Granite is one of the best building materials for new countertops. There are many reasons that is the case, as well as many different areas of the home where you can implement granite countertops. However, there is no area of the home more suitable for installing granite countertops than the kitchen. Having granite kitchen countertops will not only look good but will offer helpful functional benefits as well. Choosing the right material for your kitchen countertops in no small task. Selecting granite can be one of the best decisions that you ever make.
There are several factors to consider when thinking about buying granite kitchen countertops, such as what type of granite you like and the functionality of the different types, among many other aspects.
No matter which type of granite you decide on, there are certain characteristics that are generally similar for all types of granite.
Different types of granite can either feature veins, swirls or be consistent in pattern.
Regardless of which type you select, granite is known for being one of the most durable countertop materials that you will be able to find. The durability of the stone makes it perfect for use in the kitchen. Generally speaking, between cooking and spending time with family, your kitchen will see a lot of use. Because of this, you want to make sure that you have kitchen countertops that both look good and can handle the pressures of frequent use. Granite countertops check both of these boxes.
Granite comes in a multitude of styles and colors, meaning that you are virtually assured to find at least one type that suits your taste.
When it comes to granite, there are various pros and cons that you should consider before purchasing. Both the pros and cons of owning granite are explained below.
| Natural stone look |
| Many types to choose from |
| Durable |
| Heat resistant |
| High resale value |
One of granite’s major benefits is the look of natural stone. There is no denying that certain patterns that occur in nature are simply amazing. Granite has plenty of these patterns that you can choose from.
Granite will offer you a seemingly endless amount of options to choose from. Marble.com has well over 500 variations the company offers.
Granite is one of the most durable natural stone materials that you will be able to find. As long as you take proper care of your granite, it will last for many years – so many that it will likely reside in your home for more years than you do.
A huge advantage that granite offers in the kitchen is that it is heat resistant. Granite will be able to handle any hot kitchen items that you set down on the surface.
When it comes time to sell your house, there are few more attractive features in a house than natural stone countertops – especially in the kitchen. Granite’s durability and heat resistance make it that much more attractive to perspective buyers as well.
| Rare granite will cost more |
| Heavy objects can cause damage |
| Needs to be re-sealed yearly |
Much like any stone, the rarer the granite you choose, the more you will have to pay. Some rare forms of granite can cost around $200 per square foot, so make sure that it is really what you want before buying it.
While it is one of the most durable natural stones that you can find, granite is not totally indestructible. You will need to be very careful when handling any heavy items around your granite countertop. If you drop those items, especially on the countertop’s corners, you can cause significant damage.
Your granite countertop will need to be re-sealed roughly once every year. Despite this seeming like an inconvenience, the process of re-sealing your granite countertops is relatively simple and quick. Something else to keep in mind is that granite does not need to be re-sealed as often as some other countertop materials, such as marble, do.
There is a wide range of countertop choices out there on the market. When it comes to building materials and home projects, we tend to focus on all-natural solutions. There are some cases, however, where man-made synthetic materials are better than natural.
For those who want something a bit more exotic than standard granite, marble, or stone countertops, there is Cambria. What is Cambria Quartz, you might ask? Well, it’s one of the hottest trending premium countertop materials. For more about this luxurious brand of quartz countertops, keep reading.
Cambria Quartz is an American-Made, Family-Owned Brand of Quartz Countertops based out of Minnesota. Cambria Quartz Slabs are made up of 93% Crushed Quartz, and 7% pigment and binder. Cambria Quartz never needs to be sealed, unlike granite. Cambria Quartz is also scratch-resistant and stain-resistant. Cambria Quartz is sold exclusively through Cambria Approved Premier Dealers, with Select Few Designs also being offered at the Home Depot.
In addition to this, every Professionally Installed Cambria Quartz Countertop Project also carries a Lifetime Warranty against manufacturing defects. You can Buy Cambria Quartz Countertops with Confidence, knowing The Company Fully Stands Behind its Product.
Cambria Quartz is:
Cambria Quartz is manufactured in Le Sueur, Minnesota at their Flagship Processing & Manufacturing Center. Cambria Quartz is made using Breton stone Technology, a process that many different quartz manufacturers employ to create the finest quartz slabs known to man.
