Kristy

It can be frustrating to make sure that you always have a clean cutting board in the kitchen. Don’t people go on and on about the durability of stone countertops? If they’re as durable as they say, shouldn’t you be able to slice food directly on their surface?

It depends. And the fact of the matter is that no matter the countertop material, you should always use a cutting board; it’s the safest practice. Let us tell you why.

 

Granite and Quartz

Granite and quartz are hard stone materials known for their scratch-resistant qualities. But just because they’re scratch resistant doesn’t mean they’re scratch proof. When it comes to acidic foods like citrus fruits, the acid can degrade the surface of the countertop and leave a dull spot behind.

Quartz has a great resistance to cuts and scratches because it’s held together by resins, and these resins contribute to the durability of quartz in general. But even so, a considerable amount of force over a prolonged period of time will do damage.

Not only that, but cutting directly on your countertops can also do a number on your kitchen knives. Constantly cutting on such hard surfaces will dull their blades.

While granite doesn’t blink an eye at these knife blades, the sealer might have an issue with them—and it could wear down over time. As the sealer wears down, liquids and food will soak into the countertop more easily. You want your kitchen countertop to be as hygienic as possible, and that is definitely not a hygienic quality.

 

Softer Stones

You should never chop food on soft stones like marble and limestone. They are even more susceptible to damage done by acidic foods and drinks because they’re more porous than granite and quartz.

Bakers love marble because of the way it stays cool no matter what. If you’re a master baker, you might consider installing marble into a small area of your kitchen as a place to bake, then choosing something a bit more durable for the rest of the room.

 

Opt for a Cutting Board

Hard stone countertops can ruin your knives in no time at all, dulling even the sharpest blade. And when particles of food or liquid get stuck in the fissures of your countertop surface, it’s a perfect breeding ground for bacteria—and bacteria in your kitchen counter does not make for a safe and healthy place to prepare food.

 

Take Our Advice: Preserve Your Countertops

At Washington Marble Works, we want to keep your countertops looking gorgeous for as long as possible, and that means using a cutting board when preparing food. In order to safeguard the health of your family and the quality of your countertops, avoid slicing and dicing right on their surface as best you can.

To learn more about best countertop practices, get in touch with us today.

Countertop replacement and remodeling projects can add value to your home—and who doesn’t enjoy a little home improvement? But what makes every home interesting is the fact that the floor plans can differ so greatly. While most kitchens are on the first floor, sometimes you’ll find second-floor kitchens that need a countertop revamp.

Or maybe you want to add a stone countertop to your second floor without the presence of a kitchen. Maybe there’s a bar on that level that you want to spruce up, or a master bathroom. For whatever the reason, people want to know whether it’s safe to install stone countertops on the second floor of their home.

Stone is an extremely heavy material. The average granite countertop weighs between 500 and 1200 pounds, and adding that sort of heft to your home is a big deal!

 

Make Calculations and Check Your Floors

Before you make the decision to install your stone countertops on the second floor, we recommend calculating the total square footage for your project, along with the weight of the materials that you’ll be adding. If you need help determining the weight, Washington Marble Works can assist you.

After that, take a look at your floors and their strength and weight capacity. Check for signs of weakness by looking for

sagging floors

uneven floors

wet or rotted floor joists

a basement or crawlspace with a dirt floor

These signs can point to weak flooring or weak foundation, or a total failure of the two—and that doesn’t make for a strong second floor. With signs like those, your floor might not be able to support your new countertop.

Do your cabinets rattle when someone walks into the room? Are your floors bouncy? If you answered yes to either of those questions, that might be a sign that your floor is struggling to support the weight of the room.

If your floor is already struggling, it might not be the best idea to add stone countertops to the second floor.

 

Knowing Your Floors

Anytime you add significant weight to your home, it’s smart to check the integrity of your floors. If your floors are saggy, bouncy, or if your furniture leans toward the middle of the room, you might need to add floor supports to support the extra weight.

Floor supports might be just what you need for a stone countertop on the second floor, especially if your floor is already pushed to its limit.

 

Your Countertop Experts

At Washington Marble Works, we are experts in all things countertop related. But in order to make sure that your floors can handle the weight of a second-floor stone countertop, we recommend calling in a floor expert for their opinion.

After you get those facts settled, get in touch with us to get started on your stone countertop journey!

When it comes to the color of quartz countertops, the possibilities are endless. Shades range from bright white to dark brown to midnight black. There are so many hues and tones available for quartz countertops that, no matter your design style, you’re sure to find something that suits your taste.

The reason why there is such a wide variety of quartz colorations is that it’s an engineered stone. Because quartz countertops are a man-made material, they can essentially be made in any color under the sun. Granite and marble are different—they are sourced from the earth, and therefore Mother Nature decides their patterns and aesthetic. But the look of quartz, on the other hand, can be controlled.

 

Colors Available

Quartz gives homeowners the chance to perfectly match their countertops to their existing cabinets, flooring, or other design elements in their kitchen or bathroom. As far as the quartz’s colors go, we only have so much space. We could go on forever listing every single shade of available quartz, but for the sake of brevity, we’ll share some of the most popular shade categories to see what you think of them.

 

The Most Popular Shades

Here are the most popular colors of quartz countertops:

White/Light Quartz

White, ivory, cream, and other light-colored quartz adds an air of luxury and elegance to a space. They also take advantage of natural light and make the room feel bigger than it actually is. These shades are rising in popularity due to the shift toward crisp brightness in modern interior design. They work well with the minimalist style that’s big nowadays, and the white color family also makes it easy to match other design elements with the countertop.

