07

Jun

Benefits of Sealing Granite Countertops

The beauty and durability of granite countertops are well-known, but that does not indicate that they do not need any TLC and proper maintenance. Even if granite is resistant to moisture, it is porous as well. Therefore, spilled liquids, especially the ones with colors, can get damaged by dirt.

As a homeowner, you should regularly clean and maintain your granite while you mop up spills while they happen while protecting the surface. It is also wise to use the services of cleaning and polishing experts.

Normally, customers are advised to “seal” countertops. When you have thoroughly cleaned your granite countertop, contact a professional to seal it. This will make it effective against oil-based and water stains.

Read on to learn more.

Prevents Stains

Granite is known to be porous. Sealing it is going to make the liquid bead on the surface, which prevents it from staining. This is important for granite with a lighter color since it is more prone to stains.

In addition, you should practice wiping up spills while they happen. In the bathrooms, you should not leave containers of cosmetic containers and beauty aids on the granite countertops. That is because they could leave chemical residue that can cause stains.

In case you see stains, you can attempt to deal with them on your own. You can create a water and baking soda for some of the oil stains, and then a baking soda paste and hydrogen peroxide for water stains. You can leave the paste there overnight, sealed in plastic, and then you can wipe it off when you wake up.

Cleans and Disinfects Your Granite Right Away

Similar to other natural stones found in homes, like limestone and marble, granite has tiny open spaces in it because of its porousness. Stones that are highly porous can attract bacteria because of the small openings. This is something that you do not want granite countertops to experience.

When you properly seal granite countertops, they become hygienic, which makes it easier to disinfect them. The sealing can penetrate deeply into the stone to create a protective layer against bacteria, dust, and dirt.

Once those pores are sealed, dirt, moisture, and bacteria cannot penetrate the surface of your countertops even further.

Reduces Etching Threat

The etching of the granite countertop will happen when you spill acidic food on it, such as lemon juice. Vinegar, juices, coffee, wine, soda, and cleaners also cause etching. If you are using the cutting boards and other food protections on the preparation surfaces, that goes a long way to prevent any etching. However, accidents happen, and sealing your granite is going to shield it against spillages.

Prevents Your Countertop from Getting Dull

Granite countertops are luxurious and they rarely show any signs of wearing. Sometimes, people have an impression that their granite lost its shine and has become dull. In case that happens, you just might have to polish it. With a lot of polishes out there, it is hard to find out which is the best polish to use for countertops.

After polishing your granite countertops, the shine should return. If you want to maintain the shine for a long time, you would want to add granite sealer. Protecting your granite countertop properly with the right sealer and polish keeps your granite countertop looking new for a long time.

These are the top reasons why you need to seal your granite countertop. You can call granite companies Rockville so they can do it for you. This is something you want to be done professionally because granite is an investment and you want to make the most out of it.

 

17

May

Benefits of a Quartz Countertop

It is a lot of fun choosing the countertop of your newly remodeled bathroom or kitchen. However, you should also take it seriously because it is a serious investment. It is also a huge commitment that can last at least 25 years if you choose the quartz countertops of another solid option. That is why it is imperative to know the benefits of quartz countertops.

Quartz is among the popular choices of the countertops of today because it is a high-quality material that is luxurious and easy to maintain. Unlike other surfaces, the quartz slab is engineered. This opens a new world of chances and possibilities. Find out more about why you should choose quartz countertops.

Good Variety

Since manufacturers are controlling the process, these countertops come in different colors and designs. A lot of people find it hard to distinguish top-quality countertops from marble, granite, and other natural stone. If you want a contemporary look, you can include recycled glass and flecks of metal.

It is also easier than you think to keep the quartz countertops in top shape.

Non-Porous

 Classic quartz countertops are made from about 90% quartz, and this is beneficial to you.

Quartz is non-porous so it is resistant to stain. That means as long as you wipe away liquid soon, after every spill, you should not be concerned. Over time, other countertops will absorb wine, oils, juice, and other substances that will be difficult to remove. This is because pores allow the substance below the surface where it cannot be wiped away.

