Are Your Kitchen Countertops Ready For 2016?

Are Your Kitchen Countertops Ready For 2016?

One of the busiest room in your house is your kitchen. There, you may enjoy getting together with friends and family while you share conversation and meals. For such a focal room, making it look beautiful and inviting is important.

If your kitchen needs remodeling, it is important for you to think about the best type of countertops for the look, functionality and durability that you want.

Natural Stone Countertops

There is a reason that natural stone countertops are a lasting favorite for kitchens. Beautiful and durable, natural stone countertops can last for many years, bringing beauty to your home in a timeless fashion. Among the most common natural stone choices are marble, granite, soapstone and slate.

1. Marble

With classic elegance, marble brings a beautiful look to your kitchen. Marble is very porous, however, and may be better to choose for your bathroom project.

2. Granite

Extremely durable, granite can stand up to exposures of acid and high temperatures. When it is professionally sealed, it will also resist stains.

3. Soapstone and Slate

Soapstone and slate are both classic and timeless, but they offer fewer color and design choices. Very durable, soapstone will require very little maintenance. You will need to keep it clean so that it continues to look great, however.

Durable Engineered Stone Countertops

Quartz counters are manufactured and engineered out of 93 percent ground quartz combined with pigment and resin to give you a very durable and beautiful surface. They have become increasingly popular, and will continue to be so for 2016 and beyond.

The reason that people like quartz countertops so much is because they are very durable and beautiful. These counters are resistant to high temperatures, stains and scratches, and they are virtually maintenance-free.

1. Silestone

Silestone countertops are non-porous and stain-resistant, and they are extremely durable. Silestone also has a variety of different styles and colors from which to choose.

2. Caesarstone

Caesarstone comes in fewer colors than Silestone. Caestarstone does offer more edge options, however.

3. Cambria

Cambria countertops are highly durable and come in a wide array of colors and styles. They rival granite in beauty and are almost completely maintenance-free.

4. PentalQuartz

Non-porous, PentalQuartz countertops are very easily cleaned using a soft kitchen cloth. They are offered in different designs and textures and will not need professional sealing.

Classic Butcher Block and Wood

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Some homeowners and designers prefer wood for coutertops. Wood brings a sense of home into the kitchen and is good for chopping and cutting. Wood countertops are not as longlasting or as durable as ones made from stone, but they may look good and provide the type of feel some people want.

Upscale Laminate

Laminate countertops are less expensive than other types, but they do not withstand heat and are much less durable. Still, some people are choosing upscale laminate as the material for their counters.

Concrete

Another kitchen trend is using concrete as the material for countertops. Concrete is highly porous and must be re-sealed. They may also crack over time, making stone or quartz countertops a better option.

Stainless Steel

Some people are using stainless steel as their chosen countertop material. They will withstand heat, but they may end up going out of style and making a kitchen dated when they are no longer popular.

Tile and Backsplashes

People often choose to complement their chosen countertops with tiled walls or backsplahses. Tile is versatile and can come in different colors. People can also choose different tiling patterns for a creative look. People who choose to use tile for their backsplahes will want to regularly clean the grout so it doesn’t mildew or stain.

Current Design and Style Trends

Current trends include thin, textured countertops, open floor plans and two sinks installed in different areas to create two work areas. Kitchen floorplans that are a mixture of modern and traditional design are popular, and most include kitchen islands. Current color choices include neutrals such as white, black and gray often chosen. People may add splashes of color with their backsplashes or other items.

Contact Flemington Granite For Your Project

When you are ready to start your renovation project, the professional design team at Flemington Granite is ready to help you. You can stop by our showroom to see the variety of different countertop and design options we offer. You can also call us or fill in your contact information to schedule your consultation.

Why Are Quartz Countertops so Popular?

Why Are Quartz Countertops so Popular

In the last few years, customers have increasingly been turning to engineered stone countertops made from quartz over other high-quality countertop choices. Well-designed new homes now frequently feature quartz countertops, and homeowners are also increasingly choosing them for their kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects.

