QStone, Inc. located in Madison Heights, Michigan – with over 23 years experience, provides professional Granite, Marble and Quartz Kitchen Countertops fabrication and installation in Michigan. Please call (248) 760-6161 for more information or to get a FREE ESTIMATE today!
Bloomfield MI Granite Countertops
Bloomfield MI Granite Countertops – Q Stone, Inc (248) 760-6161
If you are in need of Bloomfield MI Granite Countertops please contact Q Stone, Inc for a (248) 760-6161 for a free estimate. Click here to see photos of our work or Follow Us on Facebook!
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7 Benefits of Granite Countertops in Your Family’s Home
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Walk in any modern kitchen and the number one sought after item is a granite countertop. This is true whether it is in a residential home or apartment, a break room in a retail store or inside a doctor’s office, or in any number of suites and other luxury-style rooms found in upscale hotels from coast to coast across the nation.
Your home will be a more welcoming space for both family members and invited guests when your kitchen remodel includes new granite countertops. In fact, granite countertops can take the kitchen in your family’s home from boring to fun without losing any of the original functionality of the room. In fact, new granite counters can make it even more functional than it was before.
Benefits of adding granite counters to your family’s kitchen include, but are not limited to the following:
- Granite counters add value to your kitchen. Granite brings the outdoors in, and any time you can add outside elements to the inside of your home, especially something as eco-friendly as granite, then you add to the value of your home. Although it may not add to the monetary amount of the home’s resale value, it will add appeal to interested buyers if you should ever put your family’s home on the market.
– - Granite countertops are durable. In fact, you would be hard pressed to find a more durable stone-based countertop than granite. It is super tough, which means you would have a hard time scratching or chipping the surface of the stone. A sealer on the stone, applied by a professional for best results, can extend the life of the counter and help it resist stains as well.
– - Granite is an earth friendly material. It also retains its natural look. Think about the difference between a plain old rock and one that has been tumbled and polished to retain a high sheen that enhances the natural pattern of the material. The same basic principle applies to your kitchen granite counters, allowing countertops to come in basic, marbled, or speckled patterns.
– - Granite resists bacteria and dirt. Because the surface of the sealed granite countertop is not porous, meaning things will not soak into it, your kitchen is less likely to be plagued by dirt, bacteria, and other grime commonly found on countertops and in kitchens. The smooth, sealed surface also allows you to clean up messes from kitchen prep and spills easier.
– - Granite is easy to fix in the event that it does scratch or chip. For example, imagine that a cast iron pot comes crashing down on your granite countertop and leaves an unsightly chip in the stone. The professional who installed the countertop in the first place can come out and use a kind of putty dyed to match the exact color of your countertop, then reseal the stone to protect it from spills.
– - Granite is a family friendly kitchen countertop material. If you have little ones who like to help in the kitchen but our prone to spilling, or older family members who may do things like set a hot pan directly on the surface of the countertop, granite can take the abuse. And if the family cat has a habit of jumping on counters, then his claws will probably not scratch the surface, either.
– - Granite countertops are perfectly flat. Do you need to roll out dough on a flat surface, such as for making cookies or kneading bread? All cooks, whether a professional baker or chef or someone who enjoys culinary arts as a hobby, needs a flat surface for cooking and baking. Granite countertops provide this flat surface in the form of a countertop.
Granite countertops may be the most expensive line item in your kitchen renovation budget, but when you consider that they will outlast most other materials in your family’s home then you will realize that granite countertops are not a much of a purchase as they are an investment.
Head to your local granite countertop retailer with paint samples, fabric swatches, and select items from your kitchen décor. Look at the granite samples in person and then pick out the one that will go best with your family’s new kitchen renovation project.
If you are shopping for Bloomfield MI Granite Countertops, call Q Stone, Inc for a (248) 760-6161 for a free quote.
source: keystone-granite.com
Quartz Countertops: All the Basics of This Stone Substitute
Michigan Quartz Countertops – Q Stone, Inc. (248) 760-6161
If you are looking for Michigan Quartz Countertops, please contact Q Stone, Inc. at (248) 760-6161 for a free estimate! Click here to get a quote online or Follow Us on Facebook!
Quartz countertops, once unknown, have developed a reputation over the last 50 years as a high-end surface material, but the process of gaining respect has been slow. Even today, quartz counters compete with solid surface (i.e., Corian) and natural stone for space in kitchens and baths.
