Picking the right countertop material is one of the most important decisions you have to make for your kitchen. And that decision might not lead you to the traditional granite countertop. Recycled glass countertops might be a better fit for your home. Why? We’ve put together this guide to help you learn more about recycled glass countertops […]
Category Archives: Countertop Buying Guide
12
May
May
Thirty years ago, you might not have ever seen granite countertops in someone’s home. However, granite countertops have been on the rise since the late ’90s, and now it’s difficult to see a home without them. Obviously, granite countertops look great – otherwise, people wouldn’t want them installed in their homes so frequently. Looks aren’t […]
08
May
May
Granite’s name comes from the Latin word “granum,” or grain. When you look closely at a piece of granite, it’s easy to see why: its crystalline structure is made up of small grains of many different materials. This lends itself to a wide variety of granite types. That’s one of the many reasons granite countertops are so […]
Countertop Buying Guide
Which Type of Countertops Will Save You Time & Trouble? The Best Materials For Low Maintenance Countertops
08
May
May
There are plenty of trendy and pricey countertops out there to choose from, but when it comes to easy maintenance, not all materials are created equal. Fortunately, you don’t necessarily have to sacrifice style or quality for low maintenance countertop material. These low maintenance countertops will save you time and trouble so you can spend […]
06
May
May
Do you have an older home with character? You may be looking to update some aspects, including your kitchen countertops. Continue reading to find the best kitchen countertop material that will give your antique home a modern twist. Soapstone Soapstone is a smooth, soft stone that comes in either gray, green, black, or blue-gray. Though […]
04
May
May
60% of Americans don’t have enough savings to cover a $500 emergency. Saving money isn’t easy, but it can be done. Granite countertops are all the rage right now, but they don’t come cheap. As the saying goes, you get what you pay for. You might think you could never afford high-quality counters but think again. […]
Countertop Buying Guide
Elegance That’s Etched In Stone: 9 Reasons to Choose Stone Countertops For Your Home
04
May
May
First impressions really do matter, especially when it comes to the most used room in your home—the kitchen. What do guests see when they visit your kitchen? If you’re considering a facelift for your kitchen, installing stone countertops is one design move that can make a dramatic impact. No need to limit natural stone finishes […]
30
Apr
Apr
Quartz countertops aren’t made entirely from quartz — and some don’t contain any quartz at all. While the name may be misleading, the beauty, durability, and texture of a quartz countertop certainly aren’t. All quartz countertops are manufactured from the same patented process created in 1963. While the process is still the same, the results are […]
26
Apr
Apr
Are you looking to breathe some new life into your kitchen decor? You need stone. It’s like The Flintstones meets the Jetsons; stone isn’t the past, it’s the future! Granite countertops are a great way to and style and character to your kitchen! There’s no need for an entire kitchen overhaul, simply adding new granite countertops […]
28
Nov
Nov
Kitchen and bathroom remodeling top many people’s lists of home renovation projects. Countertops often become a major decision because it’s one of the first things people see when they enter a room. As you investigate the options, you’ll learn that granite and Silestone — a brand of quartz countertops — are popular choices. While some […]
24
Nov
Nov
Considering a stylish addition to your kitchen? If you’re following trends, then you already know that crushed glass countertops are hitting the market. They’re a new, eco-friendly way to ensure that you have a durable, great looking counter. Are they right for your home? Read on and we’ll go over the pros and cons of […]
21
Nov
Nov
Ever noticed that people gather in the kitchen during a party? Showcase your gathering space with practical and stylish modern-day countertops. Open counter space and great task lighting are the top trends in kitchen design for 2018. There are lots of articles on finding the right lighting, but the countertop trends need some closer study. […]
04
Nov
Nov
If you’re looking to add beauty and function that compliments your new kitchen countertops, look no further than under cabinet lighting. Not only does this type of light fixture add essential task lighting over your work surfaces, it also adds ambiance and style to your kitchen. Especially for eat-in kitchens, well-styled under cabinet lighting can […]
21
Sep
Sep
Are you interested in installing new stone countertops in your kitchen, your bathroom, or another area of your home? If so, there are a bunch of different stone countertop options for you to choose from. Granite, for example, has become one of the most popular stone countertop types in recent years. Marble and soapstone are […]
28
Aug
Aug