There are several reasons that quartz countertops are now in high demand and will likely become even more popular.

Durability

Quartz countertops are manufactured and engineered using some of the toughest and most impenetrable minerals available in the world instead of being mined from quarries like other natural stones. The manufacturing process also includes the addition of polyester resins to provide even greater toughness.

The engineering and manufacturing process used in the creation of quartz countertops make them the most durable when compared with natural stone countertops. Other advantages of quartz countertops are that they are non-porous, which helps to prevent stains. They are also resistant to scratching and are able to stand up to vigorous cooking using knives and children spilling drinks on them.

 

Uniformity

While natural stone has an appearance that is non-uniform with natural and visible variations, quartz has a design consistency since it is engineered. The uniformity of design helps people to match the chosen color and style of their countertops with their cabinets, tile and paint.

It also saves time for the manufacturer as they do not need to carefully preselect where to cut slabs in order to make the natural variations in natural stone more appealing to the customer.

Maintenance

The non-porous nature of engineered quartz countertops makes it unnecessary to later have to have a professional reseal them, which is unlike the nature of natural stone counters made of marble, granite, soapstone and others.

Similarly, quartz stands up to cleaning with the harsher chemicals, allowing customers to easily use the cleaning products they have on hand without worrying about causing damage.

Advances

Previously, critics of quartz countertops didn’t like the available designs and patterns because they simply didn’t provide the luxurious appearance that marble or granite countertops did. Advances in the engineering and manufacturing of quartz countertops have now addressed those complaints.

Top quartz manufacturers are now using a polishing process that can so effectively mimic the appearance of marble or granite that most people can’t tell the counters are not made of natural stone. Before, manufacturers were only able to polish the engineered quartz, but they now are able to offer sand-blasted, embossed or honed finishes as well.

The developments and advances that have been made in the engineering of quartz have made quartz one of the top choices for the most modern bathroom and kitchen remodeling projects.

Manufacturers

In order to provide you with the best results for your quartz countertops, we carry the products offered by the top quartz manufacturers in the industry. The manufacturers that we work with in order to provide you the top-of-the-line and most beautiful results possible include Silestone, Caesarstone, Cambria and PentalQartz.

If you are ready to update your kitchen, we are ready and eager to help you. For your free consultation about your own renovation and remodeling project, contact us today. The professional design team at Flemington Granite represents the top talent in the industry, and we have a deep passion for transforming our customers’ kitchens.

Is There A Difference Between Quartz and Quartzite Countertops?

Is There A Difference Between Quartz and Quartzite Countertops

People mistakenly identify quartzite and quartz as the same material, although their only real similarity is in the name. Quartz is an engineered product that is reinforced with synthetic materials, while quartzite occurs naturally. Pressure in the Earth’s crust and high heat contribute to the appearance of the metamorphic quartzite stone.

Quartz Pros and Cons

• Maintenance is as easy as wiping with a damp cloth
• Wide range of color options
• Will not chip or dent under pressure
• Less durable as quartzite and can scratch easily from knives
• Can melt from exposure to high heat

Quartzite Pros and Cons

• All natural stone must be sealed once a year from stains and spills
• Limited choice in colors
• Susceptible to chips and dents
• Durable against high heat exposure

Quartz vs Quartzite Countertops

Color Options

Quartzite is typically limited to shades of pink, red, and gray that depend on the mineral deposits within the sandstone.

Although each slab is unique in appearance, quartz is a better choice for a larger variety. During the manufacturing process, synthetic materials are added to bring in different colors that are uniform. It will be susceptible to fading from sunlight, so it’s best to keep manufactured quartz countertops in the home.

Strength

There are some things you should always avoid when maintaining a quartz or quartzite countertop.

Never cut directly on the surface and never clean with abrasive products that could damage the surface.

