Home Makeover Diva

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Help With Choosing Granite or Quartz Countertops

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Today Mitch writes:

I’m picking out new countertops, but I am not sure which one is the best choice.Granite or Quartz? Please help!

Mitch, if I had a dollar for every time I got asked that question. . . I wouldn’t be a millionaire, but I would definitely be a couple hundred dollars richer! When it comes to picking out granite or quartz countertop surfaces, many people are at a loss of what to choose. Rest assured though that you’re not alone in your quest for the best countertop surface!

Let me also assure you that there’s no real right or wrong countertop when considering these two wonderful surfaces. Simply put, both granite and quartz are great countertop options. To better help with your dilemma, I’ve got a couple of questions to help us narrow down which countertop will work best for you.

Naturally occurring beauty that will be unpredictable or a consistent countertop pattern and color?

Granite is a beautiful choice, but it’s not appropriate for everyone or every kitchen. This comes into play because granite often makes for a bold statement, especially considering that some granite patterns are difficult to ignore. Confused by that last statement? Think back to the last kitchen you saw with a bold granite countertop. Do you remember anything else about that particular kitchen? Often times granites with large designs and a lot of color can become the focal point of the kitchen, making the rest of the features barely noticeable by contrast. There is nothing wrong with this, but it is something to keep in mind when you go countertop shopping! If your kitchen already has a lot going with patterns and colors, then you may wish  to find milder colors and patterns when looking into a new countertop. With regard to style, typically speaking, granite fits in more with a traditional design.

Granite or Quartz CountertopsI also strongly recommend going to the warehouse yourself and picking out your own granite slab for your countertops.  This way, you can avoid any “surprises” that may arise after installation.  As splotches may be bigger or smaller than at the showroom, a tone or hue may be different or the rock formation could change the pattern as the granite is mined, it’s best to be there in person to inspect things. You just don’t know what little change may happen in the rock from the time it was mined and put in the showroom to the slab that actually gets installed in your kitchen.

While granite is natural and unpredictable, Quartz is man-made and more uniform.  What you see in the showroom is almost exactly what you’ll get installed in your home.  The two biggest brands of quartz are Silestone and Zodiaq, each have between 30 to 50 different colors.  Some have small splotches while others are bigger.  They even come in different textured looks. For example, Silestone has a line that reminds me of honed limestone or marble.  Because of the uniform appearance and smaller splotches some colors in quartz work well with a heavily patterned kitchen backsplash. This makes quartz perfect for more modern kitchens.

How much countertop upkeep are you looking for?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54BKL7jvhks

Most granite surfaces require sealing.  There are some that do not, but many granite countertops do.  For those surfaces, you’ll have to seal them when they’re installed and then you will need to re-seal the countertop every 1 to 2 years. This will help protect your investment and keep your countertop from staining. If you’re instead looking for a countertop with minimal upkeep, I’d suggest quartz. Because quartz is nonporous and doesn’t require sealing like granite.  This makes for a great selling point for quartz since it makes it’s more difficult to stain and happens to be antimicrobial.  Neither granite or quartz is completely stain proof, however quartz offers greater stain resistance.  The final point I would make between the two countertop surfaces is that  quartz is slightly harder than granite. This means that it’s less likely to see scratches during daily use than a granite countertop.

Now I must tell you that I’m slightly biased when it comes to choosing countertops because my countertop happens to be quartz. That said, understand that I chose my countertop based on its color and pattern, not the type of surface. At the time, I was going for a modern look that matched well with my cabinets and flooring. The fact that it is low maintenance turned out to be a bonus.  So when it comes to choosing your own countertops, you’ve got to decide which is the best for you and your kitchen. As I mentioned earlier, there is no true right or wrong answer for your question.  What it boils down to are the above benefits I’ve explained, your own personal preference and which countertop surface looks best in your kitchen.  Either way, whichever countertop you choose will be great I’m sure!

Do you have questions about the selecting or the installation of: tile, carpet or wall treatments (window blinds, etc)? Then email me your tale of woe (diva(at)homemakeoverdiva.com) and perhaps I will be able to answer your questions right here at the Home Makeover Diva Blog.

Cleaning Granite Countertops Safely

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Today Susan writes:

Dear Diva, A friend of mine just told me I could use regular Pledge on my granite countertops. Is this true? I’ve used Pledge on my wooden surfaces but it just doesn’t seem like the thing to use on granite. Please help, I’m confused! Cleaning granite countertops safely is what I’m after here.

Dear Susan, you will hear a lot of other people’s advice on what they think you can use to clean or polish your granite countertops. And Pledge is one of those items that even some of the high-profile websites have readily endorsed lately. However this advice could be absolutely wrong for your countertops. Despite the fact that the can of Pledge even says that it can be used on granite and marble alike, there is some fine print that should be noted. Right on the can and on their own website Pledge specifies that it is ‘safe to use only on finished, sealed surfaces.’

