countertops Articles

There are many high-quality countertop suppliers we use to create our large in-stock inventory. We can also do special orders from these premium suppliers if you can't find what you are looking for in our inventory.  Next, we will explore some of the different brands we carry and the characteristics and materials they offer.

Cambria Quartz

Cambria Quartz is American made and family owned. Cambria has a state-of-the-art facility in Minnesota where all of their quartz products are manufactured. Cambria products are made of high-quality quartz .Quartz countertops by Cambria include color variations from marble-look designs of white and gray , greens and browns, to slabs of mostly solid blacks. From slab production to countertop installation, every Cambria purchase invests over 95% of costs back into the U.S. economy. They are distinctively durable, nonabsorbent, and easy to maintain. Cambria quartz countertops are stain, chip, and scratch resistant, and food safe.  If you are eco-conscious, Cambria offers quartz slabs with recycled content from reused Cambria quartz slabs, pigments, and binders. Cambria has an excellent service and support team and a transferable Full Lifetime Warranty. https://www.cambriausa.com/

Silestone Quartz

Silestone is a brand of Quartz Countertops used in residential and commercial applications, most commonly being kitchen and bathroom countertops.  Silestone is a divison of the Cosentino brand based out of Almeria, Spain. Their countertops are composed of minerals, quartz, and recycled materials that provide depth of color and performance. Silestone has been making Quartz countertops since 1990 and is the most well-known brand under the Cosentino name.  Silestone can be used in kitchens, bathrooms, fireplace surrounds, and more.  In addition, Silestone Quartz countertops carry a 25 Year Warranty against manufacturing defects. https://www.cosentino.com/usa/silestone/

Cosmos Surfaces

Cosmos Surfaces offers countertops of many types; quartz, granite, marble, quartzite and onyx. Cosmos is a 2nd generation family owned company established in the United States in 2005. Cosmos began as a small local distributor of natural stone with a 15,000 sq ft showroom and quickly grew into a national distributor with over 15 showrooms nationwide. Quality and service are the founding principles of the company. Cosmos strives to provide a wide range of high-quality products at competitive prices coupled with premium service. They offer a ten year warranty on their quartz countertop materials. Cosmos has become one of our main suppliers and countertop providers.

Caesarstone

Caesarstone has been pioneering the quartz countertop industry since 1987. Caesarstone specializes in quartz and porcelain countertops for home projects indoors or outdoors. To meet the growing demand for premium quartz countertops in the U.S.A and beyond, Caesarstone opened a manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia, in 2015. Ceasarstone countertops are not only incredibly durably, beyond beautiful, but they also include a lifetime warranty. Caesarstone in 2020 introduced a new outdoor collection, the first in the industry. This groundbreaking collection of three colors provides the convenience of stain-resistant, easy-to-clean surfaces while creating a highly durable material proven to withstand all the elements—rain, snow, or shine. https://www.caesarstoneus.com/

Dark granite countertops are a popular choice in kitchens today. Polished, leathered, or honed are among several finishes available for granite countertops. A dark granite countertop can create a nice contrast against lighter cabinets, creating a lot of interest for your space. Strong and durable as any other granite, dark granite countertops will always make a powerful statement and are an excellent choice.

Black Pearl Granite

Black Pearl Granite is absolutely gorgeous and one of the most loved and popular black granite colors. This black granite kitchen countertop features a deep black overall tone with flecks of black, silver, brown, green, and gray.  It is a natural stone product and when it catches the light you can see its own amazing design and pattern. Black Pearl Granite is available in several finishes including polished and leathered. Black Pearl Granite can be used both inside and outside.  White kitchen cabinets paired with black granite will provide the right balance of light and dark, and just the perfect amount of contrast. White and black design is definitely on trend. However, Black Pearl Granite looks great with most cabinet choices.