The first part of preparing your countertops for a new installation or replacement is to communicate with the contractors who will be working on it. It’s courteous to ask if it would make their job easier if you did a certain amount of preparation beforehand. In most cases, the best thing you can do is […]
30
Jul
Jul
You know that the right countertops can completely elevate the look of a room and help you to express your personality in the process. But especially if you’re a designer or just someone who loves to think outside of the box? You might prefer to have your own countertops made especially for you. For this, […]
28
Jun
Jun
Is your kitchen due for a remodel in the near future? Or are you choosing how to design the kitchen in your new home? Whatever reason you’re designing a kitchen, don’t forget the countertops! That may sound obvious, but hear us out. You don’t want just any old kitchen countertops. Countertops are a main focal […]
19
May
May
Have you always wanted to be the host who has an impressive home decor to wow guests with? The homeowner who makes their clean, beautiful living space look effortless? With granite countertops, you can do just that. Using granite in your kitchen creates an unparalleled sense of elegance and class. Granite works beautifully in many […]
10
May
May
Getting ready to make a detailed kitchen renovation and thinking of installing a quartz countertop? Quartz is definitely a good choice. It’s simple to maintain and doesn’t get damaged easily. Unfortunately, it may cost a bit more than you expect. But it all depends on where you look. This guide will teach you how to […]
02
May
May
A backyard kitchen makes an ultimate entertaining space if you enjoy entertaining outdoors. Who doesn’t! And when you live in sunny Orlando, Tampa Bay or Sarasota, you can use your outdoor space all year round! If your backyard cooking space is a little bare or you’re ready for an outdoor kitchen makeover, choosing the right […]
22
Apr
Apr
Are you tired of staring at the same old musty bathroom day after day? If your answer is yes, you might want to consider a remodel. To help you out with your brand new bathroom, here are 10 great bathroom trends for you to watch out for in 2018. Catagories of Bathroom Trends There are […]
22
Apr
Apr
Are you thinking about redoing your kitchen, but are only interested in upgrading a single element in the room? Are you frustrated with the amount of time you spend constantly scrubbing your countertops, only to find that those stains just seem to be more set in than ever before? Are you interested in replacing your […]
18
Apr
Apr
One of the best rooms in any house is the kitchen. This is where families come together as they prepare big meals or just a simple snack. A kitchen is a place of creative expression as well as an environment in which to teach your children discipline and how to self-sustain themselves. As such, this […]
16
Apr
Apr
Switching up the style of your home is sometimes as simple as getting a new rug or rearranging the furniture you already have. Other times, it’s a bit of a bigger project – like replacing your kitchen countertops. The countertops are an essential part of your kitchen. This is where you prepare and plate all […]
29
Mar
Mar
Whether or not you’re planning on selling your home in the near future, changes to your kitchen will retain 80% of their value upon resale. As far as investments go, it’s one of the most practical changes you can make to your home. Getting new countertops installed as part of your kitchen remodeling project will […]
15
Mar
Mar
Not all granite is created equal. First of all, there are dozens of different types of granite. Secondly, granite is a mixture of different minerals, by definition. That’s why there can be such a wide discrepancy in granite countertop prices. Granite can come in a wide variety of colors. Different minerals come in different shades. […]
15
Feb
Feb
What if you could make your kitchen dazzle without breaking the bank? That’s the goal of all homeowners. And the best way to make your kitchen stand out is with brand new countertops. However, it often seems like the best countertops cost way too much money. This may leave you curious if you can have […]
Countertop Buying Guide, Countertop Design, Countertop FAQ, Uncategorized Post
8 Backsplash Trends to Inspire Your Kitchen Remodel
15
Jan
Jan
Are you ready to remodel your kitchen? Maybe you’re building a new home and need inspiration. Whatever the reason, kitchens have come a long way. Today’s kitchens reflect the homeowner’s style and can be as traditional or contemporary as you desire. From cabinetry, appliances, countertops, flooring and backsplashes, you can create your dream kitchen. One […]
Countertop Buying Guide, Countertop Care and Maintenance, Countertop Design
Functional Design: A Guide to Choosing Beautiful Countertops that Last
11
Jan
Jan
Are you looking for kitchen countertops that will stand the test of time? According to Home Advisor, the average cost spent on a kitchen remodel is $21,930. In the Tampa Bay area, the average cost is $13,661. But these remodels can cost tens of thousands of dollars more, depending on the extent of the changes […]