Quartz is only slightly less strong as quartzite, especially when it comes to heat resistance. Exposing a quartz surface to heat exceeding 300 degrees Fahrenheit will cause it to melt.

Stone Countertop Maintenance

Since quartz is manufactured, it never has to be sealed at any point to maintain durability. However, quartzite needs to be resealed at least once every year if not twice.

Without sealing, discoloration from stains is going to be more likely unless you wipe with a damp cloth immediately after a spill. Cleansers stronger than warm water are usually not necessary to clean either surface.

Comparing Cost

The actual cost of both slabs is very close, but the real price difference comes with the cutting and installation process.

Quartz is basically ready to go from the moment of purchase because it is easily customized for the space. On the other hand, quartzite is more complicated because it has to be cut, buffed, and polished for a fitted installation.

Why You Should Upgrade Your Fireplace When Renovating Your Living Room

Why You Should Upgrade Your Fireplace When Renovating Your Living Room

If you moved into a home that already had an existing living room fireplace, there is a good chance that it is a builder grade feature. This means that it was added to the construction as a budget item, and will not be as efficient or aesthetically pleasing as an upgraded fireplace.

Anytime you are planning upgrades in the living room, consider the following reasons to make the fireplace a priority.

Visual Appeal

The eye is naturally drawn to the fireplace in any room, even if it’s plain and outdated. With attractive upgrades to the exterior, it has the potential to become beautiful and inviting.

There are so many options that you can incorporate modern design elements with your own personal style to create an awe-inspiring feature.

Improved Efficiency

Old masonry fireplaces are only appealing for the visual benefit because most of the heat escapes through the chimney instead of projecting into the home. Even worse is the cold draft of air that it lets in when not in use. This makes the HVAC system work much harder to properly control the temperature that is set on the thermostat.

A simple upgrade to improve efficiency is to install a fireplace insert and well-sealed doors to get a much greater level of air control.

Zone Heating

An efficient fireplace that can provide enough heat for a single room allows for the option of zone heating. If you’re home alone or everyone is gathered in the living room, the HVAC system can be set to low or turned off.

The upgraded living room fireplace should provide more than enough heating to keep your friends and family cozy on the coldest nights.

Reduced Heating Cost

Any efforts to increase efficiency of the existing fireplace are going to put more money in your pocket. The less expense you pay for heating in the winter is going to cover any investment you make in the necessary fireplace upgrades.

A lot of household upgrades have the potential to increase value, and the fireplace is a smart place to begin investing. Speak with a contractor to find out the options to improve the look and functionality of your living room fireplace.

Are There Different Brands Of Engineered Quartz Countertops?

Are There Different Brands Of Engineered Quartz Countertops

The perfect combination of strength, low maintenance, and beauty is possible with the selection of engineered stone countertops. Although this material is fabricated, these countertops are considered environmentally-friendly and adaptable to any room in the home.

This hygienic surface is resistant to stains, contaminants, and heat offers the best features of all countertop materials.

Popular Engineered Stone Brands

  • CaesarStone – A stunning line of surfaces that can fit just about any commercial or residential space with refined style, rich veining, and easy care.
  • Cambria – Elegant and practical are a perfect marriage of qualities available in this beautiful collection of countertops.
  • Silestone – Unique Bacteriostatic Protection is exclusive to this collection that offers strength, vibrant colors, and contamination resistance.
  • Pental Quartz – With the assurance of the Earth Kosher certification for safe food preparation, the low-maintenance product line is perfect for kitchens.
  • Chroma Quartz – Achieve the uniformity or uniqueness that you desire in a countertop, with the bonus of superior durability and easy maintenance.

What are other colors and options are available in engineered quartz?

The initial appeal of engineered quartz stone is the seemingly limitless options as far as patterns, colors, and textures that you can select from. Brand competition causes a constant expansion of new options at the advantage of the consumer.

