Countertops – Giving Your HomeSome Color

While kitchens come in many shapes and sizes, almost all homeowners rely on their countertops for reliable surfaces to cook, work, and store. Coming in different colors and textures, countertopsmade up of natural stones are relatively pricier than other materials such as tile, wood, or laminate. 

When it comes to a countertop surface that is reliable, resilient, and beautiful, the first choice is natural stone. They are relatively easy to clean, tough and virtually fireproof. Natural stone provides 4 varieties, namely marble, granite, slate and travertine. Marble, though beautiful and available in various colors and designs, may raise the cost considerably. Granite, on the other hand, is a good mix of quality and functionality and is available in various forms. It offers a good value for money, though it does require maintenance such as a yearly sealing. Since marble and granite are naturally porous materials, they require sealing in order to prevent bacteria from hiding inside the surface. Using slates gives the option of going for multipurpose options. For people having a taste for natural and neutral color, travertine may be the best option. Coming from the limestone family, it may however stain more easily than others.

The modern day kitchen is increasingly using countertops made of wood that are long-lasting when properly cared for. These are made using modern adhesives that strongly bond the wood staves and may withstand high pressure. Aesthetically speaking, a wooden countertop goes well with wooden floorings, moldings, cornices and mantels. Though somewhat costlier, these are usually less expensive than natural stone and granite.

A countertop made of engineered stone consists of 93% crushed quartz and 3-7% of binders and resins. The use of quartz makes these durable and easy to maintain. The durability of the stone makes them resistant to scratch and heat. However, that doesn’t mean a person gets careless and is suggested not to directly place hot items on the countertops. It also offers various choices in colors and should be used specifically in a place like as countertop in kitchen and as vanity in bathroom. 

The last of the options, Formica, is an inexpensive and uses a high-pressure laminated countertops. In the general parlance, these are known as either plastic laminate countertops or Formica countertops. These are not long-lasting like others and may get scratched with cleaning.

Countertops -- On the Surface

People often take kitchen surfaces for granted. They just want to make sure that their countertops are durable, clean, and functional. But if you need new ones, this is often when people start researching more about countertop materials. There are a lot of options out there, and the one that's right for you may depend on what you plan to use it for. This is why it's important not only to do your research, but also to make a list of the things you want to be able to do on this surface. Taking these steps can help you to get the right product for the job.

Tile is a popular choice for countertops in both kitchens and bathrooms. It's pretty inexpensive to install, and you can choose from a wide variety of colors and tile types. You can even add some style with decorative tiles or patterned tiles. It's relatively durable and, even if you do chip a tile, it's easier to replace one tile than to have to replace an entire countertop. The only drawback for a lot of people is that tile comes with grout, and grout can be rather difficult to clean. Fortunately, there are other options.

Natural stone is also a popular material for countertops. This material is beautiful, natural, and very hardy. The most popular stone types for this application are usually granite or marble. You can get a variety of different styles or stone types. A granite countertop in particular can handle a lot of abuse. You can put hot pots directly on the countertop. Because stones retain coolness, it's also an ideal surface for rolling out pie dough or pasta. And because there are no grout lines to contend with, just a single solid surface, clean-up on granite or marble is a snap.

But one thing about natural stone countertops is that they're prone to scratching. You may not need to replace the entire countertop, but you may need to buff out scratches on a regular basis. The alternative to natural stone is engineered stone. These engineered surfaces combine quartz with polyresin in order to make a beautiful surface with a natural look that's much more scratch-resistant than granite or marble. These materials can range in price but are typically considered top-of-the-line materials. If you want beauty that will last a lifetime in your kitchen, then it is an investment worth making.

What is the Typical Cost of Caesarstone?

Caesarstone is a lovely & highly desired stone surfacing material created with current technology to resemble quartz in every capacity. Durable and available in a wide range of colors & textures, you can furnish your home with this beautiful surface everywhere from the bathroom to kitchen countertops to an accent wall. Even floors can be done with this product.

