18

Sep

Should I Choose Dolomite Or Quartz Countertops?

There are many countertop options out there. If you’re wondering what are the differences between dolomite and quartz countertops, then here is a comparison between them. You’ll figure out which one you like the most.

Dolomite Vs. Quartz Countertops

The Material

Dolomite Countertops

Dolomite is a sedimentary rock and it is mainly composed of, well, dolomite. Dolomite is magnesium carbonate, but it has a high water content. This rock is usually found near water aquifers or groundwater bodies below the Earth’s surface and they have a very high water concentration.

From the looks of it, dolomite is really similar to a hybrid of granite and marble. It’s kind of like a dark marble with veining, but it is beautiful nonetheless. It is an amazing option to go for if you are looking for something that won’t look too harsh, but still natural and can sate your inner natural stone lover. Dolomite will impress you to no end and that is amazing.

Quartz Countertops

Quartz is a man-made stone. It is mainly composed of pulverized rocks and minerals, and they are all bound together by resin, which gives the countertop that glossy but super-hard finish.

Quartz is an amazing material because it has a striking similarity to marble, but it is not as fragile as marble. It is going to last you a very long time and it is going to be a winner in the kitchen, so you know that the material you chose is going to be good.

Durability

If you’re going to go through the trouble of getting a countertop material for your kitchen, then the least you can do is ensure that it is a strong cookie that will not get damaged if you breathe too loudly in front of it.

Dolomite Countertops

Dolomite is not the hardest material on the block, but it is definitely a lot more harder than marble and other very fragile natural stones. Since this is also a natural stone, you can notice an innate strength in the stone and that is what makes this material so much better than those really fragile and very prone to damage materials. So, if you want something decently durable, then dolomite is the way to go.

Quartz Countertops

Quartz is also an amazing material when it comes to durability. Since it is a man-made material, the manufacturer has free rein to make it as hard as the customer wants. This just means that they will put more stone and resin in the mixture and they will treat it under high pressure to turn the mushy substance into a solid rock that can scratch any surface.

So, quartz is definitely up there in durability, even more than most natural stones, which is saying a lot.

Cost

Both dolomite and quartz are very reasonable materials, but when you compare the two, dolomite wins this round, because it is more reasonable. Quartz can run a bit more expensive, but the things is that the cost of quartz counters is variable and it changes a bit with the quality and brand you choose.

So, if you’re concerned about the price, then now you know which one can fit your budget more seamlessly, without leaving your wallet empty and sad. So, take your pick wisely.

Heat & Scratch Resistance

This is also something that you want to consider when you’re looking for countertop options. They have to be strong enough to deal with scratches and stains.

Dolomite Countertops

When it comes to dolomite, it might be lacking in both. See, dolomite is a natural stone, which means that it has open pores on the surface. These pores, although they may seem harmless, can have really lasting effects when it comes to stains.

They will suck in water or moisture and you’ll be left with a mottled surface that has stains everywhere you look. Also, dolomite doesn’t scratch easily, but that is not to say that it doesn’t get scratched at all.

Quartz Countertops

Quartz is a material that is literally a stone, quality-wise. When you look at quartz, you can tell that it is a densely packed material with no pores on the surface at all. So, you can say goodbye to water damage forever.

As for scratches, since quartz is quite hard, it’s going to take a lot for it to get scratched, but you still want to play it safe. Just because something can endure scratches doesn’t mean that you should test its limits.

Water Resistance

Water resistance is also an important factor to consider, because you’re literally concerned with the kitchen here. There is going to be a lot of water usage, exposure, and contact. This is not something that you want to take lightly.

Dolomite Countertops

As far as dolomite is concerned, it can be made waterproof if you seal it. Think of sealant as a clear coat that is applied to the dolomite countertops to fill the exposed pores.

This dries to a rock-hard finish and then even if you leave water on the surface, it won’t get sucked into the rocky vortex. It will bead up on the surface, giving you plenty of time to wipe it all off.

Quartz Countertops

Quartz is waterproof so what you will get after sealing dolomite is something that is an innate quality of quartz, which is amazing. This means that you don’t need to go the extra mile and apply a sealant. This is something that really cuts down the maintenance and it is just amazing if a material can hold its own in the kitchen.