The process of how Cambria Quartz is made starts at Cambria’s Proprietary Quartz quarry, where Pure White Quartz is mined from the Earth. The quarried pieces of Quartz then make their way to Cambria’s Manufacturing Facility. Next, Cambria Quality Control Technicians sort the quartz into varying shades of white, choosing only the highest quality and pure white pieces for their slabs. These hand-selected pieces of quartz are then ground down into varying sizes, from Lima Bean-sized chunks, all the way down to Sand.
Once this is complete, the varying degrees of quartz pieces are aggregated together using the Breton stone technology as mentioned above. Binder is added to the mixture, while air is simultaneously vacuumed out of the mixture through vibration. After all the air has been vacuumed out, the slabs are then pressed into the desired slab sizes and baked at high heat. This is what creates Cambria Quartz Slabs that are denser than traditional Granite Slabs, while also being Non-Porous.
How Much Does Cambria Quartz Cost?
Quartz Countertops range in price and Everyone always wants to know, is Cambria Quartz expensive? Calculating the Cost of Quartz Countertops is hard to do on your own. Pricing is different from Fabricator to Fabricator depending on the level of work the company can produce. More skilled Fabricators may charge more for their work or may offer more intricate cutting options, like a mitered edge or waterfall panels. On Average, you can expect to see Cambria Quartz prices between $90-150/sf. Locking down an exact price varies on a couple of factors:
Traditionally if you wanted a white countertop, you had to use Marble. However, Marble Countertops are Expensive and need frequent maintenance to keep them pristine. Quartz Countertops are the next best thing, with Cambria Quartz that looks like Marble. A lot of people like the Quartz Countertop designs that look like Marble because you can get the Marble “look”, but with all the benefits of Cambria Quartz Countertops.
When you choose a Cambria Quartz Countertop that looks like Marble, you get the look you desire, but none of the drawbacks of actual Marble. Have peace of mind knowing your Marble-looking Cambria Quartz Countertops will never stain or degrade over time as Natural Marble Countertops will.
By Far Cambria’s most popular designs, blend a solid three-color profile in natural tones. These colors resemble a river of flowing energy over the landscape. This is the perfect opportunity to add some movement to your kitchen.
We recommend any of the Brittanicca designs for anyone looking for a more classic marble look but with a slight twist. Goes great with rustic or luxe kitchen designs.
Skara Brae Cambria Quartz is a great Marble Alternative and is very popular. With Similar Veining and Patterning to the Brittanicca Quartz Colors, Skara Brae’s taupe-gray bold veining adds a pop of depth and dimension to any space you use this design in.
3. Torquay
Torquay Cambria Quartz has long been a favorite for people looking for the white marble-looking stone. Cambria Torquay Quartz features a crisp white background and light gray marbled striations.
This design is nice because you can get the look and feel of Marble` but with a brighter white base for a truly showstopping look when the light dances across the surface.
4. Hemsworth
Hemsworth Cambria Quartz captures the classic look of Marble, with a more continuous and consistent feel to the design.
Cambria Quartz Hemsworth’s bold, black, crackling veining darts across the slabs, create really striking and dynamic movement on a clean white base.
As the heart of the home, the kitchen is where we gather with friends and family to cook, eat, celebrate, and socialize. Spending so much time in the kitchen also means it can quickly become messy and disorganized. Fortunately, you can design your space so that it’s easy to find what you need — and return items to their rightful places. Read today’s featured article of the week for ways to create a tidy, clutter-free kitchen.
1. Create Adequate Storage Space
Open-concept kitchens, which open up to the main living and dining spaces, are popular in many new and renovated kitchens. When considering removing walls in your kitchen, keep in mind that you’ll also be eliminating storage space. Be sure there’s adequate storage elsewhere for all of your kitchen items and food.
2. Think About Island Storage
Many of our clients prefer generous-sized kitchen islands with bar seating because they entertain frequently and enjoy chatting with guests while preparing food. That means they may have to move bar stools to access island storage, depending on the design, which can be cumbersome.
Consider where your bar stools will be if you plan on incorporating storage into an island with lots of seating. Or try to store infrequently used items in the cabinets where there will be seating. (Also consider if your kitchen has the square footage necessary to accommodate an expansive island. In some cases, a large island can impede traffic flow.)
3. Opt for Large Drawers Instead of Lower Cabinets
I recommend using large drawers beneath countertops instead of conventional lower cabinets with shelves. I like this option because access is so much easier. With drawers, you won’t need to stoop down to search for something hiding in the back of a lower cabinet. Also, items can be more easily organized and stored. Keep in mind that drawers are more expensive than cabinets because of the additional internal hardware. Depending on your budget, the added functionality may be worth the splurge.
