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5 Factors To Consider When Buying Marble Countertops

marble countertops

Marble countertops are affordable, durable, and unique. While this is the case, you can’t buy just any slab you come across—you need to take your time and find the perfect one for your surfaces. For you to do this, you need to consider several tips that include:

Variety

Marble comes in a wide range of varieties with different qualities. The most common varieties being:

Carrara: When people are talking about marble, this is the one they are talking about. Carrara is usually stark white or white with gray veining. Carrara marble is the most common type in the market and the least expensive.

This is the same variety that sculptures and buildings are made out of.

Calacatta: Due to its white coloring with gray veining, many people confuse it for Carrara. While there is white Calacatta, there are other varieties that have darker, thicker veining.

There are even gold varieties often bought by those looking to give their homes a luxurious look.

Emperador: It varies from white to gray to brown. Brown marble is accompanied by white or gray veining, which creates a beautiful contrast. Due to its elegant colors, Emperador marble looks extremely elegant in a room with gold or brass furniture.

Crema Marfil: Often found in a light-beige or yellow color, Crema Marfil is used in combination with darker stones. The stone has an irregular pattern and varying veining intensity that gives it a unique look that spices up any room.

For you to choose the right variety for your home, work with an experienced marble contractor who will not only help you in choosing the right slab, but also help you install it.

Cracks

Are there cracks on the countertops? Cracks are a sign that marble has been dropped or improperly handled. Many people confuse cracks with fissures. You should note that the two are quite different.

A fissure is naturally occurring in the stone, and it doesn’t change the plane of the marble surface.

When shopping for the stone, carefully inspect it and ensure that you don’t discard it, thinking it has cracks. When a marble slab has fissures, you can slide your nail across the fissure without it catching.

If you looking for a stone that will give you a more rustic look, there is no harm in buying a slab with fissures as they don’t change the integrity of the stone.

Origin

The other factor you should consider is where the stone is coming from. Due to the high demand for marble, some unscrupulous business people try to pass fake marble as genuine.

For example, they will take a white stone from china or any other part of the world and try to pass it as white marble from Calacatta. When making the purchase, always ask where the marble is from.

True Calacatta originates from mountain quarries in Carrara, Italy. So does Statuario.

The key to telling whether a slab is genuine or not is asking an expert to accompany you to the stores. The contractor will help you with the inspection and advise you on whether to buy the stone or not.

Color

Marble comes in a wide range of colors, including white, gold, red, green, neutral, gray, and black. The veining greatly determines the look of the slab. For a great look, choose a color shade that is similar to the walls and floor.

Your needs

Where are you looking to install the stone? Since it’s made from carbonate materials, it’s reactive to acids such as those found in soda, coffee, fruit juice, alcohol, and salad dressing.

Due to this, you should refrain from installing it in the kitchen. This is because if the stone comes into contact with acids, etching will result. The etching is a process that breaks down the polish, leaving a dull, lightly colored spot in the stone.

While sealing the countertops will protect the surfaces from stains, it doesn’t prevent etching. Marble also easily scratches, which makes it challenging to work with in the kitchen.

The best place to install marble is in the bathroom. Here it won’t be affected by serrated knives or salad dressings. Countertop replacement Durham contractors also recommend installing marble in tile flooring, vanities, and shower surrounds.

7 Mistakes To Avoid With Granite Countertops

granite countertops

Granite countertops are one of the most popular countertop materials you can install in your home. They are elegant, practical to use in the kitchen and bathroom, and extremely easy to clean.

Unfortunately, many people make plenty of mistakes that lead to them ending up with countertops they aren’t proud of. The mistakes also make homeowners waste a lot of money. These mistakes include:

Failing to take the countertop samples to their homes

Countertops will look great in the showroom, but when you install them in your home, they will be the ugliest pieces you have ever seen.

Before you buy the pieces, take a few pieces to your home and see how they look in your kitchen or bathroom. If you like the look, purchase them but if you don’t like them, don’t buy them.

Being obsessed over the thickness of the countertops

When researching about countertops, you might have heard that the thicker the pieces, the better they are. When many homeowners hear this, they want to go for the thickest pieces they can afford.

