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Stephen Alberts

SIX ADVANTAGES OF NATURAL STONE FOR YOUR BATHROOM COUNTERS

Updating your bathroom can be difficult to navigate. There are countless options for every appliance. The more you search, the murkier the differences can become. When thinking about countertops, one choice stands out above the rest. If you want to choose materials that are modern yet timeless, as well as luxurious while durable, then seriously considering natural stone may be ideal for your home’s needs.

Natural stone countertops are a terrific choice to meet all of these needs and bring beauty and value to your home. Whether you’re choosing quartz, granite, marble, soapstone, or something else, you can be confident that your surface will be a gorgeous and reliable addition to your remodeled bathroom.

Learn more about why natural stone counters are an absolute standout in any home. We discuss the unique advantages that set them apart from countertops made of other materials.

WATER RESISTANCE

Stone doesn’t suffer damage from water. Your bathroom sinks won’t be a risk when it comes to the longevity of your countertops. This is a key benefit in any bathroom where water damage and flooding can pose a significant risk. Even if your sinks overflow, the stone isn’t warped and ruined. You won’t have to worry about water damage ruining your countertops. All you need to do is wipe them dry with a cloth and use stone cleaner to maintain their sparkling finish.

HEAT RESISTANCE

Stone is a natural heat sink and won’t suffer damage from exposure to high temperatures. Heated styling tools can’t melt or burn natural stone, so your curling iron or flat iron aren’t a risk to natural stone. With synthetic materials, it’s easy to do severe damage quickly without even noticing until it’s too late. If you or someone else in your family love to lay on the heat when it comes to styling, consider natural stone. Prevent any problems before they start.

DURABILITY

On top of being heat and water-resistant, natural stone is extremely durable. Stone countertops don’t scratch or chip easily. Razors, makeup bags, and whatever else life throws at your bathroom counter are not likely to leave a mark. Stone is a hard material that can also withstand a high amount of force. They’re able to endure any treatment with ease.

Saving yourself the stress of a marked-up or scratched surface is worth it in the long run. The longevity of your remodeled bathroom countertops will increase drastically with natural stone.

RESTORATION OPTIONS

If your natural stone countertop does end up with a scratch or become dull, you don’t need to replace it. Stone can be polished and sanded to return them to their true beauty so that you can keep them forever. Even chips can be fixed with the help of a restorer. A dazzling counter made of granite, marble, soapstone, or whatever you choose is always going to shine in your home.

EACH COUNTERTOP IS UNIQUE

Natural stone is a visually stunning material. Each countertop made from real stone, no matter which type you choose, is unique. Each type of natural stone has its own gorgeous colors and attributes based on how it develops. Any stone from a dazzling white marble or mottled granite can match your home’s interior and bring a special individuality to your living space.

Nobody else will have the exact same bathroom as you. Each fleck of color, vein, and spot gives the stone an artistic quality. Not only are natural stone countertops practical, but they also make beautiful art pieces and are a natural point of conversation built into your home.

A POINT OF LUXURY

Stone countertops add true luxury to your home with a relaxing, beautiful bathroom retreat. Depending on where you live, updated counters improve your chance of selling your home and can potentially increase its value. If you’re thinking of going on the market, stone countertops might increase your chance of selling. This simple change can transform any living space from ordinary to desirable.

CONCLUSION

Overall, there are real and useful advantages to installing stone counters in your bathroom over other materials. They’re reliable, beautiful, and luxurious. Having a material that speaks for itself is worth the expense. Each countertop is a unique, fantastic addition to your home for everyday use and increasing resale value.

WHICH BRANDS SELL THE BEST QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS?

It’s time to remodel your kitchen countertops and bring it into the 21st century—as they say, “Out with the old and in with the new!” But how do you choose the best material? What’s the difference between marble, granite, and quartz?

Learn about the best quartz countertops, as well as other options to consider when redesigning your kitchen countertops.

BEST QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS

Quartz countertops are the perfect choice for a modern kitchen. They are sleek and stylish, and as a natural stone, they are non-porous—which means they are durable and require little to no maintenance. Keep in mind that these countertops are not heat resistant; you will need to use a trivet or potholder to avoid setting hot cookware directly on the quartz countertop.

Quartz countertops are available in various colors and patterns, many of them copying the look of granite and marble. You can also get recycled glass or metallic flakes added to your unique design.

Once you have decided on quartz countertops for your kitchen, here are five of the top brands to choose from.

CAESARSTONE

If you are looking for quality, Caesarstone quartz is your answer. They offer more than 40 color options in design stores nationwide. Whether you are looking for monochromatic or bold colors, Caesarstone provides quality quartz in a variety of styles. They are one of the industry’s first companies and have been leading the pack ever since.