Another good thing about the non-porous nature of a quartz countertop is it does not require sealing. In order to help prevent stains, it should be periodically sealed. This consumes a lot of time and if you leave it like that, the material can be harmed. Quartz material does not need sealing, so it requires less work to have it.

Durability

When you have a quartz countertop, you are getting an extremely strong and tough material that stands up to many decades of use by your family. It is scratch-resistant and does not chip away. Since it is waterproof, it is also stain and water-damage-resistant. The truth is, this is among the biggest reasons why people choose quartz for their kitchen countertop. They are not totally indestructible and you still need to use cutting boards, quickly wipe up spills and use trivets to protect dishes and hot pans. Since quartz countertops are durable, manufacturers issue a lot of warranties against damage and defects in manufacturing.

Stylish

One of the main benefits that you will get from having a quartz countertop is the stylish options available. Quartz comes in a wide range of patterns and colors. It can mimic the look of granite, marble, or concrete, and it can be in colors that cannot be obtained in other materials like bright green.

Every quartz countertop is made to order. That means if you have odd curves, angles, want a unique edge, or other unique aspects, quartz can be shaped to what you want. You can also choose the finish, with a lot of colors that come in polished and leather textures. This will allow you to customize the quartz look of your countertop to match your home.

Fewer Imperfections

Quartz countertops are made with a lot of precision, using controlled material quantities, quality control, and care. This minimizes the occurrence of pits, fissures, and other imperfections that normally show up.

You can contact quartz countertop installer Potomac to have the best result for your kitchen remodeling project.

08

May

Common Mistakes When Choosing Granite Countertops

Granite kitchen countertops are among the best materials that can be used in the bathroom and kitchen reservations if you want a pristine and durable finish. While the beautiful and unique surface offers a lot of durabilities to withstand resist chips and heat, spills, and a lot more, there are a couple of mistakes that cause some damage to the stone.

Caring for your granite countertops and staying away from the common mistakes that cause damage maintains the surface’s longevity. While you know that life happens, knowing that can be damaging to your granite countertop is important in preventing you from paying for granite contractors again too soon.

You should not worry, because the common mistakes you need to avoid are mentioned here.

Wrong Thickness

There are 3 standards of marble thicknesses when choosing counters. You can choose between ¾ inch, 1.75 inches, and 1.5 inches.

You should avoid using the last options because problems can emerge from attaching two granite slabs. When the glue starts to deteriorate, it can cause gaps in the seam together with the horizontal edge or it can cause future damage to the surface, especially from everyday use.

Choosing Color Over Quality

Another common mistake is that first-time granite shoppers choose the color over the stone quality. Sure, it is important to match the surface’s color to the existing features of the kitchen, but you need to be careful to not sacrifice it because of aesthetics. White is among the most popular options for most stone countertops. However, white needs more caution and care because it easily stains compared to others. Dark colors such as brown and black hide spills and stains, there it reduces the maintenance needs and stain-removal treatments. One incident is that if you drink a glass of red wine, it could ruin your white surface if you accidentally spill it. Stains are difficult to remove without professional stain removal or sanding.

Seam Placement is Incorrect

Between granite’s natural colors, patterns, and great installer, seams should not be noticeable. Therefore, you can guarantee to have a seam on your countertop, so you must try planning for it. The more action a seam directly gets, the faster it is going to wear out.

You should try positioning the seam inconspicuously away from the faucet. If possible, it should not be right next to the sink. However, if you have no choice, position it perpendicularly and not parallel to the side edge of the sink. By doing this, you are providing extra support to the sink and preventing unnecessary joint stains.

Does Not Match the Cabinet Styles

You must always choose an edge for the granite countertop that will complement your cabinet style or vanity. For instance, flat or beveled edges will look best in a room that has modern cabinets. If you have traditional-style cabinets, you should choose a bullnose edge. The edges have to be round, especially if it is on the bottom if you have small children who can bump their heads on the granite’s edge.