Maintenance

When you get a countertop material for your kitchen, you have to commit to maintaining it. It is not something that you can just set and forget. This is why you want to choose a material that is easy to maintain and won’t give you a headache in the long run.

Dolomite Countertops

Dolomite, being a natural stone, is going to be demanding when it comes to maintaining it. It is just something that comes with the baggage of natural stones. You have to seal them so that water doesn’t ruin them. You have to clean it, but then you have to let the countertops get fully dry too, because wet countertops are a no-go.

You also sometimes need specialty cleaners to clean and get rid of stains on the surface of dolomite because regular detergent can do more bad than good for the countertops. So, this is a lot.

Quartz Countertops

For quartz surface, all you really need to do is just clean the surfaces nicely and protect them from heat. Yes, quartz and heat don’t go well together and if you put something really hot on the surface of quartz, then you’ll be greeted by heat blisters, which is honestly the last thing you need. These stains or blisters are really hard to remove and they ruin the surface for good.

Conclusion

Quartz and dolomite are very different from each other as one is a man-made stone and the other is a natural stone. If you want to know about quartz, dolomite, or any other countertop material, consult a quartz countertop contractor Potomac.

30

Jun

Is It Normal For Quartz Countertops To Chip?

Chips and cracks are the worst. They are not only hard to repair, but they can ruin the look of your beautiful countertops too. Here is everything you need to know about chips in quartz kitchen countertop and how to combat them if they ever occur.

Can Quartz Countertops Chip?

Everyone wants a kitchen countertop material that won’t crack or chip, but we all know that it’s almost impossible. Quartz is generally considered to be a very good and durable material and it’s stronger than most natural and man-made materials, but does it mean that it won’t ever chip or crack? Of course not! Quartz, no matter how hard and strong it is, is not invincible. It can get damaged or chipped during use and if you’re not careful with maintaining it, then it can crack more often.

Chipping is exactly what it sounds like. It is the removal of material from the surface in the form of peels. Countertop materials can chip very easily, especially around the areas where damage is clearly visible, like a crack or a hole. Chips can further transform into deeper cracks and the material can ultimately get ruined. It doesn’t look pleasing to the eye either. This is why you need to make sure that you’re taking care of the chips before they get worse.

Reasons Of Chipping In Quartz Countertops

Yes, quartz countertops can chip, but you want to be able to know the reasons behind it too. There are a lot of ways by which countertops can get chipped and you need to look out for these signs, which aggravate chipping so that it can be avoided in the future.

Not Protecting The Countertops

This one is quite obvious, but if you don’t protect your countertops, then chipping and cracks can become the norm. Although quartz doesn’t need to be sealed, it won’t hurt if you go the extra mile and have it protected in every way. Sealing doesn’t only prevent water damage, but it can also prevent scratches from forming on the surface of quartz.

Also, you don’t want to use sharp knives directly on the surface of countertops, because scratches are the first signs of chipping and over time, knife scratches can lead to a lot of damage, along with chipping.

Putting Too Much Weight On The Countertops

A kitchen countertop is not the place where you should test strength. You shouldn’t set heavy things like produce and groceries on top of the kitchen counters. You also shouldn’t stand on the countertops, while trying to reach for something at a height. You might not realize this, but you are damaging your countertops immensely by putting too much weight on them.

Over time, this weight can lead to chips and cracks forming on the surface and it can ultimately ruin the countertops.

Dropping Things On The Countertops

Putting too much weight on countertops is one thing, but dropping things with too much force is an entirely different thing. Sometimes, it’s a force of habit that you set things down with a lot of strength. You might not notice that you’re doing something, but clattering heavy things or even sharp things on the countertops with force can impart damage to the countertops.

There can be weak spots on the surface of quartz countertops, which can chip and crack if you keep clattering things on them. This is a very common culprit of the formation of chips on the countertop, no matter how strong and durable the material is.

Countertops Aren’t Properly Installed

This might sound weird, but this can be another reason why your countertops might be chipping prematurely. Your countertops need to be leveled and installed properly, in order to make sure that they are easy to work on.

If the countertops are skewed or they are installed in a crooked way, then it can lead to cracks on the surface, because one part of the countertop is exposed to more forces, and more weight, and is ultimately more fragile than other parts. This can lead to your countertops getting damaged very quickly. Make sure your the installation of quartz countertops is done well.