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Bottom Line
- A hard, manmade countertop material used mainly in kitchens and bathrooms.
- An agglomerate of stone-like materials bound with resins and pressed into sheets.
- Excels over natural stone because it needs no sealing. Its resins are the sealant.
- Few imperfections because its manufacture is controlled.
- Marquee brand names include Caesarstone, Cambria, and Silestone.
- Its closest rival is a material called solid surface, as both employ stone-like materials.
- Not to be confused with laminate, a material mainly composed of wood.
Is It Really Made of Quartz?
Even if you are not familiar with quartz as a name for this material, you may be familiar with its more prosaic name: engineered stone counters.
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Room to Grow
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As you look for a new home, take the long view toward your future. Check out our guide to help ensure your future home makes sense for you at every life stage— with tips on hiring professionals and updating your insurance coverage.
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In simple terms, quartz counters are 93% made up of stone-like materials and 7% of binders that are either plastic-like (polymeric) or cement-based. Of those stone-like materials, quartz is only one of many substances.
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According to countertop maker Breton, other materials include “granite, marble and natural stone in general, coming from either crushed waste stone left over in quarries or recycled industrial wastes, such as fragments of ceramic, silica, glass, mirrors, etc.”
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These stone-like materials provide quartz counters with the hardness and lack of porosity needed for the heavy demands of cooking. Some manufacturers also combine antibacterial substances.
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Italian Lineage
The Italian company Breton patented the process of forming solid surfaces from quartz and resins. All quartz counter brands emanate from this single company. This single company was started by one man, Marcello Toncelli. His company’s name, Brevetti Toncelli (roughly meaning Toncelli Patents), was condensed to Breton (Bre = Brevetti, Ton=Toncelli).
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Numerous companies such as Cosentino (Silestone), DuPont, Cambria, and others used Breton’s patent for their own type of quartz countertops. For example, DuPont’s version of the quartz countertop is called Zodiaq. Silestone’s quartz is simply Silestone (since this is their flagship product).
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Benefits and Features
- Great Looks: For many buyers, the chief benefit of the quartz countertop is its natural luster. Unlike laminate, quartz has a deep, almost three-dimensional appearance, much like natural stone.
– - Hardness: Quartz is extremely hard and makes for a good work surface. It is largely composed of minerals (contrasted with solid surface counters which are about 33% inorganic binding resins and 66% organic minerals). Laminate in no way rivals quartz in this area, because of laminate’s wood base layer, which gives it a hollow feeling.
– - Few, If Any, Imperfections: Slab granite is a natural product, ripped straight from the earth and sliced into sheets; it is expected that the slab will have imperfections. Installers have an easier time dealing with quartz than they do with granite because it is a predictable material and produces less waste product.
Appearance Is Engineered In
Since quartz countertops are engineered, almost any type of color can be brought out on the surface by means of pigmentation. Not only that, but other types of materials such as stone and glass can be incorporated into this quartz-resin slurry.
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For anyone who wants a granite countertop, it is worth investigating quartz counters as an alternative. Quartz has much of the chaotic appearance as does natural stone, without stone’s unpredictability.
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If you are in need of Michigan Quartz Countertops, please call Q Stone, Inc. at (248) 760-6161 for a free quote.
source: thespruce.com
Michigan Outdoor Kitchen Granite Countertops
Michigan Outdoor Kitchen Granite Countertops – Q Stone, Inc. (248) 760-6161
If you are in need of Michigan Outdoor Kitchen Granite Countertops, please contact Q Stone, Inc. at (248) 760-6161 for a FREE estimate. Click here to see more photos of our work or Follow Us on Facebook!
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The Benefits of Outdoor Kitchens and Granite Countertops
Outdoor kitchens and granite countertops are becoming more popular because of this, here are a few ways that they can help your next summer season go even better, and improve your home in general.
Pictured above is beautiful outdoor kitchen with granite countertops we installed!
Start with low maintenance granite countertops
With it being outside, you’ll need materials that last. Granite countertops that are regularly sealed can last for years, decades even. Outdoor kitchens and granite countertops go so well together thanks to this longevity factor. Who wants an outdoor kitchen that lasts a season and then needs replacing, or that can’t stand a little bit of partying?