Poor Edging Choices

When you are choosing an edge profile, indecisiveness comes naturally. You want to choose an edge that matches your current kitchen, but you also want a slab edge that is versatile. It should be able to match the future style changes and upgrades. However, you must choose the correct profile upon installation because you cannot change it without removing the stone and then sending them back to the manufacturer. That is why you must finalize your installation.

You must contact granite countertops dealer Potomac to help you achieve your dream kitchen countertop.

 

23

Apr

How to Choose the Right Quartz Countertops

There are many factors involved when it comes to choosing the right quartz kitchen countertops, it is important that you know what they are. You have to consider the slab thickness, color, edge profile, and others, but the most important factor is the slab quality. If you choose one with poor quality, it becomes a fatal mistake that might end up costing more to fix compared to what you spent at first.

A quartz slab can last a long time, but you must never pick a cheap one. You will not be happy staring at your new countertop, and you will wish that you spent more for a good quality one that you will look at every day for many years.

Read more about it now.

Visual Appearance

Part of having a stone countertop is the look it gets from visitors, who might look at them twice. More importantly, how it looks to you, the homeowner. You are the one who can wake up every morning to look at the countertop while drinking your morning coffee or eating breakfast.

Quartz countertops come in several colors. Each one brings a different type of mood or attitude. From the classic pearl white one to the tantalizing and intricate. Remember that there are more colors you can choose from. Quartz slabs also have different designs and patterns. This can be a chemical that your countertop has to be unique or it can stop working with the other parts of the room.

Normally, designers and suppliers will have color palettes you can choose from. Visualize other parts of the space so you can see what works best. You are looking only at the color that might not like.

Neutral Colors are Perfect

Neutral color slabs have attractive and enduring qualities, with a presence that is traditional and classic. Quartz can have a consistent and single color or it features the looks of white marble and other soft, natural patterns. When you choose a quartz countertop, that is designed to last a long time, you should stick to the grays, beige, off-whites, and bright whites. Even if quartz countertops include red, blue, and black, you should remember that the trendy colors can also coexist with traditional hues if they are just small spurts.

Edging

Edging is helpful when it comes to determining the counter style or vanity and how it affects pricing. Standard edges of quartz are straight edges and waterfall edges. These edges are applicable to quartz with a thickness of 1 1/4 inch. The more intricate edging options can include gee, beveled, pencil, bullnose, and laminated edging profiles that add another quartz layer to achieve a more dramatic look.

Overall Motif and Appliances

You should read the room. There is not one item, pattern, color, or finish that is perfect. You can only achieve perfection by combining all the little details and putting them together cohesively.

The countertop value, and how it goes with the space. In other cases, this could be the centerpiece. Sometimes, it can just be a supporting role. One of the best practices is to digitally or physically have a cut out of the room and then superimpose countertop cutouts with different patterns and colors. This is helpful when it comes to visualizing what works and what will not in a more realistic situation instead of relying mainly on imagination.

You should never hesitate to ask for help and take a picture of the countertop when you shop for them.

There are so many to choose from and quartz countertop contractors Rockville can help you.

15

Apr

Tips for Choosing Granite Countertops

When you remodel your home or choose fixtures for a new build, the color you choose is important especially if you are choosing countertops. However, you should not worry about the stone stuff because there are easy tips you can follow if you plan to pay for granite countertops.

When you choose a lighter color or speckled granite is a great option for darker spaces that have very little light. However, a darker color like obsidian and sable granite with streaks would be a great choice for the kitchen that overflows with natural light or if you are busy. Lighting is an important consideration since the darker granite should have sufficient lighting and can make spaces appear smaller compared to what they really are.

Read on to know more.

Listen to Your Gut

Most of the time, the granite slab stands out the most and it will most likely be their first choice. If you have chosen a slab that you think can match your flooring, cabinets, and other designs, you must take note. Most of the time, you are looking at so many granite slabs that have different tones and patterns, which can be daunting and decision-making becomes difficult. Instead, you need to consider what made you think that you should choose that one.

Choose the Peg You Like

Most of the time designers choose an element as the basis for the kitchen color scheme. When you are choosing granite, there are 2 choices you can make. Choose the granite primary color that will best match the kitchen’s dominant color, which is normally the cabinets or you can choose a more subtle approach like finding matching streaks or veins. For instance, if you have white cabinets, you must choose granite with white veins or a background.

