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Upgrade Your Kitchen Before the Holidays with Porcelain Slabs

Porcelain slabs are indeed becoming increasingly popular as a choice for kitchen countertops. They offer a range of benefits that make them an attractive option for homeowners looking to upgrade their kitchen surfaces before the holidays:

1. Durability: Porcelain slabs are highly durable and resistant to scratches, stains, and heat. This durability makes them an excellent choice for a busy kitchen, especially during the holidays when cooking and entertaining are frequent.
2. Low Maintenance: Porcelain countertops are relatively low-maintenance compared to natural stone options like granite or marble. They are non-porous, which means they do not require sealing and are less likely to harbor bacteria or stains.
3. Variety of Styles: Porcelain slabs come in a wide range of colors, patterns, and designs, often mimicking the look of natural stone, concrete, or even wood. This variety allows you to choose a style that complements your kitchen’s aesthetics.
4. Large Slab Sizes: Porcelain slabs are available in large sizes, which means you can have fewer seams in your countertop surface. This creates a more seamless and cohesive look for your kitchen.
5. Resistance to UV Light: Porcelain is resistant to UV light, which means the colors and patterns on the slabs won’t fade over time, even if your kitchen has exposure to sunlight.
6. Hygienic: Porcelain is a hygienic material for kitchen surfaces because it does not absorb liquids, which can lead to bacterial growth. This makes it a suitable choice for food preparation areas.
7. Environmental Considerations: Porcelain is often considered a more eco-friendly option compared to natural stone because it requires less energy and resources to produce.
8. Versatility: Porcelain slabs can be used not only for countertops but also for backsplashes, wall cladding, and even flooring. This allows for a coordinated and cohesive look throughout your kitchen.

When considering porcelain slabs for your kitchen countertop upgrade, it’s important to work with a our sales team for all your porcelain surface needs. Proper installation is essential to ensure that your countertops look and perform as expected.

Before making your final decision, it’s a good idea to see physical samples of the porcelain slabs you’re considering to ensure they match your kitchen’s lighting and design elements. Our offices are open Monday through Friday 9AM to 5PM. We are also open Saturdays from 9am to 2PM.

Taking these steps will help you make an informed choice and create a beautiful and functional kitchen space just in time for the holidays.

Use the form below to schedule an appointment with our sales team.

The Quartz Process: From Our Stoneyard to Your Home Kitchen

1. Quartz Manufacturing: Quartz countertops are made from crushed natural quartz combined with resins, polymers, and pigments. The mixture is then subjected to heat and pressure to create slabs of engineered stone. These slabs are produced in a variety of colors and patterns, replicating the appearance of natural stone.
2. Order Placement: Once you’ve selected the quartz color and design you want, you’ll place an order with our sales team. This includes specifying the dimensions and edge profiles required for your countertops.
3. Slab Selection: You will have the option to choose the exact slab(s) you want for your countertops. This is common when there are distinct patterns or veining in the quartz. If you’re not selecting the slabs yourself, we may select them for you based on your preferences.
4. Measurement and Templating: Before manufacturing begins, our installers will visit your home to take accurate measurements of the countertop space. This process, known as templating, ensures that the quartz slabs will fit perfectly in your kitchen.
5. Cutting and Fabrication: Using the measurements taken during templating, the Jackson Stoneworks will cut the quartz slabs into the appropriate shapes for your countertops. We will also create any necessary cutouts for sinks, faucets, cooktops, and other fixtures. Edges are shaped and polished to the chosen profile.
6. Quality Control: Each fabricated countertop is inspected for quality and accuracy. This includes checking for any defects, imperfections, or inconsistencies in the quartz slabs. Any issues are addressed at this stage.
7. Packaging and Transport: Once the countertops pass quality control, they are carefully packaged to protect them during transportation. The countertops are loaded onto our trucks for delivery to your home.
8. Delivery and Installation: The countertops are transported to your home on the scheduled delivery date. Our team of professionals will carry out the installation. This involves placing the countertops on the cabinets, ensuring proper alignment and fit, and securing them in place using adhesive materials.
9. Sealing and Finishing: Depending on our recommendations, the countertops might be sealed or treated after installation to enhance their durability and resistance to stains and scratches.
10. Final Inspection and Cleanup: After installation is complete, our installers will conduct a final inspection to ensure that everything is properly aligned, sealed, and finished. They will also clean up any debris generated during the installation process.
11. Handover and Care Instructions: The installation team will provide you with care and maintenance instructions for your new quartz countertops. This guidance will help you keep your countertops looking their best for years to come.

