Confused about Granite or Quartz Countertops?

A countertop is the best way of adding some elegance into your kitchen. Many people, while buying countertops get confused in their types. The differences in quartz versus granite Kitchen countertops go beyond mere price. Quartz countertops, which are moulded according to their size, are the safest countertops available today.

While it is true that many homeowners prefer granite countertops, due to their cheap price and beauty, quartz countertops are also gaining popularity due to other major benefits that they offer. Quartz surfaces are easy to clean, non-porous and highly chip-resistant. This eliminates the need of using sealants for them. In addition to these features, quartz countertops are consistent in appearance, irrespective of the size of the surface covered.

Quartz countertops are generally made from a combination of resin and crushed quartz crystals. The work begins with pulverizing the quartz, which is then combined with resin, and other required materials, such as pigments. The mix thus made is placed in a mold the exact size and shape of countertops required by the customer. This prevents any need for cutting or sealing when they are installed in kitchens. This property gives a sleek look to the countertops even after years or decade of their installation.

On the other hand granite countertops are made from large piece of rock, which is cut using machines. The slices of granite are placed one by one on top of each other to form a countertop. This sometimes causes slight color mismatching between pieces and can be seen with the naked eye. In addition to this, granite countertops also need to be covered in sealant, which must be renewed every few years. A quartz countertop is chip-resistant and extremely durable. The way it is composed makes it very hard which reduces breakage to a great extent.

CaesarStone – Gaining Popularity in the South

CaesarStone is 93% crushed quartz, one of nature’s hardest minerals. The quartz is combined with high-quality polymer resins and pigments and then compacted under intense vibration, vacuum, and pressure into dense, non-porous slabs. The slabs are post cured, gauged to precise thickness, and polished to an enduring shine.

With its durability and lifetime warranty, CaesarStone is a perfect choice for a kitchen or bathroom countertop. A product that is very popular in the north is noticeably gaining traction here in the south.

Granite is always a great countertop choice, but never be afraid to mix things up a bit. And CaesarStone is definitely a product that is sure to mix things up!

Colors

CaesarStone offers an incredible product line with bold colors and matte-finish textures that are great for achieving that transitional look in your home. If you are looking for a soft muted look, than Misty Carrera from the Soft Blends texture would be beautiful with white European cabinetry and stainless steel appliances. And if you are looking for a pop of color, than Apple Martini would really make a statement in your modern kitchen.

ToviewCaesarStone’sonlinecatalogpleasevisit: http://www.caesarstoneus.com/catalog/collection.cfm

Careand Maintenance

Its hard, nonporous surface makes CaesarStone simple to clean. One of the most easy-to care-for choice for countertops on the market today. In most cases, soap and water or a mild detergent is all that is required to maintain its luster. If necessary, a non-abrasive cleanser such as Soft Scrub Liquid Gel with Bleach or Comet Soft Cleanser Cream with Bleach can be used. Adhered materials like food, gum or nail polish can be scraped away with a plastic putty knife; any marks left by the blade can be removed with Soft Scrub Liquid Gel. Thoroughly rinse the surface with clean water to remove residue.

Please understand that HONED, TEXTURED and MOTIVO finishes will require more daily maintenance than the polished finishes. Since there is more exposed surface area with honed finishes, metal marks, finger prints and other signs of daily living will show on honed material. Most of these marks can be easily removed with little effort and non-abrasive cleaning products such as Soft Scrub Liquid Gel.

CaesarStone prides itself in providing our customers a virtually care-free surface, but as with any product, excessive abuse can harm its finish. With a small amount of care, your CaesarStone countertops will look as great as the day you bought it for years to come.

Old World Charm Meets Modern Convenience

(Picture: Originally listed as two separate units, 3159 Jackson Street actually has two kitchens. This one sits on the second level with the main dining area and living room, while the other is on the first level. Both include CaesarStone countertops.)

3159 Jackson St., Pacific Heights, San Francisco. The asking price: $3.653 million.

What to love about it: The combination of Old World aesthetics and modern convenience. This three-level Pacific Heights home was built in 1904, and in 2005, the owners began a top-to-bottom renovation that was recently completed.

The home has hardwood floors throughout and multiple custom fireplaces. The main dining area on the second floor has room for a table for eight and features a kitchen with wrap-around CaesarStone countertops.

On the main level, there's a second kitchen that also has CaesarStone countertops and a bedroom that opens to the rear patio/garden. The home also comes with a newly constructed two-car garage.

Hidden gem: The third-floor master bedroom features an alcove with that delivers a stunning view of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Size: The home was originally listed as two units, but is now being offered as a single-family home. It has five bedrooms, an office/library and 4 1/2 baths.

Agent: Antoine Crumeyrolle of Vanguard Properties

Readmore:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgibin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/12/20/REFP1AHSCU.DTL#ixzz0bsbtji8Q

For more information on Caesarstone Quartz Countertops & Surfaces, please visit www.caesarstoneus.com.