Are you in the process of renovating or building a kitchen? While starting a kitchen project can be a lot of fun, it’s also a stressful process. There are many decisions to be made such as the type of countertops. If you’re on the fence between granite vs. onyx countertops, you came to the right […]
Category Archives: Countertop FAQ
16
Nov
Nov
Replacing a countertop is one of the most dramatic ways to upgrade your kitchen in a hurry. Not only will it make your kitchen feel like a whole new room, but it can also make a huge difference in your life. You use your kitchen counter every day, and having something you love will be […]
17
Sep
Sep
55% of homebuyers are happy to pay extra for a home that has granite countertops. In fact, it is often at the top of the must-have list homebuyers make. Many people will not consider a home that doesn’t have granite counters. Yet, many people worry about installing this natural stone in their house because they […]
13
Aug
Aug
The kitchen is the heart of your home. It’s where the family gathers, meals get cooked, and conversation gets enjoyed. It’s also the area of the home that can start to show some wear and tear over time. The number one reason homeowners consider a kitchen remodel is to upgrade old materials, surfaces, and finishes. […]
06
Aug
Aug
One of the 7 wonders of the world, the Temple of Artemis built in 550 BCE used marble for its construction. It featured 127 marble columns that were each 5 stories high. It would still be standing now but conquerers destroyed it on purpose. Marble is a popular and beautiful, natural stone. Buildings and decorative […]
05
Aug
Aug
Are you building your own custom home or remodeling your kitchen? That’s really exciting! You’re probably looking for an easy way to add a bit of class to your home, and one way to do that instantly is with granite countertops. Though some experts say that they’re in the decline on the market, people seem […]
28
Jul
Jul
Looking for a countertop that’s safe, elegant, and affordable? Have you ever considered marble? Marble countertops are great alternatives if you’ve grown tired of wood or if you don’t want to break your budget for high-quality granite. Marble kitchen countertops have a nice sheen that reeks of elegance. It adds a classic ambiance to your […]
22
Jul
Jul
Will a granite countertop outlast other materials, or is it just an aesthetic choice? Granite is one of the trendiest materials for counters on the market today. You’ve probably seen granite kitchens in magazines or on your favorite home decorating shows. However, is granite durable enough to make the cost worth it? You might have […]
18
Jul
Jul
If you’re thinking of a kitchen remodel or you want to replace your kitchen counter, you have plenty of options. The two most popular countertop surfaces you have to choose from include granite and quartz. But is there a difference? Many people will argue that each one is better, debating reasons why they’d never select […]
16
Jul
Jul
Getting ready to install new countertops? Wondering whether marble can be a good choice for your home? Marble countertops can add a beautiful look to your home. However, when choosing countertops for a kitchen, bathroom, or another area of your home there’s a lot more to think about besides just the overall look. Marble offers […]
14
Jul
Jul
There is a wide range of countertop choices out there on the market. When it comes to building materials and home projects, we tend to focus on all-natural solutions. There are some cases, however, where man-made synthetic materials are better than natural. For those who want something a bit more exotic than standard granite, marble, […]
10
Jul
Jul
It doesn’t matter whether you’re thinking about redoing your kitchen, your bathroom, or both. If home improvement is on your mind, odds are you’ve been researching different types of countertops. While granite and marble are classics, quartz has been on the rise — and for a good reason. Quartz countertops have pretty much all the […]
06
Jul
Jul
When you think of luxurious living, you probably think of chandeliers, hardwood floors, and granite countertops. It’s not surprising! Granite carries a certain respect here in America. But what are the pros and cons of granite countertops? Why not choose other materials such as quartz or concrete? The answer won’t surprise you: personal preference is […]
04
Jul
Jul
Are you considering soapstone counters? Then you’re probably wondering what soapstone countertops cost. You might be surprised to learn that soapstone is actually a great material for counters at a reasonable price. When considering soapstone vs granite, you don’t need to go for the trendy, expensive option. In this guide, we’ll show you how to […]
15
May
May
Granite countertops can definitely create a modern look to your home. These elegant swirls of marble and quartz can liven up your kitchen countertops because they bring such a touch of class to any decor style you wish you revamp. It’s also a great tip to add granite to your kitchen layout as it adds […]
11
May
May
Granite countertops are one of the most popular choices for kitchen remodels these days – and for good reason. Granite is incredibly durable, comes in almost any color you care to name, and is timeless. (Seriously, they used granite in ancient Rome.) On average, the cost of a granite countertop installation in the US is […]
03
May
May
Originally thought to be a fad – a short-lived flash in the pan – granite vanity tops have now become a mainstay in American bathrooms and kitchens. Along with stainless steel appliances, they’ve almost become a prerequisite in the real estate industry. If your prospective home doesn’t have granite? Forget about it. In fact, the […]
14
Apr
Apr
Now that you’ve installed a beautiful quartz vanity top, it’s important to take the right steps to maintain its integrity. Although quartz vanity tops are made from natural materials, they are engineered, combining 90% ground quartz (a naturally-occurring, hard mineral) with 8-10% resins, polymers, and pigments. This forms a very hard, granite-like and natural-looking surface. […]
06
Apr
Apr
On average, homeowners remodel 10.2 million kitchens each year. That’s a lot of countertops being replaced. One of the key decisions any homeowner must make during their remodel is what material they want to use for their new countertop. This is no small challenge given there are many types of countertops to consider. Quartz countertops […]
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 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 […]
Countertop Care and Maintenance, Countertop FAQ, Fun Facts, Uncategorized Post
Granite, Marble, and Onyx: A Guide for Sealing Countertops
26
Dec
Dec
One of the best (and easiest) ways to add value to your home is keeping your countertops looking like new. This is fairly easy if your countertops were already sealed by the manufacturer. If your countertops aren’t already sealed, you can seal them yourself. Sealing countertops prevents damage to the stone and makes cleaning up […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Remodeling the countertops in your home gives a great boost to the value of your property. But only if you’re selecting the right material. This is why you’ll find many homeowners choosing quartz counters. It’s an engineered stone that looks a lot like natural options, such as granite and marble. This is because it’s made […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]