Black/Dark Quartz

If you’re looking for a bold and dramatic aesthetic, look no further than black, dark brown, or rich charcoal colored quartz. These shades work well in chic, sleek, modern kitchens—and they are also known for hiding dust and dirt extremely well. If your kitchen is heavily frequented, we recommend these shades of quartz!

Gray Quartz

Gray quartz can add a feel of modern classiness to any space. Whether you’re looking for a concrete look or something akin to granite, gray quartz can make it happen. Shades vary from light, smoky quartz to dark, charcoal coloring, offering a variety of hues for your unique space.

Brown/Tan Quartz

Those looking for a neutral countertop should consider brown and tan quartz, as these shades bring warmth to a space that emphasizes traditional design. They can mimic the look of granite countertops, which makes brown and tan quartz extremely popular with homeowners across the nation.

 

An Exciting Variety

At Washington Marble World, we love the variety of quartz in our showroom. Come check it out for yourself or schedule a consultation with us today.

Quartz countertops have been around since the late 1970s but have risen in popularity over the last few years. There are plenty of quartz countertops to choose from, and those who love them are partial to certain brands for unique reasons.

 

Quartz in General

Quartz is an engineered stone that can mimic the look of natural stone, but its patterns are often known for being more consistent and uniform than those of natural stone.

Each brand of quartz is beautiful in its own way, and each has characteristics that sets it apart from the rest. But there are some similarities that all of these brands hold—their composition.

All quartz slabs have about 90 percent natural quartz content with about 10 percent polymers and resins added to seal their pores. These additives create the uniform consistency that quartz is famous for and make the process of sealing unnecessary. All quartz slabs are very resistant to water, thanks to the sealed pores, and a bit more sensitive to heat than natural stone materials.

The differences in the quartz slabs are noticeable, though:

Design
Brands of quartz have designs that set them apart from one another, details like their shape, size, and placement of crystal streaks.
Size
Some quartz stone brands offer custom sizes for particular products, and in some cases, you can get a slab customized so you don’t see any seams.
Price
While quartz slabs are more affordable than they’ve ever been, some brands are known for having a higher price point than others.

 

Brands of Quartz

Here are some popular brands of quartz and what you can expect from each of them:

Caesarstone
Caesarstone was one of the first companies to bring quartz countertops to the mainstream public, and they are one of the top quartz companies in the United States. Its designs are highly distinctive, and they use materials like semiprecious gems and petrified wood pieces to make their slabs stand out from the rest.

Silestone
Silestone is one of the most recognizable brands of quartz countertops because of its bold and vibrant colors. You won’t often find these slabs in natural colors, and this company has a variety of sinks, vanities, and shower pans that pair with their countertops.

Cambria
Cambria has the largest range of designs, colors, edge profiles, and sizes. If you’re looking for variety, Cambria is the brand you should gravitate toward. It’s well liked because you can get quartz in large slabs, and it’s known for its smooth polish and natural aesthetics.

 

The Uniqueness of Quartz

In our showroom, we house a variety of quartz brands that boast stunning looks and superior quality. At Washington Marble Works, we’re proud of the quality that we offer, and we’d love to show it off to you. To get started on your project or learn more about quartz countertops, get in touch with us today.

While the countertop materials that we offer at Washington Marble World aren’t super high maintenance, do they do involve a certain degree of maintenance to keep them looking their best.

 

Cleaning Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops are available in all types of patterns, designs, and colorations. Their versatility is part of why so many people gravitate to them. These countertops are made of a nonporous material, which means that they’ll never need to be sealed—all the while resisting stains, mold, mildew, and bacteria.

It matters what chemicals you choose to clean your countertops. Here’s a quick guide for quartz:

– In the moments after a spill, use dish soap and a soft cloth.
– For tougher stains, use glass/surface cleaner and a soft cloth (or a nonabrasive sponge).

Quartz is durable, but it does not take well to rough sponges, Clorox, oven cleaners, concentrated bleach, nail polish remover, and other harsh chemicals. Cleaning these countertops daily with simple soap and water is enough to keep them gleaming.

 

Cleaning Granite Countertops

Granite countertops are a natural stone that is heat resistant, scratch resistant, and gorgeous. Since it’s a natural, porous stone, it needs to be sealed in order to remain tough against stains and liquid damage.

Everyday cleaning for granite involves the same components as quartz—just soap and water will do the trick. It’s also important to avoid acidic cleaners, vinegar, Windex, and bleach—these are not good for granite surfaces because they dull the finish and weaken the seal.

Here’s a quick granite cleaning guide:

– Use a soft, dry sponge to wipe off crumbs and debris.
– Wet the sponge and add soap for everyday cleaning and use a “windshield-wiper-like” motion.
– For hardened stains, use a razor blade (carefully), a plastic knife, or baking soda.

Make sure to dry off whatever solution you use, as sitting liquid can damage granite’s sealant over time.

 

Cleaning Marble Countertops

There’s nothing like the glamor that comes with marble countertops, but they are known for being sensitive. Much like granite, these countertops are porous and require sealant, and they stand up well to heat.

Staying away from acids around your marble is key. Don’t let spills accumulate—instead, clean them right away. As with the other two countertop materials, dish soap, water, and a soft cloth will do wonders for your marble.

For marble, use this cleaning guide:

– Mix dish soap and water in a spray bottle, then spray the solution onto your countertops. Wipe down the surface with a nonabrasive sponge.
– For oil-based stains, mix dish soap with a tiny amount of bleach or acetone, then spray directly onto the spot. Wipe it away immediately and rinse with soap and water.

 

Cleaning Your Countertops

Maintaining your stone countertops isn’t as intimidating as it may seem. To learn more about this practice, get in touch with Washington Marble Works today at (253) 891-1823.