Compared to natural materials, the colors and textures are usually going to appear more uniform, but there are some products that mimic these same qualities.

  • Colors – Any color that you can imagine is available in engineered quartz because this is added in the fabrication process. It is possible to match any decor with neutral tones if you want a more sleek appearance. On the other hand, more vibrant colors are also available for a more unique room addition.
  • Patterns – Creating an appearance that is nearly identical to natural stones, such as marble, is always a popular look. The main difference in the patterning begins with the way the quartz material is ground for production. A flecked appearance comes from the more coarsely ground material, while a smoother look is achieved from a finely ground stone.
  • Finishes – The versatile finish options include a matte style, reflective polishing, or unique texture on the exterior of the countertop.

Where can engineered quartz be used?

The qualities of engineered stone are perfect for any interior room and surface, from flooring to walls. It can be heavy so this may limit your options somewhat, but it can be fabricated in a thinner style for unique application needs. Some of the resins used to add color are not resistant to outdoor UV rays so it should be limited to indoor use.

What are the cleaning and maintenance requirements?

Everyday cleaning is simple with a mild soap and warm water, with the possible addition of a nonabrasive cleaner if necessary. Engineered quartz is not susceptible to bacteria, mold, or mildew so sanitation should be very easy in any room.

Kitchen Remodeling Trends for 2016

Kitchen Remodeling Trends for 2016

The value of your home can easily diminish throughout the years if you do not stay current with design trends. A few modern kitchen improvements will catch the attention of potential buyers to influence the desire to buy. Not to mention the benefit of enjoying the remodel efforts throughout the time that you reside in the home. We have compiled a list of kitchen trends for 2016 so that all of your design choices make sense.

Accentuate Neutral Shades and Natural Materials with Bright Colors

The first thought that most people have regarding modern design is the use of neutrals. Begin the entire design with this timeless element so that you have plenty of options to stylize in other ways. Soft whites, light gray, and browns are all hot shades for 2016, but they are paired with rich accent colors. Natural wood, bamboo, and stone materials are always popular design elements when you want to integrate different textures and colors.
Follow Flemington Granite’s board The White Kitchen on Pinterest.

Modernize with Thin Countertops

Bulk and thickness are quickly being replaced by slim, elegant countertops. Believe it or not, these thin countertops are still resistant to heat, moisture, or shock resistance with the elimination of extra size. A thin countertop is a great feature in a modern design, and quartz continues to lead the material options. There are plenty of eye-catching styles that feature different colors and unique patterns.

 

Simple Cabinetry

Plain kitchen cabinets are never in style, especially if they are worn out and old. Reach for a more spectacular look with frosted doors or decorative drawer pulls. As long as you emphasize clean lines, any renovations that you make are going to enhance the kitchen design. If the walls are already neutral, consider incorporating a touch of bright color to really make the cabinets stand out.

Rich Wood Flooring

Hardwood is always a smart remodel choice that features a multitude of texture options. Implementing rich tones into the flooring design retains the updated look for many years after installation, especially as part of a contemporary design. Warm browns, like mahogany, pair better with a more traditional kitchen style. Gaining popularity this year is the use of gray tones in interior design because it’s an often overlooked neutral option.
Kitchen in luxury home with cherry wood cabinetry

Stylish Lighting, Appliances, and Furniture

Despite what some may say about stainless steel, it’s a classic style that is not going out of style. The polished look is easy to match with other decor and you can incorporate some of the same elements in other parts of the kitchen. If you are looking for something new and unique, black stainless steel finish is available through KitchenAid. When it comes to the lighting aspect, 2016 continues the trend of statement lighting design. Don’t limit yourself to the necessary fixtures because additional lighting options make it easier to change the ambiance to suit your mood.

Metal and Glass Accents

Enhance the elegance of your kitchen with a mosaic tile backsplash or a mixture of metal materials. Glass is easy to incorporate into a tabletop or cabinet doors for a more open, chic style. Even if you prefer the look of cool metal options, both are very easy to clean and maintain.

