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Quartz Countertops: Are They the Right Choice for You?
There are plenty of stylish decisions to make when remodeling or renovating your kitchen. One of the most important decisions you’ll need to make, at least in regards to the look and feel of your kitchen, is the type of countertops. When considering new kitchen countertops in Baltimore , be sure to add quartz to the list. Quartz performs very well in kitchens and is one of the most popular countertop materials in the world. Consider these benefits of quartz countertops to decide whether they are the right choice for your kitchen.
Wide Range of Colors
Unlike other stone slabs, quartz in a manufactured products that can be crafted with a controlled, uniform appearance. The manufacturing process allows for a much wider range of colors than you’ll find in marble or granite countertops and also ensures that the slab you receive is the exact color, texture, and pattern you ordered.
Durable Enough for Kitchens
The manufacturing process also has the added benefit of making quartz one of the strongest stone countertop materials in the world. Quartz has the same strength and durability as concrete and granite, but it actually a bit more forgiving and won’t chip, crack, or scratch as easily.
Low Maintenance
Compared to other stone countertops, quartz countertops requires significantly less maintenance. Granite and marble countertops, for example, must be sealed regularly to prevent staining and the growth of bacteria, which can add to the overall cost of ownership. Quartz does not require any such routine maintenance to maintain its beauty and functionality.
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What Materials Should You Choose for Your Bathroom Vanity?
There are numerous materials to choose from when it comes to bathroom countertops and vanity tops. If you are renovating an old vanity, a new stone top can give your entire bathroom an updated look and fresh, luxurious feel. You can select from a wide variety of colors and styles for your bathroom vanity, including granite, marble, and quartz. The decision will ultimately come to do a few important factors: Price, style, and maintenance.
For help finding a bathroom vanity top that meets all your needs, visit a countertop showroom in Baltimore. Shopping for new vanity tops requires you to look at stone slabs and samples in person to determine which one looks best to you. If you have an idea of how your new bathroom will look, bring along color samples to find the best bathroom vanity top.
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Simple Strategies for Maintaining Granite Countertops
When it comes to luxurious and durable countertops, nothing beats granite. Granite is formed after millennia of heat and pressure, which gives this natural stone its unique appearance and incredible strength. Unfortunately, the strength of granite doesn’t mean granite countertops are maintenance-free. If you’re shopping for granite countertops in Baltimore , read this quick article to learn simple strategies for maintaining your new kitchen or bathroom countertops later on.
Clean Up Spills Quickly
Although people usually think of stone as a hard material, granite and other natural stones are actually very porous materials. (They are not very porous) This means spills and everyday messes can easily penetrate the surface and cause stains if not cleaned up immediately ( they can be penetrated but not easily) . Be especially quick to clean up red wine, coffee, spaghetti sauce, and other deeply penetrating liquids.
Avoid Abrasive Cleaners
Granite and other stone countertops are very durable, but there are certain cleaning products and chemical agents that can strip the surface and cause irreversible damage to the stone. To avoid damaging your countertops, don’t use abrasive cleaners or general-purpose cleaners that contain vinegar, bleach, and ammonia. You should also avoid scouring powders and alkaline cleaners not specifically formulated for use on granite.
Prevent Countertop Damage
Although granite countertops are very durable, The best way to keep your granite countertops looking great over the years is to prevent damage from occurring in the first place. You can keep your countertops from becoming scratched or chipped by placing hot dishes and cookware on mats instead of directly on the countertop. Similarly, coasters should always be placed under glassware.
Seal Granite Countertops Annually
Most granite countertops don’t need to be sealed, but doing so annually will only help extend the life of your granite countertops. Sealing helps the stone resist dirt and spills, which can cause etching and staining. You can tell if it’s time to reseal your countertops if water soaks into the granite.
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The Homeowner’s Guide to Marble Countertops
If you want to add an understated, elegant beauty to your kitchen or bathroom, you might want to consider installing marble countertops . Use this guide to learn more about these counters and how they can enhance your home:
Each Marble Slab Is Unique
One of the biggest benefits of decorating with natural stone is its unique aesthetic appeal. Every marble slab has a unique appearance that allows you to find your true décor personality. With an almost endless array of patterns and colors, marble countertops add a lot of depth and texture to any kind of décor. Spend some time looking at different slabs until you find one that does the most to complement your current décor.
Sealing Enhances the Marble
Although marble is heat resistant, it can stain and scratch. If you want to get the most use out of your marble countertops, you should seal it once every few years. Be careful with dark liquids like red wine so you do not accidentally stain your counters. You should use coasters beneath cans or glasses and always use a cutting board when you are working with a knife.