1) Important Warranty and Disclaimer Information – Unfortunately, though, none of the high-profile websites or your friend probably mentioned that disclaimer. This is a shame because it could cause a problem if your granite has never been sealed or is in need of a fresh coat of sealer. If your granite countertops were made in the last couple years than the odds are pretty good that they have the lifetime (15 year) warranty and seal. If this is the case than you could probably use Pledge and be perfectly fine.  However, if your granite countertops are older or in need of a sealer, you could have some discoloration or staining appear depending onCleaning Granite Countertops Safely the colors in your granite.

2) Read the Product Label – This is why I always recommend reading the entire label (fine print and all), on any product you are going to use on your countertops and when possible contacting the company who provided your countertops to find out what the manufacturer suggestions for cleaning products are. Especially, considering that if you use the wrong product you could void your manufacturer warranty. Now I know what some of you are thinking: manufacturer warranties don’t cover a lot. But in my experience the time you dismiss that warranty is the time you need it! And on a product that costs as much as granite, it would be wise to preserve that warranty as much as you can.

Beware: Pledge is not the only product that is being recommended incorrectly for granite countertops. Some websites are advising readers on how to remove specific stains on granite countertops using other unsafe products. While I have no doubt that most of these remedies will work, I am concerned that none of the granite cleaners recommend by legitimate countertop experts rely on bleach or other harsh chemicals.

These household cleaners aren’t mindful of the sealer applied to your granite counters. So while using bleach or acetone on your granite will no doubt strip the stain, it will also strip the sealer at the same time. This of course, means you would be even more susceptible to countertop staining in the future.

3) Avoid Misleading Advise – Why the so-called “experts” on these unnamed websites aren’t mentioning this critical info is beyond me.  Apparently they’re also suggesting that you reseal your granite every two to three years based on their cleaning advice. Just remember to be mindful of the granite warranty and the warranty on any granite sealers you’ve used prior to stain removal. Following directions on the back of your granite cleaner is always a good idea while using household products and following bad advice, is something that is best to be avoided.

Granite countertops are expensive and you should protect your investment regardless of how easy someone else’s advice may be to follow. If you read the fine print on any cleaning products and do your research as far as warranties go, you’ll save yourself valuable time and money.

Update: One other product that is made specifically for cleaning granite countertops safely is called Rock Doctor. Despite the silly name, this product has received great reviews! You will only need the polish and cleaner, assuming your granite as already be sealed. These products are designed for granite and will prevent you from voiding your warranty using the wrong granite cleaning products.

Do you have questions about the selecting or the installation of: tile, carpet or wall treatments (window blinds, etc)? Then email me your tale of woe(diva(at)homemakeoverdiva.com) and perhaps I will be able to answer your questions right here at the Home Makeover Diva Blog.

How To Choose Granite Colors With Existing Appliances

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Choosing granite colors can be one of the hardest decisions in any kitchen remodel. This is especially true when you have existing elements that need to be considered in the choice. And how to choose granite colors with existing appliances is one question I get asked often. So here is a summary of what I tell people based on the colors of existing appliances they already have.

If you have white appliances: I’d stay away from white or creamed colored granite colors. Only because it’s a lot like wearing all white or all black. If the tones aren’t the same, it stands out as not matching, usually resulting in one of them looking dirty or yellowed. And considering you just spent a lot of money on new countertops, you don’t want that to be the first reaction anyone has to your kitchen! Instead I’d look for a mid-tone color. Something not too light, but not too dark either.  Consider a giallo veneziano granite, yellow river granite or any other color with a similar value and you’ll have a nice contrast without being so stark and obvious.

If you have black appliances: Be mindful of the space of your kitchen before you choose a granite. If your kitchen is small adding a dark granite countertop could make the room appear even smaller. If you lack enough lighting, having dark countertops would make the room feel more like a cave. Darker colors however, are more dramatic. So you need to be aware of how they affect the room especially when you’ve already got black appliances. If your kitchen is larger and open, consider going with “uba tuba”, black galaxy or even a blue pearl granite colors. These granite types are all pretty dark but have another color other than just black in the mix. This would play off the appliances nicely, without it looking as though it was all the same color.  If your kitchen is lacking in size or lighting, stick to the mid range or lighter colors if possible. Personally, I’m not a fan of white or cream-colored granites with black appliances but some of the pearl granite color that are grey or have a lot of dark splotches could work.

How To Choose Granite Colors With Existing Appliances

If you have stainless steel appliances: You can pretty much go with any color granite you want depending on the size of your kitchen.  Stainless steel appliances are quite neutral and you’ve pretty much got your pick of the litter. In fact, the only color I could think of off the top of my head that may not look good next to stainless are some very grey pearl granite types, which would just look “blah” next to the stainless. These granite types would look better with black appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are the only color I’d put with a white or cream-colored granite.  They also look great with darker colors because the stainless steel helps bounce the light around the room instead of absorbing it.

No matter what color appliances you have, choosing granite colors doesn’t have to be a stressful occasion.  Just remember the basics I’ve outlined above as well be mindful of the size of your kitchen, remembering that darker colors in a small space will make the room look smaller.  And you’re good to go! Your new granite countertops are going to make your kitchen look 100 times better than your old ones!