4. Reconsider Open Shelving
As a professional organizer, I recommend investing in traditional upper cabinets with doors for most of your upper storage. Unless everyone in your family is extremely organized, open shelves can quickly become cluttered and messy. Also, the items on shelves can become magnets for dust, grime and grease from cooking oil.
5. Choose Solid Doors for Upper Cabinets
Glass-front cabinets can be tempting, especially if you have beautiful glasses or dinnerware you want to display. However, cabinets can easily look cluttered if everything isn’t organized. If you love this look, perhaps consider installing only a few glass-front cabinets to display standout decor or kitchen items that aren’t used frequently.
6. Place Your Dishwasher for Easy Access to Storage
In most kitchens, the dishwasher is conveniently located next to the sink to simplify loading. When laying out your space, also think about the ease of unloading clean dishes and flatware. Consider where you’ll be standing when the dishwasher door is open and how easily you’ll be able to access drawers and storage.
Since emptying the dishwasher is a frequent task, convenient access to storage should be a priority. I have seen several kitchens where an open dishwasher door blocks access to storage for dinnerware and flatware. Other kitchen layouts require walking across the room to put away dishes. Also, make sure there’s plenty of space to stand at the sink when loading the dishwasher.
There are so many decisions to make when remodeling a kitchen. I recommend selecting a pro team that listens and collaborates with you during the design process so all of your needs are addressed. An experienced team should be able to create a new kitchen that is both beautiful and functional.
Quartz countertops are a beautiful and popular choice for many kitchens and bathrooms. They are durable and easy to care for, but they do require some special attention to keep them looking their best.
Do you have quartz countertops in your kitchen that you need to clean? If so, here are six tips to help you maintain clean quartz countertops:
Quartz is a non-porous material, so spills won’t penetrate the surface and cause stains. However, if they’re not wiped up quickly, they can still leave behind a residue that’s difficult to remove. So, as soon as something is spilled on your quartz countertop, wipe it up with a damp cloth.
Quartz is a durable material, but it’s not indestructible. Harsh cleansers can damage the surface, so it’s best to stick to milder products. You can use a gentle all-purpose cleaner or make your own by mixing equal parts of water and vinegar.
Scrubbers with abrasive surfaces, like steel wool or scouring pads, can scratch the surface of your quartz countertop. This will leave your countertop looking worn and ugly! So, when you’re cleaning, stick to soft cloths or non-abrasive scrubbers.
Harsh chemicals, like bleach, can damage the surface of your quartz countertop. So, it’s best to avoid using them altogether. If you must use a chemical cleaner, make sure to rinse the surface thoroughly afterward. Also, it is a smart idea to test spot an area first to make sure the chemical won’t damage the surface too much, if at all.
While quartz is a heat-resistant material, it can still be damaged by extreme heat. It’s okay to put warm items on it, like a hot cup of coffee. However, if you’re planning to place your pot on it right after making food, use caution. If possible, use a trivet or hot pad to protect the surface, and then place the pot or any other extremely hot item on it. This way, the countertop is saved from the high heat that can cause damage.
Cutting directly on the surface of your quartz countertop can damage it. So, it’s best to use a cutting board when preparing food. This also applies to essentially any other countertop material if you want to keep it in pristine condition. However, if you do accidentally cut on the surface, wipe up the area with a damp cloth to remove any debris.
Beloved for their versatility and functionality, white quartz countertops (also referred to as engineered quartz) are a timeless way to level up the look of kitchens big and small. Unlike marble and soapstone—which are derived entirely from quarries in nature—white quartz is an engineered stone that combines natural ground quartz (about 90 percent of the product) with resins, pigments, and crushed waste stone (like remnants of marble or granite). The end result is a stunning and sleek surface that has all the appeal of natural stone but boasts added benefits, like a nonporous composition that makes it practically impervious to scratches, dents, bacteria, and stains (aka no more fearing your favorite glass of red will leave a lasting impression in your kitchen).
A word of warning though: The very resins that make white quartz countertops so nonporous and durable also make them sensitive to heat. Translation: Unless you want heat rings on your countertop, always use a trivet!
While white quartz countertops have gained popularity over the past ten years thanks in large part to innovative design leaps, the actual material creation process is nothing new. The development of white quartz surfaces can be traced back to the 1970s when Italian company Breton patented the original combination of quartz and resin—a formulation and patent most modern companies still rely on today. These days, big-name players in the white quartz game (think: brands like Cambria, Caesarstone, MSI, Silestone, and more) are constantly iterating on designs and patterns, incorporating veining and details that make white quartz countertops practically indistinguishable from their pricier natural stone competitors to the untrained eye.
