You may have seen a few beautiful examples of granite countertops in Baltimore , but you are probably unfamiliar with the processes they have gone through before becoming finished products. From granite slabs to dazzling kitchen fixtures, watch this video to find out how granite countertops are made.

Granite countertops start out as massive slabs that weigh one thousand pounds or more. Workers start the transformation by putting the slabs on cutting tables with the help of a few specialized tools. They can then use a computer guided saw with a diamond blade to form the slab into a rough shape. Next, workers use highly pressurized water jets to cut the granite into the desired shape. Once the proper shape has been achieved, the countertop is ready for finishing. This involves several different types of grinder and sander pads. The granite countertop can then be polished and prepared for shipment.

Natural stone countertops can be great additions to the home, and they may be featured in your bathroom or your kitchen. If you are torn between a granite countertop and a quartz countertop near Baltimore, it helps to do some research and understand the benefits and drawbacks of each. Both of these countertop styles can enhance the appearance of your kitchen, but they come with different levels of durability and maintenance requirements. It is also important to consider the ease of installation. Read on for an up close look at both granite and quartz countertops.

Granite

In terms of aesthetic appeal, granite and quartz may be equally attractive options. It should be noted, however, that granite countertops typically offer a more limited range of patterns as compared to quartz. If you are going to purchase a granite countertop, you should also have it sealed. Sealing your granite countertop every year or so will protect it from stains. Although granite is a durable material, you might accidentally scratch your granite countertop or drop an appliance and create a small crack; you can typically fix these blemishes with resin that matches its color. In the event of a larger, more substantial dent or crack, always seek the help of an experienced professional.

Quartz

If you are looking for a durable and beautiful countertop that does not require much maintenance, quartz may be your ideal option. Quartz countertops are even harder than granite countertops , and they do not need to be sealed in order to resist scratches, stains, and blemishes. You will also enjoy an array of options when it comes to colors and designs. If your quartz countertop does end up becoming damaged in some way, you should contact a professional countertop service for assistance.

Verdict

Granite and quartz are both excellent choices of material for countertops. Quartz tends to be slightly more durable and easier to maintain than granite, but on the other hand it is typically more expensive. Granite does not offer as wide of an array of design options, but the aesthetic choice is up to your personal taste.

If you are looking to add a dash of elegance and style to your kitchen, you may want to look into a quartz countertop near Baltimore. Quartz countertops come with an array of advantages including versatility and a range of stylish options. It is important to have your quartz countertop installed by a professional countertop company, so do your research before making the call. Keep reading if you are interested in learning about quartz: the new choice in countertops.

Benefits

Engineered quartz is a popular choice in countertops because it combines the advantages of both stone and laminate countertops. One of the many benefits that quartz countertops have to offer is versatility. This type of countertop will look excellent in your bathroom as well as your kitchen, and it is available in a range of styles, designs, and colors. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, quartz countertops also boast incredible durability. This means that they can last for years when properly maintained. Kitchens and bathrooms are both areas where sanitation is important, and quartz countertops’ lack of porousness helps them to remain free of bacteria. Engineered quartz countertops are particularly effective in the kitchen because they are resistant to corrosion and stains.

Options

Many people choose quartz countertops for the array of options that they present. Unlike natural stone, you can engineer quartz in a variety of different colors. This offers the homeowner more flexibility and a greater range of options to choose from. In addition to customizing the color of your countertops, you can also customize your edging options. Quartz’s range of options and customizability allow you to find the perfect countertop for even the most unique kitchens and bathrooms, and it is particularly helpful in tying separate rooms together with one cohesive design.

Installation

If you want to enjoy your quartz countertop for as long as possible, it is important that the installation process goes smoothly. This is why it is always helpful to work with a professional countertop service. There are a number of steps in the installation process and the procedure must be treated with care and professionalism.

Your granite countertop in Baltimore may be the center of attraction and main focal point of your kitchen. If you want to keep your granite kitchen countertops looking like they do today, it is important to clean them on a regular basis. Fortunately this is a relatively simple process and can be done in just a few minutes. Watch this video for tips on cleaning grease off of granite countertops.

There are few easier home maintenance projects than cleaning grease off of your granite countertops. Fill your sink with warm water and add a small amount of dish soap. Since your goal is to clean grease, it helps to use warmer water. Saturate a rag with this mixture and wipe the grease off of your countertops. You can then use a dry rag or paper towels to dry off your counter and enjoy a clean and cosmetically pleasing kitchen.

Your kitchen countertop near Baltimore is an integral part of your kitchen design. You might use your countertop to prepare food, serve food, and support countertop appliances. There are many different materials that can be used to make countertops, and each comes with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. Marble, quartz, and granite kitchen countertops tend to be popular choices due to the many benefits they offer. Continue on for a look at the basics of choosing a kitchen countertop material.

Quartz

Variety and choice are important aspects of kitchen countertop materials for many homeowners, and quartz is sure to deliver. Quartz enjoys the advantage of color consistency and versatility. These countertops also come in a variety of different styles and finishes, many of which may emulate natural stone. Unlike marble countertops, it is not imperative that you seal quartz countertops in order to resist staining. This is a great choice if you are looking for a countertop material that is both aesthetically pleasing and easy to maintain, and the range of options it offers make it a practical choice for picky homeowners.

