30

Sep

Why Is Marble So Popular And Not Granite Countertops?

With so many kitchen countertop options available such as quartz and granite countertops, when you mention countertops, the first thing that comes to the minds of most homeowners is marble. You must be wondering, why is marble so popular? There are plenty of reasons for this.

Humble beginnings

Before we go into details as to why marble is so popular, we need to go back down memory lane and first understand the history of the stone.

Marble was first used by the ancient Greeks, who used it to construct fireplaces, walls, fountains, kitchen hoods, and many other structures. Some of the notable masterpieces include: the Pantheon, Pisa Cathedral, the Taj Mahal, and Lincoln Memorial.

Why marble is so popular

Marble has plenty of attractive features that make it popular. These features include:

It’s durable

The main reason you will find marble in structures that have been around for centuries is because it’s exceptionally durable and resilient. When properly installed, it won’t chip or dent. When you install it in your kitchen or bathroom, you don’t worry about damaging it when you drop something on it or run into it.

On first look, marble appears fragile, but this isn’t the case. After all, some buildings are still standing centuries after construction.

Marble significantly improves your home value.

When you were scouting for a house, what impression did you have when the real estate agent told you the counters were made from marble? I’m sure you had the impression the house is a high-end property, right? This is what marble does to every home.

The premium stone not only gives you a sense of prestige, it also increases the value of your home. So if you are looking to sell the house at a later date, you sell it at a higher price.

Marble is beautiful

One of the reasons marble was used even in ancient buildings is due to its beauty. Marble comes in a wide array of colors and hues from which you will find one that will fit your décor and home design. If looking to give your house a sense of space, there are white countertops to go for.

If you have a large kitchen and looking to give the impression of elegance, go with one of the many dark options. You only need to ensure a professional undertakes marble countertop installation.

The countertops are easy to maintain

In addition to significantly improving your home value, marble is extremely easy to maintain. To clean it, you need to use mild soap and water. Use a soft cloth to wipe it down. If you have sealed the surfaces, you don’t need to scrub sticky spills. Wipe them as they happen.

Guide to buying marble countertops

Now that we have learned why marble is popular and the ways it can benefit your property, now let’s look at how to buy the ideal slab for your home. You need to consider plenty of factors such as:

Veining patterns

Different quarries have different ways of cutting marble that gives the stone different veining patterns. Some of the ways to cut the stone include: fleuri cut, crosscut, and many others. When making the purchase, carefully consider these patterns and only buy a stone that complements your home.

Cracks and fissures

You need to know the difference between cracks and fissures. Cracks are often large, and they are a sign the slab has been dropped or improperly handled. Don’t buy a slab with cracks on it.

Fissures, on the other hand, are small and natural. They aren’t a sign of a deformity, and there is no harm in buying a stone with fissures, especially if looking for a stone that will give your house a more rustic look.

Origin

Where is the stone mined from? You need to consider this when making the purchase. The best stones are those from Italy, so do your due diligence and make sure the stone you are buying is from Statuario or Carrara. Avoid buying those from china as they aren’t as beautiful and don’t last long.

Parting shot

Above are some of the reasons marble is so popular, and if you love it, you should go ahead and install it in your home. For best results, make sure professional granite countertop installers Rockville or other professionals install it. After installing the stone, finish the look with a penetrating sealer to give the stone a long life.

09

May

Can You Put Hot Pans On Granite Countertops?

If you know the history of granite countertops, you know that they are made from igneous rock through a process involving high temperatures and pressure. Due to this, you must be asking, can you put hot pans on granite?

Since it’s made from igneous rock, granite can withstand the heat, so a brief encounter with a hot pot won’t hurt them. While this is the case, regular exposure of the countertops to the heat will weaken the sealant putting the countertops at the risk of getting damaged.

To answer your question, yes, you can put hot pans on granite, but you shouldn’t do it too often as you will end up causing damage.

Protecting the countertops from damage

As we have seen, the countertops will get damaged if you place hot pans on them. So to protect them from damage, avoid placing the hot pots and pans directly on the surfaces. Instead, have a trivet or countertop cover in place.

If you have to place the pots and pans on the countertops, let them first cool down. Letting them cool for a few minutes is enough. Before placing them on the surfaces, wipe the underside to remove any black or burn marks that might be present.