Cambria Quartz Countertops

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Today Sandra writes:

Help! I am having a terrible time trying to coordinate my new kitchen’s pain colors with what I hope will be my new countertop for my kitchen. I am open to granite or some kind of stone countertop, I forget what this is called. Is there anything out there pre-designed to work closely with a paint company to make my countertop color choices a little easier?

Well Sandra, I do have one product in mind that I believe will meet your needs. Let me introduce you to Cambria quartz countertops. Not only do Cambria quartz countertops provide you with a very strong contender in the engineered stone arena, but you will find that you can work with them to match Benjamin Moore paint with any Cambria quartz countertops selected.

Cambria Quartz CountertopsBy using pre-selected countertop and paint color combinations from both companies, finding a great quartz countertop just became a lot easier.

What does going with engineered stone like Cambria quartz countertops really get you in the way of features though?

– Stronger than granite. That’s right, going with a quartz countertop is going to mean less concern over damage with each passing year.

– Food safe surface. So rather than having to deal with a non-food safe surface like granite, the quartz countertop translates into a surface that doesn’t require another food barrier for cooking prep.

– No hassle. No need to worry about sealing, polishing or reconditioning the Cambria quartz countertop. This type of engineered stone is practically maintenance free, just keep it clean like you would with a table.

– Naturally hard surface. Cambria quartz countertops are made of pure natural quartz. This makes the surface the hardest non-precious stone countertop out there.

So there you have it. With 2011 countertop colors to choose from, plus the wall paint matching solutions available, selecting a Cambria quartz countertop makes a lot of sense for what you’re looking for.

Do you have questions about the selecting or the installation of: tile, carpet or wall treatments (window blinds, etc)? Then email me your tale of woe (diva(at)homemakeoverdiva.com) and perhaps I will be able to answer your questions right here at the Home Makeover Diva Blog.

How To Choose Granite Colors?

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Today a reader asks:

I am remodeling a small kitchen (12×10). I have installed: stainless steel appliances, Diamond Kitchen Cabinets in Cherry Harvest finish, and Alloc – Japanese Cherry hardwood flooring.

I am having a difficult time selecting a granite countertop color? I cannot decide whether to go light or dark? Can tell me how to choose granite colors?

There really is no wrong or right choice when it comes to choosing granite countertop colors. But there are a few things to keep in mind when you are making your choice.

Where is your focus? If you want the granite to stand out and want it to be the focus of your kitchen, then you need to choose a granite color that is either darker or lighter than your countertops. The value difference will help add visual interest and drama to your kitchen.

How To Choose Granite Colors?

Another aspect of the granite countertops that will add drama/interest is the size of the pattern being selected.  Some slabs of granite have small mineral flecks and more uniform patterns, while other granite slabs have a larger more dramatic pattern and mineral flecks.  Once again, this goes along with the above question:  How much do you want to have the granite countertop stand out?

Going with a dark countertop will definitely cause it to stand out.  If you’re looking at something in the black granite range, then that is a color that is definitely dramatic and because of that, it looks nice with cherry cabinets.  It also will take a little more cleaning, because everything’s lighter, like dust and crumbs stand out on a dark solid color surface.

If you don’t want the focus to be the granite countertops and want the focus to be on a backsplash or something else in the kitchen, then choosing a granite that is a similar tone to the cabinets is a good choice.

Is there a color value difference? If there is a great difference in color between the color of the kitchen cabinets and the color of the wood flooring, I’d suggest going with a granite that is in between the color range of the flooring and cabinets.  This is one rule of thumb that works well every time.

Keep in mind that if there isn’t a value difference between the flooring and the cabinets you will do the opposite and all three will blend.  This is why it is very important to know what you want ahead of time!

Are you adding a backsplash? If you’re using a granite backsplash, then ignore this section.  If you want to add a tile backsplash and have something specific in mind bring samples of the tile to pick out the granite.  Sometimes what we want and what matches the backsplash are two different things.  For example I love kitchens with spa-green glass backsplash tile, but the colors would look hideous in my kitchen.

Because of this, it took me way too long to find a backsplash that I could just live with, instead of loving it.  It’s important to consider everything in the room that will touch the countertops, like backsplashes and paint colors! If you keep all three of these points in mind when choosing your granite countertops, you can’t go wrong.

Bonus tips:

Have you considered choosing granite colors with existing appliances?

It sounds like you put a lot of thought into your flooring and cabinets, so I am confident that you will choose the right color for your space by utilizing some of the tips I’ve provided above. I realize it’s a bit overwhelming at first, but once you learn how to balance out visual interest, you’ll be all set.

Do you have questions about the selecting or the installation of: tile, carpet or wall treatments (window blinds, etc)? Then email me your tale of woe(diva(at)homemakeoverdiva.com) and perhaps I will be able to answer your questions right here at the Home Makeover Diva Blog!