It’s important to note that the specific steps and timelines can vary based on sales member, material, and overall project. Working with Jackson Stoneworks and following our instructions will help ensure a smooth process from our factory to your home.

Schedule a Consultation Now or call (352) 372-6600 to speak to a Jackson Stoneworks Salesperson.

Get the Kitchen You Need, Before the Holidays

It happens every year, right at the start of January as you are clearing out the holiday decorations and thinking about the magic that was Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve, and then you think, “So many people were cramped into my kitchen and I hate it!” It might not be the exact quote, but you are not alone when it comes to people who hate their kitchens and wish they had done something about it BEFORE the holidays.

But the year slips by and here we are…in September. Well, let this newsletter remind you to get to it NOW if you want to make some changes to the kitchen…and remember that Jackson Stoneworks is here to help!

The Kitchen Countertops

Maybe you just want a fresh look, and aren’t thinking about a complete renovation. Changing out the countertops certainly changes the look of any kitchen and the options we have here at Brunsell are many. Whether it’s granite, quartz, or marble, we have a huge variety to choose from. Click here to view all the countertops we carry for your kitchen. We can help you pick the right style and we offer installation if this is a project you are doing yourself. Be sure to know that Jackson Stoneworks is here to help with any material installation you will need.

The Kitchen Cabinets

This is a bigger project and you will want to get this taken care of immediately if you are hoping to have a kitchen ready for Christmas. It’s not that far off! You can schedule to visit our showroom.

Smaller Kitchen Changes for the Holiday

Of course, you could make some quick changes to make your kitchen look bigger: adding an island, changing the fixtures and even upgrading your countertops. But looking bigger and changing your kitchen to be better suited for the holidays are two different things.

Come on in and let’s get started on your kitchen upgrade. It could be the best Christmas present you’ve ever given yourself.

Getting the kitchen you want before the holidays requires careful planning, efficient execution, and proper time management. Here are some steps to help you achieve your goal:

1. Define Your Vision:

• Determine what changes you want in your kitchen. Are you looking for a complete remodel, or do you want to focus on specific upgrades like countertops, cabinets, or appliances? Create a clear vision of the desired end result.

2. Set a Budget:

• Establish a realistic budget for your project. Research the costs associated with the changes you want to make and allocate funds accordingly. Be sure to include contingencies for unexpected expenses.

3. Hire Professionals:

• Depending on the complexity of your project, you may need to hire professionals such as contractors, designers, or architects. Research and select reputable professionals who understand your vision and can work within your timeline.

4. Create a Timeline:

• Plan a detailed timeline for your project, taking into account the holidays. Work backward from your desired completion date to allocate time for each phase of the project, including design, materials procurement, construction, and finishing touches.

5. Material Selection:

• Choose materials, finishes, and fixtures in advance to avoid delays during the construction phase. Ordering materials early ensures they will be available when needed.

6. Secure Necessary Permits:

• If your project requires permits, obtain them as early as possible to prevent delays. Your contractor or designer can guide you through the permit application process.

7. Efficient Execution:

• Coordinate with your contractor and other professionals to ensure a smooth and efficient execution of the project. Regularly communicate with them to address any concerns or changes that may arise.

8. Flexibility and Contingency:

• Be prepared for unexpected challenges or delays. Having a contingency plan in place will help you navigate any unforeseen issues without jeopardizing your holiday timeline.

9. Prioritize Key Features:

• If your timeline is tight, prioritize the key features you want to have in place before the holidays. Focus on upgrades that will have the most impact on your kitchen’s functionality and aesthetics.

10. Final Touches:

• As the project nears completion, focus on the finishing touches that will enhance the overall look and feel of your kitchen. These details can make a significant difference in the final outcome.

