Choosing a Kitchen Color Scheme

The colors you choose for your kitchen really set the mood of the room. It’s important to think about how all the elements – countertops, cabinets, appliances, floor, backsplash, and wall color – will all work together. Beware of bold colors as they can become quickly outdated. If you want to incorporate a bold color,…

Granite F.A.Q.

Why are some granite colors more expensive than others? Availability, rarity, extraction, and transportation expenses all factor into determining pricing. Also, if a particular color is in high demand, the price will likely increase. How do I know when it’s time to reseal my granite? You can test if your granite countertop needs to be…

Trending Now: White Kitchen Countertops

We know white countertops create clean lines, give the illusion that the room is larger, and can add a contemporary element to your kitchen, but it’s important to understand the different countertop materials available in white as well. Natural white stone is heat-resistant and strong, but it is somewhat porous making it more prone to…

Cleaning Quartz Countertops

So you’ve heard how low-maintenance quartz countertops are and you wipe your beautiful counter with soap and water diligently every night, but you feel you need a deeper clean every once in a while. Which cleaning products are safe to use? Usually cleaning products with pH levels between 6 and 8 are safe to use…

Preparing for your Countertop Installation

  1.  Make sure your cabinets are properly installed, structurally sound, and supports are in place. 2.  Make sure there is a clear pathway for the installers to maneuver the countertop into the install area. 3.  Remove all drawers, utensils, and other items from your lower base cabinets and remove any fragile items from the…

Choosing the Right Countertop Edge

So you’ve picked out your slab. Now it’s time to figure out the details. What kind of edge do you want? Straight | This basic square profile comes standard on our countertops. If you have a busy backsplash, the simplicity of this edge may be the perfect option for you.   Mitered | This is…

Most Sanitary Countertop Options

If you’re concerned about bacterial contamination of your countertops, the two most sanitary options are quartz and solid surface. Quartz is 99% bacteria-free when kept clean. The man-made resin in the quartz seals the surface making it nonporous, so there are no pits, fissures, or pores for bacteria to grow. Silestone even has built-in bacteriostatic…

Honed Countertops: Pros and Cons

If you like the look of natural stone, but not the ultra-glossy finish, you may want to consider installing honed countertops in your home which have a soft, matte look. Honed countertops are particularly nice if you like an old world or farmhouse style. It’s important to be aware that honed surfaces tend to stain…

Remodeling Projects that Increase Home Value

The 2013 Houzz and Home Survey found that kitchens and bathrooms are America’s top two renovation projects for this year. According to HGTV.com, kitchen and bathroom remodels “continue to be two of the best investments you can make in your house” and realtors would agree. Kitchen Remodel The kitchen is the heart of the home…

Current Countertop Trends

Your new countertops are going to be one of the biggest statement-making elements in the room, so it’s important to love what you choose. Here’s what’s currently trending in the countertop industry: Ultra-Thick | Using a mitered edge to create the illusion of an extra-thick slab of material gives your countertop a more rich and…