While not the most expensive on our list, you can expect to pay between $55-$75 per square foot.

CAMBRIA

Cambria holds the title of the world’s largest manufacturer of quartz countertops. They are known for bold designs that stand out among the competition. They are a high-end brand that is only available at certain stores known for luxury materials. Cambria is also one of the few brands wholly manufactured in the United States.

The most expensive, but known for its quality, you’ll see costs on average $55-$75 per square foot.

HANSTONE

Manufactured in the United States, HanStone quartz is an excellent option for chefs and families that love to cook. They are known for their durability, as well as their various styles and colors. Whatever design you are looking for in your kitchen, HanStone is a quality option.

HanStone also has a variety of options, from $40-$75 per square foot.

CORIAN QUARTZ

Corian quartz used to be called Zodiaq and is owned by DuPont. They pride themselves on making extra-tough quartz stone surfacing with over 60 designs to choose from. You’ll get a ten-year warranty, so owners can rest easy knowing that their expensive countertops are safe.

The cost of Corian varies, but you can expect their product to start at about $30 per square foot.

SILESTONE

A popular choice among homeowners, Silestone boasts that they originally created quartz countertops. They have been in business since 1990 and consistently provide quality craftsmanship. Silestone is available in various colors and textures, including polished, suede, and volcano. Silestone is created by Consentino and is based in Spain.

The most reasonably priced on our list, Silestone quartz runs $10-$40 per square foot.

OTHER MATERIALS TO CONSIDER

Here are some other quality materials to consider as well.

Granite

Granite countertops have unique styles and patterns that create the perfect style for any kitchen. They are an environmentally friendly option that, once sealed, repel dirt and bacteria.

As one of the hardest materials found on earth, granite countertops are great for resisting scratching and chipping. The durability of granite is second only to quartz.

Marble

Marble countertops are a great cost-efficient alternative to granite and quartz. It’s a natural stone with the same benefits (such as durability and luxury) as the aforementioned options at a lower price. Plus, it’s heat-resistant.

Homeowners can choose from an assortment of colors such as white, black, gray, red, or yellow to create a style of their own.

Quartzite

Quartzite is a naturally formed metamorphic rock created when sandstone is heated and pressurized. Homeowners will seal quartzite countertops for a durable, low-maintenance surface. Available colors are usually white and gray, with pink or red hues added when iron oxidizes in the stone.

A popular choice for modern homes, quartzite can withstand heat and is considered more durable than granite. Quartzite countertops are best for those with busy kitchens and lots of parties.

ADDING QUARTZ TO YOUR HOME

You’ll need a quality contractor, no matter which quartz producer you choose to go with. We have over a decade of experience to ensure your needs are met. Contact our office to set up a consultation with you!

3 TIPS TO HELP YOU OUT OF THE BATHROOM COUNTERTOP SELECTION CONUNDRUM

Your bathroom countertop renovation can cause decision anxiety. Whether it’s the look, the function, or the cost—there’s a lot to consider.

You do a lot with your bathroom countertop. Your vanity surface is the site of everyday routines. You might splash water when you wash your face, drop some toothpaste on the bathroom counter, or dribble nail polish. Your vanity needs to endure a wide variety of use.

3 TIPS TO MAKE YOUR SELECTION SIMPLE

We make the best decisions when we have a plan. Cost, durability, and maintenance are three crucial factors to consider. With three tips to focus on, you simplify your selection.

Tip #1: Decide on a Budget

Price can be a daunting subject, especially when deciding on a budget. When adding cost into the equation, it helps to compare the cost to the benefits of the material. Sometimes quality costs more, but you might spend less to get what you need.

If you’re doing a complete bathroom renovation, it’s helpful to create an estimate for individual items. You won’t necessarily stick to that exact amount because some elements might cost more or less as you make final decisions. Your overall budget is essential, but an itemized budget helps narrow your choices.

Quartz, quartzite, marble, and granite are common materials for countertops. On average, granite is the cheapest option, followed by quartz and quartzite. Marble costs the most.

Best bathroom countertop material for cost: Granite. It’s durable and versatile. No two slabs are alike, making the appearance unique, and it is available in a variety of styles and tones.

Tip #2 Make Style and Material Choices for Longevity

Durability is the difference between a bathroom countertop lasting you a couple of years or ten years. You want your vanity to look good, but it’s better if it can look good for a long time.

You set a lot of stuff down on your bathroom countertop. The average person can use many potions and lotions, whether they’re all-natural or manufactured, and those daily used products can wear down surfaces.

It’s better to invest in a style that won’t look outdated in a few years. Natural stone has an advantage for looking timeless. Many are available with various color options, from overall tone to unique veining, but retain an appearance that can match any style.