11. Prepare for the Holidays:

• Once the major work is done, take some time to decorate and organize your new kitchen space for the holidays. Adding festive touches and preparing your kitchen for cooking and entertaining will help you enjoy the holiday season to the fullest.

Remember that while completing a kitchen upgrade before the holidays can be a rewarding endeavor, it’s important to balance your desire for a timely completion with the need for quality workmanship and a well-executed project. Proper planning and effective communication with our team will help you achieve the kitchen you want in time for the holidays.

Do Countertops Increase Home Value? 

Many homeowners that want to sell their homes but need to make their homes more appealing to buyers wonder how much help installing new countertops would help with the resale value of their homes. However, much of this depends on the current appearance of your countertops, the new type of material you want to install for your countertops, and the size of your countertops overall.

Do countertops increase home value? And by how much? 

Yes, installing new countertops does increase a home’s value. However, figuring out “by how much” is tricky because it will depend on the type of new countertops you install, the current condition of your new countertops, the size of your kitchen, and how difficult it will be to install new countertops. In some cases, it is worth it to install new countertops before selling your home. However, in other cases, it isn’t worth it. A general rule of thumb is your new countertops will increase the home’s value approximately 3 times the value of the countertops you had professionally installed.

Since there isn’t a lot of information available on the Internet today covering countertops and how they increase home value, we created this guide to help you out. Below we’ will discuss the impact that new countertops have on the resale value of your home.

Should You Replace Countertops Before Selling?

Many homeowners wonder if replacing their kitchen countertops will make their homes more appealing when they try to sell their homes. So, if you are thinking about listing your home and you are wondering if it would financially help you to install new countertops, we’ve got you covered. We’ll start by answering some questions about new countertops, and then we’ll discuss the costs of replacing your countertops, depending on the materials you want to use.

What’s the Condition of Your Old Countertops?

Before you try to determine what material you should replace your countertops with, you should take time out to assess if you even need to replace your old countertops. If your current countertops are neutral and still appear to be in good condition, then it probably won’t help you much to replace them before you try to sell your home.

However, if your countertops are dated, stained, or have a poor appearance overall, then the countertops can deter the sale of your home. Whenever a possible buyer looks at your home and sees something expensive that needs to be fixed, they’ll remember it. If you wind up with too many of those bad marks, then it will be more challenging to sell your home. So, if your countertops are ugly or in poor condition, you may want to replace your countertops.

However, you should only replace your countertops before selling your home if you truly feel you won’t be able to sell your home without replacing your countertops. Chances are, you probably won’t get all of your money back in resale value if you do replace your old countertops before selling your home. Some people are still willing to take this monetary hit if it increases the likelihood that they’ll sell their home faster. So, if that sounds like you, you may want to replace your old countertops.

Your Kitchen Countertops

Kitchen countertops often become essential selling points for homes because the kitchen area is usually central to any home. Whether a couple or a family resides in the house, people will wind up spending a lot of time in their kitchens. Also, the person that usually does the food preparation and clean up will most likely want a kitchen they can enjoy.

Selecting Your New Countertop

If you think you want to install new countertops before you sell your home, make sure you choose your materials carefully. You want your new countertops to match still the décor that you have present in your kitchen or bathroom in its current state.

So, think about using something pretty but also versatile. Many people love neutral countertops, so these are good selections. Try to avoid something trendy and go mainstream and not too expensive if you are going to resell your home.

Trends for Countertops

1. Indoor-Outdoor Surfaces

There have been many innovations over the years in engineered surfaces that allow them to stand up to wet indoor environments, such as bathrooms, as well as the harsh conditions found outdoors.

Dekton’s new Pietra Kode collection of ultracompact material is a collaboration that mimics the look of classic Italian stones and can be used indoors or out. The new Nebbia style is shown here as countertops and surface cladding.

Dekton is also great in moisture-heavy bathrooms. Here, the new Marmorio style, which mimics the striped look of Navona travertine, is used for flooring, wall covering and tub deck cladding.

Caesarstone announced it’s expanding from a quartz company into a multimaterials company with a new line of porcelain slabs and natural stone.

Caesarstone already has a line of outdoor quartz products, but its new porcelain collection is also durable enough to be used outside.