Extremely thick slabs are usually two granite slabs that have been glued together, and often they aren’t the best to install at home.

While you should go for strong pieces that will last for a long time, you shouldn’t pay too much attention to the thickness as doing so will lead to you buying the wrong materials.

Work with an experienced contractor who will guide you on buying the right thickness for your home.

Putting more importance to color than quality

The color of the countertops is crucial as it determines how the room will look like, but it shouldn’t be the determining factor whether you should buy the countertops.

While color might be beautiful to look at, it might easily stain and be difficult to maintain hence making your work too difficult.

In addition to considering how the countertops will look like in your kitchen, you also should pay attention to the quality of the slab you are installing. The countertop material should be of high quality and look great in your home.

Failing to buy from wholesale stores

As you might guess, wholesale stores sell countertop materials at lower prices. Regardless of how pleasing the retail stores are, avoid buying from them as they will cost you a lot of money.

Even if you live in an area without wholesale stores, travel out of your city and find stores selling high-quality products at the least cost.

Hiring the wrong granite installer

After buying the countertops, you are onto the next stage of your journey—installing the countertops. The installer you hire is vital as he/she determines how the countertops look and how long they retain their look.

For you to get the most, hire an experienced contractor who has been in the industry for a long time. The contractor should also be an expert at countertop installations, not fabrications.

Some homeowners hire their friends. While the friends might be experienced, you should avoid working with them as they often don’t give the best results. This is because they bring friendship in the project which spoils everything.

If you have a large house, the chances are that you are going to spend a lot of time with the contractor, so work with a contractor with a great personality. You don’t want to work with a boring contractor, do you?

Choosing the edges at random

While you can select the type of edge you want on your countertops, it’s not wise to make an arbitrary choice. This is because you most often end up choosing the wrong one. You should go through all the options and select the ones that give your countertops and surfaces the best look.

Making the wrong measurements

When you make the incorrect measurements, you end up with too little or too much granite. In most cases, you end up wasting a lot of money and throwing your plan out of proportion. While even experienced contractors make this mistake, it’s often common with new installers.

For you to minimize the chances of making a mistake, work with experienced granite countertop installers Raleigh. If taking the measurements by yourself, always double-check the dimensions before placing your order.

8 Granite Countertops Dos And Don’ts

granite countertops

Installing the most beautiful granite slab isn’t enough. You need to take good care of your granite countertops to maintain the perfect, clean look. How do you do it? Here is a set of dos and don’ts you should observe:

Do seal the countertops

Everything begins here. Granite slabs are porous and when you work with them without sealing, you put them at the risk of staining. To keep them in top shape, seal them at the time of installation.

You also should make a habit of sealing them once a year. For you to get the most from them, don’t go for any sealing product. Use a high-quality product you are sure will give you a good service for a long time.

Do clean the spills as soon as they happen

Many homeowners have the impression that once they have sealed the countertops they don’t need to worry about spills. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case.

Even if you have sealed the surfaces, you still need to prevent spills from getting into the inner layers of the countertops. How do you do this? By cleaning the spills as soon as they happen.

You don’t need much when they happen. Some dish soap and water is enough.

Do clean the countertops

In addition to getting rid of spills immediately they happen, you also need to keep the surfaces clean. This is to get rid of dirt and grime that might be present. Due to the elegant nature of granite slabs, some homeowners have the impression they need fancy cleaning techniques to clean granite countertops, but this isn’t the case.

For you to get the most from your cleaning, use mild solution of water and soap. Avoid harsh cleaning substances such as oils, lemon juice, or any other acidic substances as they will damage and dull the countertops.

Do repair the countertops

Even with the best care, it’s common for granite slabs to get damaged. For example, it’s common for the countertops to develop scratches and other minor issues. Some people ignore the damage as they deem it too minor, but don’t do this.

When you notice even the most minor problem with your countertops, fix it immediately. If you have the skills you can fix it by yourself, but if you have never done it before, let an expert handle it.

Don’t place hot items directly on the countertops

While granite is tough and can withstand high heat exposure, avoid placing hot pans and pots directly on it. While you might get away with it once, when you repeatedly expose it to the hot items, you put it at the risk of getting damaged.