An outdoor kitchen frees your indoor kitchen
Having an outdoor kitchen can help free your indoor kitchen up from unwanted smells, as well as the rest of the house. It may taste great, but do you want your whole home to smell like fish? Likely not. You can get around this by grilling your smelliest foods in your outdoor kitchen, utilizing your granite countertop, and go back at night to a home that smells fresh.
An outdoor kitchen as an entertainment area
Having a few of your closest friends over on a nice summer day is natural. Entertaining them by pulling a few stools up to your granite countertop makes it so you can all hang out as the food cooks. Design your outdoor kitchen granite countertop to have an overhang, creating a bar area for stools.
Adding value to your home with an outdoor kitchen and granite countertops
It’s no secret that most people love cooking outdoors. This translates to more value being added to your home if you decide to sell it. For bonus points, conduct your home sale with the outdoor kitchen in full swing.
Using granite countertops is also of benefit as they’re a long lasting surface. Longer lasting building materials translate into higher resale values. source: granitenashville.net
For top rated Michigan Outdoor Kitchen Granite Countertops, please callQ Stone, Inc. at (248) 760-6161 for a FREE quote.
Granite Countertops Troy MI
Q Stone Inc. offers top rated granite countertop installation in Troy MI and nearby areas. Call the granite countertop experts you can trust at (248) 760-6161 for a free Troy MI granite countertop estimate.
How to Improve the Sale Price of Your Home with the Right Granite Countertops
One of the biggest frustrations of selling a home is the many improvements that must be made to make the house more appealing to potential buyers.
The good news is that these renovations really can make a significant difference, and one of the improvements that brings the greatest return on your investment is installing granite countertops.
Granite countertops are a feature that agents always highlight when selling a home. Stone countertops are more attractive, more durable, and give an air of sophistication and polish to any kitchen. Many kitchens that seemed unimpressive or even “cheap” looking became highly desirable merely by switching out the laminate countertops for granite ones.
How Granite Countertops Add Value
When you price out new granite countertops on a home you plan to sell, you’re naturally hoping that this improvement will make your house more appealing to buyers – and it most certainly will.
That said, how much value can you actually expect to add to your home with granite countertops? This is hard to estimate, of course, because it depends greatly on the home. Here are a few factors to consider:
Is your house on the borderline between price brackets?
When your home is on the upper end of the price scale, granite countertops are expected. If your home is comfortably in the mid-range, however, the addition of granite countertops can make an enormous difference in whether your house is perceived as a “fixer-upper” or “ready-to-move-in.”
Are granite countertops a deal-breaker in your house market?
A surprising number of buyers are perfectly willing to live with linoleum floors, for example, but they can’t stand laminate countertops – and will immediately reject any home that doesn’t have them. Stone countertops aren’t the only deal-breaker around, of course, but they are rapidly becoming as essential as hardwood floors once were, and many buyers may reject your home if you can’t offer them at least a few of their “must-haves.”
How bad is the quality of your current countertops?
Cabinets that show some wear can be perceived as charming or quaint, but chipped, torn, or damaged countertops are never well-received. If you’re going to have to replace the countertops anyway, it’s far better to go for a highly-desirable, durable replacement – and if you were considering not replacing damaged countertops at all, we’d strongly recommend against it.
Buyers will notice – and it will color their opinion of the house overall.
Granite countertops are often the difference between a lovely kitchen and a mediocre one, and the kitchen is one of the rooms buyers will look at with the most critical eye. Granite countertops more than pay for themselves by ensuring that buyers think favorably of what you have to offer.
What Buyers Want
One of the reasons buyers don’t want to consider homes without granite countertops is that they don’t want to invest the time or money to make that renovation themselves – partially because granite countertops are perceived as an extremely expensive and time-consuming investment. source: archcitygranite.com
Q Stone, Inc. provides granite countertop installation in Troy MI and surrounding areas. Please call the top rated Troy MI granite countertop installers at (248) 760-6161 today!
Rochester Hills Granite Installers
Rochester Hills Granite Installers – Q Stone, Inc. (248) 760-6161
If you are searching for top rated Rochester Hills Granite Installers, please contact Q Stone, Inc at (248) 760-6161 for a free estimate. Click here to see photos of our granite projects or Follow Us on Facebook!
5 REASONS TO CHOOSE GRANITE FOR YOUR COUNTERTOPS
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There are many reasons that granite countertops are among the hottest high-end options for the kitchen and bathroom. Their popularity seems to have staying power – and may be growing – as new granite countertop options are made available for home remodeling. Here are the 5 benefits of installing granite countertops.
