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Archives for November 2021

Proven Ways of Picking the Best Countertop for Your Kitchen

Anyone talented enough in the kitchen can testify that a part of their skill and ingenuity has to be attributed to their cooking wares, equipment, and other kitchen amenities. While there may be too many to mention, people often overlook the countertops that usually contain all of our utensils and ingredients on the surface.

This includes your stove, pots and pans, ceramic knives, chopping boards, you name it! However, they would deteriorate much faster if you have no comfortable surface to place them on during noontime cookouts.

The thing about countertops is that there are a lot of them to choose from. Some companies may offer a variety of picks from their selections, but you may also customize your preference according to what they are offering. If you can’t seem to make up your mind on your first try, that is okay. Not everyone is a natural-born interior designer, after all.

If you want to learn more about choosing the best countertop in the market today, no need to worry. Here are some tips and tricks below for your reference.

Pick Your Preferred Material

It is always the preference of the homeowner to pick out the right material for their countertop. Yes, you may ask your countertop installers for advice, but at the end of the day, you have a complete grasp of the amenities in your home. This means that whatever the contractors will be installing would still depend on your personal taste and preference. If you are unsure of what to use, take a peek at your exteriors’ overall theme and look.

Ceramic, porcelain, quartz, stainless steel, and even glass could be a great add-on to your already amazing kitchen. You just have to get a feel of the overall results.

Consider the Durability

In general, most countertops are actually durable enough to withstand the weight of all your kitchen utensils, as well as the heat of the stove where you are cooking your delicious delicacies. You have nothing to worry about if the countertop is known to be fireproof.

However, you may have to place a couple of coating and other important amenities for those that can be easily burned. Doing so will prevent fire from spreading out on your beloved kitchen surface.

Discuss all your options with your contractors and ensure that the countertop is durable enough to withstand daily wear and tear. This will also depend on how often you cook when it comes to your kitchen amenities.

Consider Your Price Range

This is often one topic that people tend to avoid; however, it can’t be helped, especially if you are planning to select a second to none countertop. Granite, quartz, and ceramic are more likely to be higher priced than their stainless steel and glass counterparts. You may argue that the price point should depend on the durability of the materials used. However, the thing about countertops is that they often utilize materials that check both boxes when it comes to their durability and makes; that is why such examples are already in their appropriate price range.

If you want to explore more options, feel free to consult your countertop providers.

Conclusion

Picking the best countertop for your kitchen does not have to be difficult. You just have to be aware of the different tips and tricks that will make the task easier in the long run. Be sure to pick out your preferred material, go for one that is most durable, and analyze the price range as well.

Whether you are going for a more traditional kitchen or a modern-themed one, follow all of our tips above, and you will be able to choose the best countertop in the market today.

If you are looking for a reliable source of specialty kitchen countertops in Birmingham, AL, look no further than our selections here at Cutstone Company. We offer a wide range of high-quality countertops that are made from some of the most durable materials in the market today, including quartz, porcelain, recycled glass, amongst other things. Contact us today and let us provide your preferred countertop for you.

5 Buying Tips to Get the Best Deals on Quartz Countertops

Nothing compares to having an excellent kitchen—even more when it’s a custom-built area in a home. Most families dream of using a kitchen that’s made to last, with great design and a fantastic aesthetic. However, sourcing contractors to create a commercial custom countertop as part of the kitchen design process may come off as expensive.

Kitchen countertops are excellent additions to a bare kitchen. It is a place where people can prepare their meals and create room for more storage for other kitchen materials that they may need to put away at times. Finding the best deals for a kitchen countertop should be on every household’s list, eliminating some of the costs associated with the installation. But how can people get the best deals on quartz countertops? Here are some buying tips.

1. Source Materials from a Small Store

Budget is always a question when home remodeling. However, there are ways to lessen the costs, and one of them is by sourcing the materials from a small store. On average, bigger and more established stores usually price their items higher to the point that it becomes too much. Why buy from them when you can get the exact items for less in small stores?

