Kitchen Countertops

A: The kitchen countertop adhesive takes about 24 hours to cure. We recommend waiting until the adhesive is fully cured and dried before hooking the plumbing back up and using your sinks. You will need to wait about 24 hours before hooking the plumbing back up. Other than that, your countertops will be ready for use immediately!

A: Quartz countertops are often regarded as one of the best materials for kitchens due to their unparalleled durability, low maintenance requirements, and wide range of colors and patterns.

A: The maximum overhang is no more than 1/3 of the total dimension of the countertop – not to exceed 15”. Overhang greater than 15” requires corbels or flush mounted steel supports. Supports must be designed to bear the weight of the countertop and be mounted to studs or equivalent load bearing structure.

A: Countertops are typically installed after cabinets, and appliances. This is true for both new builds, and remodeling projects. Since kitchen countertops sit directly on the cabinets, the cabinetry must be installed prior to the final measurements, fabrication, and installation.

A: The quick answer is no, you should aim to not place a hot pan on a quartz kitchen worktop as the heat from the pan will cause the quartz to burn. The resin that is in the quartz material can only withhold 150 degrees in heat before it reaches its maximum.

A: Quartz is resistant to scratches, stains, and heat, plus it's nonporous. This makes quartz one of the most durable countertops you can buy for your kitchen or bathroom.

A: Unsealed granite kitchen counters are susceptible to stains from food, drinks, and other spills. Since granite is porous, is can quickly absorb food and liquids, which is then hard to get up. Sealing your countertops is the best way to avoid stains like this.

A: Homeowners don't need to worry about damaging their countertops with everyday use because granite is quite heat resistant. Placing a hot pan on a well-maintained granite slab will not cause it to crack or weaken. Just remember that repeatedly placing a very hot pan on the same spot may cause granite to discolor.

A: Typically, granite should be resealed every 12 to 18 months. Nevertheless, there are some other factors that come into play when determining how often to reseal granite countertops. For example, a lighter colored granite will need to be resealed more often because it is typically more porous.

A: Regular Cleaning: - Wipe down your granite countertops daily with a soft, damp cloth or sponge to remove surface debris and spills promptly. - Use a mild, pH-balanced dish soap or a specially formulated granite cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners as they can damage the sealant and the granite surface.

A: The Natural Stone Institute mentions that granite can withstand temperatures up to approximately 480 degrees Fahrenheit, but that doesn't mean it can take a hot pan or even a slow cooker with ease. A dramatic thermal gradient — e.g., hot surface directly on cool granite — can lead to cracks in your stone surfaces.

A: Oil, fruit juices, wine, coffee, and other acidic substances are the most common culprits in granite kitchen countertops stains. In fact, your granite water damage is even possible if your water is mineral-rich.

A: The short answer is that granite is a natural stone that is quarried from the earth in huge blocks, cut into slabs, the voids filled with resin and then it's polished smooth. Quartz is a man-made stone, consisting of 90% – 93% pulverized natural quartz and 7% – 10% resin.

A: Quartz is actually harder than granite and thus, more durable. In fact, quartz is nearly indestructible, and because it isn't porous like granite, it's easy to keep your countertops relatively bacteria-free. Be careful with cooking pans though: Quartz can be damaged by excessive heat, so use heating pads at all times.

A: Avoid kitchen countertops that are largely plastic such as cultured marble, solid surface, and those that introduce formaldehyde, like laminate. If using laminate countertops, specify that the substrate be made with a no added formaldehyde (NAF) resin. Additionally, CDPH-certified laminate materials are preferred.

A: Harsh, abrasive cleaners, pads, and sponges should be avoided since they can permanently harm countertops. Scrubbing too hard can leave a dull surface or cause superficial scratches. Oven cleansers, grill cleaners, paint removers, dishwashing detergent, and other high pH cleaners should not be used on quartz surfaces.

A: Don't be afraid of the maintenance for granite, it's really not a big deal. Granite is durable, beautiful and would be uniquely yours. But you can't' beat quartz if you want the classic beauty of natural marble without the headache and heartache of keeping natural marble looking good.

A: The resins and pigments are less so, which is why it's essential to always use trivets and hot pads on your countertop. A sudden temperature shock can also impact quartz countertops and cause them to crack in rare circumstances. When it comes to heat resistance in the quartz vs granite debate, granite wins.

A: White will always be an elegant choice for kitchen countertops. White countertops don't need to be boring, either. Countertop surfaces in natural stone, quartz or porcelain can have interesting designs in them that bring subtle color into the room.

A: A veined countertop is most often seen in stone or manufactured slab materials such as quartz or marble. When it comes to these materials, your options can range from flecked or softly veined to boldly veined. Softly veined countertops feature subtle flecks and lines which add a touch of natural richness. Conversely, boldly veined countertops make a dramatic statement. These will feature heavier, and darker lines.