and easy to maintain and clean. Among other things you need to know about this material include the following:

You may have walked on quartz without you realizing it.

Most of us know that quartz is used as a countertop material. However, quartz is also used in flooring for airports, shopping malls, and even luxury boutique brands. Back then, slabs measured around 12×20 inches. Nowadays, it has increased in size and has been used other than a countertop material

Quartz is made from sustainable materials.

In case you are not aware yet, quartz is not made from 100 percent natural stone. In fact, the majority of the quartz countertop materials are actually made from quarrying by-products and not from natural quartz itself. That is why quartz is also referred to as an engineered stone.

A type of quartz material is connected with cheese.

Perhaps you have heard about Cambria quartz countertops. You may be interested to know that the company (owned by the Davis family) that produces this type of countertop also produces cheese for popular brands like Kraft Foods.

Quartz vs. Granite

Quartz and granite are among the most popular countertop materials. Each of them has its pros and cons, so you choose one that will suit your kitchen countertop needs.

On one hand, granite is composed of stones including quartz, mica, feldspar, and other trace minerals. It is 100 percent natural stone that is cut into slabs and polished for a fine and shiny finish. It comes in different color options, by which granite material is widely known for.

Quartz, on the other hand, is not made from 100 percent natural quartz. Rather, it’s made of a mix of natural quartz and polymer resins. Still, it looks like real stone and homeowners can customize its design. In other words, choosing among quartz kitchen tops can be easier.

As for the price, quartz countertop installation can be more expensive than granite. The former can cost as much as $5,000. The latter, on the other hand, can cost about $4,000. Nevertheless, you should rely on professional countertop replacement companies for the installation process.

Quartz countertop maintenance

Maintenance-wise, quartz is easier to clean than granite. Stain marks may occur on granite countertops. Resealing may also be needed on granite countertops.

With quartz, cleaning can be a simple task – soapy water and a clean cloth are enough. Here are some tips in the proper cleaning of a quartz countertop.

  • Clean any spills as soon as possible. Even if quartz is non-porous, it is still best to address stains to prevent the occurrence of marks. At the same time, you can maintain its appearance at all times.
  • For hardened, crusty messes, you can chip it off using a plastic scraper. Spray the stain with warm water so you can scrape it easier. Avoid using metal scrapers as it can damage the countertop material.
  • Use vinegar solution for hard-to-remove stain residue. Sometimes, simply wiping it with water and soap may not be enough. Mix distilled white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray on the stained area, let it sit for a while, and then wipe using a kitchen sponge.

Choose the best countertops

Countertops are a great addition in every home. More importantly, you should choose one that can last for years and enhance the aesthetic value. Find the best countertop replacement companies in Potomac today and check out their sample works.

06

May

Trendy Countertops You Need To Have This 2019

Having a countertop at home does not only enhance your house’s aesthetic appeal and value. In fact, it is said that the demand for countertops – whether for kitchen or bathroom use – will increase by more than 2 percent annually. After all, it’s a nice must-have in every home. You can choose from different countertops such as quartz countertops, and installed only by a professional quartz countertop installer.

So many countertops to choose from

At some point, you would want to plan for a major kitchen overhaul. You want to update your kitchen tiles, some appliances, and add trendy kitchen countertop. But there’s so much option in the market, choosing the right one can be challenging.

Value for money should be more important than aesthetic and brand. Whether you choose engineered stone countertops or granite countertops, it should be something that will serve you for many years.

Countertop trends for 2019

Trends come and go every year. There will be a specific trend for this year, and a different one for the succeeding year. But if you are considering a kitchen overhaul this year, you may want to consider the following countertop trends.

Countertop surface

Countertops have different types of finishing. On one hand, there are ones with honed finishing. It has somewhat a matte finish with a little bit of shine, depending on the countertop material. Honed countertops can effectively hide scratch marks.

On the other hand is the so-called leathered finishing. It has a mix of matte and gloss finish and feels like satin. This type of finishing maintains the countertop material’s color and conceals watermarks.

Granite and quartz: Still the top choices

Among different countertop materials, quartz and granite remain the most popular ones this year. Each of these countertop materials has its pros and cons. For example, quartz is a better choice than granite in terms of porosity. Nonetheless, choose a countertop material that will meet your requirements and budget. Also, make sure to have your new countertop installed by experienced countertop replacement companies.

Choosing your style

As of now, patterns and veining are the more popular designs for countertops. These updated designs will make your countertops look stylish and suited for any home theme. Quartz countertops offer versatility as it can resemble natural stone, granite, or marble.

Neutral colors like gray, beige, and white will never go out of style. A black countertop can add a touch of elegance to your kitchen, too. Add a new sink that will complement the countertop’s design, and you will have an eye-candy countertop kitchen.

What to look for in a reliable contractor

Like countertops, there are also a lot of countertop contractors ready to serve you. A home makeover can be a major task, so it should be taken care of by professionals. But sometimes, the wrong choice of contractor can spell disaster. And yes, they do exist.

Here are some qualities you should look for in a contractor:

  1. They should be experts in the industry.

If you are looking for a kitchen contractor, you should look for one that specializes in that field. They should know roundabouts of kitchen building and renovation. It is entirely different when you hire a bathroom or a patio contractor. If the contractor does all of these, then it is much better.

  1. They should have an impressive portfolio.

A reliable contractor should have a portfolio of their past works they can show you. Better yet, check out feedback from their previous customers. You can also get some ideas based on their portfolio.

  1. They set the price right.

Along with the right price, a reliable contractor should also have a detailed contract. This includes the timeline, materials to be used, and unit and labor costs. It should also have a flexible payment scheme both parties should agree upon.

  1. They should be reputable and trusted within the industry.

After all, who wants to hire a contractor with a bad reputation and feedback? If they have been around for some time, it is likely they gained satisfied clients. Choose one within your area so there will be no issues on the logistic side. It’s so much better if the contractor and their other personnel are insured and fully licensed.

Trust only the best in Maryland

Choosing a trendy countertop and a reliable contractor can be easier said than done. You can follow the above tips for your future kitchen makeover. Find the best countertop replacement companies in Rockville today and avail free consultation.