For you to keep the surfaces in top shape, always use hot pads or trivets.

Don’t cut directly on the countertops

Just as you shouldn’t place hot items directly on the countertops, you also shouldn’t cut items directly on the surfaces. In addition to the practice creating scratches on the countertops, it also exposes the surfaces to acids that eat the granite sealer.

For you to protect your countertops and knives, always use a cutting board when cutting anything. Whether cutting meat or fruit, always have a cutting board with you.

Don’t turn your countertops into a worktable

Since the countertops are tough, it’s common to be tempted to place your work tools on them. For example, it’s common to find yourself placing your toolbox on the surfaces when working on the kitchen.

Do you want your countertops to keep looking great? Don’t do this. If there is no other place you can put your tool items, add a thick covering to the countertops. For example, cover the surfaces with a blanket.

You also should take care that you don’t drag or drop your tools on the countertops.

Don’t allow pets to sleep on the countertops

It’s rare for dogs to sleep on the countertops. Cats are the problem. While they might seem harmless, their claws can scratch the surfaces. Cats also carry dirt on their paws forcing you to have to clean the countertops regularly.

For you to avoid having to call granite contractors Raleigh to fix the damaged countertops, keep cats and other pets out of your countertops.

6 Ways You Are Destroying Your Kitchen Countertops

kitchen counter

Since most kitchen countertops are made from tough materials, many homeowners think they can’t get damaged. There is nothing as further from the truth as this.

Just like any other product, if you don’t take good care of your countertops, they will get damaged. To help you out, here are six things (you are doing) that are destroying your countertops:

You place hot pots and pans directly on the countertops

One of the prime reasons homeowners install granite, quartz, and other high-compact countertops is because they can tolerate high temperatures. This makes them highly convenient when cooking and baking as you don’t have to keep on worrying about them getting damaged.

While the countertops can withstand high temperatures, they crack and get discolored when you repeatedly expose them to hot materials such as hot pots and pans.

Regardless of how tough your countertops are, always protect them from heat resulting from the cooking utensils. When you remove a hot pot or pan from the fire, don’t place it directly on the countertops.

Use a towel, hot pad, potholder, or trivet as a barrier and prevent the heat from getting onto the countertops.

You place acidic foods on the countertops

Many homeowners don’t pay much attention to the nature of the foods they are preparing. Did you know some foods are acidic, and when you place them on the countertops, you damage the surfaces?

For example, marble countertops are highly sensitive to acidic substances. Splashing vinegar, lemon juice, wine, or tomato sauce on them causes dull spots.

To keep the surfaces in top shape, clean the acidic substances as soon as they happen. Cleaning the spill with water isn’t enough. Also, consider neutralizing the stain. One of the most effective ways of doing it is sprinkling baking soda on it.

You chop directly on the countertops

After investing in durable countertops, some homeowners think they can abuse the countertops as much as they want. They dice, cut, slice, and chop directly on their quartz and granite countertops. Don’t do this.

While the countertops are tough, they aren’t scratch resistant. This means as you continually chop and cut on the counters, you increase the chances of damaging the countertops. The tough nature of the countertops also damages the knives.

Just like with the hot pots and pans, take measures to protect the countertops from damage. When cutting anything, always use a cutting board.

You allow water to stay on the countertops for a long time

When you seal granite countertops or any other countertop surfaces, you make the surfaces waterproof, right? Wrong!

Sealing the countertops only prevents water from seeping through and creating stains. When you allow water to stay on the countertops for a long time, you increase the chances of water seeping through and staining the surfaces.

While you don’t have to be in great hurry to wipe out the spills, you shouldn’t let them sit on the countertops for a long time. For example, until they evaporate.

A good rule of thumb is to never allow water to sit on the surfaces for more than five minutes. After wiping the surfaces, dry them to prevent future problems.

You place a lot of weight on the countertop edges

Placing heavy items and objects near or on unsupported sides increases the chances of the countertops developing cracks, ruptures, and fractures that are difficult and expensive to repair.

One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is placing a microwave directly on the countertop overhang.

For you to avoid damaging the countertops, always think twice when placing a heavy object on the surfaces. If you have to put the object on the countertop, place it at the center.