2. Dramatic Stone and Stone-Look Countertops and Other Surfaces

All-white countertops and light marble and marble-look countertops and other surfaces remain popular. But styles featuring bold, dramatic sweeps of veining seem to be proliferating.

Quartzite has become a popular go-to natural stone in recent years. Caesarstone recently added several new quartzites to its portfolio, including Super White, shown here, which features dramatic veining that recalls roiling storm clouds.

Similarly, Cambria’s new Brittanicca Gold Cool features broad strokes of golds and tans that bring to mind windblown sand dunes.

Caesarstone’s new porcelain collection features several styles with dramatic veining. Here, the appropriately named Striata style energizes a kitchen with bold striations.

3. Colored Veining

Grays, tans, and golds are common shades of veining in many marble-look surfaces. But some manufacturers are branching out.

Compac debuted its Ice of Genesis collection, which includes the Ice Max Green shown here, with a topography of green rivers and tributaries that nods to Arctic glaciers and frozen lakes.

4. Rough and Raised Textures

Smooth finishes, either polished or matte, seem to dominate countertops and other surface materials, but rougher finishes with raised textures and markings are on the rise.

Caesarstone offers an Ultra Rough finish on several new porcelain styles, including White Ciment, shown here, which features raised mottling similar to raw concrete.

Benefits of Using Our Online Kitchen Design Center

Maximize Efficiency

A good kitchen not only looks nice but also works well. You want to see different stone options on different countertop styles. This increases your possibilities and, thus, makes your time at Jackson Stoneworks more enjoyable. 

Our online kitchen design platform can help you ensure your new kitchen will be very efficient and comfortable to use. Our platform’s tips and tricks can allow you to accomplish a lot with the space you have. 

Save Time

Upgrading your kitchen can be a long process. If you visit one of our in-house sales teams with no idea what you’re looking for, it can become even longer. You need to spend additional time on consultations, waiting for designs, and making more countertop color sections.

Luckily, you can significantly cut down on this time frame if you’re using our kitchen visualizer online. You can begin the design process quickly and easily. It’s straightforward to make changes since there is no middleman, making it so that everything can be done on your schedule. 

Easier Research and Choices

Since a kitchen layout visualizer can allow you to see many options simultaneously, it makes researching and choosing a final design a lot easier. You can also tweak your design quickly until it’s completed and ready for our in-house sales team.

During the research process, you may develop an idea but have no idea if it’s even a possibility. With our online visualizer, you can quickly try out a countertop color choice and see if it will work. This can help you narrow down ideas quickly and easily. 

You can also figure out the dimensions and find out how much space is available for other items in your dream kitchen. Knowing this can help you research and budget for stone material and any other features you may want in your new kitchen.

Accessibility and Ease of Use

One of the biggest benefits of using an online kitchen design platform is accessibility and ease. You don’t need to make an appointment with a designer. All you need is a desktop computer or laptop.

The software can walk you through instructions to build your room’s foundation, including wall and window placement. It can even guide you based on where cabinets can or cannot be physically placed.

There isn’t a huge learning curve when it comes to using most software. The program takes care of the technical aspects so you can focus on simply designing a kitchen that meets your needs. This makes it accessible to everyone, even if you aren’t an expert with computers.

Start Building Your Dream Kitchen With Our Online Kitchen Design Center

Designing your new kitchen doesn’t have to be a difficult experience. Our online kitchen visualizer can help you easily plan kitchen upgrades to meet your needs best. Plus, you’ll save money and time while having a lot of flexibility along the way.

Get started on designing your new kitchen with KitchenWhiz today!

Upgrade Your Kitchen Countertops

Countertop Upgrades Add Value To Your Home

Do you want to increase your home’s value? Then upgrading your countertops is the easiest way to go about it. After all, kitchens are the main selling points for houses.

A spacious kitchen will win anybody’s heart. Second to space is cabinetry and countertop design.

If you are going to upgrade your cabinets, then you might as well consider the countertop. Most of the time, cabinet upgrades are more expensive.

A new countertop will compliment your kitchen space. In addition to that, it’s also an investment that will last well into the future.

