28

Feb

How to Protect Your Kitchen Countertops

After you spend so many hours looking through magazines, bringing samples home, and checking the way they look under different lights, you have finally chosen your countertops. You have ordered them from the quartz countertop installer, paid for them, and are now just waiting for everything to finish. The hard part is protecting them from everyday use. With the time, work, and money you spent on acquiring the countertops, you want to be sure that you do what you can so they will always look clean, new, and fresh.

Among the first things, people or prospective buyers notice when they enter a home are the countertops. They come in different materials, each having its own care instructions.

Material

Most kitchen countertops are made of granite or quartz, and they normally have a polished finish making them beautiful, but delicate as well. Even if granite is tough, you should never cut onto the surface directly. You should be careful not to drag pots and pans on the surface because it can scratch the polished finish. Spills have to be immediately cleaned to avoid stains since granite is porous that can absorb liquid easily. Certain foods in particular – acids such as vinegar, citrus, and soft drinks – will leave etches in granite. You should use gentle washing detergent to dampen the cloth to clean the kitchen counter and not abrasive or harsh cleaners.

Do Not Use Your Countertop as a Step Ladder

Even if countertops are known for their durability, they might not have the strength to hold your weight as you look for a pot in the cabinet or change a bulb. In terms of safety, you should not stand or step on the countertops. If countertops become cracked or chipped, you should contact a repair company right away.

Wipe up Spills Immediately

Regardless if it is soda in the kitchen or a contact solution, you should clean up spills right away. When you leave them sitting on the kitchen counter, even for a couple of minutes, it will allow time for them to soak into the countertop and leave a residue.

Make Sure that the Stone is Properly Sealed

Stone countertops are popular for their low-maintenance nature. Therefore, a lot of people have the tendency to forget that many kinds of stone are porous and might absorb liquids that can lead to stains. You can avoid this issue if you periodically seal your counters. When you have the right products, sealing can be simple.

When you have soapstone counters, they never have to be sealed. Soapstone is extremely dense and will never absorb water. However, you might want to oil it to make sure that the stone patina is developed evenly.

Avoid Damage

There are a lot of things you can do to protect stone countertops and help prevent any damage. You should have your guests use coasters to avoid spilled liquids or drink rings. It is suggested that you place them out so that they can easily be accessed. This will also encourage your guests to use coasters, without getting prompted.

Another way you can avoid damage is to use pads that are heat-resistant. These handy kitchen essentials are excellent for pots and pans, together with casserole dishes, crockpots, and a lot more.

Even if this is given, it should be said that you must always use a cutting board when you prepare food. Sharp knives will leave etches on stone countertops, which normally cannot be repaired so you should be careful.

You can contact granite countertops Montgomery County MD anytime if you want to have the best countertops installed.

20

Dec

How Quartz Countertops Transform Your Kitchen

A kitchen renovation is a major undertaking, and a lot of homeowners look back and regret any decisions they made. You should not cut corners now to just regret it after some time. You can make the most out of your kitchen remodel when you go for quartz countertop contractors.

The cost might seem expensive when you compare it to other materials, but you are going to keep those countertops most likely at home for many years or decades. The easy care and maintenance of quartz pay for itself since it no longer requires sealing, special cleaning products, or other time-consuming and costly maintenance. You will discover more reasons why quartz countertops transform your kitchen by reading until the end.

Quartz is Environmentally Friendly

Quartz countertops are environmentally friendly, which means they are virtually safe and do not emit radon gas. This gas is colorless and odorless that is known to be a leading cause of lung cancer in the USA, according to the research performed by EPA.

Therefore, if you want to be environmentally green, you should choose quartz countertops for your kitchen. You will also use lesser cleaning products with chemicals because your countertop is easy to clean.

You can Buy Them Patterned or Solid

Choose between solid or patterned shades. A solid hue makes your room seem refined, low-key, and sleek, and you can choose from shades that include the spectrum from dramatic or subdued. There is also gray, black, neutral tan, white, beige, blue-green, brighter blue, orange, etc. Gray with one shade, black quartz, or white makes your room look elegant and luxurious. The color has an advantage over quartz with dark hues.

The other benefit is it lets you change other decors to anything you want because it fits with different looks. The versatility is amazing and it is not hard to incorporate it into your kitchen.

