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Archives for May 2022

The Benefits of Selecting Engineered Stone Benchtops

Natural stones are gorgeous for benchtops in the kitchen but can be very expensive. One affordable and cheaper alternative is an engineered stone for your benchtops. To learn more about this, keep reading below.

What Is an Engineered Stone?

If you are looking to create a beautiful and stylish looking benchtop, an engineered stone could be the perfect choice for you. It is similar to natural stone, but a little bit less expensive.

These stones are usually made from quartz or granite aggregates mixed in with resin and pigments. While they may not be as “pure” as natural stones, they are made to be highly durable, scratch-resistant, and acid-resistant without constant sealing.

There are various designs and styles with engineered stone, so when it comes to visuals, you will not be disappointed. It is a great option for both interior and exterior use. It is low maintenance, has a great look, and is also resistant to moisture, making it ideal for a benchtop in the kitchen and even in the bathroom.

What Are the Advantages of Using Engineered Stone?

There are various advantages to using engineered stone. Below is a list of the most notable ones.

1. Cost-Effective Solution

Engineered stone is much more affordable than natural stone, and it is a great alternative for those on a tight budget, but still want to achieve the look and functionality of natural stone on benchtops.

2. Environmentally-friendly

The stones used for engineered stones are abundant, so it really is not depleting non-renewable resources. Aside from that, manufacturing engineering stones has a very low environmental impact. So, if you are worried about the carbon footprint you are leaving behind by purchasing these engineered stones, you don’t have to because they are surely environmentally friendly.

3. Easier to Clean

Compared to natural stone, engineered stone is easier to clean. Natural stones are porous, which means bacteria, dirt, and mold, can easily get into fissures and pores. Meanwhile, engineered stones are made to be non-porous, so you don’t have to worry about the clean-up when working on your counters or benches with engineered stones. You can use a damp cloth to wipe away any dirt or stains. However, some people recommend using mild detergents and a soft bristle brush.

4. Stain-Resistant

Engineered stones were also manufactured to be resistant to stains. If you like to work with sauces, grease, oil, or even other staining materials like paint, you don’t have to worry about ruining your countertops or benches. Even when the sealant wears off, engineered stones are still protected against stains, so you don’t have to worry about constantly resealing them.

5. Wide Range of Designs

There is a wide range of designs and shapes for engineered stones, so you will not be limited to one style or design for your kitchen or bathroom benchtops. Moreover, most of them are still made by hand so you will be surprised at how diverse and spectacular the color combinations that you can choose from.

Conclusion

Engineered stones are affordable, environmentally friendly, easy to clean, and stain-resistant. It is a great option for those who are looking for a stylish, yet affordable alternative to natural stone.

If you are searching for custom kitchen countertops in Birmingham, AL, you can get in touch with Cutstone Company. We offer a wide range of custom countertops for residential and commercial use. Contact us today to learn more.

Things to Keep Off Your Granite Counters: A Quick Guide

After you choose granite that complements the look and feel of your home, you’re probably focused on maintaining its natural beauty for a lifetime. But how do you begin? Here are the best tips to keep in mind to avoid harming your counters.

Things to Keep Off Your Granite Counters: A Quick Guide

1 – Highly Pigmented Liquids

Highly pigmented liquids such as coffee, red wine, and fruit juice can stain your granite counters. Even if you clean the spill quickly, the stain will still remain. This is because the pigment will not fade even with repeated cleanings.

As soon as you notice a highly pigmented liquid spill on your counter, don’t wait to clean it. Use a mild soap and water mixture to clean the stained area. After that, blot the countertop with a towel to remove excess liquid. Doing so will prevent the stain from seeping inside the stone.

2 – Acids, Alkalis, and Strong Cleaners

Products such as vinegar, citrus juice, and non-granite cleaners can etch your granite countertop. The etching can make your stone look dull and unattractive.

While using vinegar or citrus juice is okay, avoid using products that contain acidic or alkaline chemicals. There are several commercial cleaners available on the market, so use them instead of harsh chemicals.

3 – High Heat

The best way to keep your granite counters looking great is by maintaining them with regular cleaning. You should clean your countertops immediately after preparing meals and wipe them with a clean, soft cloth.

While wiping the countertop with a dishcloth is okay, avoid using a stiff scrubber or sponge. The bristles can scratch the surface and leave it looking dull.

4 – Wipe-On, Wipe-Off Furniture Polish

This is a common culprit that many people use to maintain their granite counters. While furniture polish helps your countertops look shiny and more appealing, it can damage the surface.

If you want to maintain the shine of your granite countertop, think about choosing furniture polishes with low-gloss and semi-gloss formulas. Opting for a solid wax formula can also help, and it doesn’t leave behind a sticky residue.

5 – Sharp Knives

You should keep your knives sharp to avoid nicks and dents on your countertop. But you should also be careful when using them to avoid damaging them.

Keep your knives sharp by using sharpening steel to hone the blade’s edge before using. While you should use the sharpest knife you can afford, opt for a smaller knife if you have to.

6 – Sticky Items

It’s best to keep sticky items off your countertops, such as toothpaste and dental floss. If you happen to spill anything sticky on your counters, try cleaning it with a little dish soap and warm water.

7 – Raw Meats

The mineral content in raw meats can discolor your granite countertop. When you’re preparing a meal that includes raw meats, place the meat on a plate first before placing it on your counter.

Conclusion

Remember that your granite countertops have many advantages, such as being resistant to heat, scratches, and stains. If you follow these tips, you’ll be able to maintain your counters for years to come.

If you are looking to get high-quality granite countertops in Birmingham, AL, come to Cutstone Company. We provide residential and commercial custom countertops. Shop with us today!