Caesarstone is ninety three percent quartz combined with pigments and polymers to strengthen the product and provide a variety of different color options for every type of style. Caesarstone also comes in honed, polished, and textured surfaces. For about $40.00 per square foot in some locations, it is an investment worth every penny.

Some of the rich colors to add character to your home include Deep Ocean, Black Rocks, Espresso, Smoky Ash, Pebble, Ruby Reflections, Mocha, Nougat, Rosemary, Eggshell, Cinder, Desert Limestone, & Organic White among many other choices. Caesarstone also comes in many recycled options with fleck filled color choices such as Starry Night, Carbone and Spring Blossom.

Determining the cost of your Caesarstone requires some research. You can calculate the footage by using online calculators, or Caesarstone’s handy app for the iPhone and iPad. Various web sites which sell countertop or flooring materials offer approximate pricing based on the surface dimensions you want to cover by filling in the square feet of the area and the price per square foot.

Caesarstone may cost as much as $60 or even $90 a square foot for the material and installation depending on your location. Caesarstone is one of the only materials which offers a lifetime guarantee, so really it is quite cost effective than other materials which need regular maintenance or repairs.

When caring for Caesarstone be sure to avoid contact with paint thinners, prolonged heat, soaps with high alkaline balances, oils, oven cleaners and other harsh products. The Caesarstone will last but you don’t want to stain its surface or create dull places in it. Hot pots and other heat sources can leave hairline cracks that are difficult to mask.

The Best Materials for Your Countertops

When it comes time to redo your kitchen’s countertops, you will find that you are inundated with choices as to what to make them out of. This is not a choice that should be made lightly either. You will be stuck, so to speak, with the new kitchen countertop for many years to come. So, while it may seem that this decision is not all that important, it really is important to the overall look of your kitchen and, considering how much it will cost to redo, you really can’t afford to get it wrong.

The first decision that has to be made when it comes time to get new countertops is what material they will be made out of. Here you will find that you have several choices including:

· Solid surface – This countertop is made out of acrylic and is the most common type that is found in most homes and apartment buildings. The material is very durable and can withstand stains and all of the rigors of daily living. Another plus to this type is that you can get them in almost every color imaginable so they are easily matched with the colors of your current kitchen if you do not plan to change them.

· Granite – For those with more money and who want fancier looking countertops, you can have them made out of granite. This type can definitely make the kitchen look classier. The only problem, other than the cost of making them, is that they have been known to absorb certain stains and, once that happens, there is no getting the stain out.

· Ceramic tile – Some people prefer ceramic tile for their countertop material. It can definitely make the kitchen look nice and clean and, much like with solid surface ones, you can get the tiles in all sorts of colors to match your kitchen. The only thing is that the tiles do not tend to last as long as other material types so you may find yourself replacing them in a couple of years.

The next decision you need to make is who is going to make and then install your new countertops. You want to make sure to choose someone who knows what they are doing and has been in the business for a while. Even a properly cut countertop can become messed up if it is not installed correctly. They cost far too much, even those not made of stone, for you to hire someone who is just going to mess them up. Sure, you may have to pay a bit more for a more experienced counter person, but it will be worth it in the end.

Remodeling Trends in Los Angeles: Kitchen Benchtops

In Los Angeles kitchen remodel projects are often based on both form and function. Contractors/designers meet with their clients to ensure that both the style and function of the space is addressed. The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home. It is where families gather for meals, where cooking, hosting, dishes, and homework are done. Some families look for comfort and coziness, while others look for modernity and sleekness, all the while needing the space to serve the functions needed with ease.

Countertops and storage space are often the first big decisions made, which shape the rest of the kitchen remodel. Recently benchtops are becoming more and more popular for their durability, low maintenance, and unique look. When looking for a benchtop, remember that it is in constant use, every day. It will need to be sturdy, functional and beautiful.

A kitchen remodel usually happens once in a home, depending on how long the family has lived there. You want to make sure that the countertop you use is strong enough to last for several years – decades even. For this you must turn to a sturdy material which lasts long and doesn’t require much maintenance. While there are a plethora of materials out there, natural stone seems to be the best in terms of price, quality, durability, & being low maintenance.