Timeless Luxury

Quartz countertops appear like solid stones, but they are a blend of 95% natural quartz that is mixed with 5% polymer design. The material blends make a more resilient surface and it is tough. Quartz is a lot stronger compared to other stone materials and it is almost indestructible.

Even if quartz countertops are not the cheapest, they are a great investment that lasts for decades and it continues to look fantastic without making a lot of fuss.

Mix and Match

If you would stick to one hue, you can mix and match. A patterned quartz countertop is more intriguing and adventurous, especially when it comes to contemporary spaces. You can choose eye-catching patterns and variations that transform your room with any detail. For instance, in case you want to retain the look, you should add a dash of style. Barely-there mottling a solid hue, swirls, and delicate gold veins that run through the quartz adding some visual interest.

More Considerations

Even if you can mix, blend, and match shares until you arrive at the look you want, there are a couple of tips to keep in mind. You can start to collect samples of the final selection, and then hold them against the décor or flooring so you can see how they fit. If you chose a dramatic, speckled black that adds flair and flamboyance to your room, you must ensure that you have the right room size where the color stands out. The lighting also plays an important role, which affects the look. Lastly, your cabinetry and flooring should match or contrast with the countertop colors so that they all come together to look fabulous.

Do not hesitate to contact quartz countertops dealer Potomac anytime if you want the nicest-looking quartz kitchen countertop.

 

 

 

21

Oct

How to Protect Your Countertops Over the Holidays

The holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year, especially when you celebrate it with friends and family. However, if the holidays are approaching quickly, you might forget about the care and maintenance of the countertops.

If you want to protect your granite or quartz countertops, you should take note of what the experts say because they can provide the best tips.

During the holiday season, the need for cooking and baking increases, which will definitely land on the countertops. Therefore, you should put measures to protect countertops each time there are festivities. Even if the stone is able to withstand the holiday season, you might have to go the extra mile. Learn more by reading further.

Clean the Countertops Right Away

You should not wait to clean your countertops until the end and clean up messes that happen. The acidic ingredients, hot food, and drinks are going to leave dull spots on the stone if you do not take care of it right away. Remember that the most dangerous messes are those that have different acids. They will only leave dull spots, which is also called etching, but they leave difficult stains. You should give counters thorough cleaning using dish soap after you bake and cook.

Wipe up the Spills

Your kitchen will have a lot of activity over the holidays. With a lot of kitchen traffic, you can forget to care for the counters.

The majority of surfaces can easily get stained. Unfortunately, family gatherings and parties normally do not end with no spills. If you invite family members and loved ones for Christmas or Thanksgiving, make sure you immediately wipe up spills.

Failure can give the liquid enough time to penetrate the stone. If you are wiping up spills right away, you will also prevent the formation of stains.

Avoid Any Damage

There are a lot of things you can do in order to protect stone countertops and it helps prevent damage. Ask your guests to use coasters to avoid spilled liquids and drink rings. They should be placed out to make them accessible to anyone. This will also encourage your guests to use coasters without you having to prompt them.

One way to avoid damage is to use heat-resistant pads. These kitchen essentials are excellent for pots and pans, together with casserole dishes, crockpots, and others.

Even if this is given, it should be said that you must always a cutting board when you prepare food. Sharp knives could leave etches on stone countertops, which cannot be repaired most of the time.

Seal Your Countertops

Since granite is a natural stone, it should be resealed. The primary way you can protect granite countertops is to have them resealed regularly. If your granite countertops are sealed within the past years, then you might want to make this a top priority. A sealed countertop will be resistant to stains, spills, and heat, taking the stress off your shoulders and worrying about any damage. Aside from that, resealing is a good habit. In case you have more questions about resealing your countertops, you should take them to your countertop installers.

Only Use Mild Household Cleaners

Quartz or granite countertops are tougher and resistant to stains, scorches, and scratches. Even if the finishing enables them to be stain-resistant, they use cleaners to protect counters from stains despite the kind of stone.

Using mild household products because they help clean counters while protecting them from any permanent damage. Avoid using harsh cleaners to get rid of stubborn spills and stains.

You can talk to countertop replacement services Potomac anytime if you want them to check your countertops before the holidays.

 

13

Sep

Choosing the Right Countertop Backsplash

With a modern kitchen design inspiration, most of the time the backsplash is an oversight. You will most likely plan your appliances, countertops, and kitchen cabinets in advance, but a lot of homeowners forget the backsplash.