Steel Grey Granite

Steel Grey granite is a durable granite with shades of grays and small flecks of lighter grays. It has a subtle beauty that will glisten, especially when light reflects from the granite's surface. Steel Grey has more variations of muted tones that are easily visible than Black Pearl Granite. Black Pearl is more of a singular black toned granite, where as Steel Grey has beautiful subtle variations of grays that will shine in your space. It will pair beautifully with many popular cabinet colors including white, off-white, grays, and browns.

Titanium White Granite

Titanium White Granite is very popular for its affordable price and beautiful natural appearance. This natural stone from Brazil features a black base with white veining that gives a lot of movement to the stone. This deep black stone has a beautiful wavy pattern and heavy crystallization. Titanium White will definitely make a statement in your space, but not overwhelm it. This granite adds more interest than Black Pearl or Steel Gray, yet still staying within the black and white design theme. It is perfect for kitchen countertops, bathroom vanity tops, backsplashes, fireplace surrounds, flooring, and outdoor kitchens.

Silver Grey Granite

Silver Grey Granite is a stunning choice that looks amazing with a honed or leathered finish. This beautiful Brazilian granite has a strong charcoaled black background with subtle whitish gray veining with the soft look of soapstone. Silver Grey granite creates a luxurious design in any space, immediately elevating any kitchen's ambiance. These granite countertops look fantastic with the light wood tone Shaker cabinets. Wood tone cabinets are trending again, but in a more contemporary design of the Shaker door style. 

Pros and Cons of Dark Granite Countertops

Pros-

• They create a stunning, timeless elegant design
• Dark granite counters add interest and contrast in the kitchen.
• Incredible versatility — they go well with almost any color and design style, and is easy to accessorize
• Dark granite countertops are durable, dependable, and long lasting surface 
• Dark granite countertops are stain resistant when properly sealed. 
• Easy to maintain them. Using warm water with just a bit of liquid soap and soft cloth is enough.

Cons-

• Water marks and fingertips may show on the surface of dark granite countertops. Sealing your countertops should help this issue.
• You may notice dust sooner on dark granite countertops than on their lighter counterparts. If you make sure to wipe down the surface every day, you won’t notice it at all.

Conclusion

Dark granite colors are classic choices that will never go out of style. They are perfect for a modern kitchen with clean lines. Not only is black or gray granite a stylish choice, but it is solid and long-lasting. Granite is ideal for withstanding daily wear and tear in high-traffic areas, as long as it has been sealed with a high quality product. Dark granite provides a striking contrast against light-colored floors or cabinetry for a bold and dramatic effect. It is very versatile and can be used in both traditional and contemporary kitchens.

Modern Farmhouse kitchens have grown in popularity and are a sought-after choice among homeowners today. Farmhouse style is known for its warmth and simplicity. This design style features natural textures such as wood tones and galvanized steel. Beautiful quartz countertops are showcased in this design. Creams and whites are the most popular color palettes to keep the space light and airy. However, pops of color go a long way to show off your individual style. Farmhouse Style also emphasizes well-used and loved items. There are key elements that seem to be apart of most Farmhouse kitchen designs.

Quartz Countertops

The Modern Farmhouse kitchen looks best with countertops that have a clean smooth look or a subtle pattern. Quartz countertops are a perfect option for this design style. There are many quartz options that have the timeless look of marble but are highly durable and low maintenance. Calacatta Laza, Carrara White, and Arctic Ivory quartz countertops would be great choices for a beautiful white countertop. There are so many choices with quartz countertops, that it really comes down to your personal choice!

Apron Sinks

Apron Sinks (farmhouse sinks) are a staple in farmhouse kitchens. This sink is deep and has an exposed front. Apron sinks are large which makes it easier to wash bigger items like pots, pans and baking sheets. A white apron sink pairs well with white countertops and a light colored tile backsplash that you would see in many current modern farmhouses.