Using Harsh Cleaning Products

Cleaning quartz countertops is pretty easy, but sometimes people can take it upon themselves and damage the perfectly fine countertops by using harsh and abrasive cleaning products. You don’t need to use chemical and acidic cleaners to clean quartz countertops.

Quartz doesn’t usually stain and it can be cleaned pretty nicely with normal soap or detergent. Using abrasive pads and hard cleaning equipment, like metal scrapers or sharp needles is going to lead to scratches forming on the surface, which can ultimately lead to chips.

Direct Heat Contact

Quartz is very heat resistant, but it doesn’t mean that you need to test its limit. Try to avoid excessive contact with heat, because it can form very ugly black heat stains on the countertops. These stains are a nightmare to get rid of. However, more than this, you’re damaging the countertops and letting cracks form.

Quartz can get shocked from too much heat and this can cause very deep and large cracks on the surface, which not only look bad, but they can also lead to bigger problems.

How To Fix Chips On Quartz Countertops?

If you see a chip or crack starting to form on the countertop surface, then here’s what you can do to fix it:

Clean It

As soon as you see a chip forming on the surface or the edge of the countertop, you want to clean the area first. You should only use a cleaner that is made for cleaning quartz countertops to get rid of gunk and grease present on the surface of the chip.

Fill Up The Chip

Once your countertop is clean, you want to grab an adhesive and fill up the space the chip has created. This adhesive will act as a filler and it will cover up the hole. Fill up the chip space liberally with the adhesive, then use a scraper, spatula, or nail file to flatten and level the surface.

For lighter-colored quartz countertops, you can use superglue or a clear adhesive to fill in the small holes or cracks. To ensure that you stay within the lines of the crack, cover the surrounding areas of the cracks with masking tape. This will ensure professional and clean results at the end.

Let The Adhesive Dry

Let the adhesive dry and harden for a bit. You don’t want to proceed further until the filler is completely dry.

Sand Down The Dried Adhesive

Once the glue has dried, you will need sandpaper of a grit ranging from 300-600. You will need to sand down the dried adhesive until the surface is smooth.

Try to go slow during this process, because it’s very easy to over-sand the surface and you don’t want to sand off too much, otherwise, the surface may look uneven. Voila! Your countertops will look good as new.

Conclusion

There you have it! Chips are very normal in quartz countertops, even though the material is quite strong and durable. Well, now you know how to deal with them and prevent them in the future. If the countertop is severely damaged, get it replaced by a quartz countertop contractor Potomac.

28

Feb

Facts about Quartz Counter tops you Should Know

Your kitchen countertops play a vital role in the value of a home. It’s Important to ensure that the countertop you get perks the value of your home and makes it more functional. Quartz countertop is among the most popular countertops among homeowners who are doing countertop replacement. In this article, we tell you why you should use quartz for your kitchen countertop.

Facts about Quartz Countertop you should know

  • What is the cost of the countertop

One of the biggest consideration most homeowners make when choosing a countertop is the cost. To know the cost of the quartz countertop visit the quartz countertop dealer and get an estimate. The cost of the quartz countertop will depend on the size of countertop you need, the thickness of the slab, complexity of design and the quality of quartz. Compared to granite countertop quartz is less expensive.

  • Where can you buy quartz countertop

Visit the quartz countertop dealer and view the variety of quartz slabs available. The quartz countertop contractor will guide you on the best countertop for your kitchen.

  • How are quartz countertop made?

Quartz countertop is made of 93% ground quartz and 7% resins and polymers. The blend of resin and stone make quartz countertop sturdy, shiny and nonporous. Different colors are made by adding pigments during the manufacture of the countertop.

  • What is the difference between quartz and granite countertop?

Quartz is similar to granite, but they have some differences. Granite is 100% natural while quartz is man-made stone.

Quartz countertop is porous while granite is nonporous and requires constant sealing. Granite countertop chips more easily than quartz countertop. Granite is environmental friendly when compared to quartz countertop.

  • How to Maintain Quartz Countertop

Quartz countertops are low maintenance. They don’t require constant sealing, and that makes it easier to maintain. To clean the water, you need a soft cloth and warm water.

Avoid using abrasive cleaners and harsh chemicals when cleaning your countertop. Use trivets and avoid placing hot pans on the countertop. Too much heat will destroy the resins, and that could make the countertop crack.

