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The best new look!
Here’s a complete and detailed overview of granite and quartz countertops, including their composition, advantages, disadvantages, maintenance needs, cost comparison, and tips for choosing between them for your home renovation.
Granite is a natural igneous rock formed from cooled magma deep within the Earth’s crust. Each slab is unique, with distinct veining, color variations, and mineral patterns. Because of this, granite countertops bring a one-of-a-kind natural beauty to kitchens and bathrooms.
Composition: Mostly quartz, feldspar, and mica.
Appearance: Naturally patterned with swirls and specks. No two slabs are alike.
Finish options: Polished, honed (matte), or leathered textures.
Natural Beauty – Offers rich, organic colors and patterns that add luxury and timeless appeal.
Durability – Extremely hard and resistant to heat, scratches, and impact.
Heat Resistance – Can handle hot pots and pans directly from the stove.
Longevity – With proper care, granite can last for decades.
Adds Home Value – Considered a premium material that increases resale appeal.
Porosity – Needs periodic sealing to prevent stains and bacterial absorption.
Weight – Heavy, requiring professional installation and sturdy cabinets.
Cost – High-end slabs can be expensive.
Color Variation – Because it’s natural, it’s hard to match slabs perfectly for large installations.
Seal every 1–2 years depending on usage.
Clean with mild soap and water; avoid harsh chemicals.
Wipe spills quickly to prevent staining.
Quartz countertops (often called engineered stone) are man-made surfaces composed of about 90–95% crushed natural quartz combined with resins, polymers, and pigments. They’re designed to mimic the look of natural stone but with improved consistency and lower maintenance.
Composition: Engineered mixture of quartz crystals + resin.
Appearance: Uniform patterns and colors, available in hundreds of designs, including marble and granite imitations.
Finish options: Polished, matte, concrete, or textured.
Non-Porous – Does not need sealing; highly resistant to stains and bacteria.
Low Maintenance – Easy to clean with soap and water.
Durable and Hard – Scratch and chip resistant (though not entirely scratch-proof).
Color Consistency – Uniform design makes it easy to match across large areas.
Customizable Look – Available in endless color options and styles.
Heat Sensitivity – Prolonged exposure to high heat (above 150°C / 300°F) can damage the resin.
Less Natural Character – Though beautiful, it lacks the depth and uniqueness of real stone.
Price – Comparable to or slightly more expensive than granite.
Outdoor Use – Can discolor in direct sunlight, so not ideal for outdoor kitchens.
Clean with mild detergent or quartz-safe cleaner.
Avoid placing hot pots directly on the surface.
Don’t use abrasive pads or bleach-based cleaners.
Type Average Cost per Square Foot (Installed) Maintenance Lifespan
Granite $50 – $120 Requires sealing 20–50 years
Quartz $60 – $140 Low maintenance 20–30 years
Choose Granite if:
You love the natural, unique look of real stone.
You want a countertop that’s highly heat-resistant.
You don’t mind a little maintenance (sealing).
Choose Quartz if:
You prefer low-maintenance surfaces.
You want a consistent, modern aesthetic.
You want strong stain resistance and easy cleaning.
Both granite and quartz countertops are excellent long-term investments for kitchens, bathrooms, and home renovations. Granite offers unmatched natural beauty and heat resistance, while quartz delivers ease of care and design flexibility. Ultimately, your choice depends on whether you value natural variation or consistent perfection, and how much maintenance you’re comfortable with.
Call today! and start getting solutions for your home improvement needs.
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All that fits your style and for any design and budget we have what you need!
Upgrading old, worn-out countertops to new stone quartz countertops is one of the most impactful improvements you can make in a kitchen or bathroom renovation. Quartz brings together beauty, performance, and long-term value in a way few other materials can match. Below is a full, detailed explanation of the advantages and benefits you gain when making this upgrade.
Tile installation, whether for flooring or walls, can be an artistic endeavor requiring skill and precision. To ensure a successful project, certain steps must be followed meticulously.
1. Floor Tile Installation
- Preparation: Proper and thorough prep-work is essential before starting any tile installation. This includes ensuring the subfloor is clean, level, and dry.
- Material Selection: Choose the right type of tile for the specific area. Consider factors like durability, water resistance, and aesthetic appeal.
- Layout Planning: Plan the layout carefully to minimize cuts and ensure a symmetrical and visually pleasing pattern.
- Adhesive Application: Use the appropriate adhesive for the type of tile and subfloor. Follow manufacturer guidelines for mixing and application.
- Waterproofing: Bathrooms require a strict waterproofing protocol to prevent water damage. Modern waterproofing systems have evolved and improved, making it crucial to be trained in the latest techniques and products.