You allow a lot of sunlight on the countertops

Sunshine is good as it lights up the kitchen and makes it appear spacious. Unfortunately, a lot of direct sunlight causes laminate countertops to fade. The sunlight also fades the sealants on the countertops. This leads to a cheap-looking kitchen.

During the peak daylight hours, pull down the shade. This is to minimize the amount of sunlight getting into the kitchen hence reducing sunlight effect on granite kitchen countertops Raleigh.

6 Ways To Ensure Your Kitchen Countertops Last Long

When you install kitchen countertops, you want them to last for as long as possible. This calls for you to take good care of them. The cool thing is that there are plenty of ways of going about it:

Ensure proper installation

Everything begins here. There is no way your countertops will last for a long time if they aren’t properly installed.

Many people try to cut costs, by going for the cheapest contractor they can afford. Don’t do this.

While you will save a few coins here and there, you will end up spending too much money on repairs as cheap contractors often don’t have the right skills to install the countertops properly.

In some cases, they improperly install the countertops such that you have to remove all the countertops and install new ones. This is extremely expensive!

To avoid this, don’t be cheap. Hire an experienced contractor. While the professional will be a little bit expensive, the extra cost will be worth it as he/she will install countertops that will last for decades.

To protect yourself in the event of an accident during countertop installation, work with an insured contractor. Take a closer look at the insurance certificate and confirm that it even covers countertop damage.

Stone countertops

The most popular stone countertops are granite and quartz. Regardless of the type of countertop you have, you should take good care of it for it to last for long.

The first thing you should do is to seal the countertops. During installation, ensure the contractor seals the surfaces with a high-quality sealing agent. The frequency of sealing depends on the quality, color, and use of the countertops.

When it comes to lighter colors, seal them every 1-3 years. Seal darker colors 3-5 years.

In addition to sealing the countertops, you also should avoid sitting or standing on them. This is to prevent the countertops from cracking after placing too much weight on them.

Slate countertops

Slate countertops are known for their brittleness. They also stain from cooking oil spills and are easily damaged by abrasive cleaners. To prevent them from cracking, avoid placing too much weight on them. You also should always protect the surfaces when cooking to prevent stains.

When cleaning the surfaces, use a pH-neutral stone cleaner when necessary.

Laminate countertops

These are susceptible to water damage. To keep them in top shape, be cautious that you don’t let water seep into the seam. This is because they tend to swell up and buckle.

When it comes to cleaning, use mild dish detergent and microfiber cloths. Only use baking soda for tough stains.

Solid surface

Stay away from abrasive cleaners, especially if you have a shiny finish instead of matte. For the tough spots, use mild soap, baking soda, and microfiber cloths. After removing the stains, rinse the surfaces with a clean cloth.

All countertop materials

Regardless of the countertop material you have in your kitchen, there are some basic practices you should do to keep the material in top shape. Some of the things you should do include:

Protect the surfaces from scratching or etching by cleaning the countertops using damp microfiber cleaning cloths and mild dish detergent. To lift tough stains, use baking soda paste.

Since countertops are susceptible to damage from acidic juices, oil spills, and harsh abrasive cleansers, clean the spills as soon as they happen to prevent the damage and stains.

Protect the surfaces from heat damage by ensuring that you don’t place hot pans directly on the countertop surfaces. The hot surfaces tend to disfigure the countertops and even crack others.

To allow air-flow underneath the countertops, set pans and even low cookers on trivets.

You also should protect the surfaces from knife damage. This calls for you to avoid slicing or chopping the food directly on the countertops. When cutting, always use cutting boards.

Use common sense when handling your countertops. Don’t do anything that would damage the surfaces. For example, don’t use abrasive cleaning materials on granite countertops as they will lose their shine.

If you aren’t sure about how to keep the surfaces in top shape, ask granite companies Durham or any other professionals to help you out.

Ways to Avoid Damaging Your Kitchen Countertops

Countertops perk up the value of your home and make your kitchen more functional. Marble, quartz and granite countertop are durable, but they are not immune to damage. It’s therefore important to ensure that you take care of the countertop to retain their look and prevent irreparable damage. In this article we look at simple procedures you can follow to prevent damaging your countertops.