Even if you are using an electric stove, wipe the surfaces to remove any materials that might have spilled or boiled over.

Restoring damaged countertops

In the event you destroy the countertops, you shouldn’t worry much as you can restore the damaged pieces. You do this using pastes and liquids. Buy the products from a local store and apply them by yourself—you don’t need to hire a professional to help you out.

If there are burn marks from the hot pans, you can easily rub them away with cleaning creams and solutions. You should note that while the products will remove the top marks, they aren’t effective at removing deeper marks.

In such a case, you don’t have a way out other than to consult a granite contractor. The contractor will advise you whether to apply a sealer or simply replace the countertops.

Other ways of keeping your countertops in top shape

Other than using trivets and pads when placing hot items on the countertops, there are plenty of other things you can do to keep the countertops in top shape. Some of these things include:

Don’t cut meat directly on the countertops.

The meat won’t destroy granite, but what is left behind is what is harmful. The meat might be containing salmonella and other bacteria that might find its way into the microscopic crevices of the countertops.

Also, when many homeowners handle meat, they have the urge to cleanse the countertop surfaces. Sometimes they use harsh chemicals that end up damaging the surfaces.

Get rid of the spills as soon as they happen.

When you are preparing food, it’s common for accidents to happen. Oils and acids can splatter all over the countertops, putting them at the risk of staining. To avoid this, you should clean the spills as soon as they happen.

When you notice spillage, use a mild cleanser or hot, soapy water and get rid of it as soon as possible. You should never let the spill sit on the countertops for long as it can etch the seal and stain the countertop.

Don’t sit or stand on the countertops.

Since the countertops are known to be tough, some homeowners have the impression that they can stand or sit on the countertops without any repercussions. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case.

Granite has plenty of fissures and striations that are vulnerable to cracking when you apply a lot of force on them. To keep your countertops free of damage, don’t climb or stand on them when reaching out to things, changing bulbs, painting, or engaging in any other activity.

Instead, use a sturdy stool or ladder to get the work done.

Conclusion

To reiterate, you can place hot pans on granite, but don’t make it a habit as you will damage the seal or even the countertops themselves. Granite installers Rockville recommend you always use trivets, hot pads, potholders, and other protective materials to keep the countertops in top shape.

09

Mar

FAQs About Granite Countertops

Granite countertops are one of the most popular countertop types in the market. While they have been around for a long time, few people know much about them. Here are some of the frequently asked questions about the countertops:

Should you use the countertops in the kitchen?

Granite is perfect for use in the kitchen. Since the material is tough, it doesn’t etch, scratch, or warp; therefore, you don’t need to do much to keep it in top condition. The only thing you should do is to seal it during the installation and at least once a year thereafter.

Can granite get damaged?

One of the prime reasons people go for the countertops is because they are tough. While this is the case, it doesn’t mean they can’t get damaged. If you don’t take good care of them, they are bound to get damaged. For example, if you hit the countertops with a hard object, the countertops will develop a crack.

The countertops will also get damaged if you place hot objects on the surfaces.

Does granite stain?

When you seal the countertops properly, they don’t stain; however, if you poorly stain them or leave them unstained, they are bound to get stained. So, to prevent stains from developing, you should ensure that the surfaces are sealed by a professional.

You should note that even if your surfaces are properly sealed, they will develop stains if you leave liquids on them for a long time. To avoid this, make it a habit of wiping off the liquids as soon as they happen.

Are the countertops expensive?

Just like any other good quality product, the countertops don’t come cheap. While this is the case, there are several things you can do to reduce the cost. When you decide to install the countertops, don’t rush to buying them. Take time to visit different stores and see what they have to offer.

Compare the prices and the quality and buy from the store selling the highest quality products at the least cost. You should note that if you come across a company selling the products at a cost that is below the standard market prices, you will most likely be getting scammed.

To avoid this, only buy from a reputable company. Luckily, you can tell how reliable the company is by reading their online reviews.

Does granite harbor bacteria?

In addition to being used in residential properties, it’s also heavily used in the food and medical industry due to its sanitary qualities. As long as you regularly clean and care for the granite, there are zero chances that it will harbor bacteria and cause illness.

Is it wise to cut on granite?