Take Samples

If you have available samples, you should take a few of them home so you can see what it looks like in your kitchen. If not, you can take pictures of the samples. Once you get home, you should test them by covering existing countertops with a neutral one such as a paper or white sheet, and then place the samples or photos on the counter. Doing this allows you to see if it looks the same under natural light and the other elements that are in your home. Make sure they are tested several times of the day, even if you choose a mid-tone gray with flecks of dark charcoal and white veins. How you see color depends on the temperature and level of lighting.

Choose an Area

Since each slab is unique, it is going to have valuable grains and color tones in the entire slab. If you are into veining or colors in one area, you can ask the granite countertop installers if you can have that section. Based on the size and shape of the countertop, sometimes your favorite part might not be appropriate for the countertop. For instance, if you want large and flowing patterns, it might work best for a sweeping kitchen island to show the beautiful design.

You Can Always Choose Two

If you cannot decide between two colors, you can always use both. It is also a good idea to choose a lighter color for the island and a darker tone for the cabinets, which creates a nice contrast. Your kitchen will have a pop of color that you might end up loving. Granite is the popular choice because it compliments any color, with neutrals, like taupe and soft cream.

You can contact granite contractor Potomac if you want the best for your home.

07

Apr

How to Keep Your Granite Kitchen Top Clean and Shiny

After you have invested in a granite countertop installation, you must understand how you should maintain its beauty for a long time. These tips are easy to follow, including cleaning ideas and polishing tricks for maintaining your granite countertop.

Granite Countertops are expensive, but maintenance is easy. However, should still know how to do it right. These tips will help you remember to practice regular routine maintenance to make sure that your countertops can keep their glossy shine for many years.

Since granite is expensive, and those who have it normally want their kitchens to look excellent, they always read about tips on how to do that. Keep in mind that you must read and follow the tips even if your countertop is new.

Make Sure it is Sealed Properly

Granite countertops are made using natural stone, so each slab is unique. Relatively, granite is non-porous, and a lot of manufacturers seal slabs before shipping it out, but you should still periodically reapply the sealant. Factory sealants will last for years, depending on the tear and water level present. In order to check if your countertop requires sealing, you must contact your manufacturer or do a bead test. You can put a few drops of water on the countertop, and see if it forms a bead. Your countertop must not be sealed. If the water gets absorbed into the stone or a watermark is left, you must seal your counters.

Retain the Shine

An excellent way to maintain the shininess of your countertop is by keeping it clean. As you wipe the surface with mild-warm water, dish soap, and a paper towel, you will see that it is perfect for cleaning effectively. You would have to use a granite cleaner that is specially made for that. Never use just any common household cleaning product on your granite countertop. Using products like that can damage the granite or cause it to become dull. You do not want this to happen.

Remove Water Spots and Stains

For granite stains – dark spots, rings, or oil stains – you must try using baking soda and a water poultice. After that, place the paste mixture on the stain. You need to cover the paste using plastic wrap and allow it to sit for 24 to 48 hours. Baking soda might absorb the counterstains.

In case that is not working, you need to try sprinkling cornstarch on the stain. You need to cover it using plastic and then wait for a couple of hours. The cornstarch could suck up the leftover stain.

Scrub it

Since granite countertops are sealed so they stay shiny and stain-resistant, you might want to avoid using anything that is too acidic or basic to clean your countertop. If you frequently use vinegar or the basic ones, it is going to make the granite dull and weaken the sealant as well. Instead, you need a little soap and water.

Add Shine to it

If you want to make your granite shiny, you need to pour cooking oil on a cleaning cloth and wipe it across the kitchen countertop. You need to gently buff it, and this makes the counter a little stain-resistant, giving it a glossy shine.

Even if you already know how to clean countertops, your granite should be periodically sealed. Normal wear and tear is going to wear off the sealant, which leaves the counter susceptible and dull to the stains. If you know how to clean the granite countertop, you can make the sealant last longer.

