Last Updated on January 6, 2020
Quartz countertops continue to increase in popularity as today’s homeowners are choosing this material for its beauty and practicality. Here are some facts and myths about quartz that will test your knowledge and keep you in the know when deciding on a countertop surface for your home.
FACT OR FICTION?
1. Quartz countertops are man-made. [True]
Unlike natural slab granite (which produces naturally on Earth), quartz countertops are a blend of natural quartz and polymer resins.
2. Quartz is the most abundant and hardest mineral on Earth’s crust. [False]
Feldspar is the most abundant mineral found in Earth’s continental crust (with quartz coming in second). Diamonds are the hardest minerals found on Earth.
3. Quartz can be made to look like granite, marble and other natural stones. [True]
By adjusting the process, the texture of quartz can be adjusted to be fine or coarse. By adding pigments to the mix, the material can take on a palette of varying colors.
4. Quartz is nonporous, and thus does not require sealing, which decreases the chance of harmful bacterial growth on the surface. [True]
Granite Transformations offers a wide variety of quartz countertops that are maintenance-free and permanently sealed, backed by a Lifetime Limited Warranty.
5. Quartz chips and cracks easily. [False]
Quartz is naturally dense and hard, making it highly resistant to chips and cracks.
6. Quartz is stain and heat-resistant. [True]
7. Quartz weighs less than granite and has a unique veined appearance. [False]
Quartz weighs more than granite and – due to its unique manufacturing process – has a uniform appearance.
8. Quartz is well suited for outdoors and direct sunlight. [False]
Quartz is not recommended for outdoor installation since direct sunlight and prolonged heat exposure can damage the material.
9. Quartz is a great option for large surfaces. [True]
Since it is manufactured in long, thick slabs, quartz is perfect for large surfaces (such as countertops and islands) and can be installed in one piece.
10. All manufacturers of quartz are created equal. [False]
Although there are several quartz manufacturers to choose from – all of which use basically the same equipment – the processes and chemical formulas differ from one manufacturer to another. These unique variables are what sets one product apart from the next, which in turn result in cost differences and the company’s exclusive look in terms of color and finish. Granite Transformations’ surfacing products are made at its exclusive manufacturing plant in Sebring, Florida, giving the company ultimate control over the quality and look of its products, which is why they come with a Lifetime Limited Warranty.
We hope this fun and informative quiz has answered some of your questions about quartz countertops. Pass or fail, you now have the knowledge as an educated consumer to make the best choice the next time you’re in the market for a new countertop. If you are in the market for new quartz countertops, backsplash or cabinets, visit Granite Transformations to schedule your in-home consultation today.
REFERENCES:
Geeksonhome.com
Rumfordstone.com
Wikipedia.org
Last Updated on January 22, 2020
No other color speaks light and bright, so it comes as no surprise that white kitchens have stood the test of time. White kitchens have a timeless and classic look that can suit any home perfectly.
Known for exuding a clean and fresh ambiance, a white kitchen acts as the perfect backdrop that complements any décor, and remains one of the top factors in retaining home value. Whether you’re looking to open up a small space or enhance a kitchen, white is the ideal neutral color as it offers a sense of purity and reflects light like no other color can.
Homeowners are embracing white kitchens even more today because this color doesn’t discriminate. White complements all home décors, including traditional, contemporary and modern designs. Even more appealing is the fact that white is a standard color which opens up the vast accessibility of white tile, countertops, faucets, sinks and appliances, thus making it available (and affordable) to fit any budget.
Mixing other colors and textures with a white kitchen gives homeowners the flexibility to switch up their décor and tap their creative sides while still maintaining an open and classic feel. Design experts believe that wood flooring and quartz countertops are great companions for white kitchens.
The “2016 Design Trends Survey” (released earlier this year by the National Kitchen Bath & Association) revealed that white and off-white tones are still the most common in kitchen design, and are commonly paired with charcoal and dark grays to create a contrast. Other trends included the incorporation of pet spaces into kitchen projects, as well as simplified storage (such as pull-out drawers) in kitchen and bath design.
Schedule your free in-home design consultation with Granite Transformations today and see how we can help integrate white tones into your kitchen design!