Whether you want to update your kitchen according to next year’s trends, or you prefer to stick with timeless home improvement elements, we have plenty of ideas to offer. Set up a visit with our designers through the contact form so that we can help you pick out new materials and complete the remodel project to your specifications.

What are the latest styles in commercial restrooms?

What are the latest styles in commercial restrooms?

There are people with actual phobias of public restrooms because they have a reputation of being unsanitary and ugly. Consider the ambiance of the bathroom in your business to recognize the need to complete some important updates. It should be easy to find solutions that will make employees and customers feel comfortable and safe. You may decide that a few small updates are sufficient, or it might require an entire remodel to achieve your ideal modern design.

Touch Free Fixtures

Think about how many restaurants you avoid simply because they have a disgusting restroom. No one wants to feel that they are being exposed to filth and bacteria that could potentially cause a serious illness. The usual culprits are contaminated toilet seats and floors, but your greatest risk of exposure is actually during the process of hand washing. A total of 19 different bacterial phyla were identified by University of Colorado scientists collecting samples from public restroom surfaces. It’s not even safe to touch the exterior of a soap dispenser because it’s being contaminated regularly throughout each day.

Commercial restrooms are implementing touch-free soap dispensers, flushing mechanisms, hand dryers, and faucets to help visitors avoid contact with germs. It’s also easier for facility owners to maintain cleanliness with these innovative features.

Sustainable Materials

Public restroom products are put to the test each day by enduring frequent use during business hours. Manufacturers are beginning to recognize the value of using sustainable materials to improve the overall lifespan of their products. Engineered stone used as countertop surfaces is created from recycled materials to ensure a more durable final product. In fact, most recycled and renewable materials are suitable for heavy usage in an environment that is often damp or humid. High Density Polyethylene plastic is another recycled product found in most modern commercial restrooms.

Luxurious Design

Visitors are more likely to visit an establishment that offers a sophisticated and updated restroom. Stainless steel, granite, and other stone products are becoming trendy because they offer exceptional bacteria resistance and cleanliness. It’s easy to sanitize natural stone flooring, especially if you compare it to the grimy reputation of traditional laminate. Granite countertops are sleek, non-porous, and have the ability to make every business feel like a high-end establishment.

Get in touch with our team of designers by completing the contact form to find out about our commercial restroom solutions and products that we offer.

Get Your Money Back With These Top Kitchen Upgrades!

Get Your Money Back With These Top Kitchen Upgrades!

Increasing the value of a home with interior renovations is a goal that most homeowners have, especially if they plan to put their property on the market. As you already know the area that you should focus on the most if you want a return on the investment is the kitchen. This room has so much potential, especially if the home was built many years ago and has never gone through any upgrades.

Focus on the following areas of your kitchen and add natural or engineered stone whenever possible to ensure that you get the most bang for your buck.

Countertops

Upgrading outdated laminate countertops with natural or engineered stone is going to increase the value of your home exponentially. Why? Simply because natural stone and solid quartz countertops sell! It seems everyone wants granite these days – We’ve even noticed that renters are asking for these high-end countertops, too.

If you appreciate the appearance of a softer material, like marble, consider the option of mimicking it with a more durable engineered stone. CaesarStone, for example, manufacturers an exceptional line of low-maintenance, high-performance products that are created with the same visual features of natural marble or limestone.

Granite Kitchen Countertop

Cabinets

Think before you completely rip out all of your outdated cabinetry and end up sacrificing a large part of your budget. Refacing is a logical option if the cabinets are sturdy enough to keep. The least expensive way to update is to apply a fresh coat of neutral paint and get new cabinet pulls and knobs. Avoid doing anything that would turn off a potential buyer that may not appreciate your unique taste.