Granite is Tough and Durable
Granite is rock-hard, literally. It’s second only to diamond in terms of the harness of natural materials. When properly installed, it will be the last countertop you ever need. If you replace it down the road, it will be because you want to and not because you have to. It resists chipping, scratching and cracking. Because of their hardness, granite counters are also heat resistant. If you do manage to chip or crack the granite, it is a relatively easy thing to fix, depending on the severity of the damage. While it’s not recommended, if you occasionally set a hot pan or tray directly on the countertop, it won’t damage it the way it would laminate, wood and other softer materials.
Maintenance is Easy
The granite counters must be properly sealed, and that’s why it’s a great idea to have an experienced professional do the installation. But when sealed according to the manufacturer’s guidelines, the granite countertop will resist staining and bacteria. You can also seal them yourself. This makes cleanup easy using soap and water, or with a cleaner designed for your granite. Get to spilled juice quickly – which you should do with ANY countertop material – and you’ll enjoy a stain-free counter surface that looks like new for decades.
Granite Boosts a Home’s Value
New granite countertops make your home more valuable as well as more attractive. The return on your investment can be as high as 100%. That means they’ll potentially increase your home’s market value by the amount you spend on them.
Here’s another way to look at it. If potential buyers are looking at two homes and your home has granite countertops while the other one doesn’t, the granite might make the difference in which home they select.
They’re a Great Long-term Investment
While you’re enjoying your countertops made from granite over the next 30+ years, one neighbor might be replacing their laminate counters three times while another replaces wood countertops twice and has them refinished a few times. They’ll last twice as long as popular materials like quartz or soapstone in some cases. Here’s the point: In the long-run, granite countertops are a very cost-effective solution for many homeowners.
Granite Countertops Offer Stunning Beauty
This is why you’re considering them, right? For all their other qualities, what really stands out about granite counters are their gorgeous appearance. The natural appeal of the stone, with its textured, gently-hued beauty, is unsurpassed by most any other material.
Conclusion
Granite counters work well in the kitchen and bathroom. They key is to have them installed by an experienced professional who will properly seal them. If they’ve already been installed, they still need to be sealed. Make sure to hire an experienced professional, or do it yourself. Keep your granite counter tops maintained, and they’ll continue to give you outstanding beauty and performance in the decades ahead.
For experienced Rochester Hills Granite Installers, please call Q Stone, Inc at (248) 760-6161 for a free quote!
source: countertopguides.com
Granite Countertops in Michigan
Granite countertops are the kitchen work surfaces that all others measure themselves against. And for good reason when you consider how it instantly transforms a mundane kitchen to marvelous. It’s magnificence is blazingly obvious in our photo gallery.
Walk in any modern kitchen and the number one sought after item is a granite countertop. This is true whether it is in a residential home or apartment, a break room in a retail store or inside a doctor’s office, or in any number of suites and other luxury-style rooms found in upscale hotels from coast to coast across the nation.
Your home will be a more welcoming space for both family members and invited guests when your kitchen remodel includes new granite countertops. In fact, granite countertops can take the kitchen in your family’s home from boring to fun without losing any of the original functionality of the room. In fact, new granite counters can make it even more functional than it was before.
View some of our Portfolio Kitchens:
High Quality – Affordable Price. Q Stone Inc., – Michigan’s Best Source for Granite.
Free Estimates (248) 760-6161
Troy MI Granite Countertop Service
Troy MI Granite Countertop Service – Q Stone, Inc (248) 760-6161
If you are in need of a top rated Troy MI Granite Countertop Service, please contact Q Stone, Inc at (248) 760-6161 today! You may also click here to learn more about us.
7 Benefits of Granite Countertops in Your Family’s Home
Walk in any modern kitchen and the number one sought after item is a granite countertop. This is true whether it is in a residential home or apartment, a break room in a retail store or inside a doctor’s office, or in any number of suites and other luxury-style rooms found in upscale hotels from coast to coast across the nation.
Your home will be a more welcoming space for both family members and invited guests when your kitchen remodel includes new granite countertops. In fact, granite countertops can take the kitchen in your family’s home from boring to fun without losing any of the original functionality of the room. In fact, new granite counters can make it even more functional than it was before.