Besides, small stores also carry other items that might not be in commercial hardware.  Buying quartz slabs from small stores is more cost-effective to save money and get the best options. Some stores even allow customers to bargain, bringing down the costs even more.

2. Consider the Quartz Slab’s Thickness

Quartz slabs come in standard sizes: 12 mm, 20 mm, and 30 mm. The more it gets thicker, the more expensive it becomes. Although thicker slabs may be better and more robust, they are also more costly than thinner variations.

During the planning procedure, make sure to consult a designer or an architect on which slab thickness suits your kitchen countertop’s needs best. Allow professionals to inspect your current space and let them identify which thickness works right for your area.

3. Select a Simpler Quartz Slab Design

Another factor that increases a quartz slab’s market price is the intricate designs that make it up. The slab’s complex edge may cause its price to shoot up, making it more impossible to achieve the best deals possible. Allow the quartz’s beauty to stand out from the countertop rather than let other design elements outshine it.

4. Balance Quality and Price

When purchasing, the mindset of most people is to go for the lowest price possible. However, most of the time, the cheapest items in the market could fail to meet your needs. When buying a quartz slab for a countertop, try to balance quality and price—two factors that make your purchase worthwhile. Do not go for something too cheap or too expensive. Instead, try to find the middle ground and stick with it.

5. Hire Professional Contractors

Although quartz seems like a durable material, it’s a fragile mineral that may break upon impact. Hiring professionals to install it should make the process easier and safer. Say goodbye to broken quartz slabs and stay cost-efficient as much as possible.

Conclusion

Adding a kitchen countertop to a bare kitchen is always an excellent way to improve the area. It benefits the family living in the home and adds value to the overall household. By adding a custom countertop, the house may cost more when sold in the future.

Cutstone Company is a locally-owned company specializing in custom fabrication and installation of kitchen countertops in Birmingham. We offer commercial custom countertops to clients wanting to remodel their kitchen or add something new to the design. Contact us today through our website if you’re looking for a company to make your countertops near you!

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Stone for Your Space

Incorporating natural stone in your space can instantly enhance the visual appeal of the area. The great thing about them is that they’re so versatile, they can fit into any room. Natural stone is often used in kitchen countertops since it can withstand high traffic and constant use without sustaining significant damage. 

In other places of your home, you can integrate natural stones by installing them into your bathroom vanity, fireplace, flooring, fire pits, outdoor kitchens, and more. However, you must choose the perfect stone that best fits your home’s aesthetic, so the look lasts for years. With that said, it’s worth considering spending a bit more time selecting a stone that works best for your space.

If you’re struggling with choosing the best natural stone for your kitchen countertop or vanity, you’ve come to the right place. Below are some things you need to consider when hunting for the best stone to install into your home. 

Consider the Appearance

Natural stone will provide a more genuine and unique look as compared to artificial products. Since each natural stone is unique, it’s vital to visit stone yards to look at the slabs you’re going to use instead of choosing from samples. 

By visiting stone yards, you get to see the actual color, veining, and movement that’s present in the slab. However, don’t forget to bring some samples of your project, such as paint, cabinet doors, backsplash tiles, and more, to see if your natural stone will work well with the other elements.

Mind the Purpose of the Stone

Besides the appearance, you must consider the purpose of your stone and where you’ll be placing them. For example, if you’re putting natural stone as your kitchen countertop, you may want to choose a much harder stone, so it’s resistant to damage and abrasions. If you choose softer stones, you may end up having to clean and maintain them often since they are also susceptible to scratching and damage. 

For softer stones, it’s best to use them where the stone isn’t as exposed as much, such as your wall cladding, bathroom vanity tops, or backsplashes. This way, you won’t have to spend lots of time cleaning and caring for the stone. 