Best bathroom countertop material for longevity: Quartzite. It might not be as timeless as marble, but it comes close. It’s low maintenance, natural stone that’s heat resistant and can endure every use.

Tip #3: Plan on Maintenance

Maintenance can impact how you use your bathroom countertop. As a high-touch surface, there are countless surface interactions. You set down brushes, cups, makeup, hair products, razors, and irons.

Imagine if your bathroom countertop was delicate, if you had to be careful what you put down in case it chipped or stained. You’d remind yourself to be cautious of where moisture lands when you brush your teeth or wash your hands.

Bathrooms are messy, even for the meticulous and tidy. It helps to have a surface that’s easy to clean. Your bathroom countertops need to function. The design and the material shouldn’t get in your way.

Best bathroom countertop material for maintenance: Quartz. It’s low maintenance and easy to clean. It’s resistant to stains and heat. What’s more, it’s manufactured but made with natural stone, allowing more color options.

MATERIALS

The most common materials for bathroom countertops are stone, laminate, and porcelain.

Layers of plastic are fused to form laminate. It’s inexpensive and available in a wide range of colors. Laminate can handle rough daily usage, but it lacks heft and doesn’t add much value to the home.

Porcelain can be trendy, especially as it’s available in a variety of colors and styles. However, it’s delicate. It also requires more regular cleaning and re-sealing to prevent grout buildup and stains.

Stone is the most expensive of the three, but since there are a few materials in the category, that cost has a wide range. Any stone material adds value to your home. However, granite and marble are the most sought after.

FINAL WORD

Whatever completes your vision for your new bathroom countertop, it shouldn’t cause a conundrum. Although there is a maze of decisions to make, hopefully, mapping out the three most important choices can narrow down your path.

BE A SUSTAINABILITY SAVANT WITH NATURAL STONE KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS

Stone kitchen countertops are not only attractive because of their stunning physical attributes or the level of sophistication they bring to your home, but they also happen to be incredibly sustainable and good for the environment.

Slabs of quarried stone like granite and marble are not in short supply and are highly durable and healthy materials. Once you no longer wish to keep them as your countertop, they can be easily recycled and returned to the earth.

It’s important to keep in mind that the quarrying and transporting of these stones can—not always, but often—occur in unsafe working conditions with underpaid manual labor. If you’re interested in purchasing a stone countertop, try to find a local stone producer and find out exactly how and where the stone came to be quarried and processed.

Let’s discuss a few reasons why stone kitchen countertops are the ideal sustainable option for your kitchen designs.

1. STONE IS A NATURAL AND ABUNDANT MATERIAL

Because stones like granite and marble are a natural product of Mother Earth, it does not require other resources or materials to make it. There is also an abundant supply of stone materials, which allows you to avoid the more depleted resources on our planet, such as wood. Stone’s naturally varying physical characteristics enable it to be applied in various designs.

These natural stones carry no harmful or toxic chemicals, keeping our environment—and your home—healthy. When locally manufactured and extracted, emissions of greenhouse gasses during transportation are also significantly reduced. You can typically find stone quarry sites within a 500-mile radius of most building sites.

2. STONE IS LONG LASTING

One of the most durable materials on the planet, stone can always stand the test of time. Incorporating stone kitchen countertops can positively affect the value of your home and require very little upkeep or redesign. Stones like marble and granite age well and can last as many as fifty to a hundred years, although they are porous and do require yearly sealing to keep out stains.

Because of their durability, there is less of a need to extract these materials so often, only further emphasizing their sustainability and why choosing them is a better option for the planet. Unlike materials that will need to be replaced or repaired more frequently, stone is everlasting.

3. STONE IS RECYCLABLE

The characteristics of natural stone allow it to become repurposed in a multitude of ways outside of a stone kitchen countertop. Salvaged stone from one place can be easily disassembled, reformed, and refinished for things like paving materials or mosaic floor designs. Repurposed stones might even provide a sense of charming nostalgia to your space, depending on what it was once used for.

Using stone that has been recycled helps reduce the energy, water, and other resources that we typically need to manufacture brand-new products from other unsustainable raw materials. This ultimately will avoid the unnecessary disruption of our ecosystems and the consumption of our limited natural resources.

4. STONE IS SUSTAINABLY MANUFACTURED

In most cases, stone materials like granite and marble are ethically and sustainably quarried and manufactured. In fact, with all the technological advancements we’ve made in recent years, the methods of extracting these stones have become much more efficient and cost effective while also minimizing waste and preventing pollution.

As we mentioned earlier, not all stone manufacturers go about the process this way, so it’s important to understand where your stone is coming from if you decide to go this route.