Countertop Buying Guide, Countertop Design, Style
5 Countertop Ideas for Your Minimalist Kitchen Design
07
Jan
Jan
The kitchen is one of the most stressful areas of your home. Every day, you struggle to get the cooking and cleaning done before the day ends. A minimalist kitchen design would help ease the anxiety that even thinking about your kitchen causes. To understand minimalism in kitchen design, we must first understand minimalism itself. […]
03
Jan
Jan
While most people might immediately think of granite countertops for their home design, quartz is becoming an increasingly more popular choice. In fact, the popularity of quartz countertops has increased in recent years, with sales going up by 60% in the early 2000s. But why is quartz becoming so much more popular for homeowners and […]
Countertop Buying Guide, Countertop FAQ, Types of Natural Stone
Granite and Marble: Similarities and Differences You Need to Know
30
Dec
Dec
Are you trying to decide between granite or marble countertops? The choice can definitely be a tough one. On the other hand, a lot of people don’t see much of a difference between granite and marble and tend to go with what looks good. There are actually a lot of surprising similarities and differences between […]
A granite slab provides the perfect mix of beauty, durability, and strength your kitchen countertop. Granite is nearly hard as diamond. The countertop manufacturing space in the U.S. grew by 7.4 percent from 2011 to 2016. The industry’s 2016 revenue stood at $2 billion. Granite slabs embody all the essential qualities a kitchen countertop needs; […]
21
Dec
Dec
Cambria is a manufacturer of a brand of quartz countertops named “Cambria” also know as Cambria Quartz. Cambria is the only American made quartz countertop. Like most quartz countertop brands, Cambria Countertops consist of 93% natural quartz stone and 7% resins. Quartz Countertops are also referred to as engineered stone and require no maintenance, even […]
Countertop Buying Guide, Countertop FAQ
Beyond Granite: Kitchen Countertop Materials You Need to Consider
18
Dec
Dec
Are you in search of the perfect kitchen countertop for your humble abode? It is next to impossible to decide what material to choose based on your style of needs, as there are hundreds of different options. Additionally, granite is almost always to easiest choice in terms of a kitchen countertop, but there are actually […]
07
Dec
Dec
Quartz Countertops have become very popular among homeowners who are looking for a change in their kitchens. Replacing your outdated countertops with Quartz can turn an average kitchen into a stunning one, but is it right for your home? Here’s the top 5 Facts about Quartz Countertops so you can make an informed decision before […]
Countertop Buying Guide, Countertop Design, Countertop FAQ, Florida-Countertop-Design
Do Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Add Value to Your Home?
24
Nov
Nov
Did you know that kitchen and bath remodeling often returns the cost at more than 100%? If you’re wondering whether a kitchen and bath remodel is the right choice for your home, the answer is a solid yes. In fact, kitchen and bath remodeling is one of the best ways to remodel your home. These […]
Do you ever find yourself staring at your kitchen hoping you could make it look a bit more modern? Is the linoleum countertop just not doing it for you anymore? Well, don’t fret. Most homeowners shy away from updating their kitchens because of the financial burden commonly associated with custom renovations. However, custom kitchens don’t […]
Countertop Buying Guide, Countertop Design, Florida-Countertop-Design, Style
From Countertops to Kitchen Cabinet Doors, Important Changes to Consider in a Kitchen Remodel
16
Nov
Nov
There are key areas of your home you can improve to increase your property value, and the kitchen is one of them. In fact, it’s probably the most renovated part of the household for most homeowners. About 79% of home remodels are done to the kitchen, which goes to show its popularity. But what type […]
Countertop Buying Guide, Countertop Design, Florida-Countertop-Design, Style
Important Details to Consider When Choosing Granite Tops for Your Kitchen
12
Nov
Nov
After years of marble being the top choice for kitchen counters, granite tops are becoming the material pros and families are choosing. Given that its more durable and won’t scratch, its a smart choice whether you’re remodeling or building your house. Perhaps you’re still choosing between materials for your kitchen. There are a lot of […]
Countertop Buying Guide, Countertop Design, Countertop FAQ
The 5 Best Qualities of White Granite and Other Stone Countertops
08
Nov
Nov
Countertops made from white granite and other natural stones are a great investment for any home. In fact, 55 percent of home buyers who purchased a home without granite countertops stated that they would pay extra for them. it’s no surprise then that granite and other stones such as marble and quartzite are popular choices […]
Countertop Buying Guide, Countertop FAQ
So Many Choices, So Many Prices: Why Does Granite Stone Vary in Price?