Even if a kitchen backsplash is mostly a practical tool that is used for stopping walls from becoming dirty, it also serves as an aesthetic backdrop and focal point in the kitchen. It depends on the design, but you should know which one to choose. You can ask the advice on countertop replacement services, but it would also be good to have your own ideas.

The nice thing about choosing a beautiful backsplash is that you do not have to be a professional interior designer to choose one that matches your style.

Tile or Stone Backsplash

There are many kinds of kitchen backsplashes to pick from, but the majority of homeowners choose a stone or tile. If you have granite or quartz countertops, you can get a matching backsplash that goes along the walls. This option is not for all applications, it can be expensive to install. The stone is heavy and it needs sturdy bracing to secure the walls. It is hard to cut around the cabinet layout.

For the majority of kitchen designs, tile is the best way to go. You can have it customized, installation is easy, and it is more cost-effective as time goes by.

Calculate How much You Need

If you want to calculate how much backsplash you will need, you should take the length of the area where the tile is going to be placed and multiplied by the area height. You can complete this calculation for each tile area. You can then add each amount together and multiply it by 1.1. This allows a 10% overage if there is a broken tile or odd tile cut.

Design Accent

In a lot of kitchens, the area on top of the stove is the best place for an added feature. This is normally a rectangle or square tile that looks a little different compared to the rest of the backsplash. If your backsplash is fake, the accent can be a herringbone pattern of brick that has a square border. These small changes help in making your kitchen look personalized and thought out.

Glass Tile

You would not think it will be a nice backsplash for your kitchen, but glass is 100% waterproof, so it is a great backsplash option if your kitchen has a lot of moisture, steam, and splashes.

And it will not easily shatter, so do not worry.

Glass tile has a lot of colors and the natural translucency can create a dazzling shiny effect unlike anything else. Usually, the glass will be reinforced and scratch-resistant as well.

However, since glass is translucent, you will see grouting that is poorly done beneath it, so a professional installation is required. No one wants to look at their glass style and see adhesive or grout staring at them.

Do Not Break Your Budget

If you are currently remodeling your kitchen, the costs add up, which is why it is important to balance your budget. Even if there are areas where you can splurge and save on some, you can be more conservative if you choose tiles.

With a lot of tile options available at great prices, it is not sensible to dedicate a huge part of the budget to your backsplash. Therefore, you do not have to pay too much.

You can contact granite companies Rockville once you have chosen a backsplash so they can install them already.

16

Jun

Mistakes to Avoid When You Have a Quartz Kitchen Countertop

The majority of homeowners still see kitchen remodeling as one of the most important home renovation aspects. Based on statistics, one in every household does a kitchen remodel yearly.

The most important surface in your home is the countertop, and it is the main feature that homeowners want to replace. They contact countertop replacement services to have their quartz countertop installed. However, there are mistakes that some people make when it comes to their countertop. If you are planning to get quartz countertops, you should know what not to do in order to properly maintain it. Find out what you must not do so that it will last for a long time.

Relying Too Much on Harsh Cleaners

Harsh cleaners loaded with chemicals do not mix well with quartz countertops. It is important to stay away from alkaline and acidic cleaners because they can weaken the bonds between quartz and resin and can damage the surface layer over time. While it hampers the sealant’s efficacy too, the countertop can become prone to easily getting stained.

You Do Not Wipe Spills Right Away

If you allow any type of spill to sit on your countertop, specifically an acidic solution like vinegar or wine, for a long time on your countertop, it is going to penetrate the stone. This will result in staining. Quartz is normally marketed to be stain-resistant. It is crucial to remember that the engineered stone is not stain-proof.

The best way for you to prevent stains is to make sure they do not happen at first. However, if you spill something, make sure that you clean up the mess right away. You can take a dish cloth together with warm soapy water in order to clean up spills.

Using Pads that are Too Abrasive

Some homeowners like to use abrasive cleaning pads that can starch and dull quartz countertops. You need to avoid hard-bristled brushes, metal scourers, and scrubbing pads. You should use a gentle approach, ideally a soft rug for cleaning and clean cotton cloth for drying. This way, the quartz surface will remain beautiful and shiny for a long time.

