6 Essential Questions To Ask When Buying New Kitchen Countertops

Author: Helen

Mar. 07, 2024

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Tags: Minerals & Metallurgy

You’re in the market for new kitchen countertops but find yourself full of questions.

We understand! A kitchen remodel, of any kind, is an investment. You know what you want and you know your budget.

What you don’t know, however, is where to start to ensure the final product choice not only complements your home but your own personal style as well.

We want customers to be informed. Asking questions helps to educate you about the process of choosing new kitchen countertops, from start to finish. And that means added confidence that you will receive a finished product you will be happy with for years to come.

Kitchen Countertops 101

At Crowley’s, we encourage our customers to ask questions — lots of questions — while going through the process of selecting their new kitchen countertops.

If you have questions about materials, edging, finish, or seams, this list of six essential questions every homeowner should ask when choosing their new kitchen countertops is exactly what you’re looking for.

I’m having a hard time choosing between quartz or granite. Which one is best?

That is a matter of personal preference and what you’re looking for in a countertop. While both materials are ideal for kitchen counters, there are many differences between the two — like heat resistance or a uniform pattern. Our showroom has many examples of both types of counters where you can observe coloring, patterning, and other design elements up close and personal.

I’ve heard the term “sealing” countertops used. What exactly does that mean?

Quite simply, sealing a countertop means protecting the surface with a sealant product. When properly sealed, the surface of your granite or quartz countertops will be much easier to clean and any risk of staining is reduced. Granite countertops do require periodic sealing. Most quartz products do not, although there are some quartz products that require sealing as well. Ask before you purchase your material.

What kind of maintenance is required for quartz or granite countertops?

Both countertop materials require regular cleaning using soap and water or a mild household cleanser, and any spills should be cleaned up immediately to avoid staining.

There seems to be a lot of different types of granite and quartz out there. What if I’m having a hard time making a choice?

First of all, don’t worry! Selecting your slab can be confusing and overwhelming; we understand that, and that’s why we have built strong relationships with some of the best granite and quartz suppliers in and around the Portland area. These suppliers offer a huge variety of styles and colors, meaning we can help you find the perfect slab for your project. Plus, we can go with you to choose your slab.

What profile is the best for a kitchen countertop?

From clean and simple to classic and elegant, edges may be a small detail, but they’re an important one. Edge profiles will not only define your countertop, but they also allow you to show off your own, personal style.

My schedule is pretty tight. What if I can’t call during business hours?

Crowley’s will accommodate your schedule to answer all of your questions, take accurate measurements and provide you with a detailed quote. We can even come to your home to answer questions. Or, if it’s more convenient for you, we can schedule a visit for you to view our showroom.

From start to finish, we make the process stress-and hassle-free, so you can get the kitchen of your dreams! The granite and quartz experts at Crowley’s will help answer your questions and help you choose the right countertop for your home and get the kitchen of your dreams. Contact us to get a free quote today.

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6 Essential Questions To Ask When Buying New Kitchen Countertops in Portland OR & Vancouver WA

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The process of buying new kitchen countertops isn’t as simple as ordering through a catalog or website. It requires thought and planning. After all, you want your new countertops to look good, last long, and match well within your space. Ultimately, you will be using your new kitchen countertops for years to come.

As with any new purchase, it always helps to be equipped with the right questions before making a purchase decision. Understanding your needs and concerns will help you to ensure your kitchen looks exactly how you envisioned it. We list some of the important aspects to keep in mind before remodeling your kitchen.

How Do You Choose the Best Kitchen Countertops?

When it comes to your kitchen counters, appearance and functionality are key. Whether you choose natural stone or a more unique option, here’s a lowdown on what you need to look at to strike the right balance between form and function.

What Are the Best Countertop Materials to Use?

There are so many to choose from depending on the overall style and design of your room. Some countertop options include:

Marble: Marble countertops give you a clean, polished, and contemporary look. Due to its softer material, marble is not always as durable as other options. A sealer can be applied to help protect the marble from staining. However, it will still be prone to scratching and etching. One popular option of marble to consider is Carrara marble. Named after the region in Italy it originates from, Carrara marble looks light gray and often displays a subtle hint of blue.

Granite: A popular option is granite countertops, which are amazingly durable, completely natural, can be easily cut into various shapes and sizes, and are also heat-resistant. Granite countertops display a polished appearance that can add an upscale touch to your kitchen. When it comes to variety, you will not be without options. Colors range from black to white, brown, red, and others depending on the mineral content. Some popular finishes include leathered and honed.

Quartz: If granite and marble don’t cut it for you, you can also consider quartz countertops, which are usually a mixture of natural quartz with a resin binder. Quartz countertops are an excellent alternative to marble. All the beauty with none of the maintenance. It is a durable option, and far less porous than marble. Quartz counters resist stains well and do not require sealing, making them one of the most practical options for you to consider.

Soapstone: You can also opt for soapstone, which gets its name from the natural talc it contains that lends it a softer or soap-like texture. While it’s not the most scratch resistant option, it also has advantages in that it is not only non-porous but is resistant to stains, bacteria, and heat. To protect soapstone, oil is to be applied to help wear and tear. As the soapstone countertops are used, a patina will form over time, providing you with a rustic and natural look.

What Should You Know About Cleaning?

Look for durability and stain-resistance when buying new kitchen countertops. That way, your countertops can be cleaned with water and mild dish soap or a gentle, all-purpose cleaner free of harsh chemicals. It’s important to consider picking the right material for the right purpose. For example, marble looks fabulous but it is porous and prone to scratching and etching, which means that if you spill red wine or juice on it, you will need to wipe it up quickly to avoid staining. A sealer will help prevent stains on marble, but this material does require more cleaning to prevent damage. So, if you’re looking for heavy-duty use, granite will work best, as it’s durable, heat-resistant, and extremely hardy.

What Is an Edge Profile?

Edge profiles may sound insignificant, but they add value when it comes to making your kitchen look modern and up-to-date. You can pick from bullnose style curves, s-shaped ogee edges that add a luxe element to your kitchen, or square or rounded edges, depending on your preference. To avoid accidents, square edges are best used in a child-free home. A half-bullnose is an excellent option for homes with children due to its gently rounded profile.

How Do You Install a Countertop?

A 45 square foot measurement is an average estimation of a kitchen countertop but, of course, this depends on the design, floor plan, and counter space of your specific kitchen. Countertops can be placed in a way that allows them to balance out a room. For example, a dark design can complement the effects of and highlight, white or light-colored cabinets.

When it comes to countertop installation, it is important to ensure they are cut with precision. After your countertop is leveled out and glued down using a professional sink anchoring system and silicone, the sink is attached to the stone. These steps are all completed the same day.

Contact Us Today

A kitchen remodeling job that involves buying new kitchen countertops can go a long way in dramatically improving the look and function of your space. However, new countertops require quite a bit of investment in time and effort. For this, you need experts with the right skills, insights, and techniques who can take care of everything from the installation to guiding you on the right options for your home. At GranitePro, this is exactly what we guarantee. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help you.

6 Essential Questions To Ask When Buying New Kitchen Countertops

Questions to Ask When Buying New Kitchen Countertops

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