Tag: Countertop installers

Once you’ve decided to remodel your kitchen, there are a lot of things to consider like cabinet type and color, type of backsplash, hardware and appliances, and one of the most exciting components of all – countertops. Choosing the right countertop material for your style preferences and lifestyle needs is a big decision. Quartz countertops have become increasingly popular in recent years because they offer a combination of style and functionality that appeals to many homeowners. But, just like any other countertop material, quartz has its own set of advantages and disadvantages that you should consider before making a final decision. Below, we explore the pros and cons of quartz countertops to help you make an informed decision for your kitchen remodel.

Pros and Cons of Quartz Countertops

Pros:

• Beautiful Aesthetics: Quartz countertops are engineered stone surfaces made of quartz crystals, resins, and pigments. They come in a variety of colors, patterns, and designs to match any kitchen style.
• Durability: Quartz is one of the hardest minerals which makes it extremely durable and resistant to scratches and chipping. This durability ensures that your countertop will stand the test of time, even in a busy and high-traffic kitchen.
• Non-Porous Surface: Quartz countertops are non-porous, unlike natural stones like granite and marble. This makes them highly resistant to stains and eliminates the need for regular sealing, making them much easier to maintain.
• Hygienic: Non-porous quartz is a good choice for kitchens because it is resistant to bacteria and germs. This makes quartz a great option for families with children or anyone who is concerned about the cleanliness of their kitchen.
• Consistency: Engineered quartz countertops have a uniform appearance and no natural variations, making them easier to match and create a cohesive look in your kitchen.
• Low Maintenance: Quartz countertops are easy to clean – all you need is a mild soap and water solution. They are also less likely to need repairs or maintenance over the years than other materials.

Cons:

• Price: Quartz countertops can be more costly than other countertop material options. The initial cost may be a concern for those on a tight budget.
• Heat Resistance: Quartz is heat resistant but not heatproof so it is important to use trivets or hot pads to protect quartz countertops from extreme heat.
• Not Completely Natural: Quartz countertops are not entirely natural stone. If you prefer natural stone, granite or marble maybe be a better option for you than quartz.
• Weight: Quartz countertops are heavy and may need extra support, which can add to the cost.

Granite and quartz countertops may be an incredibly trendy countertop options but many homeowners are opting for a more durable and economical option – porcelain countertops. Porcelain countertops are a man-made product that is formed by fusing clay and minerals such as Kaolinite with silicon and feldspars to create a strong and durable surface. There have been many advancements in porcelain countertops and there are actually far more available styles and finishes than with quartz countertops. With so many beautiful options that will integrate perfectly with any aesthetic, porcelain countertops have become an excellent high-performance countertop option.

Porcelain Countertops are a Highly Durable Countertop Material

Many homeowners assume the durability of quartz or granite cannot be matched but, in fact, you can put a hot pan or pot directly on the surface of your porcelain countertops without causing any damage. They are also highly stain and scratch resistant making them an excellent countertop option for a variety of home applications including kitchens, bathrooms, and even outdoors! Yes, porcelain countertops are composed of high-performance materials that even make them capable of withstanding sun and rain so you can easily use them outside.

What is the Difference Between Porcelain & Other Countertop Materials

Although porcelain is available in a variety of styles, colors, and patterns including some that look identical to natural stone and quartz, unlike its counterparts, it is not a ‘through-body’ product. This means that whatever color and pattern is on the surface is printed only on the surface and does not go through the body of the slab. Because of this, it may limit the edge styles you can achieve when compared with quartz and natural stone. Additionally, it is important to note that porcelain can be damaged during the process of fabrication and installation so it is important to work with a qualified porcelain fabrication and installation shop. Although there are a few drawbacks to note about porcelain countertops, there is another important difference that most homeowners consider a significant advantage – they tend to be much less expensive than other countertop material options.

Turning your backyard into a resort-like oasis is something every homeowner would like to do! It adds value to your home and expands your liveable space so that you can truly maximize the enjoyment of your property. More and more homeowners are adding outdoor kitchens to their backyard landscape so that they can enjoy cooking and entertaining outdoors in a convenient and luxurious environment. If you plan to prepare food, cook, or serve on the countertops in your outdoor kitchen, you need them to be a material that is both durable and beautiful. Below, we take a closer look at some great options for outdoor countertop materials.