Benefits of adding granite counters to your family’s kitchen include, but are not limited to the following:
- Granite counters add value to your kitchen. Granite brings the outdoors in, and any time you can add outside elements to the inside of your home, especially something as eco-friendly as granite, then you add to the value of your home. Although it may not add to the monetary amount of the home’s resale value, it will add appeal to interested buyers if you should ever put your family’s home on the market.
– - Granite countertops are durable. In fact, you would be hard pressed to find a more durable stone-based countertop than granite. It is super tough, which means you would have a hard time scratching or chipping the surface of the stone. A sealer on the stone, applied by a professional for best results, can extend the life of the counter and help it resist stains as well.
– - Granite is an earth friendly material. It also retains its natural look. Think about the difference between a plain old rock and one that has been tumbled and polished to retain a high sheen that enhances the natural pattern of the material. The same basic principle applies to your kitchen granite counters, allowing countertops to come in basic, marbled, or speckled patterns.
– - Granite resists bacteria and dirt. Because the surface of the sealed granite countertop is not porous, meaning things will not soak into it, your kitchen is less likely to be plagued by dirt, bacteria, and other grime commonly found on countertops and in kitchens. The smooth, sealed surface also allows you to clean up messes from kitchen prep and spills easier.
– - Granite is easy to fix in the event that it does scratch or chip. For example, imagine that a cast iron pot comes crashing down on your granite countertop and leaves an unsightly chip in the stone. The professional who installed the countertop in the first place can come out and use a kind of putty dyed to match the exact color of your countertop, then reseal the stone to protect it from spills.
– - Granite is a family friendly kitchen countertop material. If you have little ones who like to help in the kitchen but our prone to spilling, or older family members who may do things like set a hot pan directly on the surface of the countertop, granite can take the abuse. And if the family cat has a habit of jumping on counters, then his claws will probably not scratch the surface, either.
– - Granite countertops are perfectly flat. Do you need to roll out dough on a flat surface, such as for making cookies or kneading bread? All cooks, whether a professional baker or chef or someone who enjoys culinary arts as a hobby, needs a flat surface for cooking and baking. Granite countertops provide this flat surface in the form of a countertop.
For an expert Troy MI Granite Countertop Service, please call Q Stone, Inc at (248) 760-6161.
source: keystone-granite.com
Troy MI Granite Countertop Service
Troy MI Granite Countertop Service – Q Stone, Inc (248) 760-6161
If you are in need of a top rated Troy MI Granite Countertop Service, please contact Q Stone, Inc at (248) 760-6161 today! You may also click here to learn more about us.
–
7 Benefits of Granite Countertops in Your Family’s Home
Walk in any modern kitchen and the number one sought after item is a granite countertop. This is true whether it is in a residential home or apartment, a break room in a retail store or inside a doctor’s office, or in any number of suites and other luxury-style rooms found in upscale hotels from coast to coast across the nation.
Your home will be a more welcoming space for both family members and invited guests when your kitchen remodel includes new granite countertops. In fact, granite countertops can take the kitchen in your family’s home from boring to fun without losing any of the original functionality of the room. In fact, new granite counters can make it even more functional than it was before.
Benefits of adding granite counters to your family’s kitchen include, but are not limited to the following:
- Granite counters add value to your kitchen. Granite brings the outdoors in, and any time you can add outside elements to the inside of your home, especially something as eco-friendly as granite, then you add to the value of your home. Although it may not add to the monetary amount of the home’s resale value, it will add appeal to interested buyers if you should ever put your family’s home on the market.
– - Granite countertops are durable. In fact, you would be hard pressed to find a more durable stone-based countertop than granite. It is super tough, which means you would have a hard time scratching or chipping the surface of the stone. A sealer on the stone, applied by a professional for best results, can extend the life of the counter and help it resist stains as well.
– - Granite is an earth friendly material. It also retains its natural look. Think about the difference between a plain old rock and one that has been tumbled and polished to retain a high sheen that enhances the natural pattern of the material. The same basic principle applies to your kitchen granite counters, allowing countertops to come in basic, marbled, or speckled patterns.
– - Granite resists bacteria and dirt. Because the surface of the sealed granite countertop is not porous, meaning things will not soak into it, your kitchen is less likely to be plagued by dirt, bacteria, and other grime commonly found on countertops and in kitchens. The smooth, sealed surface also allows you to clean up messes from kitchen prep and spills easier.
