Thursday, July 24, 2014

Considering Quartz for Your Next Project

If you are considering remodeling your home, you’ve probably been sifting through the many different options you have for countertops, backsplashes, and bathroom surfaces, but have you considered Quartz?


There are many different reasons for choosing this great surface to place in your home.


One thing many people don’t know about Quartz is that it’s environmentally friendly:


Even if you’re not a tree-hugger at heart, you may be able to appreciate the eco-friendly nature of this product and the natural beauty it will bring to your home.

Quartz is a natural material that comes 100% from the earth!

It is made from recycled materials, meaning there is almost no need for manufacturers to quarry new material. The environment will thank you for that one!


In addition to being eco-friendly, Quartz countertops are made to be tough. Quartz is a hard stone, and unlike it’s close cousin the granite-countertop, Quartz does not need to be continuously sealed and re-sealed over time to prevent wear, saving you time and money. In addition to not needing to be sealed, Quartz is also more resistant to staining, and being an ‘engineered stone’ doesn’t have the flaws and striations that may be found in other natural countertop options.

To recap: Some advantages of using Quartz in your next building project are it’s durability, stain resistance, classic look, and it’s environmentally friendly manufacturing.

If your interested in using Quartz, or are looking for other cabinetry, backslashes or counters, feel free to contact us !



Considering Quartz for Your Next Project

Saturday, July 12, 2014

Concrete Countertops Offer Creativity, Durability and Cost Competitiveness

It used to be that almost every kitchen had laminate countertops with a few exceptions being tile.


If you were installing or remodeling a kitchen you didn’t have much choice in countertop. That was years ago prior to Corian hitting the market. More recently granite and quartz became popular reducing the percentage of kitchens with laminate countertops considerably and increasing options for consumers. Today there are even more alternative options include concrete countertops, butcher block wood and even countertops made from recycled glass. These alternative options have become more affordable in recent years increasing the popularity. Let’s examine the creativity, durability and cost of concrete countertops.



Creativity


One advantage of concrete is that is allows room for creativity. The color and lines of the countertops can be selected by the homeowner. Pictures can be included as well. The end result is a kitchen countertop that looks like a work of art.



Durability


Once the countertop has been installed and sealed, concrete is considered highly durable. The durability is comparable to a limestone or marble countertop. The key is to make sure the concrete is properly sealed so it doesn’t stain.



Cost


Cost of concrete countertops has come down over the years making it an affordable option. When concrete was originally on the market it was only possible for the ultra rich but now everyday homeowners can consider installing concrete countertops.



Comparison to Other Options


All countertop options have their drawbacks. Wooden countertops are known to be worn due to use of knives. Soapstone will weather over time. A drawback of granite is that it releases trace amounts of radon which is a radioactive gas. Granite can also harbor bacteria because it is porous. The main drawback of concrete is the chance it may stain but proper sealing eliminates that risk.

If you are interested in learning more about concrete countertops contact us at Edgewood Cabinetry. We can help you with your kitchen design so that it fits your style and needs.



Concrete Countertops Offer Creativity, Durability and Cost Competitiveness