COUNTERTOP REPLACEMENT
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Choosing the right kitchen countertop can be a bit tricky. Each surface has its own advantages and disadvantages. Before splurging on such a big update, let our experts help you determine which material is best for your household.
GRANITE CONTERTOPS
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Still the top choice of most homeowners, traditional granite countertops offer a beautiful look that adds to your kitchen's value. Granite is very resistant to scratching and can easily handle temperatures well beyond those you would experience in your kitchen. Because granite is a natural material, variation in the stone's pattern is common and, for some projects requires careful planning when matching up countertop sections that may require a seam. Granite is a porous material and needs to be sealed to prevent staining. Today’s technologically advanced sealers, with proper maintenance, can provide protection in excess of 10 years. However, even when properly sealed, the pores can still harbor bacteria and germs. Proper cleaning techniques and cleaners are required to keep your countertops sanitary and looking great.
QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS
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Quartz countertops have similar characteristics compared to granite, but because its non-porous, it doesn’t require sealing or polishing. With quartz, all you need to do is wipe it down with a little warm water and mild soap.
In the past, quartz countertops had a speckled artificial appearance. Today, manufacturers’ such as Cambria and Cosentino (Brand name Silestone) are creating realistic-looking patterns that closely resemble the look of natural stone. In addition, because it is man-made, colors that are hard to find in natural stone are readily available in quartz. Marble-looking patterns with beautiful veining are also possible with quartz. Quartz slabs are also very consistent from slab to slab which allows for a more preferred look when two pieces come together at a seam.
Quartz is scratch resistant like granite but is more resistant to chipping because it contains polyester resin fillers that helps it to absorb impact better than granite. The polyester resin fillers help to bind the quartz particles together and create the polished non-porous surface. At the same time, polyester resin cannot withstand high temperatures and consequently can become damaged by very hot cookware placed on top of the countertop.