– - Granite is easy to fix in the event that it does scratch or chip. For example, imagine that a cast iron pot comes crashing down on your granite countertop and leaves an unsightly chip in the stone. The professional who installed the countertop in the first place can come out and use a kind of putty dyed to match the exact color of your countertop, then reseal the stone to protect it from spills.
– - Granite is a family friendly kitchen countertop material. If you have little ones who like to help in the kitchen but our prone to spilling, or older family members who may do things like set a hot pan directly on the surface of the countertop, granite can take the abuse. And if the family cat has a habit of jumping on counters, then his claws will probably not scratch the surface, either.
– - Granite countertops are perfectly flat. Do you need to roll out dough on a flat surface, such as for making cookies or kneading bread? All cooks, whether a professional baker or chef or someone who enjoys culinary arts as a hobby, needs a flat surface for cooking and baking. Granite countertops provide this flat surface in the form of a countertop.
For expert Troy MI Granite Countertop Service, please call Q Stone, Inc at (248) 760-6161.
source: keystone-granite.com
Granite Countertop Services in Birmingham Michigan
Are you in need of granite countertops in Birmingham MI or nearby areas? If so, call (248) 760-6161 for a FREE estimate. Click here to see photos of our work or Follow Us on Facebook!
Natural stone is a long-lasting material that lends organic beauty and luxury to your home. Granite countertops are one of the most popular choices for use in both kitchens and bathrooms. This rock, which is formed as magma cools deep inside the earth, is often mined in areas such as Brazil, China, India, Finland, and Norway.
Durability
Granite is an excellent choice for countertop material because it is extremely durable, making it a great investment during a bathroom or kitchen remodel. It is difficult to scratch and can stand up to years of abuse from children, pets, and cooking activities. Granite can withstand high temperatures without burning, cracking, or discoloring, making it ideal for kitchen countertops. Furthermore, its polished surface is not only beneficial for baking purposes, but it will not wear away or grow dull with time.
Style
Because it is formed through natural processes that vary with time and location, each piece of granite is unique. Every piece of stone contains a slightly different coloration, pattern, and veining. This means that your new kitchen or bathroom countertops are truly a one-of-a-kind piece of art that will add value and aesthetic appeal to your home. Despite this fact, there are enough overall similarities between rock mined from the same location that you can easily match the look of your countertops to achieve a coherent look in your kitchen or bathroom.
Ease of Care
Granite countertops are not only long-lasting, they are resistant to bacteria and easy to clean as well. All you’ll need to clean your countertops on a daily basis is a soft sponge, water, and mild dish soap. Sealants are a great protective measurethat will keep your stone countertop from absorbing liquids, making cleanup even easier and preventing any stains.
Granite countertops will increase the usability and cosmetic appeal of your home today, while also increasing its resale value well into the future. Working with a countertop company in Denver will provide you with the advice and selection you need to select the perfect new countertops during your home remodel.
Q Stone, Inc. provides the installation of granite countertops in Birmingham, Michigan and surrounding areas. Call (248) 760-6161 for a FREE estimate.
source: stonecityllc.com
Bloomfield Hills Quartz Countertop Installers
Bloomfield Hills Quartz Countertop Installers – Q Stone, Inc (248) 760-6161
If you are in need of top rated Bloomfield Hills Quartz Countertop Installers, please contact Q Stone, Inc at (248) 760-6161 for a free estimate. Click here to learn more about us or Follow Us on Facebook.
FAQ’s about Quartz Countertops: Everything You Need to Know
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Bloomfield Hills Quartz Countertop Installers – Q Stone, Inc.
If you are considering new countertops, you have a lot of options and one of them is quartz. These frequently asked questions will give you all the information you need to make a decision about using quartz in your home. For your information, here are FAQ’s about quartz:
What is quartz?
Quartz is a crystalline form of silicone diode and second most common mineral found on this planet. It is found typically in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks, colored by impurities found within it, such as in amethyst, citrine, and cairngorm. Quartz is both plentiful and durable, used in production in diverse ways from electronics to building materials.
Where is quartz found?
Quartz is found all over the world but, Arkansas and Brazil are two places with the largest natural quartz mines. The largest natural quartz crystal was found in Brazil and weighed 44 tons. Mountain tops, beaches, rivers and deserts contain high quantities of quartz on their surfaces. Even though quartz is a widely occurring mineral, pure, high quality quartz crystals are rarely found. The Spruce Pine Gem Mine in North Carolina is one of the few locations where you can find highly pure quartz mined. India also has huge quantities of clear quartz deposits.