Here’s How You Care For Your Beautiful Quartzite Countertops

Countertops are some of the most critical pieces of the kitchen. They have aesthetic and functional purposes, so it’s best to choose the material carefully.

With that said, more and more homeowners are choosing quartzite countertops for their kitchens. Quartzite countertops come from natural stone. They come in various sizes and finishes, making them highly sought after.

In addition, quartzite countertops are durable. They are actually more durable than granite countertops and can withstand a lot of abuse. If you’re looking for a beautiful and long-lasting material, then quartzite countertops are for you.

What Are the Other Benefits of Having Quartzite Countertops?

You already know that quartzite countertops are aesthetically pleasing and durable, but did you know they have other enjoyable features? Here are some benefits to having quartzite countertops in the kitchen.

1. Quartzite Countertops Are Easy to Clean

Most homeowners will get sick and tired of cleaning granite or marble countertops. For example, marble countertops tend to collect stains and become home to bacteria.

Fortunately, quartzite countertops are very easy to clean. Since they are made out of stone, they have a stone-like appearance and feel. Unlike other types of stone, though, they are super easy to clean with a wet sponge.

Additionally, quartzite countertops are scratch-resistant and nonporous, making them less likely to become home to unsightly stains.

2. Quartzite Countertops Are Scratch-Resistant

One of the biggest problems with countertops is that they get scratched easily. Since granite and marble are both softer than quartzite, they scratch very easily. When you cook, you shouldn’t have to worry about scratching your countertops.

Here is where quartzite countertops come in. Aside from being easy to clean, quartzite countertops are also scratch-resistant. They come from natural stone, after all. Knowing this, you can rest easy knowing that children, pets, and other family members won’t ruin the finish quickly.

Quartzite countertops are highly scratch-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about getting them scratched. In fact, you can use almost any kitchen utensil to clean these counters and not worry about them sustaining damage.

How Does One Clean Quartzite Countertops?

If you want to avoid unsightly stains and scratches on your quartzite countertops, then you need to clean them well. Luckily, quartzite countertops are easy to clean.

First of all, you can clean these countertops with a wet sponge. They are highly scratch-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about any damage. That said, do not use any rough sponges or abrasive cleaners. Doing so will make the countertops look even worse.

For stubborn stains, you can apply a mixture of warm water and mild soap. Be sure to use a soft sponge to scrub the stain. Once you’re done, use a clean cloth to wipe off the excess soap.

Final Note

Quartzite countertops are an excellent option for homeowners. They are aesthetically pleasing, scratch-resistant, and long-lasting. Not to mention, they are easy to clean.

If you’re looking to renovate your kitchen, you likely want to work with countertop makers you can trust. Why not work with Cutstone Company for this project? We offer various countertop finishes, including quartzite and marble countertops in Birmingham, AL.

Our team of expert makers and installers is committed to helping clients сhoose the right countertops. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns. We’ll be more than happy to assist you in any way possible.

5 Things to Look for When Choosing the Right Granite Sealer

Granite is a material known for the extreme hardness of its mineral bonds, making it nearly indestructible. It is the second-most-common natural stone, after limestone. Online retailers offer a variety of granite and marble options for home improvement projects. 

Granite countertops and floors make excellent kitchen and bathroom additions. Granite can be installed with anti-slip grit for extra safety, and they need to be installed with an expert sealer.

Here are a few things to look out for when choosing the right granite sealer.

1) Effective and Efficient 

The primary purpose of a granite sealer is to protect the granite surface against stains and damage. All epoxy or polyurethane sealers have the same basic ingredients – polymers, hardeners, curing agents, and pigments. 

They work by curing after application and forming a protective film on the granite. This film protects the granite from everyday household wear and tear. The best sealer will provide the longest-lasting protection.

2) Water- and Solvent-Based Options

Water-based sealers are typically less toxic than solvent-based, which are more readily absorbed by the granite. The best sealers use water-based sealers, which can be easily removed by soap and water.

Solvent-based products, however, can stain the granite, and the toxic fumes won’t dissipate for a few days. The sealer should be safe for the average consumer, and you shouldn’t have to worry about fumes.

3) Appearance

The appearance of the sealer is another big factor to consider. A good granite sealer will seem like a natural part of the countertop.

A dark sealer can appear unnatural against light and white granites, and a thick layer of sealer can cause the countertop to appear uneven. Make sure to choose a sealer that matches the color and texture of the granite.

4) Diverse Manufacturing Material

The sealer should be manufactured with diverse materials that are not harmful to the environment or the consumer. The sealer should also be made in the United States.

The sealer should be free of chemicals that are known to cause cancer or other health issues. The sealer should comply with environmental protection agency regulations. The sealer should be free of any toxic or invasive chemicals.

5) Natural

Natural granites have a lot of variation in color, texture, and pattern. Pure, natural granite is an excellent option for kitchens and bathrooms, but the sealer must match the natural look of the granite.

Some sealers can dull the natural shine of the granite, and other sealers can change the color. A good sealer will leave the natural beauty of the quartz or feldspar intact.

Why Granite Sealers Are Important

Granite is a timeless, elegant, and versatile material for any home. Granite is also a popular option for kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities and fireplace surrounds.

This rock is known for its beautiful appearance, durability, scratch resistance and stain resistance. Granite is extremely hard, and it is only scratched by diamond-tipped tools. No other substance comes close to its hardness. Granite is a durable, resilient material that can withstand wear and tear for many years.

Conclusion

Granite sealers are an important part of granite maintenance. The sealer should protect the granite against wear and tear, stains and damage. The best granite sealer will protect the granite from household wear and tear, and it will match the natural color and texture of the granite.

The best sealer will protect your granite from everyday wear and tear and extend its lifespan. If you’re looking for kitchen granite in Birmingham, AL, Cutstone Company can help. Get in touch with us today to learn more.

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