If you are design-savvy and are looking to add an upgraded feel to your kitchen, you should strongly consider Quartz for your kitchen countertops. Quartz counters add a striking visual appeal and durability to your kitchen surfaces. Due to its near infinite design options, quartz has become the most popular alternative to natural stones such as Granite and Marble for countertop material.
Since Quartz countertop manufacturers are constantly innovating new sophisticated patterns and colors, Quartz offers many style options that fit all kitchen design types. You will find a material to match your style; from farmhouse to traditional, modern to rustic, any style is covered. When you travel down the Quartz color options, there are dark colors to pair nicely with White/light cabinets and White/light Quartz countertops that match well with dark cabinets. Are you looking for a style that possesses more cohesion through the surface? You will love the colors of the consistent patterns Quartz can offer your kitchen countertops.
The consistent nature that manufacturers can give to Quartz will allow your entire surface to have even patterning throughout your space. This is a great option if you want to avoid the unwanted inconsistencies that can be found in natural granite and marble. We believe the “natural occurrences” in Granite and Marble are beautiful, however, we understand this does not fit all desired motifs. A predictable pattern is great because you can match up seams. The ability to hide seams gives your surfaces a great pattern and color flow throughout the space.
Now lets talk about functionality. We know that visual aesthetics and the cost are important, but the functionality and low-maintenance will pay for itself in the long term. Since Quartz countertops are among the most durable surfaces and are hermetically sealed during manufacturing, an easy-to-maintain countertop material is readily available. Quartz countertops rarely chip, heat and stain resistant, and nearly impossible to scratch. These characteristics make for the perfect kitchen countertop surface. As we mentioned above, since Quartz is hermetically sealed during the manufacturing process, there is no need to continually seal your countertops. One thing to note, we do recommend to use a natural stone cleaner when you clean your kitchen counters.
While you are planning your new kitchen design, do you like having a wide variety to choose from? If you just answered, “Yes!”, Quartz countertops are probably a great fit for you and your project. Prepare yourself to have to choose from a large variety. As we spoke earlier, The selection of colors and patterns are almost endless. Even if you have the most precise taste or design idea, there is a Quartz to match your style. Albeit, Granite comes in a plethora of colors you could make the argument that there are more color options with Quartz.
As with all natural stones, the earthy tones, speckles, veining, and colors that have melded together. It is truly a magnificent feat that Mother Nature creates these stunning works of art in natural stone. Quartz offers the cleanliness of pure colors and patterns that are orchestrated and consistent. This creates a clean visual landscape in your space. If you are considering a kitchen remodel, there is a perfect quartz countertop for your project out there. East Coast Granite can help coordinate the quartz color with your cabinets and flooring ideas and then design a backsplash to match. Or we can simply install the same quartz you choose as a 4-inch backsplash.
Due to its durability, affordability, functionality, and low maintenance, quartz countertops perform well in a wide variety of kitchens. A quick summary of the highlights of Quartz countertops:
As one of Gainesville’s leading stone fabricators, we know upgrading your countertops will make a lasting investment. According to studies by the National Association of Realtors®, about 67% of what you spend on any kitchen upgrade is recovered when selling.
So if you’re not planning to sell yet, then this should become a worthwhile investment for you. How?
Well, the study also points out that 84% of those homeowners who remodel have a higher desire to be in their homes after renovating. 69% of them enjoy being at home more, and 57% just feel happier in general.
In other words, if you’re not planning to put your house on the market yet, it allows you to actually extract value from your quartz or granite countertops in the sense of time living there and still recouping a large part of your investment in the end. Make sense?
Let’s dig into this a bit more
When considering how much value-adding countertops can increase the worth of your property, there are several factors to take into account.
First off, the quality of installation plays a major role – if it is not done correctly, then it could actually lower the overall value of your home instead of increasing it. So please, make sure you stop by our showroom and speak to one of our professionals.
Additionally, certain types of stone will hold more value than others, depending on where you live. Quartz and granite countertops will have a higher perceived value than other mediums.
The current market conditions should always be taken into consideration as well. Again, if you are planning on selling the house soon, then this is something you need to discuss with your realtor now! In that same study mentioned above, it says that 30% of realtors recommend that you upgrade some aspect of your kitchen before selling.