How to Prevent Your Countertop from Damage

Use the right detergent and pad to clean the countertop

Acidic and abrasive cleaners will etch and damage your countertop. They will make your countertop appear dull. Make sure the cleaning material you use is meant for your kitchen countertop. Clean your granite or marble countertop with a soft cloth and a mild detergent. A microfibre is ideal when cleaning and removing food crumbs from your countertop. Avoid using harsh detergents and abrasive cleaning materials because that makes the countertop dull. The harsh detergents will also remove the sealant in granite and marble countertop. Removing the sealant will make your countertop porous, and that will expose your family to a disease-causing virus

Don’t cut directly on the kitchen countertops

Avoid using your countertop as the cutting board. Invest in a cutting board to avoid leaving marks on the countertop. Cutting or pounding heavily on the countertop will damage your kitchen countertop. If you have to pound meat make sure you don’t do it on the countertop.

Avoid direct contact with the heat

Exposing your granite or quartz countertop to too much heat will damage your countertop. Too much exposure to heat will cause the kitchen countertop to change color, crack or become brittle. Make sure you have trivets or hot pads before you place a pan on the countertop. You can also keep hot pans on the stove instead of placing them on the countertop.

Control spills

Although granite and quartz will not stain easily its important to wipe away spills immediately. However, if spills are wiped for a long time, they will result in stains. It’s therefore important to ensure that spills are wiped off immediately. Use a soft cloth and detergent to clean the spills. Granite countertop is durable, but if it absorbs moisture and dirt, it will begin cracking.

Avoid dropping or placing heavy objects on the countertop

Cracks and chips will occur when you place a heavy object on the countertop. Don’t step on the countertop when reaching for something in the cabinets. Your countertop is durable, but it will crack or chip when too much weight is placed on it. Don’t lean on the countertop because that adds extra weight and that could cause cracking.

Seal natural stones

Granite and marble countertop require sealing. If not sealed the countertop will absorb moisture, and that could lead to cracking. The granite contractor will asses how busy your kitchen is and advise how often you should seal your countertop. Use high-quality sealant to ensure that the top is well sealed. Sealing the countertops will make them more durable, and they will look good for long. Make sure you countertops are sealed often to keep them nonporous.

Follow the care instructions

It’s imperative to follow the right cleaning and maintenance procedure. Follow the right cleaning procedure for your kitchen countertop. The granite countertop installers will advise you on the best cleaning detergent for your countertop.

Exposure to harsh UV rays

Most countertops will become discolored when exposed to the sun. It’s therefore important to choose the right countertop if you are thinking of an outdoor countertop. Granite is one of the best outdoor countertop material. Although granite can withstand the harsh environment its best to have your outdoor countertop enclosed. That will protect it from the harsh sun and prevent discoloration.

Countertops are an investment and should be kept in the best state. The above simple tips will guide you on how you should maintain your countertop. It’s important to understand the kind of kitchen countertop in your home. Whether its a marble, quartz or a granite countertop Durham follow the care instructions given by the expert at the granite company. Your countertop will last long if you follow the right maintenance procedure. A well-maintained countertop will give your house a good appearance and a high value.

Reasons Why You Should Use Granite for Your Kitchen Counter top

best quartz countertop

Granite is one of the best countertop material, and if you are remodeling your kitchen, it’s one of the materials you should consider. Granite countertop Durham will give your kitchen a regal effect and, in this article, we tell you why granite should be your first choice. You can visit the granite company and consult on the best countertop material for your kitchen.

Why You Should Use Granite in your Kitchen Countertop

Cost-effective

One of the questions most people ask about granites is the cost. While granite is considered expensive, it’s cost-effective in the long run. Granite countertop will last a lifetime, and that makes it worth your money. It’s however important that you visit the various granite companies and get a quotation. Compare the price of the countertop and installation cost. Make sure that the granite dealer you choose is offering quality granite countertop at a fair price. Compare the thickness of the granite slab when considering the price.

Multiple colors

Granite comes in a variety of colors, and it’s important to ensure you choose the one that fits your kitchen. The granite contractor will advise you on the best color for your kitchen. You can carry a sample home to make sure the color and pattern is the right for your kitchen. Granite is a natural stone that can’t be replicated and that will give your kitchen a unique look.