You Place Hot Items on the Countertop Directly

Even if quartz countertops have heat-resistant properties, you should not assume that it is immune to heat. If the temperature is over 300 degrees F, it can damage your countertop.

You should not place hot pans or pots on the countertop because extreme heat can be damaging to the resin of your countertop’s surface, which results in discoloration. Discoloration, because heat damage is irreversible, and you would have to replace the entire slab of stone to remove the damage.

You Cut Food Directly on the Countertop

Most of the quartz slabs are NSF-approved. They can be used for food preparation. However, with the right force, using your knife directly on the countertop’s surface to cut and chop ingredients can cause scratches. The small scratches and nicks will gradually dull the surface and erode the beauty of your countertop.

Placing Your Sizzling Hot Utensils on the Countertop

Yes, quartz countertops are resistant to heat by nature. However, placing sizzling hot utensils on the countertop all the time will cause discoloration on the countertop. At the same time, it becomes more prone to cracks. Before placing your sizzling hot utensils on the countertop, you should put a tray or cloth where you can place your utensils so that they do not directly go on the quartz surface.

You can contact the quartz countertop installer Rockville for your kitchen countertop replacement.

30

May

Why Granite Countertops are Better for Outdoor Kitchens

Among a lot of common modern-day design themes, the outdoor kitchen has become popular over the years. There are a couple of important features to consider if you are making this type of home upgrade, and one of them is which countertop is best for an outdoor space. Granite countertops are ideal for an outdoor space because of their material and durability.

Aside from that, there are other reasons to explore why you should choose granite for your outdoor countertop. In this article, you will discover what those reasons are and you will not mind paying a bit because of the benefits and quality you will get.

Read on to find out more now.

The Design is Beautiful

Granite is very unique and it offers various specks, patterns, and swirls that are different in each slab. That means each slab you have is unlike anyone else’s. There are endless possibilities in terms of individual design and style from the granite, and they can be made in any size or shape. Therefore, no matter the layout or size of an outdoor kitchen, granite makes it happen.

Heat, Moisture, and Stain Resistant

Granite is resistant to heat, stains, and changes in moisture levels, which makes it suitable for an outdoor space. Since it is a porous stone, it is recommended that you have your granite countertop periodically sealed to make sure it can resist stains from the regular kitchen spills. Therefore, it is in your best interest to wipe them up right away as they occur to retain the beauty of a countertop over the years and prevents discoloration.

In addition, this natural stone stands up well against any heat so it is not necessary to worry about the damage produced by hot pots and pans. However, you should still use hot pads and trivets to protect the sealant.

Compatible with the Outdoors

Granite has excellent durability, and it can withstand different natural elements, from snow and rain to heat and sleet. Aside from it being strong and sturdy, granite is heat resistant as well, which means it is not phased by exposure to hot summer all day. The truth is, that granite can actually benefit from sunlight. Once it shines on countertops, the beauty and depth of each piece are instantly revealed.

Another reason why granite is appropriate for an outdoor kitchen is that countertops can be built around ovens, stoves, pizza ovens, and other appliances that are hot. When granite is sealed regularly, granite can also repel rainwater.

Easy to Clean and Maintain

Granite does not give you a host of harmful bacteria and it remains sanitary, so it is safe to prepare and cook food on granite countertops. Cleaning a granite countertop is always easy even if you just use soap and water. You do not have to use a special cleaner.

Maintaining the quality of granite countertops is simple and it only needs the application of a sealer once every year. This sealer protects your countertops from spillage or rain, which can happen at some point in your kitchen outdoors.

Resistant to Germ and Bacteria

Cooking can get messy, whether you are outside or inside. Some of them are harmless, and others can contain harmful bacteria like salmonella, Listeria, and e.coli. Specific materials like laminate or tile can harbor these by providing the right growing conditions. In these instances, it is important to disinfect your kitchen countertop regularly so it is safe for food prep.

You can contact granite installers Potomac to have them work on your outdoor and install the granite countertop you love.

25

Feb

Countertops: What to Consider When Choosing Them

When looking for countertops for your kitchen or bathroom, you shouldn’t go blindly at it—you need to consider several factors to buy the right ones. Which are these factors to consider? Here they are:

Countertop material

If you have been researching countertops, you must have realized that they come in different materials ideal for various applications. The common materials are:

Solid surface: These materials are often artificially modified, but they contain some natural stone. Due to this combination, the countertops are durable and more affordable hence the perfect units to go for when operating on a tight budget.