Wood Accents

Farmhouse homes have a cozy, warmth to them.  Wood accents bring natural elements of the outdoors to your design. Many homeowners love open wood shelving, wood beams to bring added warmth to their design. Wood accents add texture to your home and pair wonderfully with white or cream colored walls and countertops while adding a rustic feel to the space.

Pendant Lights

Rustic pendant lighting is a style of hanging light made from simple materials like wood, glass and metal. This type of pendant is perfect for enhancing a Farmhouse design in your kitchen. Wooden pendant styles, such as wood bead, driftwood and distressed wood pendants, work well in rooms with rustic farmhouse themes.

White Shaker Cabinets

White is the name of the game when it comes to Farmhouse design. White cabinets are the common choice of a farmhouse kitchen. White Shaker cabinets are classic and timeless. They never get outdated.  White Shake cabinets add that fresh, clean look to your kitchen. Your hardware style should follow the classic, simple design of the choices you have made for your Farmhouse kitchen.

Quartz countertops continue to gain popularity with homeowners because of their style, function, and low maintenance. In order to keep your gorgeous quartz countertops looking new for years to come, follow these simple tips and tricks listed below.

Clean Your Quartz Countertops Daily

Clean your countertops daily with mild soap and water with a warm damp cloth. Use a circular motion when you are cleaning your countertops to make sure you are not leaving anything behind. Use a clean damp cloth to rinse any soap left on your countertops. If you have any dried messes that won’t come off easily, leave a damp towel soaking on the dirty spot until it loosens. Some mild household cleansers are also safe to use on quartz, such as Bon Ami and Barkeeper’s Friend. You can also use an ammonia-free glass cleaner.

Protect Your Countertops From Damage

Using items such as coasters, cutting boards, trays, and hot pads will protect your quartz countertops from damage. Coasters prevent water rings or stains forming from cups or mugs. While cutting boards will prevent scratches from knives or other sharp objects. Quartz countertops are susceptible to damage from heat.  Using hot pads provides extra protection to keep the resin from warping.

Remove Spills Quickly

Accidents will happen where something spills on the countertops. There is no avoiding it and there is no way of preventing it from happening all of the time. That is why cleaning up spills when they happen as quickly as possible is the best option to keep your quartz countertops safe. The faster a spill can be removed, the chances of forming a stain significantly decrease. Quartz is stain-resistant, but not stain-proof.  Fortunately, it is possible to remove most stains from quartz countertops. Using the ammonia free glass cleaner is a great place to start. A mixture of white vinegar and water is a popular household cleaner to rid of tough stains. Prepare the mixture with this easy formula: equal parts water and vinegar. Let the solution to sit on the stain before wiping with a damp cloth.

Quartz countertops offer both beauty and durability for your kitchens and bathrooms. Using these simple care and cleaning tips will help your quartz countertops stay looking fresh and new for many years to come!

Renovating your kitchen is one of the best ways to add value to your home. Replacing your countertops is a huge part of that process and can add more value than you realize. Therefore, it is important to know what the installation process looks like and how to prepare yourself and your home. Here are a few things to keep in mind when preparing your kitchen for new countertops.

Prepare Your Space

Replacing your kitchen countertops is a construction process. Creating a clear path for easy access to your kitchen and laying down drop cloths or tarps will protect your flooring and minimize any mess. We also recommend covering the construction area’s entryway and vents to contain any dust, as well as covering any furniture in the adjacent areas.

Before Installation

After we have confirmed your installation date, we suggest you schedule a plumber and electrician for the day afterwards so they can reconnect any plumbing and wiring. Installing countertops is a construction process, and there will be some dust and noise.