Clean spills immediately although quartz is stain resistant its best to clean the spills immediately.

Don’t cut food directly on the countertop instead of cutting board. Don’t use sharp objects when removing stuck food on the countertop.

To remove food stuck on the countertop avoid using abrasive objects because that may damage the countertop.

  • Color Options available

There are a variety of colors available. Different color pigments can be added during the manufacturing process, and that results in a variety of colors.

  • What is the difference between Quartz and Quartzite

Quartzite is a naturally occurring stone which is mined from the earth, and it’s polished to create a countertop material. Quartz countertop on the hand is man-made a countertop. Quartz is more durable than quartzite countertop.

Pro and Cons of the Quartz Countertop

  • Stain resistant

Quartz countertop is nonporous, and that makes it stain resistant. The nonporous nature of quartz makes it resistant to mold and stains. Wipe any spills immediately and avoid using acidic detergents to clean the countertop.

  • Heat Resistant

Quartz countertop is hardy, and that makes it heat resistant.

  • Cost Effective

It’s cheap compared to other countertops such as granite countertop.

  • Easy to maintain

Quartz countertop doesn’t require constant sealing and that makes it easier to maintain. To keep the countertop clean you need a mild detergent and warm water.It’s best to clean the spills immediately to prevent stains from forming.

Cons of the Quartz countertop

  • It’s not suitable for an outdoor kitchen countertop. The UV rays will break down the resin and damage the countertop.

How do I choose the best look?

The quartz countertop contractor will guide you on the best countertop for your kitchen. You can also take home some samples and compare that with your cabinetry and choose the best. Choose the patterns and designs that will complement your kitchen décor.

It’s important to choose the right countertop for your kitchen. Quartz countertop is one of the best kitchen countertops. It will give your kitchen a new look and make it more functional. Let the granite-quartz countertop installer Rockville do the installations to ensure a professional installation. Follow the care instruction to keep your kitchen countertop looking good for years.

25

Jan

The Benefits of Using Quartz Counter top in Your Kitchen

The kitchen countertop you chose should make your kitchen beautiful, and functional. It’s important to ensure that the countertop you choose is cost effective and adds value to your home. The countertop you select will have a significant impact on your home, and it’s therefore important that you choose the best design. Choose the material that will increase the aesthetics and the appeal of your home. There are many countertop options, and, in this article, we tell you why you should consider using quartz countertop. Quartz is one of the best countertop material that comes with endless color choices.

What is Quartz Made of?

Quartz is an engineered man-made stone made of 95%quartz minerals, resins and color pigments. The components are mixed under intense heat and pressure to make a sturdy and durable countertop.

Benefits of Quartz Countertops

  • Aesthetic Value

Quartz is naturally beautiful, and they are appealing to the eye. The crystal granules in quartz make the countertop more appealing. Small granules give the quartz countertop a smooth appearance while large crystals give the countertop a more flecked look. If you are looking for a countertop that will increase the aesthetic value of your home, then consider quartz kitchen countertops.

  • Variety of Colors

Quartz kitchen tops are available in a wide variety of colors. They are an unlimited number of pigments and you can, therefore, get any color that you want, and you can complement or match your countertop to the rest of the kitchen.

  • Uniform Patterns

Quartz countertop is manmade, and that ensures that it has consistent color patterns

  • Variety of Finishes and edge Profile

The quartz kitchen countertop is sturdy, and it allows for a variety of edge options. It also comes in different finishes giving you an option to choose the one that suits your home.

  • Durability

Quartz is ranked as one of the hardest materials, and that makes it durable. The countertop is scratch resistant and doesn’t chip easily as compared to other natural stones. Its also heat resistant to a certain level. Even after years of use quartz countertop will show little signs of wear and tear and that makes it suitable for heavy traffic kitchen.

  • Non-Porous

Quartz minerals are bound together by resin, and that creates a non-porous surface. Below are the advantages of the nonporous nature of the quartz countertop. Benefits of nonporous nature of the Quartz countertop

  • Hygienic Surfaces

Nonporous surfaces will not harbor germs or any harmful organisms. While manufacturing quartz some manufacturers ass antimicrobial compound to enhance the germs fighting capability of the countertop. That makes quartz countertop ideal for a restaurant or busy kitchen.