Avoid Cleaning with Vinegar
The acidic properties of vinegar can actually damage the marble. You should use a microfiber cloth and some warm, distilled water for your basic cleaning needs. Always dry the counters with a clean cloth to avoid developing water spots that could ruin the aesthetic appeal of the marble. When you need to do a deeper cleaning, you can mix water with gentle dishwashing detergent or a specialty marble cleaner. If you buy a cleaner, you should always test it out in an inconspicuous area to make sure it will not damage the stone.
Work on Stains as Soon as Possible
The best way to keep your marble countertops looking great is to clean up stains as soon as they happen. If you spill anything acidic, you should blot it up immediately to avoid a permanent stain. With the right care, marble countertops in Baltimore become a beautiful and long-lasting addition to your home décor.
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Taking Care of Your Granite Countertops
Granite countertops are beautiful and durable enough to enhance every aspect of your kitchen décor. They require very little maintenance to maintain their original aesthetic appeal and condition. If you want to increase the value of your home with these new countertops, use the following tips to properly care for them:
Get the Granite Sealed
While granite slabs are incredibly strong, they are still susceptible to stains. When you get your granite counters installed, you should have them sealed. Once you go through this step, you can significantly decrease your workload when it comes to caring for your granite countertops.
Clean with Gentle Soap
You should not use chemical-laden products to clean your granite counters. While it is important to wipe up stains, you should not do it with a sponge. Stay away from Windex, vinegar, lemon lime, ammonia, or bleach. These strong cleaning solutions can actually wear down the sealant and leave your counters more susceptible to stains. When you clean your counters, you should use a mixture of warm water and gentle dish soap. Wipe them off with a washcloth or a microfiber cloth to keep the sealant working longer.
Be Careful with Heat and Sharp Objects
Although granite counters can handle a lot of wear and tear in the kitchen, you should avoid situations that might change the look of the stone. Do not place hot pots or pans directly onto the countertop. Even though granite counters are very scratch-resistant, you should use a cutting board when working with knives to avoid any unnecessary marks or nicks.
Do Not Sit or Stand on the Counters
Stone counters like granite are hard, but they are not flexible. This means that it is difficult for them to hold your weight if you try to sit or stand on them. Sitting or standing on them might cause cracks that ruin their aesthetic appeal. With a little bit of attention, you can get the most use out of your granite kitchen countertops in Baltimore.
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Tips for Color Coordinating Your Granite Countertops
Since granite is a natural stone countertop , it gives you access to a wide range of styles and colors. If you want your new counters to complement your current kitchen décor, you should try to color coordinate it with the rest of your design features. Use the following tips to make sure your countertops work well with the rest of your space:
When you start shopping for granite countertops in Baltimore, you should bring a picture or a color sample from your kitchen so you can compare it to the different stone slabs. Similarly, you should take a few granite samples with you to your house so you can actually compare and contrast the different hues. Place a white sheet over your current counters and put the different samples on top so you can get a realistic idea of how they all look.
When you can find the perfect color granite to use in your kitchen, it instantly enhances the aesthetic appeal of the space. Take your time shopping for the right countertops so you can optimize your design possibilities.
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Reasons to Choose Granite Countertops
If you want the perfect combination of beauty and durability, you should choose granite countertops for your kitchen décor. As a natural stone countertop, granite can stand up to the harshest forms of abuse and still give you impressive aesthetic appeal.
Every piece of granite is unique, which means you can choose from a practically endless array of styles, colors, patterns, and veining. Find the perfect granite kitchen countertop in Baltimore with which to enhance your home.
Learn more about the benefits of granite in this video. When it comes to inherent beauty and durability, there is nothing better than natural stone counters for your decorating needs.
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Using Two Different Types of Countertops
If you are seeking a unique design for your kitchen, you may want to consider two different countertop materials for your countertop installation. Two different countertops will add visual interest and dimension to your kitchen. In addition, each kitchen countertop surface can create a uniquely functional workspace for your kitchen. For example, you may want to install granite countertops in multiple colors. With many different granite colors to choose from, you will be able to spice up your kitchen with your countertop design. A company specializing in kitchen countertops located in Baltimore can help you choose the right granite countertop materials for your design. To take a look at the benefits of using two different types of countertops, be sure to watch this video from HGTV.
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How to Clean Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops will make an eye-catching addition to your kitchen or bathroom space. When you choose to install a quartz countertop , you will need to clean and care for your countertop surface on a routine basis. In order to clean a quartz countertop, you can simply use a damp cloth to wipe down the surface. This will keep your quartz clean, without causing scratches or damage to its naturally shiny surface. If a larger spill required greater cleaning power, you can clean with a mild soap in combination with water. In the event that your quartz becomes stained, you can use a nonabrasive cleaning pad to clean its surface. If you are planning a countertop installation for your home, be sure to work with a company offering quartz countertops in Baltimore. With the services of a highly rated countertop installation company, you will be able to create the counters of your dreams.