The Counters Blog

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Carrara Marble Laminates

Calacatta has much larger veining and, as a result, a grey-on-white effect. I have terrible grout in my current house and would love to avoid it in my next place. I get around to actually doing it, if that’s any help to you. And general contractors may not waterproof it right, while tilers may not want to do the job because it’s not tile. The downfall to laminate failure is water, and it’s not actually the laminate itself but the substrate in which it must be bonded. It would make sense to go ahead and bond to a moisture-resistant particle board or mdf, as these are approved laminate substrates. Carrara has denser, smaller, lower-contrast veins and is light-grayer in its overall effect. Part of this guess is based on the fact that carrara marble has been in my conscientious forever — it’s been around. Does anyone know if laminate can be used for the bath tub/ shower wall? I would imagine that you could do the same thing and glue laminate onto a substrate that’s suitable for tile. The home my parents built in the mid 70’s, like many other homes, was built with laminate shower/tub surrounds and there were no issues with proper care and maintenance. The corners and edges had metal molding (chromed) that were glued/caulked into place to prevent moisture from penetrating to the substrate.

Compar e Countertop Materials: Silestone Vs Granite Vs Quartz and Corian by countertopspecialty.com

And it’s a rare slab that needs sealing every 6 months as commonly stated. No, that’s a marketing myth perpetuated by both sealer and quartz countertop manufacturers. This test will easily rule out a granite color that is too porous and/or reveal a really bomber slab that will be breeze to maintain. Minor, easy maintenance performed periodically using recommended cleaning products will, however, give you peace of mind and bring out the best in your granite countertops so they always look gorgeous. Care and cleaning is equally easy for either of these countertop materials. Granite enjoys a greater “prestige” due to it’s natural uniqueness and is, therefore, typically perceived as having greater value in the minds of most homeowners and buyers. All types of natural stone can almost always be repaired, however, damage to quartz countertops is usually permanent. Engineered stone products make excellent countertops with qualities and performance as good as granite. Corian solid surface is somewhat easily dented, damaged by hot pans and scratches from knives. Stains and scratches are much more easily repaired than with granite, although scratches occur far more easily on a solid surface countertop. In my experience, the most important factor is often which of the countertop materials has the color and pattern you love the best. Our only aim is to provide an accurate and unbiased comparison of quartz vs. Applying a granite sealer is really a very simple and infrequent “wipe on, wipe off” procedure with a typical sealer. An average stone countertop will need sealing every 3 – 8 years depending on porosity and type of sealer used. When shopping for natural stone all you need to do is perform the simple water test to determine how absorbent the stone is and whether it may need sealing. Thus, the “sealing” issue is not a relevant factor when deciding between these two countertop materials. After an initial sealing (if needed), you could do nothing but wipe it with a sponge for years and it would still look pretty good. Both natural and synthetic stone kitchen countertops are polished by grinding and buffing the surface into a smooth shine. Silestone also states their product resists bacteria while granite “harbors” bacteria. And quartz countertop manufacturers are continually adding new colors and patterns many of which are distinctly unique and very attractive. Corian and other solid surface countertop brands are not as durable, but offer some truly unique characteristics. Corian is also stain-resistant, but does not require sealing. Corian can be formed into nearly any shape, include inlays, drain-boards and molded, “built-in” sinks. Granite is also chemical resistant, but requires sealing for optimum stain-protection. Granite holds the top spot in our opinion for it’s superior “repairability” since nearly any damage can be fixed, whereas the reverse is true for quartz countertops. So, it really comes down to what properties are most important to you when choosing for your home. That’s where most of us start, so we’ve come full-circle!

Countertops Orlando Tampa Sarasota I Granite Marble Quartz Countertop by kbsurfacesandsupply.com