Granite has long been considered one of the top materials when it comes to adding worth to a property, but Jackson Stoneworks also offer other stones! – view our collection
Not only do they look beautiful and luxurious, but they’re also incredibly durable and require very little maintenance over the years. Quartz is naturally resistant to scratches and will remain looking like new for decades if properly cared for.
Another benefit of choosing quartz countertops to increase the value of your home is its wide range of color options – you can easily find something that suits your style without compromising on quality or durability.
Granite and quartz countertops offer a great return on investment when it comes to increasing the value of your home. Granite is known for its durability and timeless beauty, while quartz offers a more modern look with excellent scratch resistance.
Our designers are here to help with your kitchen or bath needs. Let’s get you connected with an expert!
As a sponsor of the event, we at Jackson Stoneworks were proud to be a part of this grand showcase of talent and expertise.
1. Inadequate Circulation Space
Failing to allow enough circulation space can make a kitchen feel cramped and restrict the number of people who can comfortably use the space at the same time. It causes even more issues when your kitchen doubles as a thoroughfare. A lack of space can also make it difficult to open appliances such as the fridge and dishwasher.
Solution: To provide adequate circulation, try to have about 4 feet of space between kitchen countertops. Allow a little more room if there is a thoroughfare leading through the kitchen. In a small kitchen, [39 inches] would be the minimum amount of space between countertops, but aim for more if you can.
2. Not Planning Around the Workflow
A good kitchen workflow is essential. If you don’t have one, your kitchen will be inefficient, and you can end up running backward and forwards between the different parts of your kitchen every time you cook, wash or prep.
Solution: In the planning stages, carefully consider how you use your kitchen. I suggest increasing functionality by including storage for spices and oils near the cooking zone and storing cutlery and dishes near the dishwasher. You’ll find many smart solutions on the market, including wide drawers and tailored inserts that facilitate high-functioning storage.
3. Not Measuring Appliances
Lack of planning when it comes to appliances can lead to excessive protrusion from oversize refrigerators. This can affect the ability to open cabinets and other appliances in your kitchen and reduce circulation space
Not measuring small appliances like microwaves, blenders, and food processors can be an issue too. Without a proper home, they can end up sitting out on the counter and creating clutter.
Solution: Select appliances well in advance, checking the dimensions and the way appliances open to ensure that your kitchen layout can accommodate them in concealed tailored storage. This also applies to pots and pans.
4. Poor Lighting Placement
If you don’t put the right light fixtures over your countertops, you will end up prepping, cooking, and cleaning up in the shadows.
Another common lighting mistake is prioritizing aesthetics over functionality. Pretty pendants are beautiful, but if they don’t shine enough light over your work surfaces, they will not be practical.
Solution: Findlay recommends positioning lighting slightly in front of you rather than directly overhead or behind you. Installing downlights, pendant lights, and sconces on separate circuits makes it easier to control your lighting levels and atmosphere. And don’t forget to choose bulbs that emit sufficient light, so you can see what you’re doing when you’re chopping and cooking.
5. Forgetting About the Function
When planning you’re remodeling, make sure you put your kitchen’s busiest areas — the sink, stove, and fridge — in practical locations that are relevant to one another while allowing enough space for people to use and access them comfortably.
When choosing cabinetry, make sure the doors won’t block your workflow when they’re open. The last thing you want is your fridge and cupboard doors banging into each other every time you open them!
Solution: Plan your kitchen layout as far in advance as possible, and choose your appliances before you start looking at cabinetry. This will allow you to fit your units around your appliances, rather than the other way around, giving you a seamless look that’s both smart and space-efficient.
Tip: Think about how many people live in your home and will be using the kitchen at one time. If it’s going to get crowded, you may have crammed too many elements into the kitchen layout and may want to consider scaling back.
6. Wasted Space on a Kitchen Island
Kitchen islands are great for increasing your prep and storage space but will work only if you have the room, Findlay says. If your kitchen is small, an island can be a waste of space.
“Placing an island in the wrong spot is another recipe for disaster. A poorly positioned island can obstruct the flow of traffic to and from the sink, refrigerator, stove, and primary workstations, creating a bottleneck in your kitchen.