There are many perks to choosing white quartz countertops, chief among them the material’s timeless aesthetic appeal. From all-white kitchens (complete with cloud-like countertops) to dramatic veining that immediately draws the eye, there is an engineered quartz countertop style to suit every interior. Plus, because samples of these manmade countertops are so easy to acquire (and see in person), designers and homeowners alike can easily try out different white quartz countertop samples in their existing space until they land on the perfect style.
Like natural stone options, white quartz countertops come with a lot of design flexibility and room for customization. The surface can be left polished—which is the typical factory standard—or be honed or leathered to acquire a more matte, natural look. Different countertop thicknesses are also available, though they’re more standardized (often ranging from 1 cm. to 3 cm.) than with traditional stone slabs. Another big perk? The uniformity of the pattern. While many white quartz countertops incorporate the look of veining, these details are standardized from slab to slab, making it easier for designs and fabricators to line up the patterns for a dramatic effect when incorporating high-end design details like a matchbook backsplash or waterfall island.
When it comes to choosing the right white quartz countertop for your kitchen, there are a few factors you’ll want to consider. First and foremost, know that all whites are not made equal. What reads as cloud-like in a showroom may look downright yellow in your own kitchen, so it’s always a good idea to take home as many samples as you can, testing each alongside whatever finishes you’ve already chosen for your space (paint, flooring, cabinets, hardware) and observing their appearance throughout the day. If you’re considering a white quartz countertop with lots of veining or details, try going to a showroom that has the design either as a full slab or installed into a sample kitchen—oftentimes, veining can be hard to gauge off a tiny sample, and you may end up disliking a colorway once you see it larger-scale.
Last—but certainly not least—pricing comes into play. Engineered quartz countertops have gained a reputation as an affordable alternative for homeowners and designers looking for stone-like appeal, and while that’s not necessarily untrue, pricing for white quartz countertops can vary. In general, expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $200 per square foot.
Whether you’re revamping your existing kitchen or building your dream home from scratch, white quartz countertops offer up a combination of style and stability that is simply unmatched.
1. They Are Very Trendy
Since Quartz countertop manufacturers are constantly innovating new sophisticated patterns and colors, Quartz offers many style options that fit all kitchen design types. You will find a material to match your style; from farmhouse to traditional, modern to rustic, any style is covered. When you travel down the Quartz color options, there are dark colors to pair nicely with White/light cabinets and White/light Quartz countertops that match well with dark cabinets.
Are you looking for a style that possesses more cohesion through the surface? You will love the colors of the consistent patterns Quartz can offer your kitchen countertops.
The consistent nature that manufacturers can give to Quartz will allow your entire surface to have even patterning throughout your space. This is a great option if you want to avoid the unwanted inconsistencies that can be found in natural granite and marble. We believe the “natural occurrences” in Granite and Marble are beautiful, however, we understand this does not fit all desired motifs. A predictable pattern is great because you can match up seams. The ability to hide seams gives your surfaces a great pattern and color flow throughout the space.
2. Easy Maintenance
Now let’s talk about functionality. We know that visual aesthetics and cost are important, but the functionality and low maintenance will pay for itself in the long term. Since Quartz countertops are among the most durable surfaces and are hermetically sealed during manufacturing, an easy-to-maintain countertop material is readily available. Quartz countertops rarely chip, are heat and stain resistant and are nearly impossible to scratch. These characteristics make for the perfect kitchen countertop surface. As mentioned above, since Quartz is hermetically sealed during the manufacturing process, there is no need to continually seal your countertops. One thing to note, we do recommend using a natural stone cleaner when you clean your kitchen counters.
If you are design-savvy and are looking to add an upgraded feel to your kitchen, you should strongly consider Quartz for your kitchen countertops. Quartz counters add a striking visual appeal and durability to your kitchen surfaces. Due to its near infinite design options, quartz has become the most popular alternative to natural stones such as Granite and Marble for countertop material.
Since Quartz countertop manufacturers are constantly innovating new sophisticated patterns and colors, Quartz offers many style options that fit all kitchen design types. You will find a material to match your style; from farmhouse to traditional, modern to rustic, any style is covered. When you travel down the Quartz color options, there are dark colors to pair nicely with White/light cabinets and White/light Quartz countertops that match well with dark cabinets. Are you looking for a style that possesses more cohesion through the surface? You will love the colors of the consistent patterns Quartz can offer your kitchen countertops.