For areas directly affected by installation: 

• Create a clear path through your home for easy access to the installation area
• Cover furniture and floors along this path
• Remove all items from cabinets

During Installation

On installation day, our professionals will be kind, courteous and efficient. Ensure an adult over the age of 18 is present to make installation decisions, and that children and pets stay away from the area for their own safety

After Installation

Your countertop will last for years and add value to your home if properly cared for. Please review the following recommendations for what to do following your countertop installation:

• For granite countertops we recommend a high-quality long lasting sealer. If you purchase a 25 year sealer do not use your countertops for at least 2 hrs.
• If you haven’t already contact a professional to reconnect your plumbing and electrical.
• We recommend in most cases using warm water, soap and a non-abrasive cloth to clean your countertops. Please take care and use a cutting board and trivets so you don’t cause any lasting damage.

The most important thing throughout this entire process is communication. If you have any questions feel free to contact us via email or phone. 

Starting a new countertop project can be stressful. When looking for a new countertop material, it’s important to understand the steps of the installation process to prepare for what lies ahead. Our experienced experts, will make the process smooth and easy and will help you choose the perfect countertop for you!

Selection of Countertop

We have a large selection of countertop products to choose from such as granite, marble, quartz and quartzite. We will help you find the perfect countertop that is just right for your style and budget. We have a large amount of in-stock materials and have new materials arriving daily. After choosing the material that best suits your space, we’ll work with you to create an estimate for your unique project. Upon review, you’ll sign a contract that guarantees your materials, products and installation scheduling.

Templating

Templating is the process of creating a guide that has the exact measurements of your countertop. Without a template, the fabricator cannot accurately manufacture your countertop. In order to cut your selected slab to the right size that will fit perfectly on top of your cabinets, we first have to create a template. During your selected template date, our skilled technicians will come to your home to precisely measure and create the template for your new countertops.

Layout

After templating is complete, you can make an appointment to come layout your template on the exact slab you have chosen. Our customers can choose where to place the template depending on a few restrictions. Not all countertop fabricators allow their customers to do their own layout. Many companies choose to place the template where they can get the maximum countertop cut per slab. We want our customers to be able to choose that “sweet spot” of the slab they have chosen.

Fabrication

The stone is cut out using the template and the specific measurements of your countertop by a highly skilled technician. Your selected material is cut to ensure precise detail and accuracy. Once cut, the countertop material is edged, polished and quality checked.

Preparation for Countertops

Make sure the path is cleared from your doorway to your kitchen. Before our installers arrive, be sure to disconnect and remove any appliances or decorative items that you have sitting on your countertops. Make sure any chairs, tables, or anything close to your countertops are pushed back to allow room for our installers.

Installation

The day you have been waiting for is finally here!  Our highly experienced installation team will arrive at your home during the specified time to safely install your countertops. If your countertops still need to be removed our installers will take care of that. Our professional installers work hard to make sure your countertops look amazing. Your countertops are an investment that deserve quality installation.

Ready to replace your countertops? This is one of the most important decisions a homeowner can make because your countertops are the center of your design and can add more value than you realize. There are so many materials available that the choice can be daunting. Granite, Quartz, and Marble are three of the best quality and sought-after stone countertops on the market. Granite is a popular choice due to its affordability and durability, while marble countertops have been the centerpiece of homes for centuries. Quartz on the other hand has become somewhat of a phenomenon recently with its marble-like features and unmatched durability. The question is which one is right for you? To help you decide, here is a guide comparing the similarities and differences between each material.

Granite Countertops

Granite is an igneous rock that consists of feldspar and quartz. Since many homeowners prefer a more natural-looking stone, it’s a popular choice for both traditional and contemporary homes.

Pros

Granite is one of the most durable stone countertops. It is scratch-resistant, heat-resistant, and stain-resistant. One of the best reasons to choose granite countertops for your kitchen is that the material is so durable that it resists chips and scratches under normal use. These are just some of the qualities that make it the perfect choice for many homeowners.

Granite is also a gorgeous material. Each slab is unique. It has a seemingly endless array of colors and finishes to choose from. Explore color options of white, yellow, gold, blue, grey, and black and its patterns of solid, marble, and speckled for a perfect focal point for your space. Granite’s finish options include polished, honed, leathered, and flamed.