Cut from veins of natural stone, both marble and granite are prized for their solid durability, the unique beauty of their grains and the fact that they add value to a home. We will help you find the perfect stone and cabinets for your kitchen and bath remodeling project. Your countertop surface should last for the lifetime of the home. Some products require no maintenance for the lifetime of the product, some products require yearly maintenance. When heated, individual quartz pieces recrystallize giving it a beautiful and decorative sparkling pattern. This stone requires professional installation, due to the weight of the stones. Cambria countertops are the perfect choice if you need to update your kitchen. If you are planning to replace the old, outdated countertops in your home, you should not make compromises when it comes to price. Cambria quartz may be seen as a high-end option, but they actually save you more money because they are made of a resilient material that is easy to maintain and sanitary. Therefore, this type of countertops is the safest you can find. You are certain to find the pattern and combination that will suit the rest of your room. You will love your countertop even more when you discover that your little girl tried to put on some make up again, smudging lipstick all over the counter. Every time you prepare food right on the surface of the countertop you’ll be thankful that you didn’t need a cutting board, and that the surface couldn’t be any safer for food prep. I think you’ll like this handy quartz vs granite countertops comparison as well. Experience the best custom natural stone, quartz, and laminate. We have over 50, 000 slabs in stock and more than 3, 000 different countertop colors. Your sales representative will manage your project every step off the way — and at no cost to you. If you are looking for new cabinets, or just a reface of the existing, our team can help. Each type of surface requires maintenance periodically according to the type of material installed. And will send you quote options that fit your style as well as your budget. Our maintenance warranty depends on the type of surface installed. Speak with our sales team for more info on the difference between products and the maintenance required. Quartzite is ideal for any countertop surface due to its strength and long-lasting composition. There are some beautiful color patterns at the low end of the range. The material is nonporous, so it does not absorb liquids, making it easier for you to clean and more difficult for bacteria to grow. You can go for calm, low key tones or you can go “wild” with colors that are more vibrant. Being an engineered material, it can take a wide range of shapes. Years from today, you’ll be in your kitchen preparing breakfast and you will look at your countertop knowing that you made the right choice. You won’t have to worry because it will wipe right up. They are another major manufacturer of quartz that you may want to consider.

Marble Countertop Installation I Orlando Tampa Sarasota by kbsurfacesandsupply.com

Cut from veins of naturally occurring stone, both a marbl e and granite countertop are prized for their solid durability, the unique beauty of their grains and the fact that they add value to a home. Marble countertops are relatively more porous and soft than granite countertops, meaning it’s less resistant to stains and scratches, making marble a better installation choice for areas where the countertop surface isn’t heavily used, such as the bathroom. Our marble countertop selection is unmatched with over 50 marble color options and patterns to choose from. These countertops require professional installation, due to the weight of the stones. Your sales representative will manage your project every step off the way — and at no cost to you. However, there are differences in where marble countertop installation and granite should be installed. You get a detailed plan and estimate for all your remodeling needs.

Laminate Countertop Review by countertopreview.com

Generally, smoother, or more polished finishes will show more wear faster than matte or textured finishes. Edge” is a separate strip applied directly to the front of the substrate. Although applied edges are better looking, they can actually lessen the lifespan of the top so choose your edge carefully. The numbers of edge detail options are limited and generally sinks cannot be undermounted (talk with your fabricator about various options). It can also have visible seams on the decks and edges of the countertops. Laminate countertops are a good choice for both residential and commercial applications because it offers such a wide range of colors/ patterns and it is extremely economical. Laminate countertops are very difficult to repair, if at all. It is essential to seal sinks well, or the substrate can be exposed to water damage. This site acts as both a tool for consumers and a resource for other fabricators to keep up on the latest materials. Our only goal is to make your countertop purchase the best it can be. This plastic sheet is then glued over a substrate, most often particleboard. There is a variety of textures from glossy, smooth finishes to textured or even honed finishes. Drawbacks of the laminate countertops are that they are considered low end. If water should penetrate the particle board surface underneath, it will likely cause swelling and/or delamination. If properly cared for, laminate tops can have a very long life. Burns, chips and cracks more often stay and become part of the lifeline of the countertop. A thin, clear, protective layer can be damaged with the use of abrasive cleaners. We are not here to sell you anything or push you to a particular fabricator.

Wilsonart Calcutta Marble Textured Gloss Finish 5 Ft. X 12 Ft. Countertop Grade Laminate Sheet by cabinetparts.com

The corners were broken and about 4 inches of one edge on both sheets were unusable. With tactile finishes and dramatic colors, these modern and sophisticated patterns create a look unmatched by any other laminate. I could finish my project with the remaining material, and to reach a person to complain to was difficult. I have worked with another brand before which was thicker, and easier to work with.