Granite

When it comes to durability, granite is among the most impressive countertop materials. This is especially important if you frequently use your countertop to prepare meals for your family. Granite also provides your kitchen with a unique aesthetic appeal, as each piece of granite is different from the next. It is a good idea to seal granite countertops to protect them from stains.

When you work with a reputable countertop installation company in Baltimore , getting new countertops for your kitchen or bathroom is a quick, easy, and surprisingly enjoyable experience. The process of getting new countertops starts with an in-home consultation, where a contractor will visit your home, take measurements, and discuss your vision. Next, you will visit a local wholesaler and hand select your own natural stone slab. If you are buying quartz countertops, the contractor or designer may be able to bring samples directly to your home.

The next step is fabrication, which can take up to two weeks depending on the size of your countertops. For large natural stone countertops, the slab will be brought into your home and installed in a precise sequence. The average countertop installation takes around two to five hours, though this time frame may be adjusted depending on the complexity of the project.

If you’re going for an ultra-luxurious look in your home, you can’t go wrong with granite countertops in your kitchen and bathroom. Not only are granite countertops breathtakingly beautiful, but they are incredibly durable and able to withstand decades of abuse with very minimal upkeep. Before you go out shopping for granite countertops in Baltimore , take a look at this brief guide for advice on everything from choosing the right granite countertops for your home to maintaining your granite countertops for years to come.

Choosing Granite Countertops

Granite slabs are available in a variety of different shades, including blacks, whites, greens, corals, and beiges. The right color for your home depends on the design and décor of your kitchen and/or bathroom. And because no two pieces of granite are the same, you need to take your time when shopping for granite countertops. It’s also important to shop for granite countertops in person so you can discern the minute differences that make each slab unique.

Maintaining Granite Countertops

One of the reasons homeowners prefer granite countertops is that they are incredibly easy to maintain. Hot water and a sponge or dish rag is all you need to keep your countertops clean and tidy throughout the day. You can use granite cleaners weekly or monthly to condition the stone and maintain its overall luster. In order to protect your granite countertops in the long run, you may need to re-seal the countertops at least once a year. You’ll know that it’s time to re-seal when you notice that water around the sink is darkening the stone, as this means the granite is absorbing moisture.

Repairing Granite Countertops

Major cracks should be looked at by a granite repair specialist. Small chips, dings, and cracks can be repaired easily by filling with an acrylic or using a color-matched epoxy to glue the pieces back together. Larger damage will need to be polished in order to blend the stone with the surrounding surface shine.

If your kitchen is more than a decade old, it may be time for facelift. One of the best ways to transform the look and feel of your kitchen is by replacing your old, worn out countertops. There are lots of different kitchen countertops options to choose from, but none more popular than granite, quartz, and marble. Watch this video to learn about these and other popular countertop surfaces and why you’re better off choosing a natural stone or quartz countertop for your kitchen.

If you’re interested in buying new kitchen countertops, visit a countertop showroom in Baltimore that specializes in granite, marble, and quartz countertops. These countertops need to be seen in person to be appreciated fully. And by visiting a showroom you’ll also have the added benefit of working with an experienced professional who can recommend the perfect countertops for your kitchen based on your needs, preferences, and budget.

Whether you’re thinking about completely remodeling your bathroom or just want to give your personal space a more upscale and luxurious feel, a new vanity is one of the best investments you can make in your bathroom. In fact, while it may not be the most glamorous or even the most exciting part of renovating your bathroom, choosing the right vanity can make or break your bathroom’s design. So how do you know which vanity is right for your bathroom, let alone which type of natural stone vanity top? Here are some tips for choosing the right style, size, and material that fits your bathroom. Be sure to visit a natural stone showroom in Baltimore to see stone vanity top options in person.

Choose a Practical Vanity

The first thing to consider when choosing a vanity is the size and shape of your bathroom. You want to choose a vanity that won’t block the bathroom or shower door or mess with your bathroom’s traffic flow. Vanities also require adequate space in order to function properly, so make sure the vanity you choose isn’t too big for your bathroom so as to be impractical.

Take Storage into Account

Think about what you use on a daily basis to decide how much storage you’ll need in your new bathroom vanity. Take inventory of what you store in your current vanity and decide whether you need more or less storage. To stay on the safe side, select a vanity with slightly more space than you think you’ll need.

Complement, Accent, or Focal Point

One of the biggest decisions when it comes to buying a new vanity is the type of vanity top. To choose between granite, marble, and quartz vanity tops, decide whether the vanity will complement your bathroom design or serve as an accent piece or focal point. Granite and marble vanity tops make a bigger aesthetic statement than quartz, so choose either of these natural stones if you want your vanity to be one of the focal points of your bathroom.

Granite tiles are very durable, but they aren’t completely maintenance-free. In addition to re-applying sealant once a year to protect the stone and its glossy shine, you should perform daily cleaning to keep your granite tiles looking their best for years to come. This video demonstrates the proper way to clean granite tiles.

If you have old granite tile countertops that are starting to look their age, consider upgrading to a granite slab countertop. New granite countertops in Baltimore can completely transform the look of your kitchen and bathroom, not to mention the increase in value your home will experience as a result of installing granite countertops.