- Heated Tile Floors: Installing heated tile floors requires electrical knowledge. It's essential to follow the installation directions precisely and consult or hire an electrician if necessary.
- Proper Techniques: Ensure the correct installation techniques for both floors and walls, adhering to industry standards to achieve a durable and attractive finish.
1. Preparation and Planning
- Thoroughly clean and level the installation surface.
- Measure and plan the tile layout to ensure a balanced and symmetrical appearance.
- Gather all necessary tools and materials before starting the project.
- Adhesive Application: Apply the adhesive evenly and use a notched trowel to create ridges for better tile adhesion.
- Tile Placement: Place tiles carefully, using spacers to maintain consistent gaps for grout lines.
- Cutting Tiles: Use a tile cutter or wet saw for precise cuts, ensuring tiles fit perfectly around edges and obstacles.
- Grouting: Once the adhesive sets, apply grout to fill the spaces between tiles. Wipe away excess grout with a damp sponge.
- Heated Floors: Follow specific guidelines for installing heating elements under tiles, ensuring electrical connections are safe and compliant with regulations.
- Waterproofing: For bathrooms and other wet areas, apply waterproof membranes and sealants as per manufacturer instructions to prevent leaks and water damage.
- Clean the tile surface thoroughly to remove any adhesive or grout residue.
- Apply a sealant if required, to protect the grout and tiles from stains and moisture.
- Each tile brand and type may have unique installation requirements. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for adhesives, grout, and sealants to ensure a successful and lasting installation.
Conclusion
Tile installation can range from straightforward to complex, depending on the project and the materials used. Understanding and following the proper steps, from preparation to finishing touches, is essential for achieving a high-quality result. Whether working on a simple kitchen backsplash or a comprehensive bathroom remodel with advanced waterproofing and heating systems, attention to detail and adherence to guidelines are key to a successful installation.
- Aesthetic Enhancement: Adds a focal point to the room.
- Heat Resistance: Choose tiles that withstand high temperatures.
- Installation Process: Proper surface preparation and heat-resistant adhesive.
- Maintenance: Easy to clean and maintain.
- Durability: Long-lasting and able to withstand heavy traffic.
- Variety: Available in various materials, colors, and patterns.
- Installation Steps: Subfloor preparation, adhesive application, and grout finishing.
- **Maintenance**: Regular cleaning and sealing for longevity.
- Visual Appeal: Enhances kitchen or bathroom aesthetics.
- Protection: Guards walls against moisture and stains.
- Installation: Measure and plan layout, adhesive application, and grout sealing.
- Material Options: Glass, ceramic, stone, and more.
- Decorative and Functional: Adds style and protects walls.
- Surface Preparation: Ensure walls are clean, dry, and level.
- Installation: Adhesive application, tile placement, and grouting.
- Versatility: Suitable for various rooms, including bathrooms and kitchens.
- Waterproofing: Essential for preventing water damage.
- Types of Tiles: Choose water-resistant materials like ceramic or porcelain.
- Installation: Properly applied waterproof membrane, adhesive, and grout.
- Aesthetic: Enhances bathroom decor with various designs and finishes.
- Durability and Hygiene: Tiles are easy to clean and maintain.
- Design Flexibility: Wide range of styles to match any kitchen decor.
- Installation Process: Surface prep, tile setting, and grout application.
- Heat and Stain Resistance: Ideal for kitchen environments.
- Material Choices: Stone for durability, wood for a warm, natural look.
- Installation: Secure attachment to the window frame, proper sealing.
- Aesthetic Impact: Enhances the window's appearance and complements the room’s decor.
- Maintenance: Regular cleaning and sealing to prevent damage.
- Expertise: Skilled professionals with experience in various tile installations.
- Quality Materials: Use of high-quality tiles and adhesives.
- Efficient Process: Streamlined installation ensuring minimal disruption.
- Customer Satisfaction: Focus on meeting client expectations with exceptional results.
- Backsplash and Bathtub Tile Replacement: Refreshes the look and functionality of the bathroom.
- Standing Shower Repair and Remodels: Updates and repairs showers for improved aesthetics and performance.
- Waterproofing: Critical for preventing leaks and water damage.
- Design Options: Various tile designs to match any bathroom style.
Summary
Professional tile installation services provide numerous benefits, from enhancing aesthetics and functionality to ensuring durability and ease of maintenance. Whether it's a fireplace, flooring, backsplash, or bathroom upgrade, following proper installation procedures and using high-quality materials are key to achieving a successful and lasting result. Normandy Park, WA, residents can rely on skilled professionals for all their tile flooring needs, ensuring beautiful and durable installations throughout their homes.