The most popular countertops under this category are quartz countertops. Others are Corian, Avonite, polyester, acrylic, or a mix of the two.

Natural stone: As the name suggests, these are made from natural stone. Other than some cutting and shining, the countertops are unmodified. The most popular countertops under this category are: slate, soapstone, marble, and granite.

Since the pieces are unmodified and natural, they are often costly.

Wood: Wooden countertops are affordable, durable, and highly hygienic. Most wooden countertops are made from cherry, walnut, teak, marble, and oak.

Concrete: Although not as popular as the above countertops, concrete is beautiful when properly installed and durable when you take good care of it. When installing it, remember to give it time to cure for a couple of weeks before sealing it.

The most common problem with the countertop is cracking. To reduce the cracking, work with experienced contractors that know what they are doing. They will advise you on the best cement to use, the strengthening materials, and any other important fact.

Usage

How will you be using the countertops? This is important as different countertops are ideal for various applications. For example, if you love cooking and spend most of your time in the kitchen, you need a durable but easy-to-maintain countertop that can withstand abuse.

Do you love baking? Marble countertops are the best to go for.

If you aren’t sure about the right countertops to install, install two countertop materials in different areas of your house. For example, you can install granite countertops in one area and butcher block counters in another.

This not only makes your countertops more functional and exciting, but also much cheaper, so you save yourself a lot of money.

Aesthetics

How will the countertops look in your kitchen or bathroom after installation? It’s important to consider this as you want your surfaces to be functional and attractive to the eye. Marble countertops are hailed as the epitome of luxury, so if you’re going to give your surfaces a high-end look, these are countertops to go for.

Do you want to give your counters a natural feel and look? Granite countertops are the best to go for.

Solid surface countertops give your surfaces a unique look if you aren’t keen on naturalizing your counters.

To install the right countertops that give the feel you want, get the input of a professional.

Ease of maintenance

You don’t want pieces that will be a hassle to keep in top shape, do you? Natural stone countertops are often high maintenance, as they need regular sealing. You also have to be ultra-cautious with the liquids in the kitchen or bathroom as they stain easily.

If you lead a busy life and don’t have time to dedicate to your countertops, go for quartz countertops that are easy to maintain.

Do you have a commercial kitchen? Stainless steel countertops are the best to go for.

Cost

The final but vital factor to consider is the cost of the countertop materials. As mentioned above, natural stone countertops such as marble and granite countertops Rockville are much more expensive than the other materials, making them the wrong choice if operating on a tight budget.

Different stores sell their countertops at different prices, and it’s up to you to research and find the one selling at affordable prices. To avoid paying more than you should, visit different stores and see how much they sell their units.

19

Feb

How Do You Keep Quartz Countertops Clean And Shiny?

When you install quartz countertops, you want to keep them looking clean and shiny, and the good news is that it’s possible to do it. How do you go about it?

Here are ways to keep quartz countertops clean and shiny:

Stay on top of daily maintenance

How you handle your countertops daily goes a long way towards determining how they look in the long run.

As a rule of thumb, make it a habit to clean the countertops every day. You remove dust, liquid spills, crumbs, and bacteria by doing this. And the beauty is that you don’t need to be fancy how you go about the cleaning.

Simply wipe the counters with a wet, soapy rag, and you are good to go. You can use a mild all-purpose cleaner to have better results but steer clear of abrasive or harsh products that might etch and dull the surfaces. This calls for you to stay away from oven cleaners, bleach, dishwashing soap, degreasers, and paint striper.

Besides cleaning the countertops, you should make it a habit to clear any spills as soon as they happen. This is mainly to prevent stains from developing.

Treat stains immediately

Even with the best care, it’s common for accidents to happen, and they go unnoticed, leading to stains.

Although quartz is stain resistant, coffee, tea, red wine, and other dark-colored liquids can leave marks when you don’t remove them early enough.

If your countertops have developed stains, you shouldn’t give up on them—try to remove them. And the cool thing is that it’s possible to do it.

One of the best ways to remove the stains is using an adhesive remover that has been proven to do the removal without damaging the shine. All you need to do is to cover the stain with the adhesive remover, then let it sit for at least 15 minutes, after which you should wipe the area with a clean cloth.