31
Oct
Oct
Granite is a readily-available, durable material. That makes it an outstanding choice for kitchen countertops, as they take a lot of daily abuse in most homes. The conditions that let granite stone form also ensure that every piece of granite is unique. If you get a granite countertop installed, no one else will ever have […]
20
Oct
Oct
You’ve Placed Your Countertop Order, Now What? Once your Project Manager has all your documentation, they will call you to review your choices and information, as well as setting a Template Measuring Date. Templating can only be done during business hours, and cannot be scheduled on the weekend. To Prepare for your Template: Unplug and […]
20
Oct
Oct
Natural Stone Products (Granite, Marble, Quartzite) All Granite, Marble and Quartzite Countertops are made from natural stone that has been quarried from mountains all over the world. As a natural product, they are prone to variations in color, pattern, and density that actually add to the beauty and charm of the material. While Granite is a hard […]
20
Oct
Oct
Digital Countertop Templating: What to Expect Nowadays, we use Highly Advanced Laser Templating Systems. Your Templator will arrive in a Licensed International Granite and Stone Vehicle on the day of your Template Appointment. From there, they set up a tripod with the laser device attached on top in your kitchen or bathroom. The laser then […]
18
Oct
Oct
What is Digital Countertop Slab Layout? Digital Countertop Slab Layout is an optional, but important design service we offer here at International Granite and Stone. For an additional fee, we can hand-select the parts of the slabs to use and lay it all out for you to review. How does it Work? International Granite and […]
18
Oct
Oct
What exactly is the Verification Process? Verification occurs after your template is completed. Your Project Manager needs to verify your drawings with the CAD team and with you. Your Template is then sent to you through a DocuSign, for you to review, accept and sign. You’ll get to review your seam layout, backsplash height, and […]
18
Oct
Oct
Average Project Turnaround Time After you have consulted with your Design Specialist, selected your Material, Edge, and Backsplash, your project is therefore ready to make its way down the pipeline. One to two business days after collection of payment, your Project Manager will schedule your Template Measuring Date. Template Completion can be expected by the end […]
What to Expect from your Natural Stone When purchasing Natural Stone for your countertops, there will always be some imperfections that are unavoidable that are just part of the stone’s makeup. This is a big reason why people like to hand-select the slabs before they are cut and installed, most people like to make sure […]
11
Oct
Oct
If there’s Something Strange, with your Countertops… Who ya gonna call? Your Project Manager! After your In-Home Appointment and collection of your deposit, your Design Consultant will hand off your contract, price options, discount sheet, kitchen and bath package, edge selection, and drawing to your Project Manager. The information then gets entered into our […]
11
Oct
Oct
Are you looking to add a little bit of stone, to a little part of your home? Not only do we do Kitchens and Bathrooms, but we also offer assistance with smaller jobs that might not constitute ordering a full slab. At International Granite and Stone, we only sell you what you need, we don’t make […]
09
Oct
Oct
Protecting your Countertop Investment When purchasing Natural Stone Countertops, you want your investment to last a lifetime. Natural Stone, although from tough in nature, is susceptible to dulling and scratching if not properly taken care of as Countertop Material. The best way to ensure that your countertops remain as gorgeous as the day you bought […]
04
Oct
Oct
Cleaning your countertops correctly is the only way to ensure that your investment will last a lifetime. We want your countertops to sparkle and shine for life. When it comes to cleaning your stone countertops, it’s important to remember that certain products can wear down the sealant on your counters, making them more susceptible to […]
04
Oct
Oct
We center our In-Home Design Consultation around you and your specific project needs. With that in mind, keep some questions in the back of your head to ask your Design Consultant during the appointment. Before your appointment, We recommend lightly cleaning and clearing your countertops so your consultant can accurately inspect and measure your space. Make […]
04
Oct
Oct
You’ve picked your material, now what? Time to pick out an edge for your countertops! Countertop Edges serve an important aesthetic purpose. Edging can polish off your countertops and give your kitchen or bathroom that oompf you’re looking for. First, choose your thickness, 3 CM or 6 CM. 3 CM is the standard width, with […]
04
Oct
Oct
Choosing your Material Many factors come to mind thinking about doing your countertops: Are you looking for a light or dark look? Or do you want something with movement? Or something subtle? Do you want your countertops to be smooth? Textured? Matte? Should you match your Island to the Countertops, or do something different and complementary? […]
02
Oct
Oct
The Process Congratulations, your Materials have been Ordered, Your Countertop Project has officially begun!
02
Oct
Oct
At International Granite and Stone, we want you to love your kitchen and bathrooms for years to come. Customer Satisfaction is our goal, we have over 15 years of experience in Countertop Fabrication and Installation, as well as being an A+ BBB Accredited Business. Book an appointment today and we’ll send one of our Design Specialists […]
27
Sep
Sep
Manufacturing your Countertops At International Granite and Stone, we use the most advanced manufacturing machines and processes on the market. Why are these machines so important? Without them, all manufacturing would have to be done manually by hand. Doing it by hand would be a slow and tedious process, which would require more labor. The […]
28
Aug
Aug
Quartz vs. Quartzite What’s the difference between the two? Quartz and Quartzite are two similar countertops materials that have grown vastly in popularity over the past 10 years. Granite, which once was the go-to material for countertops, is slowly being phased out for the low maintenance of quartz and the beauty of quartzite. “Are they […]
25
Aug
Aug
The Problem BUYING COUNTERTOPS Durable Granite or Quartz Countertops have become a need in today’s efficient home. Heres the traditional options to buying countertops. Big Box Stores: Great concept until you need help. The help you do find has no experience in our industry and you get little to no guidance on what it actually takes […]
28
Jul
Jul
Granite Quarry