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On Trend: Pairing Natural Stone and Quartz

Originally Published By CecTops.com

When planning a new kitchen, or major kitchen remodel, pairing countertop and backsplash materials presents an age-old dilemma. Many designers swear by hard fast rules regarding how to make the perfect pairing, while others will say all the rules are meant to be broken!

It makes the most sense to start with your countertops. The countertop is the main hub of your kitchen and will most likely take up the bulk of your budget (other than cabinets!). Your desired style, budget and the way you plan to use it will go a long way in determining the best material for your countertop. Generally speaking, there are more limited color/texture options with countertops whereas backsplash options are virtually unlimited. Nail you countertops first, then you can get creative and make a statement with your backsplash.

Many homeowners desire the look of a natural stone material like marble, but either don’t have the budget or are turned off by its high maintenance nature. This is one of the main reasons many opt for engineered quartz for their countertops. Quartz is a non-porous material which makes it virtually maintenance free. No worries about staining from spilled red wine or highly acidic liquids. Based on advancements in the engineering process, quartz closely mimics the beauty of natural stone and is available in a large variety of colors. It is also more consistent in pattern than the natural stone making it versatile for both traditional and modern styles. As mentioned, this would allow you to get creative with your backsplash and have it define the ultimate style of the space.

Why can’t you have the beauty of natural stone and the ease of maintenance and versatility of quartz? You can, by pairing a natural stone backsplash with your quartz countertops. It’s all about combining different colors, textures, and patterns to project the style statement you desire. For instance, pair beautiful vein cut limestone tiles with a limited pattern quartz countertop. Or add more texture by going with a stacked stone accented backsplash with quartz. To help inspire you to create your own unique combinations, let’s take a look at some examples:

 

Black quartz countertops with white and gray marble chevron tiles for a stunning look; feasbyandbleeks.com

LG Viatera Snow Strom Quartz countertops paired with gray polished marble subway time for a timeless look; lgviaterausa.com

Vein cut limestone tile kitchen backsplash with quartz countertops; Designer, Carla Aston; Photographer, Tori Aston

A freckled charcoal gray quartz countertop paired with an opulent gray marble mosaic tile; MSI Stone

The Lifespan of Granite Kitchen Countertops

Originally Published on LegacyCountertops.com on September 14, 2018 By wpadmin

Granite countertops are beautiful. There’s no denying that. But one of the main selling points of granite countertops is their longevity. Granite countertops are known to be quite durable, which is undoubtedly a major source of appeal for many homeowners.

Expected Lifespan

The anticipated lifespan of any countertop material assumes basic care, upkeep, and long-term maintenance. If not treated properly, the lifespan of any material will obviously suffer. If properly maintained, marble or concrete should last around 20 years. Laminate can survive anywhere from 20 to 30 years. While tile may be able to endure for 100 years or more, that doesn’t take into account the gunk and grime that can accumulate between the tiles. On the other hand, granite and other natural stones can expect a lifespan of 100 years, and maybe more, without worrying about such annoyances. That’s probably one of the reasons that granite continues to be so popular. Yes, it has impressive longevity, but it also doesn’t need as much attention and care as some other materials.

How to Preserve Granite

Granite is porous, so it does need to be sealed. When properly sealed, granite can resist wine, oil, and other substances that are prone to staining. With a quality sealant, you don’t have to worry very much about juice or other liquids that can discolor the granite. Of course, sealants do wear off over time. It’s important to reseal your granite as needed, so that it keeps the protection in place.

Cleaning your granite is fairly straightforward. Warm water and a soft rag can handle most spills or messes. You can also invest in a disinfectant cleaner that’s specifically designed for granite. Other cleaners should generally be avoided, since they tend to be too abrasive. They can break down the sealant, which is needed to preserve your granite countertops. Properly treated, your granite kitchen countertops in Milton can last generations. It doesn’t take as much worry or effort as you might think.