10

Nov

How to Take Care of your Kitchen Counter tops

It’s essential that you take care of your countertops to ensure they have a timeless look. Different countertops require different care procedures, and it’s important that you understand how to care for your countertop. In this article, we look at how to take care of different countertops and ensure they last longer.  Consult the granite contractor on how best to clean your countertop. The care procedure you follow will depend on the function of the countertop.

How to Take Care of Your Countertops

Granite Countertop

  • Cleaning

Use a warm, mild detergent and a soft cloth to clean the granite countertop after use. Avoid abrasive scouring pads because that may scratch the countertop.

  • Removing Stains

If you notice stains on your countertop make a paste from baking soda, water, diluted ammonia, and hydrogen peroxide and apply on the stain. Scrub gently and then rinse thoroughly. You may need to apply it often to remove the stain. It’s however important that you consult the granite countertop dealer on how best to deal with the specific stain on your countertop

  • Sealing the countertop

The granite installer will seal your countertop after installation. If your countertop needs to be sealed after years of use its best to let the granite countertop installers do the sealing process. Make sure the sealant used is of high quality.

How to Clean Marble countertops

  • Cleaning

When cleaning the marble use warm, mild detergent and a soft cloth to clean after use. Don’t use acidic cleaners on the countertop.

  • Stain removal

Depending on the kind of stain make a paste using baking soda, water, and hydrogen peroxide. Apply the paste on the stain and cover it for a while and then rinse it off. It’s important that you consult the countertop installers before using the mixture to avoid damaging the countertop

  • Sealing

Sealing will help protect your countertop from stains, and it’s important that it’s done professionally. Let the contractors do the sealing to ensure that it’s done professionally.

How to Clean Quartz Countertops and Engineered stone countertops

Below are simple steps on how to maintain your quartz and engineered stone countertops

  • Cleaning

The countertops are made of quartz crystal and resin, and they require minimal maintenance. They can be cleaned using mild soap and water.

  • Stain Removal

Quartz and engineered stone countertops are stain resistant but in case of a persistent stain use a nonabrasive sponge or glass cleaner.

  • Sealing

Quartz countertops and engineered countertops don’t require sealing because they are nonporous.

Tips to Keep Your Countertop Looking Good

  • Refinish your old countertop

If your countertop is old cleaning may not give it a good look. Give your countertop, a new look apply a new layer of the sealant and polish the countertop. Consult the granite countertop installers on how best to refinish your countertop.

  • Understand your countertop material

It’s important to know the countertop material you have and how to maintain it. Clean the kitchen countertop with materials that will not cause damage. consult the granite installer on how best to maintain your countertop

  • Develop a Maintenance Schedule

It’s important to ensure that you care for your countertop often. Create a cleaning schedule for daily cleaning and monthly cleaning. You can deep clean the countertop once per month. Make sure you follow the sealing schedule.

  • Organize your Kitchen

Avoid making your countertop a storage place. To make your countertop last long avoid placing heavy items on the countertop. Organize your kitchen and ensure that you declutter your countertop.

  •  Use Natural solutions to clean your countertop

Unless your countertop is stained avoid using detergents with strong chemicals to clean your countertop. Natural cleaning solutions will leave the countertop looking good for long. It’s therefore important to ensure the detergent use don’t cause the countertop to lose their shine.

  • Clean spills immediately

You can’t avoid spills, and it’s important to ensure they are cleaned immediately. If a spill sits on the countertop for long, it will cause a stain. Use a damp cloth and a mild detergent to clean the spills.

Proper cleaning and care of your kitchen countertop will ensure they last longer. Make sure you consult the granite-quartz installers Rockville on how best to take care of your countertop. Make sure you develop a cleaning schedule and follow it diligently. The above simple Maintenance tips will make your countertop more durable.

28

Oct

The 4 Most Common Kitchen Counter top Materials

When it comes to kitchen countertops there are many options to choose from and its important that you have the right one for your kitchen. Different countertops are ideal for different kitchen and in this article, we look at the major countertops that are available and which one is ideal for your kitchen. Before you settle on any countertop visit the granite companies and get to see the different countertops available, ask the granite contractor questions so that you can establish the one which is best for your countertop.

The Different Types of Countertops

  • Granite

Granite is the king and the material of choice for most people. It brings out elegance, style, and perks up the value of your home. Over the years the cost of granites has come down and they are more readily available than they were years back.

Advantages of Granite countertops

  • It’s available in a variety of unique colours
  • The countertop is almost impervious to heat
  • Long lasting and strong
  • Perks the value of your home
  • Easy to maintain when properly sealed

Disadvantages

  • The countertop can crack if stressed or improperly installed
  • It’s expensive to install in large areas
  • Requires constant sealing to avoid damage

Quartz Countertop

Quartz is made of quartz and other minerals bound together by resin. It nonporous and will resist stains and scratches. It’s available in a variety of colours and doesn’t require sealing.