Solution: Choose an island only if your kitchen can accommodate it or specify a narrow one. Findlay suggests having about 40 inches on both sides of the island for good traffic flow. Deciding how big or small your island unit should be will depend on what it needs to house and the proportions of your kitchen. I would recommend a minimum width of [about 47 inches] for a kitchen island. But if you don’t plan on installing a sink or a stovetop in it, you could go as narrow as [about 24 inches] in width.
7. Inadequate Space Between the Sink and the Stove
The area between the sink and the stove is the main food preparation area, so although there are no set guidelines, you’ll want a decent expanse of countertop space there.
Solution: When planning your kitchen, make sure the layout meets the practical day-to-day needs of the kitchen user.
8. Poorly Positioned Cabinet Doors and Drawers
Cabinet doors and drawers can end up blocking doorways and walkways when they’re opened.
Solution: Planning is key, Before you commit to a layout, think about how and where all the elements in your kitchen will open, including cupboards, drawers, the fridge, and dishwasher, and how people will move through the space.
9. Not Maximizing Vertical Wall Space
In a small kitchen, every bit of space counts, and your walls offer valuable storage for real estate.
Solution: Taking your cupboards right up to the ceiling will maximize your storage potential in a compact kitchen. If you don’t like the idea of rows of closed-door cupboards, you can always mix it up with open shelving.
Tip: If your wall cabinets are positioned over a cooktop, minimum clearance rules apply. The minimum requirements can vary for electric and gas cooktops and range from 2 to 3 feet.
10. Assuming You Need a New Layout
I’d never automatically dismiss the existing layout of a kitchen. It’s often planned that way for very practical reasons, such as the placement of doors and windows and the most logical traffic flow.
Solution: A tweak to the layout, such as making it an open plan or adding a breakfast bar or an island, may be all that’s needed. This can save money because you won’t have to move electrical and plumbing systems.
If you’re designing a kitchen layout from scratch, address the practical considerations first: How many people will be using the kitchen on a regular basis? Do you do a lot of entertaining? This will help you work out the kitchen’s size and function.
Then consider how the work triangle — cooktop, sink, and fridge — will best fit your layout, she says. Allow enough space between the three points of the triangle, so you’re not walking yards between them every time you use your kitchen.
Tell us: Would you plan your kitchen layout differently next time around? Share your do’s and don’t the Comments.
Porcelain countertops have been gaining popularity among homeowners, home builders, and home remodelers. To produce a rigid, impervious surface, these counters are made by heating a combination of clay, feldspar, and other natural materials to high temperatures. Its contemporary design also makes for an elegant addition to any room. In recent years, porcelain slab worktops have exploded in popularity due to the material’s resilience, adaptability, and beauty. This piece will explore the benefits of using porcelain slab countertops in your home and address some common concerns about their maintenance and upkeep.
If you’re searching for a low-maintenance, aesthetically pleasing material for your countertops, porcelain slabs are a great option.
One of the great benefits of porcelain slab countertops is their heat resistance. You can safely put hot pans and pots on them without worrying about damage. However, we recommend using a trivet or a hot pad to protect the surface from scratches or damage. This is particularly vital if the porcelain has a highly polished finish, which makes it more vulnerable to scratches.
Yes, porcelain is an excellent option for countertops. Its durability, low maintenance, and versatility make it an ideal material for busy kitchens. It is also an eco-friendly choice, made from natural and recyclable materials. Whether building a new home or remodeling your kitchen, porcelain slab countertops are a smart investment lasting for years.
While porcelain is an excellent material for countertops, it’s also essential to consider other options. Quartz, granite, and marble are popular choices for kitchen countertops, and each has unique advantages and disadvantages.
Quartz is a highly durable and low-maintenance material in various colors and patterns. It is non-porous, making it resistant to stains and bacteria growth. However, it can be more expensive than porcelain and may require professional installation. Granite is a natural stone material that is highly durable and heat-resistant. It comes in various colors and patterns, and each slab is unique. However, granite can be more expensive than porcelain and requires periodic sealing to maintain its beauty. Marble is a luxurious and elegant material highly prized for its beauty.