3 Great Outdoor Countertop Materials

● Granite

Granite is one of the most popular outdoor countertop materials, and for good reason – it is beautiful, durable, and low maintenance. Because it is a natural stone, it can easily withstand outdoor elements and is available in a wide array of gorgeous natural patterns and colors. It is not easily damaged and will not discolor or scratch easily so whether preparing food or serving guests, your granite countertops will look great while being incredibly useful.

● Soapstone

Soapstone is a non-porous natural tone that does not need to be sealed which means it is very easy to maintain. It is softer than granite and more susceptible to scratches but you can simply buff or sand out scratches. It will naturally darken somewhat over time but is a beautiful natural stone that makes a great, unique outdoor countertop material choice.

● Concrete

Concrete is a durable and easy-to-clean countertop material that has become very trendy in backyards of every style and size. Concrete can be stained or textured to a wide variety of finishes so it is a very customizable option. Because it is porous, though, it will need to be periodically sealed to protect the appearance and prevent bacterial buildup.

Choosing countertop materials for your kitchen remodel is very fun but there are a lot of things to consider. Silestone is essentially a natural stone, man-made material that is composed of 94% quartz and then compressed with resin and other materials to make a beautiful stone countertop.

If you are looking for durability in a countertop material, silestone is hard to beat. It is scratch, heat, and stain resistant and in a kitchen that is incredibly important. And, because it is so durable it is also very low maintenance.  Unlike granite or some other types of countertop material, silstone does not need to be routinely sealed to protect it. And, it is naturally antimicrobial which means it will harbor less harmful bacteria so cleaning it is very simple!

When it comes to color, pattern, and style selection, the possibilities are endless. Because it is man-made, there are truly endless styles to beautifully integrate with any home style. But, even though they may be man-made, make no mistake, they are still primarily natural stone and they look exactly like almost any stone style you can dream of. No matter what your home’s decor and aesthetic style is, there is a beautiful silestone countertop material that would elevate the beauty and style of your kitchen remodel.

What the steps involved in silestone countertop installation?

Countertop serve various functions in a kitchen. Most people choose to buy the countertops premade and have them installed DIY. Even though this choice is popular, the cons clearly outweigh the pros. Some DIY projects will end up as costly mistakes. Hence, it is essential to hire professionals to install the silestone countertop. The following some common steps involved in installing a new countertop.

Silestone cabinets are a popular choice for adorning kitchen for many years. The durable material is proven to be ideal for many kitchens. Installing the countertops require some level of expertise and experience. First, people need to acquire all the tools they need for this job. Then, they should start by taking measurements. Get the accurate measurement for kitchen layout before installing countertops. The length of each section may vary in a preshaped product. Hence, consider using the square corners for measurements. People discuss the details with their supplier beforehand and may even ask to see sample pieces. This helps to avoid any problems later.

Next, start with the longest corner of the countertop. Temporarily join the corners to get accurate scribe. People use miter bolts for this step. Just slide them into the top corner for a test fit and close gaps where the countertop section meets the wall. Scribing from the back section will also prove ideal in some situations. After this step, use a hand saw to separate each section before assembling the miter joint. A sharp handsaw will give a more controlled cut and the time to react if the cuts stray from the mark. This is a better option than using traditional saws.

Professional installations involve fastening countertops using different methods. Some may glue the sections together with construction adhesive, while others use screws or braces on the sides. However, people can refer to their owner’s manual to find the most suitable installation method. Typically, it is better to visit any nearby hardware store and ask them for suggestions. To get the most life from the new countertops, screws are necessary. Use a suitable screwdriver to fasten the bolts into the underside of countertops. Screwing bolts on multiple angles will ensure a solid installation.

Why should you hire professional installers?

Most countertop projects are simple. However, people shouldn’t resort to DIY and look to save money in process. In some cases, this project will require complex tasks like cutting, laminating, and reshaping. For such situations, professionals prove more suitable than novices. They have the right skills to handle the requirements and provide the best results.

DIY projects are filled with mistakes. Most of the time, these mistakes will lead to costly repairs or replacements. Countertop installers will have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform the job right first time around. They avoid the common mistakes such as poor sealing or laminating.

Lastly, professionals ensure quality workmanship every time. They will have a proven track record of completed projects. The expertise and knowledge enable them to complete the countertop installation without any issues. They also only use quality materials for improved look and use for countertops for many years.