Granite countertop installers Rockville will build the best for you, all you need to

21

Mar

How to Choose the Right Granite Kitchen Countertop

Granite countertops have a huge impact on your home’s value, which is why it is important to choose the right material for you and for any future buyer in case you sell your home. Many people love granite for their kitchen countertop, making it a safe option.

The issue is that granite has a huge range of patterns and colors. There are neutral colors like black, white, and brown to even exotic and bold ones like greens, reds, and blues. You might have a hard time choosing the right granite slab because it is a big investment. In this article, there are tips here you can use so that you will not have a hard time.

Gather the Materials You Need

A great selection of countertops calls for attention to detail. Buying a slab and wanting the best results is a big risk. When it comes to choosing granite, you should take color samples of the finish, flooring, wall paint, and kitchen appliances. In case there are no samples available, take a picture of them. You need to place the samples around or on the granite so you can have an idea of what the decoration is. Dark cabinetry made of cherry wood and black granite can be overpowering.

Choose a Theme

Most of the time, designers choose an element as a foundation for a color scheme. When you are choosing granite, there are 2 options for you. Choose the main granite color that matches the kitchen’s dominant color, which is normally the cabinets, or opt for a more subtle approach by looking for matching streaks or veins. For instance, if your cabinets are white, you can go for a granite background or white veins.

Visit Showrooms

Online shopping for granite is convenient, but it should not be a replacement for seeing it on your own. It is hard to photograph the color patterns and the small differences in textures and shades are not accurately seen. When you shop in-store, there are still some challenges when it comes to color selection. Slabs with the same color and category usually vary greatly. After choosing your preferred color, like brown, black, blue, yellow, or green, you should ask to see the samples in the color subset.

Choose Light or Dark

In other cases, the granite you choose might be more influenced by its effect on the kitchen instead of the color scheme. If it will be for a small kitchen, you might want to choose a light color, like gray or beige. That can also be for bathrooms. The only thing to be concerned about is that a light stone granite countertop will show stains more. In general, granite is resistant to stain, so that is a good point to consider. You can use dark granite to add a little drama to your kitchen, especially if you have a large kitchen. It might not be good for a small kitchen or if there is no natural light coming in.

Make Sure it Blends with the House

When you are choosing the granite countertop color, it can help to consider other parts of the house. This is also true when the kitchen has an open sight of the other rooms. Having color consistency in your home keeps it cohesive. So, your home is going to feel like a living space instead of only individual rooms that are connected by doors. You should think about bringing a color shade from a different room to harmonize them together.

You can contact granite contractor Potomac if you want your countertop done right.

 

14

Mar

Advantages of Replacing Your Kitchen Countertop

Every kitchen and the majority of bathrooms have built-in countertops. If you want a perfect workspace, you need solid countertops and wooden cabinets that are waist-high. They are useful, beautiful, and smooth. The majority of stone and granite countertops add some elegance to your kitchen, as well as any design of a kitchen. It is also good to replace your countertop and make it a major remodeling project to revamp your kitchen.

Homeowners want to install new countertops even if they already have one in their home, but people certainly know why they want to replace their countertops. If you want to know the benefits of getting a new one, this article will tell you.

Chip and Scratch Resistant

One reason why people want to get granite countertops is that they have the durability to resist scratching and chipping under normal circumstances. Granite is the 2nd hardest material, and the first is diamonds.

You should be cautious about using very sharp cleavers and knives since they might cause marring. That is why you must use a chopping board when you chop, slice, and dice foods. Are you aware that granite countertops last almost forever if they are installed together with the right support bracket? Now you know.

It Will Match Your Island Countertop

When you have installed a new kitchen island, it is a good reason to get new countertops as well. You will require a newly installed countertop surface to match the island. Therefore, you want other parts of the counters to match them. Adding a kitchen island is a great opportunity to have completely upgraded the look and feel of your kitchen. Your existing cabinetry can get a fresh paint job and then pick a countertop that is beautiful on the island and your entire kitchen countertop.