At Jackson Stoneworks, we carry top-of-the-line porcelain from suppliers like Dekton. Our experienced sales team can help you choose the perfect porcelain slab for your kitchen project. You can trust us to deliver the best products at reasonable prices because we value speed in our quote turnaround and customer service.
Jackson Stoneworks is a full-service stone fabricator with extensive experience working with porcelain. Our expert fabricators can cut, shape, and install porcelain slab countertops to fit your unique kitchen design. We use advanced equipment and techniques to ensure that your countertops are perfectly cut and finished. We guarantee that your ceramic countertops will retain their stunning appearance and usefulness for many years, thanks to our meticulous craftsmanship and dedication to quality.
In the summer, people like to take it easy and enjoy themselves. And a gorgeous outdoor kitchen is the perfect way to do just that. The popularity of outdoor kitchens has risen steadily throughout the years. In addition to boosting your home’s resale value, these additions provide you with a beautiful new space to entertain guests and cook delicious meals.
In this post, we’ll discuss the many uses for outdoor kitchens and how Jackson Stoneworks can aid in your countertop installation.
Benefits of Outdoor Kitchens
One of the most significant benefits of having an outdoor kitchen is providing a space for entertaining guests. You can cook up a storm with an outdoor kitchen while your guests socialize and enjoy the beautiful weather. It’s the perfect way to host a backyard BBQ or a family gathering without being confined to a stuffy indoor kitchen.
Another benefit of outdoor kitchens is that they can increase the value of your home. With the rise in popularity of al fresco dining and entertaining, a well-designed outdoor kitchen can be a major selling factor for a property. If you own a vacation rental, it can also make your home more marketable to potential tenants. Outdoor kitchens can also save you money in the long run. By cooking outside, you can save on energy costs and keep your home cooler during summer.
Choosing the Right Countertops for Your Summer Kitchen
When designing your summer kitchen, choosing the right countertops is crucial. The right countertops can make your outdoor kitchen both functional and beautiful. At Jackson Stoneworks, we offer various countertop materials, including quartz, granite, marble, and porcelain.
No matter what type of countertop material you choose, ensuring it’s suitable for outdoor use is essential. It’s vital that it can survive the sun, heat, and rain. Jackson Stoneworks is renowned for its expertise in the fabrication and installation of outdoor-specific countertops.
Upgrade Your Backyard with Jackson Stoneworks
If you’re ready to upgrade your backyard with a beautiful summer kitchen, Jackson Stoneworks can help. Our team of experts can help you choose the perfect countertop material and design a summer kitchen that fits your lifestyle and budget.
We give great satisfaction in our long-lasting, high-quality countertops. At Jackson Stoneworks, we strive to always go above and above for our clients. Our skilled staff is here to assist you in creating the outdoor kitchen of your dreams from the large variety of countertop materials and designs we provide.
Wrapping Up!
Selecting countertops that serve your needs and enhance the look of your outdoor kitchen is an important design decision. At Jackson Stoneworks, you may choose from a large variety of outdoor-friendly countertop materials like quartz, granite, marble, and porcelain.
Jackson Stoneworks will assist you in installing a brand-new summer kitchen in your garden. High-quality, durable countertops are our specialty, and we delight in helping you build the ideal outdoor kitchen for your needs and budget.
Written by Sony
Kitchen countertops are perhaps the most important surface in the home. Not only must they must be functional and sanitary to prepare meals, we also want them looking fantastic. When is it time to replace them? Here are a few clues to look for.
It’s out of style.
If you’ve been in your home more than five years, chances are your kitchen counter is a fad from another era. And unless it’s made of stone or marble, it’s likely worn or lost its luster. If you look around and say “meh,” your family and guests are likely doing the same.
The tiles or stone is cracked. If you have a tile or stone countertop, cracks happen. Over time, not only are they unsightly, but bacteria can grow and thrive in there (ewww). If there are more than four chipped tiles or the stone is majorly cracked in a food prep area, it’s time to think about change.
If you weren’t careful with your counters, setting a hot pan or not wiping up liquids right away, your surface may be permanently damaged. How many blemishes do you see when you walk through the door?
It’s cluttered and difficult to work on. If you find yourself constantly moving things out of the way to make space to cook, that’s a sure sign you need a change of pace (or at least a change of space). A new countertop design that more efficiently utilizes the area may be in order.