What are the uses for quartz?
Quartz is extensively used in glassmaking and also an essential ingredient in fiberglass. Due to its hardness, quartz makes an excellent option as an abrasive and is used in sandblasting and sandpaper production. It is widely used as a filler in paint and rubber substances as well as for traction purposes in the railroad industry. Many electronics such as watches, televisions and cellphones contain quartz. This mineral is the most varied of any other mineral as it comes in a variety of colors and forms, making it one of the most useful natural substances.
Why are quartz countertops so popular?
Quartz, also called “engineered stone,” is one of the hardest minerals on earth, thus when used as a countertop option in homes, it is arguably the most durable choice. Unlike other mined natural stone slabs, quartz is produced in a factory. Here are some other reasons people love quartz countertops:
- They can be made in a variety of colors from bright red to lime green, as well as a popular brown, black and cream neutral colors.
- Quartz is less likely to crack or chip in compared to granite or marble since it is stronger.
- It is a non-porous material so it will not harbor bacteria in tiny cracks like other countertop materials.
- It is resistant to stains so oil, juice, wine, tomato, coffee and more have no effect on the color.
How are quartz countertops produced?
The primary ingredient in this type of countertops 93% ground quartz, which is combined with polyester resins to bind it together. Pigments are added to give it color. Quartz is an attractive look in kitchens and some designs even incorporate small amounts of recycled glass or metallic flecks into it.
Do quartz countertops stain easily?
Due to the durability and special type of resins mixed within the quartz during production, quartz countertops are resistant to stains. They are a nonporous surface, which means staining substances do not settle in small pores, causing discoloration.
Do quartz countertops scratch easily?
Quartz is among the most durable counter surfaces you can purchase, and they are scratch resistant under normal usage. It is not indestructible, as any surface can be damaged with extreme abuse, however quartz is durable and withstands well in normal usage. To keep its shine and luster, a cutting board is recommended when using knives.
Are quartz countertops easy to maintain?
Quartz is a low maintenance countertop, unlike granite which typically requires a new protective top coat at least once a year. These surfaces never need to be sealed, unlike some natural stone options.
Are quartz countertops porous?
No. Quartz countertops are nonporous, thus bacteria and other substances cannot get into the surface.
Is quartz resistant to heat?
Quartz is better at resisting heat in comparison to laminate surfaces like Formica, but when compared to granite or other stone countertops, quartz is not as heat resistant and care should be used. The resin component of the Quartz surfaces makes it vulnerable to direct heat like placing hot pans directly from the oven etc. Trivets and hot pads should be used for hot pans or hot hair tools in the bathroom to keep quartz looking its best.
Is quartz expensive?
In comparison to other high end countertop materials such as granite, slate and marble, quartz is very comparable.
Are there any chemicals or cleaners to avoid on quartz?
We recommend using cleaning products with a pH between 5-8, as products outside this range may damage the surface. Cleaning products such as oven grill cleaners, floor strippers, toilet bowl cleaners, oil soaps, tarnish removers, furniture cleaners, drain products, etc. could be damaging to your countertop. If your surface accidentally is exposed to any of these potentially damaging products, rinse with water immediately.
In what areas of the home should quartz be used?
Quartz is perfect for kitchen counters, bathroom vanity tops, fireplaces, shower edges, window sills and coffee tables. Using quartz in businesses for food service counters, conference tables and reception tops is also a popular choice. It is not recommended to use quartz for exterior purposes as too much exposure to ultraviolet light can discolor it.
Are quartz countertops seamless?
Similar to granite, quartz slabs also come in certain maximum sizes. The jumbo sized slabs are usually 125” x 65”. If countertops are longer than these sizes, they need to be seamed. It is similar to granite in this aspect. We try and make this seam as inconspicuous as possible.
Will any type of sink fit with a quartz countertop?
Yes, all types of sinks fit and will be measured and sized prior. Sink sizes are determined by the size of the sink cabinet. The sink needs to be on-site during installation to ensure proper fitting and sealing. source: archcitygranite.com
For experienced Bloomfield Hills Quartz Countertop Installers, please call Q Stone, Inc at (248) 760-6161 for a free quote.
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