Increases the Resale Value of Your Home

If you want to sell your home in the future, take into consideration that your kitchen is one area that greatly influences the decision of a buyer. A kitchen remodel can add thousands of dollars to your home’s selling price, with a significant ROI. Even just a minor remodeling project, like replacing countertops, can have the same effect.

Resistant to Moisture, Heat, and Stain

Aside from being chip and scratch-resistant, a granite countertop is also resistant to moisture and stains when you use the right sealant. Since granite countertops are porous, sealing is important to guard protect them against staining and etching by acids and alkaline. You must remember that sealant should be reapplied yearly to keep the resistance.

In addition, food and liquid spills should be removed right away with mild detergent and water. When spills dry on the countertop, it is very easy to scrape them off. In addition, heat and pressure are used to form granite which means they are heat resistant, so you can place hot pots and pans on them.

Replace Low-Quality Materials of Countertops

Some homes do not have a high-quality countertop, to begin with. A lot of older homes were created with Formica or laminate countertops, and they are both less desirable inside any home. Aside from being low-quality, they are also poorly made so they become less attractive as time goes by. Any homeowner who sees a shabby and low—quality countertop has all the reasons to replace the counters with attractive countertops. You should replace every countertop in your house because Formica is not only limited to a single installation job.

If you are looking for countertop replacement services Potomac, you can contact them right away for the best outcome.

 

 

03

Sep

Tips on Matching Your Kitchen Countertop with the Floor and Cabinets

A lot of people nowadays tend to invest in improving the kitchen area of their homes. There are many kitchen renovation options you can choose from – from changing your current countertop into a brand-new quartz kitchen countertops or granite countertops. You would also have to consider whether to change your flooring, cabinets, and even your appliances.

However, you should first determine whether you need to have a kitchen overhaul or stick to your current kitchen design for the meantime. For one thing, it may depend on how old your countertop or flooring are. You should also prepare your budget if you are planning to have a kitchen makeover.

Getting started

With so many kitchen makeover options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to choose one that will suit your preference and lifestyle. Your options will also depend on what the current kitchen improvement trends are. You can choose to follow the current kitchen trends, or opt for a timeless design that won’t easily go out of style.

It may also be a good idea to come up with a set of criteria in planning for a kitchen renovation. Also, it can also help to know whether you want a kitchen renovation or remodel. In case you don’t know, the two are actually two different things. The former refers to repairing a current structure, while the latter refers to changing the entire existing structure.

Matching your countertop with your cabinet and flooring

A lot of homes follow some kind of theme to make a room look more attractive and coordinated. It is similar to when you choose your outfit of the day, even down to your makeup.

Whether you have quartz kitchen tops or granite countertops, the more important thing is to keep everything simple yet appealing. Here are some tips in matching the countertop with your existing flooring and cabinet.

  • Decide on your color scheme – at least with two major colors and another as accent color.
  • Choose your preferred kitchen countertop material as well as its finishing (matte, textured, glossy, or flat). From there, you can coordinate the countertop finishing with that of your flooring.
  • It can be a good idea to create a contrast between the floor and the cabinets especially if you are considering to have laminate or wood flooring. In other words, creating depth and contrast can make a difference in your kitchen’s overall look.
  • Make sure to always have samples when you go shopping for countertop to make the coordination process easier.

Choosing a kitchen countertop

There are many kitchen countertop materials you can choose from. There are popular ones such as quartz countertops. Countertop replacement companies may also offer other kinds of kitchen countertop materials such as:

  • Granite
  • Stainless steel
  • Butcher block
  • Marble
  • Laminate

Each countertop type vary in price. For example, quartz are on the expensive side which can range around $5,000 and above. On the other hand, there are cheaper options such as butcher block (may cost at least $1,700) and stainless steel (may cost around $2,200 and above).

Choosing the right countertop material may depend on your preference and need. For example, stainless steel countertops are a great option for the serious cooks out there. On the other hand, quartz, granite, or marble countertops look great in any kitchen although these are a little expensive than stainless steel.

Choosing a cabinet

Like countertops, choosing a cabinet material and style may also take time. There are cabinets with and without frames. There are also some cabinets that can be customized according to your preference and need.