You are selling your home and not getting any offers. The kitchen is often a main selling point of home and if no one’s impressed with yours it may dampen sales prospects. An investment in new counters can be easily recouped in the final selling price. After all, you want prospective buyers to walk in and say “wow.”
Do any of the above apply to you? The simplest, fastest, and most affordable solution is to call Artelye Marble & Granite. We have over 20 years experience with homeowners and commercial projects, designing, fabricating, and installing a wide variety of countertops in all different spaces. We have over 2,000 different stones to choose from, both classic and exotic, to match your tastes.
Our trained professionals use 3D equipment to measure everything exactly. Then, each counter piece is fabricated or cut to perfection. Finally, it is installed by a skilled craftsmen and backed by our total satisfaction guarantee.
Don’t spend another day with worn, cracked, stained, or just plain boring counter space. Contact an Artelye representative today for a free estimate!
Walk in any modern kitchen and the number one sought-after item is a granite countertop. This is true whether it is in a residential home or apartment, a break room in a retail store or inside a doctor’s office, or in any number of suites and other luxury-style rooms found in upscale hotels from coast to coast across the nation.
Your home will be a more welcoming space for both family members and invited guests when your kitchen remodel includes new granite countertops. In fact, granite countertops can take the kitchen in your family’s home from boring to fun without losing any of the original functionality of the room. In fact, new granite counters can make it even more functional than it was before.
Benefits of adding granite counters to your family’s kitchen include, but are not limited to the following:
Granite countertops may be the most expensive line item in your kitchen renovation budget, but when you consider that they will outlast most other materials in your family’s home then you will realize that granite countertops are not as much of a purchase as they are an investment.
Head down to our factory with paint samples, fabric swatches, and select items from your kitchen décor. Look at the granite samples in person and then pick out the one that will go best with your family’s new kitchen renovation project.
Many homeowners still view kitchen upgrades as one of the most important aspects of a home renovation. Statistics from the National Kitchen and Bath Association show that one in every ten households performs a kitchen remodel every year.
Arguably the most important work surface in the home, the countertop is a key feature that homeowners look forward to replacing. Below we share six things you are doing that are accidentally ruining your quartz countertop.
Most homeowners make the mistake of waiting too long before they can wipe off spills on their countertops. While manufacturers like Bellingham quartz may market the slabs as stain-resistant, prolonged contact with acidic liquids may cause the surface to stain. As a good rule of thumb, always clean your spill as soon as it occurs with soapy water and a soft cloth.
Most experts recommend cleaning your kitchen surfaces at least once daily. However, using the wrong cleaning solutions on your quartz countertop can erode the beauty of the engineered stone. Too acidic or alkaline household cleaners can damage the resins on your slab, thus staining it.
Some homeowners use abrasive cleaning pads that starch and dull their quartz countertops. You should avoid hard-bristled brushes, scrubbing pads, and metal scourers at all costs. Use a gentle approach, preferably a soft rug to clean and a cotton cloth to dry. This way, your quartz surface will remain beautiful and shiny for a long time to come.
No matter how much you try to keep your kitchen clean, every once in a while, you might have to scrape off gunk that stuck on your surfaces. You risk scrapping off the paint on the fabrication countertops when you use sharp metal objects. Always use a plastic knife or scraper to remove the stain.
Most quartz slabs, such as Bellingham countertops, are NSF-approved. They are safe for the preparation of food. However, with the right amount of force, using knives directly on the surface to chop and cut your ingredients can result in scratches. The small nicks and scratches gradually dull your surface and erode the beauty of your quartz countertop.
While quartz may be highly heat-resistant, prolonged exposure will damage the resin causing it to discolor. Temperatures above 300° F can spell bad news for your countertop. Besides, sudden extreme changes in temperature may lead to slab cracking. Avoid placing hot pots and pans directly on the countertop’s surface. You can use buffers such as cooking pads and trivets to protect the quartz from direct exposure to heat.
While quartz countertops are quite durable, they can get scratches, stains, or crack when not maintained properly. If you manage to avoid the six mistakes above, your countertop may last for years to come. For more information on how to better protect your quartz countertop, feel free to contact Jackson Stoneworks