Natural stone such as quartz, as opposed to granite, is tough, non-porous (so it never needs to be sealed), as well as scratch, heat, and stain resistant. They also come in more colors and textures now than ever before.

While some specific stones get discolored or stained when something hot is kept on them, durable quartz such as Caesarstone is resistant to such things making it a smart choice for home owners who want to work freely without the worry of stains or discoloration. Busy moms, for example, who use their countertops every day, don’t have the time or energy to baby their counters. They want something they can install and forget about, aside from an easy cleaning once in awhile.

Quartz has become a hot favorite because it fulfills the most conditions specified by the customers. Durable, low-maintenance, heat, stain, & scratch resistant, a variety of choices for color & texture, regularly available, & well priced for the quality of the product: these are all qualities which have made quartz countertops & benchtops such as Caesarstone as a superior choice for satisfied customers. And because quartz is such a versatile material, benchtops can be made specific to various designs requested by the customer. From classic to modern, and even ultra modern, the possibilities are endless.

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Caesarstone and Sonobath announce new Eclipse series

Caesarstone is pleased to announce an exciting new application of some of its most spectacular semi-precious surfaces -- the Eclipse table series by Jae Omar Design (JOD). Southern California-based Jae Omar, one of Caesarstone's associate designers, overlays these precious stone surfaces with natural metal elements to create intriguing, hard-to-look-away table designs.

Available beginning in fall 2011, the Eclipse table is the first piece in Jae Omar Design's new Soma collection. The collection is offered in a variety of round, square and rectangular sizes, and in a range of stunning stone and metal combinations including Concetto Sirena with moody dark bronze.

"Dressing a living area or home is a bit like dressing a woman -- no matter what the occasion a subtle application of jewelry increases the interest ten-fold. Our jeweled stone Eclipse table has a similar effect," said JOD's Omar. "We've added the luster of stone surfaces, such as Concetto Sirena, to add an unexpected richness and timelessness to an interior accent as simple as a metal-based table. The effect is stunning to say the least."

Through special arrangement with Caesarstone, JOD is able to provide custom selections of the various top-end surfaces to go with any interior décor.

"The Eclipse tables are extremely designer friendly, with patterns and textures that fit with nearly any color palette or mood -- like a diamond necklace that goes equally well with a casual top or a little black dress," explains Omar. "Though a little more precious than off-the-shelf tables, we think any room is worth it."

About Jae Omar Design
Since its introduction in 1998, Jae Omar's innovative, contemporary furniture collection has been a favorite amongst both designers and architects. His signature blend of tailored shapes and raw natural elements celebrates the power and beauty of a natural world in constant transition. Now represented internationally, Omar continues to push the edge of the envelope with originality and an uncompromising attention to detail. For more information about Jae Omar Design and its complete line of high-end furniture and accessories, please go to jaeomardesign.com or call 310/492-4006.

AboutCaesarstone
Caesarstone is the original quartz countertops & surfaces manufacturer. The company is headquartered in Southern California with offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Colorado, Miami, New York, Atlanta, St. Louis and Dallas. Caesarstone produces premium quartz countertops & surfaces, complementing any design application, from traditional to contemporary, for both home and commercial applications. Caesarstone products are available through kitchen and bath retailers, fabricators, architects, designers, builders and distributors nationwide. Offering a Residential Lifetime Warranty, Caesarstone countertops and surfaces are nonporous, stain, scratch and heat resistant. Caesarstone has earned the respected Good Housekeeping Seal from the Good Housekeeping Research Institute and is in compliance with stringent international environmental standards including ISO 14001 (environmental management system), ISO 9002 (quality management standard), and NSF (public health and safety).

A sustainable material, Caesarstone is GREENGUARD certified and is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). For more information about Caesarstone and its products, please visit the company's website at http://www.caesarstoneus.com, or call toll-free 877-9QUARTZ (877-978-2789).