Due to its tough nature, you might have the impression that you can go ahead and cut on the countertops, but this would be wrong. While it’s tough, the knives, especially the hot ones, can get into the countertops causing minor scratches. If you repeatedly cut on the countertops, you leave too many marks that give the countertops a cheap look.

To preserve the look of the countertops, always use a cutting board anytime you are looking to cut anything. You also should avoid placing hot pots and pans on the countertops.

Do the countertops need to be cleaned?

You should clean the countertops just like you clean marble countertops and any other countertop pieces you might be having in your home. For ideal results, use dish soap, powdered soap, and all-purpose cleaners. Never use abrasive products as they will damage the surfaces.

When should you replace the countertops?

Granite is designed to last for years, but you can opt to replace it due to many reasons. One of the reasons is if you are no longer excited by the current look of the countertops. You also should consider replacing the countertops if you are looking to improve the design and look of your house.

It’s also wise to replace the countertops if they are too old. Regardless of the reason, you are looking to undertake countertop replacement, ensure that an expert granite contractor Potomac does the work. Just like with the countertops store, ensure that the contractor is reputable and has been providing the service for a long time.

09

Oct

5 Factors To Consider When Buying Quartz Kitchen Countertops And Other Kitchen Countertop Materials

Whether you are looking to install quartz kitchen countertops or any other types of countertops, you need to consider several factors that include:

Your budget

This is the first thing to think about. How much money are you planning to spend on the project? If this is the first time installing the units, sit down with an experienced contractor who will help you in making the calculations. When making the budget, think about the hidden costs such as the cost of transportation, the cost of the contractors, and other costs.

The worst thing you can do is to start a project and end up stopping in the middle or be required to take a second loan. Don’t rush to the stores and buy the countertop materials without fully understanding the amount of money you need.

Countertop materials

There are plenty of countertop materials in the market to choose from. The most common ones are:

Granite: A natural stone with plenty of colors to choose from, granite is preferred by many homeowners due to its ease of maintenance and durability. Granite countertops hold up excellently to regular kitchen use, and when you install them, you don’t have to worry about the surfaces getting burnt or scratched.

Marble: Marble is known for its soft and elegant look. Unlike granite, marble is high maintenance, stains, and etches easily. Despite these drawbacks, the stone has a unique veining and beautiful look. Due to the way they interact excellently with dough, Marble countertops are an excellent choice for bakers and pastry chefs.

Laminate: Laminate is the go-to countertop material for people operating on a tight budget. In addition to being affordable, it also comes in a wide range of patterns to choose from.

Wood: Made from wood strips, wood butcher block countertops give any kitchen homey warmth. While the countertops are susceptible to water damage, they are easy to refinish; therefore, you can easily maintain the new look for long. When they scratch or develop gouges, you only need to sand them.

Solid surface: These materials are ideal when you are looking for a seamless countertop surface. Made from a combination of polyester, acrylic, and pigments, solid surface countertops feature grooves that easily fit together, giving the surfaces a smooth look. To eliminate the seams, you only need to sand and buff them.

The look of the countertops

How do the countertops look in your kitchen? You need to think about it before you make the purchase. Many homeowners make the mistake of buying the countertops after seeing them in the stores. Remember how the pieces look in your kitchen depends on plenty of factors such as the design of the kitchen, the color of the tiles, among many other things.

Regardless of how beautiful the countertops look in the stores, don’t rush to place a large order. First, take a few slabs and go with them to your home. Place them on the counters and observe how well they blend with the kitchen. Only buy those that accentuate the look of the kitchen.

Durability

No one wants pieces that will come apart after a few uses. Your new kitchen countertops should last for a long time. They should hold up to spills and knife marks. Concrete countertops are quickly gaining popularity as they are durable and stylish. They are also resistant to cracking and chipping.

Natural stones such as quartz and granite are also durable. Unfortunately, they are prone to staining.

Cheaper materials such as laminate are stain-resistant, but they are easily damaged when exposed to kitchen knives and high heat.

When buying the pieces for the first time, consult an experienced contractor who will guide you on the right pieces that are not only durable but also will give your home a stylish and elegant look.

Ease of maintenance

The last thing to think about when making the purchase is how easy it is to own the countertops. The more the care you need to give to the countertops, the more expensive they are going to be in the long run. To ensure you know what you are getting yourself into, research thoroughly, and even consult granite companies Rockville and other professionals on the amount of care you have to give the various countertop materials.