Easy to Clean

It’s easy to clean Quartz countertop since it doesn’t absorb liquids. You need a mild detergent and soap to clean the countertop.

Doesn’t require Resealing

Quartz, unlike granite countertops, doesn’t require sealing. You need to carry out the periodic maintenance practices to keep the countertop looking good.

Quartz is also eco-friendly, and that makes it suitable for your kitchen. It will increase the value of your home and make your kitchen more functional.

Disadvantages of Quartz Countertop

Below are some of the drawbacks that you are likely to note if choose to use quartz countertops

  • Heavy

Quartz countertops are heavy, and it’s imperative that you consider the weight during installation. Make sure that the cabinets can support the weight.

  • Visible Seams

When quartz countertops are joined together, you are likely to notice seams. Make sure that the installation is done by an expert quartz installer to ensure that the seams are made less visible.

  • Cost

Compared to solid surface Quartz countertops are more expensive.

It’s important to remember that quartz is durable but not immune to damage. Too much heat may damage your countertop. It’s therefore important to ensure that you protect your countertop. Acidic liquids may also stain the countertop if left for long on the surface.

Cost of Quartz countertops

To get the actual cost of your countertop, visit the Quartz countertop dealer and get a quotation. Make sure the cost of the quotation has both the material and installation cost. It’s imperative to ensure that you work with quartz contractor who has experience and expertise to give your kitchen the facelift you require. Compared to natural stones quartz is relatively cheap and if you have a huge space consider using quartz for your countertop.

And Finally

Quartz countertop is easy to maintain because they don’t require sealing. Make sure that you clean the countertop often, and that will ensure that it last longer. Work with a professional quartz installer Rockville to ensure that the countertop is well supported to avoid damage.

08

Jan

Why You Should Choose Quartz Counter top for Your Kitchen Remodel

When choosing countertops, there are various aspect that you need to consider. It’s imperative to consider the budget, maintenance, family, lifestyle, and style you want to bring out. The countertop is the focal point in your kitchen, and it’s therefore important to ensure that you choose one that will give your kitchen a regal effect. Make sure you choose one that will give your house more value and bring out your style. During a remodel you need to choose a Kitchen countertop that will fit your kitchen, and, in this article, we tell you why you should choose a quartz countertop.

Why You Should Choose Quartz Countertop

Depending on the style you want to bring out quartz kitchen countertops come in a variety of colors and style. If you want to make your kitchen look bright, warm and luxurious, then you can choose a white countertop. Quartz is made of compressed quartz and resin which are passed through intense heat and pressure making one of the most durable countertops. Below some of the reason why you should choose quartz kitchen tops during the remodel. You can liaise with the quartz countertop dealer on the best color for your kitchen depending on the look of the other kitchen features.

Budget

Quartz is affordable compared to the natural stone. It’s best to visit the quartz countertop dealer and get a quotation for the countertop and installation. That will ensure that you don’t go beyond your budget. While quartz is not the cheapest option available it will give you value for your money.

Evaluate the space you want to install the countertop

If you have a space that requires a different kind of shape of the countertop, that may cause the cost of the of the to remodel to go up. If you need different shapes for your countertop, it will cost more to install as compared to the normal rectangular shaped countertop. With quartz given that it’s relatively expensive, different shapes may escalate the cost of the countertop and the installation cost. If you have a large space that you want to install quartz is cheaper than natural stone, and it’s therefore ideal

Family Needs

If you have a large family or a very busy kitchen, a quartz countertop is perfect because it doesn’t scratch and stains easily. The countertop is also able to withstand heat to higher degrees as compared to other countertops. Quartz is a good option if you intend to cook a lot or you are running a restaurant.

Style Selection

Quartz is manmade, and that means you can see the variation and shade you want. It gives you a wide variety of options to choose from, and you can match your countertop to the kitchen cabinets. You can visit the Quartz countertop contractor and request for a sample that you can compare to the various features in your kitchen. Choose one that will give your kitchen a regal effect and increase the value of your home.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Quartz countertops are easy to clean and maintain. Quartz doesn’t require periodic sealing because it’s non-porous. Unlike natural stones it’s nonporous, and it doesn’t give you the extra work of resealing. To clean the countertop uses a mild detergent and warm water. Make sure that you wipe out the spills as soon as possible to reduce the risk of stains. In case of any stains its best to consult the quartz contractor on how to deal with the stains.