The consistent nature that manufacturers can give to Quartz will allow your entire surface to have even patterning throughout your space. This is a great option if you want to avoid the unwanted inconsistencies that can be found in natural granite and marble. We believe the “natural occurrences” in Granite and Marble are beautiful, however, we understand this does not fit all desired motifs. A predictable pattern is great because you can match up seams. The ability to hide seams gives your surfaces a great pattern and color flow throughout the space.
Now lets talk about functionality. We know that visual aesthetics and the cost are important, but the functionality and low-maintenance will pay for itself in the long term. Since Quartz countertops are among the most durable surfaces and are hermetically sealed during manufacturing, an easy-to-maintain countertop material is readily available. Quartz countertops rarely chip, heat and stain resistant, and nearly impossible to scratch. These characteristics make for the perfect kitchen countertop surface. As we mentioned above, since Quartz is hermetically sealed during the manufacturing process, there is no need to continually seal your countertops. One thing to note, we do recommend to use a natural stone cleaner when you clean your kitchen counters.
While you are planning your new kitchen design, do you like having a wide variety to choose from? If you just answered, “Yes!”, Quartz countertops are probably a great fit for you and your project. Prepare yourself to have to choose from a large variety. As we spoke earlier, The selection of colors and patterns are almost endless. Even if you have the most precise taste or design idea, there is a Quartz to match your style. Albeit, Granite comes in a plethora of colors you could make the argument that there are more color options with Quartz.
As with all natural stones, the earthy tones, speckles, veining, and colors that have melded together. It is truly a magnificent feat that Mother Nature creates these stunning works of art in natural stone. Quartz offers the cleanliness of pure colors and patterns that are orchestrated and consistent. This creates a clean visual landscape in your space. If you are considering a kitchen remodel, there is a perfect quartz countertop for your project out there. East Coast Granite can help coordinate the quartz color with your cabinets and flooring ideas and then design a backsplash to match. Or we can simply install the same quartz you choose as a 4-inch backsplash.
Due to its durability, affordability, functionality, and low maintenance, quartz countertops perform well in a wide variety of kitchens. A quick summary of the highlights of Quartz countertops:
As one of Gainesville’s leading stone fabricators, we know upgrading your countertops will make a lasting investment. According to studies by the National Association of Realtors®, about 67% of what you spend on any kitchen upgrade is recovered when selling.
So if you’re not planning to sell yet, then this should become a worthwhile investment for you. How?
Well, the study also points out that 84% of those homeowners who remodel have a higher desire to be in their homes after renovating. 69% of them enjoy being at home more, and 57% just feel happier in general.
In other words, if you’re not planning to put your house on the market yet, it allows you to actually extract value from your quartz or granite countertops in the sense of time living there and still recouping a large part of your investment in the end. Make sense?
Let’s dig into this a bit more
When considering how much value-adding countertops can increase the worth of your property, there are several factors to take into account.
First off, the quality of installation plays a major role – if it is not done correctly, then it could actually lower the overall value of your home instead of increasing it. So please, make sure you stop by our showroom and speak to one of our professionals.
Additionally, certain types of stone will hold more value than others, depending on where you live. Quartz and granite countertops will have a higher perceived value than other mediums.
The current market conditions should always be taken into consideration as well. Again, if you are planning on selling the house soon, then this is something you need to discuss with your realtor now! In that same study mentioned above, it says that 30% of realtors recommend that you upgrade some aspect of your kitchen before selling.
Granite has long been considered one of the top materials when it comes to adding worth to a property, but Jackson Stoneworks also offer other stones! – view our collection
Not only do they look beautiful and luxurious, but they’re also incredibly durable and require very little maintenance over the years. Quartz is naturally resistant to scratches and will remain looking like new for decades if properly cared for.
Another benefit of choosing quartz countertops to increase the value of your home is its wide range of color options – you can easily find something that suits your style without compromising on quality or durability.
Granite and quartz countertops offer a great return on investment when it comes to increasing the value of your home. Granite is known for its durability and timeless beauty, while quartz offers a more modern look with excellent scratch resistance.
Our designers are here to help with your kitchen or bath needs. Let’s get you connected with an expert!
As a sponsor of the event, we at Jackson Stoneworks were proud to be a part of this grand showcase of talent and expertise.