Finish it off by rinsing the surface with clean, warm water.

Use hot pads and cutting boards.

On first look, quartz countertops look tough and indestructible, but they aren’t. While the countertops are heat resistant, they aren’t heatproof. This means that when you repeatedly expose them to a lot of heat, you are bound to damage them.

To keep your counters in top shape, you should protect them from heat. This calls for you to avoid placing hot pots, pans, and other hot items directly on the countertops as you will damage them. Instead, you should have cookie sheets, hot pads, and other protective materials on the countertops to protect them from hot items.

When chopping vegetables or any other materials, don’t do it directly on the countertops—instead, have a chopping board in place and chop your materials here.

Don’t place heavy materials on the edges.

Even if a cooking pan is cold, don’t place it on the edges of the countertops as you risk cracking them. When placing a heavy item on the countertops, do it gently and with utmost care to don’t damage the countertops.

The same way you shouldn’t place heavy pans on the countertops is the same way you shouldn’t sit on the countertops as you risk damaging them.

Regularly remove gunk from the countertops.

Like spills, gunk, and caked-on crud from food and dirt will adhere to the countertops. To keep your countertops looking clean and shiny, you should scrape off the gunk whenever you notice it. For the best outcome and avoid damaging your countertops, use a hard plastic scraper to scrape the gunk off.

As a rule of thumb, never use metallic materials to damage the countertops.

Keep permanent markers away.

If you have kids, they will want to draw on anything, including your precious quartz kitchen countertops Potomac.

Unfortunately, the drawings and writings are hard to come out of, especially if they are made using permanent markers. Although, you can remove permanent markers from quartz, you require harsh chemicals to remove them, which can etch your surfaces, risking the shiny finish.

To avoid removing the markers, be strict and enforce that no one should write or draw on the countertops.

20

Oct

How Do I Get The Best Deal On Quartz Countertops?

Quartz kitchen countertops are practical, modern, and highly aesthetically pleasing. Unfortunately, they don’t come cheap. Luckily, there are several things you can do to get the countertops at a low price.

Are you wondering, how do I get the best deal on quartz countertops? There are plenty of ways to go about it. Some of these ways include:

Order from a small countertops store

You can buy the countertops from different places. You can buy from a small quartz store, a large countertop agglomerate, or a furniture store.

Avoid buying from the large stores as they often don’t have many options and charge a premium for their products. At the same time, avoid buying from a furniture store as they also tend to charge a premium as they want to get as much profit as possible.

The best place to buy the countertops is from the small quartz stores. Besides these stores allowing you to bargain, they also don’t charge much. The stores also tend to have a vast catalog, so you have many countertops to choose from.

Buy countertops of the optimal thickness.

Quartz countertops come in three standard sizes: 12 mm, 20 mm, and 30 mm.  As much as thicker slabs are better as they are stronger, they tend to be expensive. To save money, buy countertops of the right thickness.

To avoid buying countertops that are too thick than necessary, ask an experienced professional to guide you. The professional will inspect your kitchen and recommend the correct thickness depending on the orientation of your kitchen cabinets.

Choose a simple edge.

In the same way, a complicated painting is more expensive than a simpler one, an intricate edge is more expensive than a simpler one. Since you are out looking for a great deal, you should get a cheaper edge.

The most practical edging option is the standard straight edge. The edge looks suitable for any quartz regardless of its color and texture and, at the same time, saves you a lot of money.

Go with a simpler pattern.

In the same line of thought, a complicated quartz pattern will be more expensive than a simpler one. So to save money, go for a slab with natural shades and minimum decorative inclusions.

Pay attention to the manufacturer.

The manufacturer of the slab will significantly affect the countertop price, so you should be ultra-cautious about this. To find the right quality slab going at a low price, take your time to research and compare as many slabs as possible.

This calls for you to set enough time between the research phase and the installation.

Avoid special sink attachment.

As much as a unique under-floor installation is elegant to look at and a conversation starter, it doesn’t do any justice to your pocket. So to get a great deal, go for a simple sink installation. As long as the sink is installed correctly by an expert, it will look as good as the special one while saving you money.