Cons

Since granite is a natural stone, it is porous and needs to be sealed to maintain its beauty and longevity. It also has a more limited color selection compared to quartz. However, some sealants last for 25 years, and granite has much less maintenance than its other natural stone counterparts.

Marble Countertops

Marble is a metamorphic rock made up of recrystallized carbonate compounds formed with an immense amount of heat and pressure. Though it is available in an array color options, classic white marble is the most sought after choice of homeowners.

Pros

Marble is a classic choice for not only countertops but walls, flooring, and some of the world’s most famous statues and architecture. While there are numerous options for countertops, many feel that there are none comparable to the timeless beauty of marble. 

Cons

Like any other natural stone, marble is quite porous and needs a little more maintenance. It needs to be professionally resealed a few times a year to ensure its longevity. Acids will etch marble leaving a white mark behind. While it does have more upkeep, marble has unsurpassed beauty and can withstand a lot of heat because of how it is formed.

Quartz Countertops

Quartzite is the most widely distributed mineral on earth. It along with resins and recycled materials is used to engineer quartz countertops. Many manufacturers may have their own method to engineer quartz countertops with varying percentages of quartzite and added metallic flecks for aesthetic purposes.

Pros

Quartz countertops are gorgeous and add a luxurious feel to any space. Quartz kitchen countertops have become an increasingly popular choice, and it is not difficult to see why. Quartz countertops are more scratch and chip resistant than granite. They have the widest array of finishes and colors since it is an engineered stone. Quartz’s finish options include polished, honed, rough, suede, concrete, and volcano.

Since quartz countertops are a man-made product they are not only durable but sealed from any bacteria. This is a nice advantage over natural stones as those need to be sealed to prevent staining and bacteria from seeping down into your countertops.

Cons

While quartz countertops are durable and low maintenance, they are not entirely heat-resistant. If you overexpose quartz countertops to heat they will melt and leave a burn mark on your countertop. This is the only area where quartz does not surpass other options. Its durability, beauty, and affordable price point all lend itself to being the perfect option for many homeowners.

Which Should You Choose?

When choosing your countertops, you want to make a decision that will make you happy and add the most value to your home. The choice you make will depend on what you prioritize whether it be uniformity, organic movement, maintenance, affordability, or durability. While you have to make the final call, hopefully we will be able to help you make the final decision.

If you prioritize variability in colors, durability, and low maintenance, granite countertops are perfect for you.

If you prioritize timeless beauty, organic movement and heat resistance than marble is a great choice for you. As long as you don’t mind the added maintenance, marble is a excellent choice for homeowners who love to bake.

If you prioritize customization, low maintenance, uniformity and unsurpassed durability, quartz will be a great fit for you. Just be sure to be careful to avoid burning the surface.

Regardless of whichever material you choose for your countertops, we have everything you need with hundreds of slabs to choose from. When you’re ready to design the kitchen of your dreams, contact us for a free in-home estimate!

New countertops are the most important and largest investment of the kitchen remodeling process. They can radically transform any space and add significant value to your home. However, before your countertops are installed, you must go through the templating process. Here is a guide that will go through the countertop template process including what it is, why it is important, and how to prepare for your template appointment.

What is Templating?

Templating is the process of creating a template that has the exact measurements of your countertop. Without a template, the fabricator cannot accurately manufacture your countertop.

How Can You Prepare for Your Template Appointment?

There are a few things you will need to do before your template appointment:

• Make sure your cabinets are level and secure
• Make sure all appliances are on site
• Remove any objects on and around your countertops
• Locate your water cut off valve before the technicians arrive
• Set up a temporary workspace and prepare meals ahead of time
• Ensure an adult over the age of 18 will be present to make decisions

How is Templating Done?