Simple Tips to Make Your Kitchen Remodel Successful

  • Get quotation

Make sure you get a different quotation from various dealers. Different shops charge different installation cost. It’s therefore important to get a quotation and compare the pricing. Visit different shops and understand what they are offering. Consult on what is included in the quoted price

  • Stay within Your budget

Make sure that you are within the set budget to avoid leaving the project halfway

  • Choose the right color and StyleConsult the quartz contractor on how to choose the best color of the countertop for your kitchen. It’s important to ensure that you bring out your style.

Quartz countertop is one of the best kitchen top solutions. It will give your kitchen an expensive and luxurious look. Make sure you choose the best color. Its imperative that you ensure the installation is done by an expert granite-quartz -marble installer Rockville who will do it professionally to bring out the best.

19

Jun

Is Your Quartz Kitchen Counter top Heat Resistant?

Your Quartz kitchen countertops go through a lot in their kitchen lifetime and anyone who wants to replace their countertops wonders whether they will withstand. It’s important that you get the countertop that will stand the test of time and in this post, we review what the quartz countertops can bear. Hot pans are placed on them, they get wet, knives scratch their surface and exposure to various substances that may cause stains. The kitchen countertop material you choose should depict style, good in appearance, durable and heat resistant. When it comes to quartz countertops most people wonder whether its heat resistant and up to what level it can resist the heat. Over the year the debate whether quartz is heat resistant rages on and we indulge to find out whether you should place that hot pan on your Quartz kitchen tops.

How Quartz Countertops are Made

Before you choose your kitchen countertop, you need to understand the mineral composition of the top. Quartz is a naturally occurring material composed of silicon and oxygen and to make kitchen countertops resin is added to bond the minerals.

Is Quartz Heat Resistant

Quartz has over the years gained prominence in our kitchen and Over and over the question, whether a quartz countertop will be affected by heat is flouted. When it comes to heat there are two qualities that we need to differentiate, Heat Resistant and Heat Proof

Heat resistant means the ability to be able to resist heat and remain unaffected while heatproof means the ability to withstand heat. With that in mind let now. Quartz relates up to 150 degrees or more of heat and thus its actual heat resistant up to that level. That means that the quartz countertops can bear the heat from hot pans without causing the top to discolor. The beauty of your Quartz Kitchen countertop will remain for many years even after placing the hot pans on it and that makes quartz pass the heat test. That makes quartz the perfect deal when it comes to kitchen countertops.

On the other hand, is Quartz heat proof?

As we have stated above quartz can handle heat up to a certain level but beyond that, the binding polymer resins will be destroyed. As a precaution, the quartz installers recommend placing trivets on the quartz countertops to avoid damage. It might hard to tell the temperature of your pan and it’s therefore important to invest in the trivet or hot pads where you can place the hot items. Too much heat may cause irredeemable damage to your countertop. With the above, you can rest easy knowing how much heat the countertop can bear and how to protect your countertop.

What if the Quartz is damaged?

In the unfortunate event that the Quartz countertop is damaged, the first step is to contact the Quartz countertop contractor so that they can access the extent of the damage. Accidents may damage the heat and the quartz countertop installers from the countertop replacement companies will assess and advise the best option based on the damage. Quartz countertops will rarely get damaged and if they let the expert quartz installers do the repair and the replacement.

Care Tips for Your Quartz Countertops

  • Quartz is not porous but its good maintenance practice to wipe away any spills as soon as they happen
  • Don’t expose your quartz kitchen countertop to very high temperatures to avoid damaging it
  • Avoid powerful and permanent markers on the countertop as this may cause damage. It’s however important to note that quartz is stain resistant but not for very strong chemicals.
  • Use a cutting board to avoid marks and scratches on the countertop.
  • Avoid abrasive cleaners as they will damage the shine and make the polish will inconsistent. Clean the countertop with warm water and a mild soap.

Quartz is one of the best kitchen countertop materials due to the various qualities it possesses. You need to seal the countertop often as its porous and therefore perfect low maintenance. It’s Durable making it suitable for all sorts of kitchen, especially high traffic, and busy kitchen. Ensure that when your countertop is damaged you let the quartz countertop installers Rockville assess the damage and do the repair and replacement.