5. STONE IS EASY TO CARE FOR

While stone is quite porous, once sealed, it’s effortless to keep clean. Once finished, stone materials like granite and marble can be kept well with even the mildest soaps and cleaners while using very little water. This also adds to its sustainability advantages because you can avoid harsh or harmful chemicals in cleaners that only contribute to polluting the environment.

READY TO ADD A CUSTOM STONE COUNTERTOP TO YOUR KITCHEN?

If you’re interested in adding a natural granite or marble kitchen countertop, we can certainly help. Our professionals will work with you through every step of the process as we bring your vision to life.

Based in Littleton, Bella Casa Countertops and Stone has served Colorado residents since 2001. We’re ready to help you create the stunning kitchen you’ve been dreaming of. Contact us at 720-702-4991, or reach out online to discuss your project.

BOOST YOUR GRANITE KNOWLEDGE: UNDERSTANDING THE MANY STYLE CHOICES

There’s no time like right now to learn more about the many advantages of granite. Are you remodeling soon or undertaking a complete kitchen or bathroom reno? Maybe you’re still in the dreaming process. Whatever your reasons, enjoy this blog that will boost your granite knowledge!

GRANITE THROUGH THE AGES

People have used granite as a construction material for a very long time. The ancient Egyptians were among the first to know the advantages of granite, with famous structures like the Red Pyramid (circa 2590 BC) and the Great Pyramid of Giza (circa 2580 BC), which were once majestically polished works of granite that have withstood thousands of years.

These days, we may not be fashioning granite sarcophaguses fit for a pharaoh in our homes, but we do have many style choices that offer different benefits to fit anyone’s needs. Let’s check granite out some more.

THE BENEFITS OF GRANITE

Any real estate agent will tell you that a home’s value lies in an updated kitchen or bathroom. There’s also tremendous prestige when you have granite countertops installed in these spaces.

Granite slabs get graded on a scale of one to five based on their pattern, color, and thickness. While the advantages of granite thickness are generally worth the expense, you can price out a thinner slab of granite and still get your value back at resale.

If you have a young family or entertain quite a bit in the kitchen, a hard-surfaced granite slab countertop is resistant to both scratches and heat.

STYLES OF GRANITE

Granite is timeless, and with a properly installed and sealed countertop, homeowners will enjoy the long-lasting advantages of granite surfaces for a long time.

There are a few granite styles to choose from:

POLISHED GRANITE

For many years, polished granite countertops remained the most popular countertop of choice in homes and businesses, and quite frankly, polished granite will never go out of style.

But different granite countertop styles are now appearing in design magazines and showrooms, and the great news is, these styles generally offer the same advantages as polished granite.

HONED GRANITE

It’s called “honed granite” because it comes in a matte finish instead of the traditional high gloss of polished granite.

Some people prefer honed granite because its soft, cool-to-the-touch surface is just as durable and resistant to heat and scratches as polished granite. And the low gloss minimizes any tiny imperfections that may befall a well-loved and used countertop over time.

Honed granite and polished granite both come in various color palettes to satisfy any design plans. The resale value of polished or honed granite is one of the most significant advantages of granite.

It’s important to remember to reseal polished or honed granite countertops on occasion to ward off stains.

MODULAR GRANITE

There are advantages to modular granite in that it’s easier to install. Modular granite slabs are considerably thinner, making them less expensive. Most DIY kitchen projects involve modular granite countertops, and better quality modular granite countertops can be scratch-resistant.

Beware of some modular granite countertops that appear to have the advantages of granite because there are disadvantages too. Modular granite is more prone to cracking, it may have visible seams, and it generally only comes in a square, bullnose design, unsuitable for a custom kitchen. Modular granite might not offer the same resale value as honed or polished granites either.

WHITE GRANITE AS A MARBLE ALTERNATIVE

Marble may be the crème de la crème of luxurious materials, but marble comes at a cost, and the truth is, it’s not a cinch to maintain.

If you’re craving the clean lines and chicness of marble, the advantages of a white granite countertop are many. White granite is just as elegant and durable as marble, and it’s easier to maintain too.

Bear in mind that granite comes from the hardest and oldest natural stone. The look and graining of granite occur over thousands of years as molten rocks cooled and solidified.

Because of this, a “pure white” without flecks in the granite doesn’t exist. But that’s another advantage of granite, the variations adding richness and character to your countertop.

A white kitchen remains a timeless favorite, and it fits the needs of anyone looking for a contemporary, sophisticated, or classic style.

WE KNOW THE ADVANTAGES OF GRANITE

Your dream kitchen or bath deserves the finest design, materials, and workmanship. We are professionals who understand your needs, and we pride ourselves on making your dream home plans come true.

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