Advantages of Quartz Countertops

  • Its be customized to fit any size
  • Looks more natural that surfaces such as solid surfaces
  • Easy to maintain and doesn’t require sealing
  • Its stain resistant and will not be easily be affected by heat and acid

Disadvantages

  • It’s expensive especially if you require large slabs

Soapstone

Soapstone is a natural stone which is grey in colour and has a smooth silky feel. It’s mostly found in ancient homes. It’s hard and resistant to stains.

Advantages

  • It gives you kitchen a historical look
  • Its resist stain to a certain level
  • Impervious to heat to some degree.

Disadvantages

  • It may become dark with time
  • It can scratch and dent more easily over time
  • It requires treatment with mineral oil to prevent staining

Marble countertop

Marble luxurious kitchen countertop. It’s expensive as compared to most countertops and it’s not the countertop of choice for most homes. It requires sealing to keep the countertop from staining.

Advantages

  • Its exceptionally beautiful and will give your home a stylish look
  • It’s heatproof

Disadvantages

  • It’s expensive and porous
  • It stains easily if not sealed
  • Can scratch and it’s hard to repair

 

The above are the most favourite countertops you can choose from. Talk to the countertop installers and they will help you choose the best for your kitchen.

How to Choose a Kitchen Countertop

Above the most common kitchen countertops materials, but how do you choose the right one for your kitchen. Below some of the factors, you should consider when selecting countertop materials.

  • Function and Use of the countertop

One of the most important factor to consider is the use and the traffic in your kitchen. If your kitchen is high traffic you need a material that is able to withstand the high traffic. Quartz countertop is ideal for high traffic kitchen while granite countertops are perfect for the outdoor kitchen. It’s therefore important that you determine your kitchen requirements and then choose a countertop that works for you.

  • Budget

Visit the Quartz countertop dealers and get a quotation on the various countertops available. Choose the countertop that fits in your budget, but ensure that it serves the function.

  • Style

Determine the style that you want to bring out. Granite countertop will bring out a contemporary look while marble is stylish and have an expensive look. Choose the countertop that will bring out the style you want.

  • Durability

Choose the countertop that will serve you for long and look good years later. Quartz countertops are strong and will last long even in high traffic areas. Make sure that the countertop you choose will last a long time and serve the purpose your require

The countertop material you choose will determine how your kitchen will look. It’s therefore important that you choose one that will bring out a stylish look and perk the value of your house. Make sure that the granite-quartz installers Rockville fix the countertop for best results. Follow the right maintenance procedure and your countertop will last for years and still look good.

09

Oct

How to Clean and Take Care of Your Outdoor Kitchen Counter tops

Your outdoor kitchen countertop makes your home more appealing and its therefore important that you keep the countertop clean and well mantained.  Its imperative that your countertop is well maintained to keep your outdoor kitchen looking beautiful for years. Your granite countertop installers Rockville will advise you on how best to take care if your countertop depending on the functionality of your kitchen. The outdoor kitchen countertop is an investment and it’s therefore important that you follow the right maintenance and care procedure.

Consideration to Make when Choosing an Outdoor Kitchen Countertop Material

  • Functionality

It’s important to consider the use of the outdoor kitchen. If it’s a  busy kitchen consider using granite countertop as its one of the best material that will last for years and still look good.

  • Environment

Some countertop materials will fade and lose shine in a harsh environment. It’s therefore important that you choose a material that can withstand all the weather elements. Marble countertops may fade with time and you need to choose a countertop material that can withstand the weather elements without fading or crumbling.

  • Style

What style does want to bring out? Talk to the expert at the granite company and they will advise you on which is the best material for your outdoor kitchen.

  • Budget

Consider your budget and choose the material that fits your budget. The quartz countertop dealers will be able to give a quotation on the various materials available and the cost of each.

Cleaning and taking care of your  Outdoor Granite Countertops

The granite countertop installer will give tips and advise on how to keep your granite countertop looking good. The granite countertop should be sealed after installation and the sealant should be well maintained to prevent your countertop from damage. Depending on how often you use your outdoor kitchen make sure your granite kitchen countertop is well taken care of and maintained. Below some steps on how to take care of your outdoor kitchen countertop 

