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The Kitchen Cabinet October, 2018
Welcome to my August newsletter. In this edition, I will bring you information that I think you will find useful in your kitchen. Thinking about updating your kitchen? I'll bring you the latest design trends to incorporate in your design!
Please remember that your referrals are my life-blood.
Don't forget tell your friends!
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We all know that freshness dating on perishables can be misleading and unreliable. Use this handy chart to determine the freshness of your eggs.
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Quartz vs. Granite or Marble
What's the better choice?
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With quartz counter surfaces gaining to much popularity, there is chatter from both sides as to which is the superior material for kitchen counters. In this article, I hope to give you a better understanding of the materials and cut through the myths that both sides are throwing out there. I will give you ample information for you to make an informed choice for your home.
What's the difference?
Granites and lime-stones (like marble) are naturally occurring rock formations that have been formed under the earth's surface through millions of years of pressure. Different minerals will yield different colors. The formations are mined out of the earth from quarries, and rough cut into large slabs typically about 5 x 9 feet. Each slab varies a little than the others, so it is important to pick your slab when choosing natural stone. They are polished on once face, and exported all over the world. When they arrive at a local fabrication facility, they are cut to size, and fabricated into individual kitchen counters. Because they are natural stone, there is a certain degree of porosity. Generally lime-stones and marbles are more porous, and therefore more susceptible to staining and bacteria. They are sealed prior to installation, which slows down the absorption process. The sealer should be periodically renewed or the counters will regain their original porosity.
Quartz is somewhat of a hybrid material. The process involves both nature and science. Quartz counter material starts out as pulverized, colorless quartz crystals of varying sizes called aggregate. The aggregate is laid out in large production lines according to the desired pattern. Resin and color are introduced which completely encapsulate the aggregate. This will ultimately make the material non-porous, so no sealing is necessary. The mix is compressed under great pressure, then baked at about 200 degrees. It is then polished, and after quality control inspections, distributed to fabrication facilities to be produced as finished kitchen counters. Since each slab undergoes the same process, all slabs are uniform in color and pattern.
Price differences. Increased competition has put downward pressure on the price of some natural stone counters, while quartz counters are a bit of a premium. While the two products are comparably priced, you could see a difference of a few hundred dollars between quartz and granite.
Summing up. Both materials are well suited as kitchen counters. They are durable, clean easily (in the case of stone be sure to maintain the sealer) and are quite decorative. For a more modest budget, granite could be a better choice. If you are looking for a high end look that is totally maintenance free, Quartz is a sure bet.
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My vendor-partners must share my vision of exemplary customer service. C & L Plumbing Supply goes above and beyond for my customers! They are knowledgeable, informative and have very competitive pricing. Tap on the logo to go to their website.
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