Framed cabinets usually work in kitchens with traditional or classic designs. On the other hand, frameless ones work on modern or contemporary kitchen themes. It usually has hinges that are barely noticeable, giving the cabinet a sleeker look than framed ones.

Stock cabinets are usually the cheaper cabinet option, while customized cabinets are more expensive yet can be made according to your preference. Meanwhile, you can also decide on the cabinet material such as maple, pine, oak, and cherry. For cheaper alternatives, you can choose laminated cabinets that can mimic real wood yet can also offer quality and durability.

For your kitchen countertop installation needs, you can hire professional countertop replacement companies in Potomac. Contact one today!

13

Aug

What to Consider Before Installing a Kitchen Island

The kitchen is one of the busiest parts of the house, especially if you are fond of preparing home-cooked meals for your family. Your kitchen countertop will play an important role in making your kitchen area productive. Whether you choose to have a quartz countertop or hire granite countertop installers, you should do your own research and choose the right countertop according to your kitchen needs.

If you have extra space in your kitchen, why not add a kitchen island? A kitchen island not only can make a kitchen more interesting but also adds up to your culinary working space. It can also be made from different countertop material whichever your preference is. In such cases, you can hire granite companies or find a quartz countertops dealer for your kitchen island material.

Getting started

Adding a kitchen island may or may not be a luxury in your kitchen area. It depends on whether you need one for your kitchen. Many homeowners can do well without having a kitchen island. On the other hand, it is one of the best kitchen additions a lot of homeowners have ever made.

Nevertheless, having a kitchen island can provide several benefits for homeowners. For one, you can choose from a wide variety of designs and materials that will suit your kitchen needs. It is a nice centerpiece and also a practical solution for an extra workspace while doing your thing in the kitchen. It can help a lot in making your kitchen space more organized and add life to it as well.

What to consider before adding a kitchen island

Before adding an island in your kitchen area, there are several things you need to consider first. As mentioned, having an island can be one of the best additions you can have in your kitchen. It can serve as an additional workspace and storage area for your kitchen area. Plus, it can look good in all types of kitchens.

However, adding a kitchen island may depend on how your kitchen looks like and whether it can be able to accommodate one. That said, here are some factors to consider before hiring quartz countertop contractors for a kitchen island installation.

Space

Contrary to popular belief, you can put an island regardless of the kitchen size you have. That means you would also have to adjust the size of the island depending on the total size of your kitchen. There are also different kitchen island designs you can choose from.

Foot traffic

Once you have already decided on the island you will have installed, make sure you still have enough space to move around the kitchen. Experts recommend installing the island at least 4 feet away from your current kitchen counter.

Purpose

Decide on how you are going to utilize the kitchen island. Do you want it portable with wheels? How about adding a built-in cabinet for extra storage? Or perhaps install a sink on it? The possibilities are endless. You can consult a professional contractor for possible alternatives.

Material

As mentioned, kitchen islands are available in different materials. Some can be made from granite, quartz, concrete, wood, or any other building material. Regardless of your choice, make sure to check the pros and cons of each material in terms of durability, aesthetics, and ease of cleaning and maintenance.

Other things to think about in kitchen island installation

Aside from the abovementioned factors, there are other considerations you need to take note before building a kitchen island. Here are some of them.

Follow the island’s shape according to the kitchen layout.

At the end of the day, you would also want the island to complement the overall look of your kitchen. If you have a rectangular kitchen, the island should be rectangular-shaped as well. It is also better to install the island parallel to the kitchen’s longest wall area.

Make sure to clean the island’s surface regularly.

To ensure the quality of the kitchen island, make sure to clean it properly. This will help make the surface clean and durable at all times.

Plan ahead on how you want the island to look like.

If you want to incorporate a sink or add an appliance on it, make sure to plan ahead. Consult a professional contractor about your plan so they work around it.

Finding a professional kitchen contractor

If you are planning to build a kitchen island, make sure to hire reliable countertop replacement companies near you. Contact professional granite contractors in Montgomery County MD today!