Walls

Collaborate with an engineer and electrician to find out any safe options for taking down walls or creating partitions. Open spaces are more appealing because it makes the room seem larger and brighter. This is really important if the room is on the smaller side because buyers may overlook a home for this reason alone.

Appliances

Don’t clutter your space with large appliances that are designed to do more than you need. If you want a return on your investment, the best thing to do is skip any big-ticket items that you don’t actually need. Consider the ways that you use the kitchen to entertain and cook so that you only upgrade the features that you will use the most.

Flooring

Stay away from laminate, linoleum, and vinyl when you have the option to upgrade to hardwood or stone flooring. Hardwood is very durable and attractive, but stone is going to provide more unique options. Granite kitchen tiles come in different colors from neutral beige to more unusual greens or blues. Travertine tiles are a great long-term investment because of the easy maintenance and are visually stunning. If you do decide to go with stone flooring, do the research to ensure that it’s suitable for the traffic and potential for exposure to spills in the kitchen.

Complete the contact form to begin working with our experienced team of designers on kitchen upgrades that are sure to provide a return on the investment.

Buyer’s Guide: Engineered Stone Countertops

Buyer’s Guide Engineered Stone Countertops

Making environmentally sensitive choices is an effort that most Americans care about these days. Engineered stone countertops are Eco-friendly, hygienic, low-maintenance, versatile, and incredibly attractive. It is the ideal choice for almost any setting that could use a touch of elegance and unique style.

Which products make a great countertop surface?

Kitchen countertops of engineered stone are designed to stand up to the high-wear of such an installation. Acid-resistant and durable engineered stone brands that we are proud to carry and recommend include Cambria, Marble Systems, Caesartone, and Silestone. As long as the surface is nonporous, it will never stain, crack, mold, or scratch, even if it is used in a frequently humid bathroom.

What are the primary characteristics of engineered stone?

Beauty is one of the first things that people notice about any slab of engineered stone. It is incredibly strong, durable, and resistant to almost any type of damage. The surface cannot accumulate mold or bacteria because is it completely non-absorbent and easy to clean. Heat-resistance makes it ideal for any application, even if it is near a hot stove or fireplace.

characteristics of engineered stone

What are some advantages to using these products?

Colors and styles vary so greatly in the engineered stone products that it can mimic the appearance of natural stone. Anyone that appreciates the appearance of delicate marble or limestone can own the look with the addition of strength offered in engineered stone. Avoiding the use of natural resources protects the environment, and manufactured products actually use recycled materials in production. Installation is very simple if you hire a contractor that is familiar with handling the product.

  • Color: Dozens of colors are available, and quartz offers one clear benefit over natural stone: more options than nature alone can provide.Just consider shades like apple martini green or funky crocodile-print surfaces. Colors range from quietly traditional to ultra hip.

Are there any negative aspects to choosing engineered stone?

It’s tough to find any downside when it comes to such a versatile option, but it can be difficult to create smooth curves. Otherwise, there is almost no limit to the applications possible with the help of an experienced contractor. Unless you are determined to have authentic natural stone inside your home, there is no reason not to choose an engineered product.

  • Practicality: One of the most practical options for busy baths, quartz stands up to staining, heat and scratching. Unlike natural stone, it never requires sealing.

We look forward to helping you find the perfect slab of engineered stone that suits your taste in color and texture options. Work with a manufacturer that not only understands engineered stone, but offers an entire showroom of different options for you to choose from. Provide your information through our contact form so that we can set up an appointment soon.

How To Choose The Perfect Edge Profile For Your Countertop

How To Choose The Perfect Edge Profile For Your Countertop

Adding granite countertops to any remodel project is not as simple as picking a natural stone slab and having it professionally installed. Choosing the edge profile is an important decision that deserves more consideration that choosing the best looking option. A smooth edge is more durable than projected corners, but it may not be worth sacrificing the silhouette that you truly desire for strength. Get to know the basics of each option so that you can make an educated decision based on which edge profile suits both your style and needs.