Valuable tips as you are looking to save money

Yes, you want to get the best deal,  but there are several things you shouldn’t do. Some of these things include:

Don’t sacrifice on quality

When looking to save as much money as possible, it’s tempting to go for the cheapest product in the market, but not so fast. You don’t want to replace the countertops after a few days, do you?

To ensure that this doesn’t happen, go for quality countertops. You may have to stretch your budget a little bit, but it will be worth it in the long run.

Don’t install the countertops by yourself.

When you are a dab hand at DIY projects, it’s tempting to install the quartz countertops yourself—don’t do it. Besides the obvious risk of hurting yourself in the process, chances are also high that you will improperly install the countertops, and you have to hire quartz countertop contractors Potomac to redo them. You don’t want this, do you?

From the word go, let the installation be done by a professional. They will charge you for the work, but you are sure that you won’t have to redo it. For excellent service, ensure that the professional is experienced and knows what they are doing.

12

Oct

What Is The Best Quartz For Kitchen Countertops?

When you are looking to install quartz kitchen countertops, it’s common to be confused by the many options in the market. With so many quartz manufacturers, it’s common to wonder, what is the best quartz for kitchen countertops? To answer this question, we need to look at the different countertops and how they compare with each other.

Cambria

Cambria quartz is manufactured by Cambria, a privately held company based in Minnesota. Cambria Quartz is characterized by hundreds of styles, edges, slab sizes, and colors to choose from.

The unique thing is that unlike other types of quartz, you can’t buy Cambria quartz from the big box home improvement stores—you can only buy it through the architects, builders, and designers.

Caesarstone

Caesarstone is a publicly traded company headquartered in Israel, and it makes a wide range of colors to choose from. Caesarstone quartz comes in various styles, from the traditional looks such as marble to more contemporary and daring textures.

Caesarstone is known for pushing the design envelope, so it’s not uncommon to find quartz incorporating semi-precious stones such as tiger’s eye, agate, dumortierite, and petrified wood.

Silestone quartz

Based in Almeria, Spain, Silestone makes quartz countertops with vibrant solid colors such as green, blue, red, bright orange, and plenty of others that you won’t find in other quartz brands.

The cool thing is that quartz isn’t only limited to countertops—it also makes matching Silestone designs in vanities, sinks, and shower pans. This means you can buy everything you need for your house from the same brand, which comes in handy at maintaining uniformity in the house.

LG Viatera

This quartz is made by LG Electronics, a popular manufacturer of consumer electronics and appliances. Viatera quartz is available in over 50 earthy colors that range from “Snow Storm” to “Absolute Night.”

Hanstone

Hanstone is manufactured in North America, and it’s known for its tough quartz countertops. The resulting quartz is six times as durable as granite, making it the ideal choice for chefs and those who spend a lot of time in the kitchen.

MSI Q Quartz

MS International (MSI) was founded in 1975, and it makes top-notch quartz countertops that are scratch, heat, and stain-resistant.

Polarstone

Since it released its first accurate Calacatta marble design, Polarstone has been a leading Quartz manufacturer.

What should you look out for when buying quartz countertops?

To buy the right quartz, you need to look out for plenty of things that include:

Design and edges

The design and edges are the main differentiators among the different quartz brands. Design is basically the different qualities of the various slabs. They include: the size, color, shape of minerals, striations, and streaks.

You should take your time and find the ideal quartz for your needs.

Slab size

The other thing you should consider is the size of the slab that you need for your kitchen. As you can tell, this will be heavily influenced by the size of your kitchen. Work with your contractor and measure the size of your kitchen bench.

Seams are weak points, so work at minimizing them as much as possible. If you can use one slab instead of two, you are better off as you won’t have weak points in your kitchen. You also won’t spend much on contractors as they will quickly install the countertops.

Price

Of course, this is an important factor to consider. As you can guess, the price will significantly vary among the different brands. Although, high-quality slabs go at higher prices, it’s not always the case. Sometimes the slab will be expensive simply because of the brand.

You need to research and take your time to determine whether the price you are paying is justifiable. As a rule of thumb, don’t buy a slab simply because of the brand—buy it because it’s quality enough to serve you.

Warranty

Almost all quartz brands come with a warranty, although they differ in length, limitations, and transferability among the different brands.

Work with your quartz countertop dealer Potomac and compare the warranties among the different brands. Obviously, you should go with a brand that gives you the longest warranty at least cost.