Easy to Maintain

Granite is easy to clean and maintain. Make sure that your kitchen countertop is sealed during the installation process. Sealing makes maintenance and cleaning of the countertop easy. To clean use a mild detergent and a soft cloth to wipe out any spills. Make sure that any spill is cleaned out immediately and that will ensure that your granite looks good for a lifetime. Using abrasive cleaners will make your granite lose its shine. Consult the expert at the granite company on how to clean your granite countertop.

Stain Resistant

Sealing the granite countertop will make it nonporous, and that prevent absorption of any spills. The granite dealer will advise you on when you should seal your granite. Make sure that you seal the countertop as required to prevent the countertop from absorbing any liquids. Before you seal the countertop make sure that it’s cleaned thoroughly. In case of stains, it’s easy to remove them using simple home remedies.

Environmental friendly

Compared to most countertop materials such as quartz countertop, granite is one of the most environmentally friendly material. The countertop doesn’t contain any hazardous minerals, and that makes it ideal for your kitchen.

Mimic more expensive Countertops

Most homeowners want a countertop that has a lot of good qualities. Granite has the best qualities and can mimic more expensive stones such as marble. Granite will make your kitchen gorgeous and valuable.

Long term Investment

Granite is strong, durable and it will last a lifetime. You can enjoy your granite countertop for years if it’s well installed. If you are looking for a long-term investment, then granite is the perfect countertop for your kitchen. If you are hoping to sell your house soon, a granite countertop will perk up the value.

Versatile

Granite can be used in other areas of your home. You can use it in the kitchen, outdoor living space, and the bathroom. The versatile nature of the countertop makes it a good option to use in different areas. Since you can use the granite countertop in various areas of your home, that makes it easy to style and bring out a design. In your home.

Beauty

One of the qualities that stands out is the beauty of granite countertops. They are gorgeous and will give your kitchen a regal look. The natural look coupled with gentle hues makes granite one of the beautiful countertop.

Granite is perfect for any kitchen. If you are looking for durability, beauty and an easy to maintain countertop, then granite is perfect. Let the installation be done by professional granite installers who can offer installation and sealing services. It’s imperative that you follow the right maintenance schedule to keep your kitchen countertop looking good for the years. The kitchen is the focal point of your home and its imperative that it has the ambiance and elegance you want. Granite has unique patterns and color and will ensure that you have a gorgeous kitchen.

Considerations to Make when Matching Kitchen Cabinets and Countertops

best kitchen countertop contractor

Selecting the right countertop color to match with your cabinets will make your kitchen gorgeous. It’s important to coordinate the colors that will bring out your style. The first step is to choose the right kitchen countertop, and then you can choose the cabinets that will bring out the beauty and perk the value of your home. Matching the kitchen cabinets and countertop will require that you match or complement them and still bring out the style without losing functionality. If you have a large family, you will need cabinets that provide enough storage space. To make it easier to match the cabinets and countertop visit the granite company that offers both countertop and cabinetry.

Factors to Consider when Matching countertops and Kitchen Cabinets

Lifestyle

When matching your cabinet and countertop consider your lifestyle. If you have small children, consider having base drawers and cabinets that are within reach for your children. Match the kitchen cabinets based on the kind of family you have. When choosing a kitchen countertop to choose one that suits your needs. Granite countertop and marble countertop require periodic sealing to keep making them nonporous. Choose the countertop that you can maintain and one that suits your kitchen. If you run a hotel, you will need a countertop that is easy to maintain. Quartz countertop is perfect for the high traffic kitchen because it doesn’t require periodic sealing and it’s easy to clean.

Style

During the kitchen countertop and cabinets makeover begin with the countertop and the match the cabinets and other décor in the kitchen. You can have the base cabinets and drawers matching one color of the countertop and the top drawers resembling the other portion of the countertop. The countertop dealer will help you choose the countertop that will match with the cabinets If you choose a granite countertop to make sure the color and veining you choose matches to your cabinets and floor. Decide the kind of style you want to bring out and choose the kitchen countertop that will help you achieve that.