Familiarize Yourself with the Different Stones

  • Granite: Granite is one of the most popular natural stones and is available in different colors. People like this stone because it’s generally low maintenance but performs well as a kitchen countertop, especially since it requires little aftercare.
  • Marble: For an elegant and classic look, marble stone can stand the test of time. Seeing as it’s softer than granite and can scratch easily, it’s best to use marble in vanities, backsplashes, or fireplaces.
  • Quartzite: Often comes in white and gray, the quartzite stone appears like marble, but it’s much harder than marble, making it an attractive choice for kitchen countertops.
  • Soapstone: Softer than granite and primarily made of talc, soapstone is a durable stone that comes in light gray, blue, and green hues. Since it’s incredibly heat resistant, it works best in fireplaces and kitchen countertops.

The Bottom Line: Spend Time Choosing the Best Natural Stone for Your Space

When choosing the best stone for your kitchen countertops, vanity, fireplace, or accent areas, it’s always a good idea to take the time to do your research and find the best type that works for your space. Of course, it’s best to speak to experts to know which stone best fits each purpose and so you can rest well knowing they’re properly installed.

How Can We Help You?

When it comes to installing kitchen countertops, it’s best to reach out to the experts — that’s where we come in.

Cutstone Company offers a wide range of custom countertops for our residential and commercial clients. Whether it’s marble for a classic elegance to granite for a luxurious look, we offer something that is sure to fit your style and needs all within your budget.

Browse our extensive selection of countertops today!

Quartz Countertops: Why Are They THE Choice of Bakers?

Quartz is the ideal kitchen countertop. It’s beautiful, durable, easy to clean, and low-maintenance. Quartz is an excellent choice when you need a countertop that can withstand high temperatures, not stain or easily scratch, and requires very little routine maintenance. It’s also attractive yet simple enough to work with any kitchen style.

The question is, why is quartz the choice of bakers today? 

It’s Non-Porous

Quartz materials are non-porous, so you don’t need to worry about any spills and they surely won’t stain. 

It’s Low-Maintenance

Are you surprised to know that this beautiful countertop material is actually low maintenance? Yes, it is! This is also one of the reasons it’s a top choice for bakers today. Thanks to it being non-porous, cleanup and routine maintenance are simpler. Most of the time, all you need to do (most of the time) is wipe down the countertops with a damp cloth, and that’s it!

Furthermore, you won’t see a seal with quartz countertops. With that, you don’t need a yearly checkup, which will save you more time and money. 

It Can Retain Temperature

For bakers, temperature matters a lot. When countertops overheat, things can turn chaotic. This is why they choose quartz countertops because they can retain temperature, specifically keep things cool! With that, bakers don’t need to be scared of heat that could ruin their goods. 

It’s Resilient

Another great thing about quartz is that it can remain durable and beautiful. You don’t need to worry about accidental wear and tear. Plus, quartz is actually scratch-resistant, and acidity from foods and alcohol won’t deteriorate your countertops. 

Why Not Marble?

Many bakers often get torn between marble and quartz countertops. Marble, indeed, is a great addition to every space because of its timeless beauty. However, if you will be using the area for baking, you might want to skip the marble. 

This is because marble doesn’t meet the chef’s standards since it’s porous and stains easily. And this is something you don’t need in your kitchen when you’re baking a lot of goodies. Additionally, the seal on marble countertops contains harsh chemicals that are not ideal when you’re prepping food on countertops. 

A Durable Countertop to Last

When you bake a lot of treats or foods in a day, you need to have a good workplace. Your countertops play a crucial role in the success of your baked goods. Choosing quartz material is the best choice you could ever make. 

Quartz is an increasingly popular choice for kitchen countertops because of its beauty, durability, and cost-effectiveness compared with natural stone.

Bake More Efficiently

Baking is fun, but it can be stressful because you need to be very detailed to get the best results. When working in the kitchen, you need everything ideal for baking—from storage spaces and ingredients to countertops. In this post, we talked about why a quartz countertop is a popular option for bakers today. So, when shopping for countertops, make sure you choose quartz. Trust us; you won’t regret it, and baking will be more efficient than ever. 

Get custom countertops in Birmingham, AL! Cutstone Company provides the best stone surfaces for your needs, whether you’re a talented pastry chef or a dedicated home cook. Contact us today!

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