12

Sep

Quartz vs. Corian Countertops: Which is Better?

When it comes to kitchen countertops, there are so many options to choose from. From quartz kitchen countertops, granite countertops, and many more, there are a lot of countertop options that will surely suit your household’s kitchen needs. We all know how our kitchen plays an important role in our everyday lives. Whether you are a kitchen expert or simply love watching your mom cook, the kitchen can create good memories for all people in all walks of life.

When constructing your kitchen area, one of the first things you need to consider is the countertop. As mentioned, there are a lot of countertop materials to choose from. However, one of the most popular ones is quartz and solid surface (Corian). This article will discuss the pros and cons of each countertop material and which one suits your kitchen and lifestyle better.

Getting started

In choosing a kitchen countertop, you should not only consider how good it would look in your kitchen. Rather, you should also think about the benefits the kitchen countertop can give you. Is it scratch-resistant? Non-porous? Easy to clean and maintain? Durable and comes in different designs and colors? Has high resale value?

These are some things you need to consider if you are torn between choosing a quartz kitchen tops or a Corian countertop. Of course, the cost will also play an important role in choosing the right countertop for your kitchen. Also, it is essential to find reliable countertop replacement companies to get the best countertop materials in the market.

All about quartz countertops

As mentioned, quartz countertops are one of the most popular countertop materials used in many kitchens all over. However, quartz is considered relatively new as a kitchen countertop material. It is usually made of about 95 percent natural quartz and the rest is made from resin.

In other words, a quartz countertop is a combination of natural and man-made stone material. Yet, quartz is considered a high-end countertop material as compared to others such as wood, tile, and laminate.

As mentioned, a quartz countertop is made of around 5 to 10 percent resins which are either cement or polymeric-based. There are also some companies that use vegetable oil as part of the bonded resin material. Meanwhile, the remaining 95 percent is made from quartz and other materials such as glass and marble.

As for installation, a quartz countertop needs special tools to install. It can be challenging to install a quartz countertop on your own because of the special tools needed. But if you still want to install the countertop on your own, you can opt for ready-to-install countertop sheets.

A quartz countertop also has a high heat resistance and also scratch-resistant. However, it is better to avoid doing certain kitchen habits that can cause scratching and other sorts of damage to the countertop. Sealing is not usually required as it is non-porous due to the bonded resin materials.

All about Corian countertops

Corian is a popular brand name for solid surface countertops. Like quartz, Corian is also a mix of different minerals (about 66 percent) and resin material (33 percent). It does look like stone or granite countertops at first look. Solid surface material first appeared in the market back in the late 1960s by the company DuPont.

Aside from Corian, solid surface countertops are also known in other names such as Formica, Swanstone, and Avonite. Solid surface countertop materials can be easily cut using power saws. Even DIY junkies can install these types of countertops on their own, unlike quartz that need special equipment and tools to install.

On the contrary, Corian/solid surface countertops may not be as heat and scratch-resistant as quartz. In case of any presence of damage, you can use sandpaper to remove any stains on its surface. But like quartz, sealing may not be required for solid surface countertops as well.

Which is better?

Between the two, your choice will depend on the factors that you think are more important than others. If you are looking for a luxurious-looking countertop, both can provide thanks to its elegant construction and material used.

If you are looking for a more heavy-duty, heat and scratch-resistant countertop, then quartz may be a better choice. For a contemporary look, a solid surface countertop is a good option as well.

At the end of the day, both are generally good countertop options. It will also go down to your personal preference, budget, and household needs. You can hire countertop replacement companies in Rockville for your kitchen countertop requirements. Contact one today!

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.