Color and Texture

Cabinets are built from wood, bamboo, glass and other materials. Choose the color that gives your kitchen a warm feeling. You can match a black countertop with a white cabinet. It’s best, to begin with, a countertop and the match that to the cabinet.

Budget

Your budget will determine the kind of countertop and cabinets that you install. Make sure that you stick within the budget. Granite and marble are more expensive as compared to tiles and other kinds of countertop. Visit the quartz countertop dealer and get a quotation on the various countertop. Choose one that fits your budget. You can also shop around for cabinets. Choose the kitchen countertop and cabinets that fit within your budget. The budget is a crucial factor when it comes to upgrading your kitchen but don’t compromise on quality. In the long run, it will be more expensive if you choose poor quality material. Have a realistic budget that you can follow.

Tips to Follow when Matching Kitchen Countertop and Cabinets

Decide which part of the kitchen is the focal point. Choose the cabinet or countertop to be the main attractions. If your kitchen countertop has different colors and patterns, then you choose that to be the focal point. Then select the cabinet colors and other décor.

Choose the color Scheme

After choosing the focal point to choose the color scheme you want for various areas. It’s recommended that you keep the colors simple, and then you add bold accessories. You can use samples to see the outcome before the actual.

Choose the material

Kitchen cabinets and countertops come in different type of materials. Decide the material that will suit your kitchen. Consult the granite contractor on the best material for your kitchen.

Make sure the material you choose to brings out the best kitchen. Ensure you choose quality material to give your kitchen an expensive and high-class look. Consult the contractor on how to match the colors to bring out the best. Once you have chosen the materials, color and textures that will work for you make sure the installation is done by an expert. Let the granite countertop Raleigh installer do the installation to ensure the installation is done properly.

Questions You Should Ask Yourself When Planning a Kitchen Remodel

best quartz countertop

A kitchen will give your house a whole new look. Although it may look like a daunting task with the right team and proper planning you can give your house a face light, it’s important to ensure that you come up with a stunning design and that can only be achieved by proper planning. It’s imperative that you work with the right team. Whether it’s the cabinet or granite countertop installers make sure you hire an experienced team that will recreate your kitchen into the design you want. In this article, we tell you questions you should before you carry out the remodel. Asking these questions will help you plan and budget accordingly.

Questions to As You Plan a Kitchen Remodel

What is the function of the Kitchen?

It’s important to establish the reason why you are remodeling. If you have a huge family, there are various aspects you need to consider. One of the most important aspects of any kitchen is the countertop. It’s important to decide which countertop will work for you. Speak to the quartz or granite countertop dealer on which countertop is the best for your kitchen

Determining the function of the kitchen will help you decide what you want and the design of your kitchen. Work with the experts on various sections of the kitchen to bring out the style and design that will give your kitchen and home a new look.

What is the budget and what features do you want to add to your home?

Once you have established the functionality of your kitchen, you need to come up with the appliances and features you hope to add to your kitchen. It’s important that you first establish how much you want to spend during the remodeling. Do you want a granite countertop, quartz or a marble countertop? Visit the granite company and get a quotation on the installation of the countertop. Most shops that sell countertop are likely to have cabinets. Consult on how much it will cost to install new cabinets. Get a quotation for the kitchen appliances that you want to change. If you settle on a marble or granite countertop make sure you understand the maintenance requirements

Are there areas where you can compromise?

It’s now time to review the quotations you have picked against the budget you have. If your figures are above the budget, decide on what you want to compromise. Expert advice is that you can use a granite countertop and use matching tiles for flooring. Compare the cost of different kitchen countertop and choose one that fits in your budget.While price is an important factor, don’t compromise on quality.

How do I get the best layout?

Work with the various contractors and come up with the best layout for the kitchen. Allocate each feature and appliance their space. Make sure the kitchen island doesn’t occupy a huge space and make the kitchen look crowded. The quartz contractor will be able to advise you on the best size of the island for the available space. It’s crucial that you work top-rated contractors because they can give you excellent design for your kitchen. When coming up with the layout take consideration of where to place the lights.

What is your overall style?