Last Updated on October 11, 2016
A New Celebrity-Inspired Kitchen and Bath Collection
Granite Transformations reveals a sneak peek into their new line of metallic quartz and mosaic tile, The Diamond Collection™ by Tarek and Christina El Moussa, TV’s House Flippers. The collection is available now exclusively at Granite Transformations stores across North America.
The celebrity house flippers teamed up with Granite Transformations to create The Diamond Collection™, which consists of four metallic quartz colors: Graphite Luster, Princess, Marquee Gray and Radiant White, and three 4″ x 10″ Subway GRAND mosaic tile colors: Diamond, Onyx and Bronzite. Designed with the inspiration that “love is forged by passion and diamonds are forged by heat,” the collection features white and gray hues that are highlighted with flecks of sparkle in order to resemble diamonds. The mosaics in The Diamond Collection™ are offered in a unique size – 4″ x 10″. This is larger than most traditional Subway tile (which is very on-trend right now). This chic and sophisticated collection (exclusive to Granite Transformations) is available now.
The Diamond Collection™ Slabs
The Diamond Collection™ Mosaics
Visit Granite Transformations to learn more about The Diamond Collection™ by Tarek and Christina and to sign up for a free in-home design consultation.
Last Updated on October 3, 2016
Cabinet refacing is a great way to make what’s old new again – but how do you know if it’s the right choice for your kitchen? In this blog, we’ll discuss the different ways you can reface your cabinets, and also offer tips and suggestions on how you can determine whether it’s time to reface or replace.
Homeowners are saving thousands of dollars by choosing to reface their cabinets instead of replacing them. Cabinet refacing can cost up to half the price of a total cabinet replacement, so you can give your kitchen the facelift it needs without busting your budget.
Which Refacing Option is Best for You
Refacing can be as simple as one, two, three. By determining the type and condition of your cabinets, it’s easy to decide which refacing option is best for you:
- Refinish or Paint: If your existing cabinets are made of solid wood, then refinishing or painting them is a great option to update the look of your kitchen (while also expressing your creative side).
- Install New Doors and Drawers: If your cabinet boxes are structurally sound and in good condition, then replacing the cabinet door and drawer fronts – also known as cabinet refacing – is a surefire way to give your kitchen an instant facelift and change the look of your kitchen without any demolition. Granite Transformations offers cabinet refacing with a wide variety of both wood and rigid thermofoil (RTF) options and styles.
What’s on the inside counts, too, so don’t forget to consider updating the interiors of your cabinets. Adding pull-out drawers or rotating shelves is a great way to add functionality to your cabinets without too much effort. To make the experience even more fun, try painting the inside of the cabinets or adding veneer to switch up the look. You’ll be surprised how something so subtle can have such a big impact.
Once you’ve determined the best refacing option for your cabinets, it’s time to start thinking about accessorizing them with new pulls and knobs. Adding this finishing touch to your cabinets not only completes the look, but can also give you the flexibility to transform it into something more traditional, chic or funky. It’s a great and subtle way to express your personality while creating the dream look you’ve always wanted.
How to Know if Your Cabinets are a Good Candidate for Refacing
- Quality Counts: If you’re starting out with high-quality, expensive wood cabinets that are in good condition, then refacing is a good option for you. Lower-quality cabinets, on the other hand, may not hold out over time, which could cost you more in the long run.
- Age Matters: Consider the age of your cabinets. Older cabinets are better to replace, while newer cabinets might prove easier to reface.
Keeping the Layout: If you’re keeping the layout of your kitchen, then cabinet refacing is a great, cost-effective option.
When to Consider Replacing
- Ready for a new kitchen layout: Some homeowners find that they need more counter and storage space and want their kitchens to have more flexible function. If you’re considering a new kitchen layout, and are also looking for more functionality, then you’ll have to replace your cabinets.
- Cabinets in Disrepair: Water damage, mold or years of wear and tear can take its toll on your cabinets. If you find your cabinets are structurally unsound and in poor condition, it may be time to consult with a professional contractor to determine if you need to replace them.
Time, convenience and cost are major factors when deciding to reface or replace your cabinets. You can turn to Granite Transformations to guide you every step of the way. Sign up for a free in-home consultation today and get a free quote – it can’t hurt! With little-to-no demolition – and as most jobs are completed in one day – you could be one step closer to your dream kitchen.