If Your Kitchen Feels Boring

Even the most beautiful kitchen will feel old after a couple of years.

As mentioned earlier, cabinet upgrades are more expensive than kitchen countertop upgrades. Nevertheless, one can argue that countertops have more impact on the kitchen’s overall beauty.

Most of the time, a well-placed countertop is the focal point of any kitchen. A change in stone will liven your kitchen and give it a new glow.

Nonetheless, be careful when upgrading your kitchen countertop. The wrong choice of stone color and type can easily mess up your kitchen’s design.

It’s one of the reasons why quartz and granite are the best stones for kitchen countertops. Quartz comes in so many varieties and colors—It can emulate any natural stone without sacrificing quality. On the other hand, granite is a beautiful and insanely durable natural stone.

Check this website out for more on quartz countertops.

If Your Countertops Are Damaged

Nothing lasts forever.

Is your countertop chipped, scratched, or massively stained? Then it’s time for a countertop upgrade.

Sure, you can always try and repair your countertop. However, that’s an unpopular route (especially if the damage or stain is extensive).

We know countertop upgrades are heavy investments. Nevertheless, they are futureproofing. 

While you are at it, why don’t you try quartz countertops?

In addition to that, quartz is almost non-porous (Its water absorption rate is similar to that of porcelain tile). You’ll never have to worry about germs or bacterial infestation—With quartz countertops, you don’t need sealants.

For Easier Maintenance

Maintenance is a big deal, especially for kitchen and bathroom countertops.

There are so many countertop materials you can try out. Few examples include concrete, marble, granite, porelain, quartz, and even wood, among many others.

I think we all agree that from the list above, wood is the hardest to maintain.

For peace of mind, you need countertops that are easy to maintain. Countertop anxiety is the last thing you’d want.

From the list, engineered stone aka, quartz, is the easiest to maintain. It doesn’t even require a sealant. Just make sure you wipe off all the stains with a soapy piece of cloth.

To Add New Features To Your Kitchen And Bathroom

Do you want to add a new kitchen sink?

Are you thinking of having a double sink in your master bathroom?

All these new features and fixtures demand countertop upgrades. In such cases, you’ll need water-resistant countertops.

Also, there are still many other features to add to your kitchen. Those features will require you to bring in new countertop materials with specific properties.

For A Better Cooking Experience

Some of the countertop materials available in the market are no fun at all. For example, some (like travertine) are vulnerable to water.

Others are vulnerable to heat. Therefore, you have to be very careful with hot utensils. It’s difficult working with such countertop surfaces, and you’ll always have to walk on eggshells to avoid damage.

Nevertheless, thanks to technological advancements, we now have durable countertop materials. Upgrade your countertop today for a better cooking experience.

Things To Consider When Upgrading Your Countertops

Are you convinced that it’s now time to upgrade your kitchen and bathroom countertops? Continue reading to discover the most important factors to consider when upgrading your countertops.

Price

Price is perhaps the most crucial factor to consider when upgrading your countertops. However, I’m not advising you to go for the cheapest countertop design you can find in the market. Always stick to your budget.

Sure, I know they are among the most expensive countertop materials. Nevertheless, you’ll get the best value for money.

Appearance

Looks are second to price. It’s better to have a decent-looking but durable countertop than a luxurious-looking but fragile countertop.

Nevertheless, be careful when choosing the best countertop design and colour for your kitchen or bathroom.

The countertop should complement the room. I advise you to see and touch the countertop in person before you fill in your payment details—It’s one of the many reasons I’ll always vouch for sellers who send samples.

Each countertop material has its appeal.

For example, marble has a stunning appearance complemented by its smooth texture. Granite is handsome with a hint of toughness and roughness. On the other hand, quartz is unpredictable because of the many patterns and designs.

Maintenance

Get a kitchen or bathroom countertop that will carry you for years. After all, it’s not every day you redesign your kitchen or bathroom. Get countertops that will give you peace of mind.

Once again, granite and quartz are at the top of the food chain because of their stain-resistance. To maintain these countertops, all you’ll need is a piece of soapy cloth.

In addition to that, they are also the cleanest (Especially quartz). Quartz has a very low affinity for water, bacteria, and stains.