On the day of your appointment, a skilled technician will arrive and remove any existing countertops to take the measurements of your cabinets. There are two options countertop fabricators use to create a template: the stick method and the digital method. The stick method entails using plastic material and hot glue or acetone to create a template. This gives the fabricator a physical outline to place on a slab and cut out your countertop. The digital method involves using a high-intensity laser that records the dimensions and sends information to a computer. At the fabrication facility, a technician adds any overhands and cutouts, the template is laid out, and the stone is cut. We use the stick method because it allows our experienced technicians to quickly customize the template on-site and add any pertinent details that the customer desires.

Can You Make a Countertop Template on Your Own?

For stone countertops, you must have a professional complete the templating and installation process. Having an experienced professional complete the job will ensure accuracy, which is particularly important in such a large investment. If the measurements are even a fraction incorrect, it can cause issues with your project.

What Happens Next?

After the templating process is complete, you can set up an appointment to select where to place the template on the slab. Then the stone will be cut to reflect the exact measurements drafted during the template appointment. Lastly, you can set up a day for our team to deliver and install your new countertops.

Stone countertops can add visual appeal, increase the functionality of your space, and add value to your home. If you have any questions, please consult our team of experts or another design professional. We have everything you need from countertops to cabinets. With over 15 years of experience, we’ve mastered multiple kitchen styles. When you’re ready to design the kitchen of your dreams, contact us for a free in-home estimate!

Quartz countertops are the modern way to take your kitchen countertops or bathroom vanity to the next level. The clean and elegant flow throughout the surface will make any room shine. Another factor other than the beauty of the material is the durability. Quartz countertops are hermetically sealed during the manufacturing process. Quartz will withstand daily use and abuse while remaining easy to maintain and resisting stains and bacteria growth. Let’s take a look at the various levels of Quartz countertops and weigh the pros and cons of having this material as a kitchen countertop.

The level or the grade of Quartz countertops is determined by the Quartz material used in the manufacturing process. The Quartz stone that is chosen to go into any particular batch will be classified in one of the following classifications;

Seconds:

This grade of Quartz will have numerous veins and could possibly include discolorations throughout the stone. The upside to this is that most of the defects are not visible once the Quartz is crushed and married with the resin.

Standard:

Also known as “commercial” grade, this is the standard Quartz level. This level of Quartz will offer average color depth and quality.

First Quality:

This level utilizes the most premium Quartz. With this Quartz grade the countertops will offer rich colors and very minimum veins.

We carry a multitude of Quartz slabs ranging the spectrum of styles and looks. The three main brands we carry are Cambria Quartz, Zodiaq by DuPont and Cosmos Quartz.

Cambria:

Composed of 93% Quartz, resin and pigments. Cambria Quartz countertops are engineered to feature zero emissions and to be free of Radon. Cambria offers a fully transferrable lifetime warranty.

MSI:

Premium quartz products produced with high-quality materials in a wide variety of colors and designs. MSI offers a lifetime warranty to the original homeowner. 

Cosmos:

Cosmos offers a 10 year warranty on their Quartz surfaces. They also use the perfect blend of polymeric tech combined with Natural Quartz. The results are stunning and extremely durable while remaining easy to clean and maintain.

No matter the brand or level, Quartz kitchen countertops are stunning. The grade of the Quartz will strictly depend on your taste, style and budget. Quartz will give you the custom and unique kitchen you have always dreamt of. As mentioned in the beginning of this article, another great aspect of Quartz counters is that they will never have to be sealed.

Quartz Countertop Maintenance

No matter the brand, color or pattern, Quartz counters are a breeze to maintain. The vast majority of the time a sponge, hot water and elbow grease is all that is needed to clean up any spill that occurs on the countertop. Using any soap for cleaning can build up a film like residue and leave your surfaces dull and hazy.

Our best recommendation is to use a high quality stone cleaner, such as a Granite or Marble cleaner, to keep your counters clean. These cleaners not only clean your surfaces, they are mild enough as not to damage or discolor your countertops. As a bonus, these cleaners have an optical brightener to keep your quartz countertops shining brightly.