  • Classic Ogee – A very classic look that is more ornate than a smooth edge, typically featuring a dramatic curve. The appearance of a clean, rounded silhouette is perfect for adding a focal point to an otherwise standard kitchen island.
  • Basic Bullnose – Sleek, rounded edges at the top and bottom edge are a very popular edge option. It is ideal for use in slabs that extend beyond the edge of the cabinet or surrounding an island.
  • Triple Bullnose – Featuring a more regal appearance, the waterfall edge features a look of stacked bullnose edges. This style is a great highlight to a small space, but it does require more complex cleaning in the details.
  • Polished Standard – A squared shape is one of the most popular for thicker pieces of engineered stone because it is elegant, yet easy to maintain. With a common application as kitchen countertops, is incredibly durable as the edges are perfectly smooth and flat without any ornate details.
  • Half-bullnose – The top of this edge is rounded the same as a standard bullnose design, but the bottom is squared. Homeowners prefer this selection near sinks because the square bottom would prevent any water from making contact with the cabinetry.
  • Double Bevel – A specialized cut that emphasizes the thickness and beauty of the natural stone slab with an angular cut edge. This premium selection is generally created by layering two pieces together for enhanced visual interest.
  • Dupont Apron – This custom design option appears similar to the classic ogee placed atop a classic edge, featuring a cove-like curving. It is popular for use with granite, but homeowners also use it frequently for bathroom marble applications.
  • Dupont Bullnose – An ornamental version of the bullnose is comparable to the waterfall appearance of a triple bullnose. The major difference is that the edge appears similar to a staircase for a stylized take on the classic design.

Call to set up an appointment so that our experts can help you decide on the best edge to complete your natural or engineered stone countertop. It’s important to feel satisfied when renovating a kitchen or bathroom in a style that reflects your own.

Kid Friendly Countertops

Kid Friendly Countertops

Families that want to install brand new countertops in the bathroom or kitchen have a lot to consider if there are children in the house. A simply art project or accidental juice spill can cause major surface damage if the material is unable to handle such exposure. Rather than strictly limit activities on a fragile surface, choose a countertop material that can withstand the normal wear and tear of your family.

Granite Countertops Perfect for Kids

Granite Countertops Perfect for KidsIt is tough to commit to an expensive countertop with kids in the house exposing them to potential damage. Teenagers tend to treat their bathroom counters with little regard as they expose them to the heat of hair styling tools, nail polish, cosmetics, and facial cleansers on a regular basis. With a proper sealing treatment, stains, heat, and household chemicals no longer pose a threat to granite surfaces. Parents can feel confident in their countertop investment knowing that dropping a heavy glass or spilling a cup of juice is not going to cause any real damage.

Marble Countertops the Imperfectly Perfect Solution

Marble Countertops the Imperfectly Perfect SolutionCarrara is on the lower expense side of marble, but it comes at the risk of staining and scratches. It’s not recommended for homes with small children because it is highly porous and can scratch easily. However, parents that do not mind a little added character could love the imperfections accumulated over years of owning. Proper sealing and polishing marble every couple of years is a great way to prevent stains in the soft, porous surface as much as possible. Keep in mind that etching is almost unavoidable with this type of countertop and it is smart to use a cutting board anytime food is prepared.

Engineered Stone the Child Proof Option

Engineered Stone the Child Proof OptionPerhaps the best choice in countertop surfaces in homes with children is engineered stone. This material is nonporous and so durable that scratches and chips from heavy wear is a rare occurrence. Various colors and textures can mimic the appearance of other countertops with the advantage of avoiding vulnerability in daily use. Maintenance is as simple as wiping down with a mild soap and warm water, and it does not have to be resealed at any point after the installation.

Feel free to give us a call if you would like to compare the advantages and prices of our kid-friendly countertop options. We look forward to finding a solution that matches the demands of your home decor, budget, and lifestyle.

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