  • Clean your countertop regularly. Make sure that you clean the countertop every day using mild water and soap to clean your countertop after use. Avoid abrasive cleaning materials as that will make the top dull.
  • Avoid overloading the countertop. When not in use make sure that there are no objects placed on the countertop. Don’t sit or stand on the countertop.
  • In case of tough stains use baking soda paste to clean the countertop. Once you have mixed baking powder with water, apply it on the countertop and let it sit for minutes before cleaning it off. Make sure you clean off any spill immediately.
  • While cutting meat and other foodstuffs avoid cutting directly as that will result in scratch marks.
  •  If you are not using the countertop for prolonged periods make sure your countertop is well protected from the harsh weather. You can install shade over the countertop. Even the best countertop will fade under harsh weather conditions.
  • Clean your granite with shine enhancer  from time to time to keep it looking good

Taking care of  Outdoor Engineered Stone countertops

Engineered stone is made from minerals and held together by a resin binder. Examples of engineered stone include quartz countertop, engineered marble, and polymer concrete.

Cleaning Engineered countertops

  • Engineered stone is nonporous making it easy to clean and maintain. To clean the countertop use warm water and soap.
  • Use nonabrasive cleaners to avoid damaging the countertop
  • When scrubbing off stuck foodstuff use a plastic putty knife.

Tips to Keep your Outdoor Kitchen Countertop Looking Good

  • Make sure your granite countertop is properly sealed.
  • Cover your countertop when  not in use to protect it from the harsh weather elements
  • Clean the countertop after use. In case of stains speak to the quartz countertop installers on the best combination to clean the countertop
  • Make sure you use the right countertop material for your outdoor kitchen

The outdoor kitchen lets your family enjoy a meal away from the hot kitchen. It’s therefore important that you take good care of the countertop. Make sure that you speak to the granite -Quartz installers on how best to take care of your countertop. How well you take care of the granite countertop or the quartz ocuntertop will determine how durable and good looking it will be.

29

Jun

Granite Counter top Installation Process

Installing a granite countertop in your kitchen is one of the best investment to perk up the value of the house. The process of choosing and installing the granite can be overwhelming and in this post, we guide you on what to expect during the installation. The first step is to get a professional granite installer to help you choose the best granite edges and the best color for your kitchen. Your choice of granite should leave your kitchen trendy and up to date.

Granite Installation Process

  • Visit the Showroom

You start by visiting the granite company and visiting the showroom to see the various granite samples available. Learn about the various granites available, various colors and the pricing for each. Ask the granite  countertop installer the price per square foot for each color and the labor cost for installation.

  • Decide on your Sink

Choose the sink that you want to be installed in you’re the kitchen countertop. It’s important that you decide the sink to use because the granite contractor will need to cut the granite out of the space occupied by the sink.

  • Choose the Granite Edge profile

The edge profile is the outer edge look of the kitchen countertop. Choose the edge that works for your depending on the kitchen size and safety.

  • Install the Granite

On the installation day, the granite fabricator will bring the slab home and set in place. The cabinets that hold the weight of the granite should be ready and installed. The granite countertop should handle with care to avoid breaking or cracking. The granite countertop installers will make sure there is space for the faucet and the granite is properly placed on top of the cabinets. It will take approximately two hours to complete the installation but that depends on the size of granite. If you have the time, it’s important that you take part in the process. Let the expert explain the process to you as that will guide you on what to expect.  Confirm details such how the granite countertops will be attached to the cabinets, what will be used on the backsplash and any other query that you may have.

Tips to Ensure a Smooth Granite Countertop Installation

  • Prepare the cabinets for the granite installation before the granite arrives. That will save you hassles of storing the granite
  • Talk to the granite installers on where the seams will be to make the cutting of the granite easier
  • Choose the sink before you choose the granite
  • Let the granite installer visit your home to determine how the countertop will line up with the oven

How to Choose a Granite Installer

The result of your kitchen countertop will depend on the expertise of your granite countertop installer and it’s therefore important that the one you choose has the required skills and knowledge

  • Expertise and Knowledge

Make sure the installer you choose has previous experience and the required expertise for a professional outcome. Granite is a huge investment and you, therefore, need a person who is a granite who will bring the best out and leave your kitchen looking trendy. Ensure that the installer has all the required tools that they will need during installation. Ask family and friends for a recommendation and visit the previous site to view the works done

  • Labour Cost

Before you choose the installer to get several quotes from the granite companies and compare. Choose one that charges a fair price and ensures all the cost are included. Make sure the granite cost, transportation, installation cost and any other accessories cost is part of the quotation.

The first step to a professional installation is understanding the process and clearly stating the expectation. View other installations to have a visual picture of what you expect and ask questions during the installation process. It’s imperative that you make sure your installation is quality and perfect and its therefore important that the granite company you choose should have the skilled granite installers Rockville. That will make the installation process easy. Make sure you gather as much information as possible as this will help you know the perfect installation. Once the installation is done add all the accessories your kitchen need and enjoy your beautiful kitchen.