Research and speak to the contractors on what you want to bring out. You can get a photo of what you hope to bring out and show the contractor.

Do you need a building permit?

Depending on the kind of job you need to be done you may require a building permit. Consult an architect on whether you need a permit. If you choose to do small-scale renovations, you may not need a permit.

How do you hire the contractor?

The cabinet, flooring and granite contractors will play a huge role in how your kitchen will turn out. You need to ensure that you have the right team. You don’t want your granite countertop to be installed badly. Speak to family and friends and get referrals of the contractors you need. Make sure you work with the best team.

The planning process is crucial because it will determine the success of the remodeling project. Follow the laid-out plan and ensure you work with the best contractors. If you need to install a new granite countertop Durham, make sure the installation is done by the best quartz-granite installers Rockville.

Signs Your Kitchen Counter top Requires Replacement

kitchen countertop replacement

Kitchen countertops are meant to last a lifetime but that is not always the case. There are certain circumstances that necessitate countertop replacement. A new kitchen countertop will not only make your kitchen more functional but will also add charm and increase the value of the home. In this article, we tell you signs that your kitchen countertop needs replacement. During the replacement, it’s best to work with a professional granite countertop installer to ensure the best outcome.

Signs that You Need to Replace Your Old Countertops

Cracked or Eroded Countertop

If your countertop is cracked and there is no way of sealing the crack, then it’s time for a countertop replacement. Too much weight on the countertop will cause it to crack and that may leave you with replacement option. Granite countertop or quartz countertop are good options for replacement. Make sure you let the granite installers do the installation. Avoid putting too much weight on the countertop to prevent cracking. Poor installation process may also cause your countertop to crack and its therefore important to work with an expert who knows how to install a kitchen countertop well.

Stain or Burn Marks that you Can’t remove

If your countertop has stains and burns marks that you can’t remove, then it might be time for a new countertop. A counter with burn and stain marks will make your kitchen look old and unkempt. Visit the granite company and choose the countertop that can withstand stains and stains. Avoid placing hot pans on the countertop.

When Selling your home

Before listing your home for sale, consider replacing the kitchen countertop because that will perk up the value of the countertop. A new granite countertop will give your kitchen and home a new appearance. A new kitchen countertop will increase the value of you of your home and you sell your home at a higher value.The improved home appearance will also make it easier for you to make the sale quickly.

To Update Your Kitchen Without Spending too much

One of the easiest ways to upgrade your kitchen is to change your countertop. A kitchen countertop will give your kitchen a new look. Replacing kitchen countertop is easy and that will give your kitchen a trendy look. If your kitchen has an old countertop replacing the countertop will give your kitchen a trendy and modern look.

An outdated countertop

If your countertop is outdated and out of style considers changing the countertop. An out of date countertop will make the kitchen look old. Granite countertop doesn’t go out of style and no matter your style you will find a countertop that will fit your kitchen.

Structural Damage

A kitchen fire can cause structural damage to your countertop and that will require a replacement. When doing the countertop replacement make sure its done by the quartz dealer.

Increasing the size of your Kitchen

If you are expanding your kitchen, you may need to get rid of the old countertop and install a new one. You may want to change the countertop to match the rest of the kitchen.

Make your Kitchen more comfortable

If one of the family members has a special need you may need to change the kitchen countertop to accommodate a wheelchair.

Signs that your Granite Needs to Be sealed Afresh

Granite countertop is one of the most durable countertops. If your countertop begins to show signs of wear and tear, then you will need to reseal the countertop. Granite countertops are one of the most durable countertops. Below are signs that you need to seal your granite

More than two years have lapsed since the last time it was sealed. Sealing will keep your countertop in top condition
If you notice etch marks, then you need to invite the granite installers to seal your granite.
In case you notice fissure, you need to repair the fissures before applying the sealant. It’s important to consult the granite dealers before applying the sealant.
If you notice moisture rings, then it’s time to add a new layer of sealant.

It’s important to choose the right countertop for your kitchen. Consider the traffic in your kitchen and choose a counter that will last. While replacing your countertop make sure it’s done by the granite-quartz installers for best results. Proper care and maintenance of the granite countertop Durham or the marble countertop will ensure that it last longer.