OVERVIEW on Kitchen Countertops:
The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in your home, and the right choice for kitchen countertops is key to the successful execution and ongoing use of the space. Now more than ever, you can choose from a diverse range of kitchen counter materials. For each aspect of home design and remodeling you can also strive to make choices that are 1) Functional, 2) Stylish, 3) Cost-Effective, and 4) Environmentally Sustainable. These are the four key guiding principles in the GREENandSAVE strategy. You will find that in certain cases, one or two of the criteria take precedent over others. However, as you review the home improvement options that are right for your home, you may be surprised to learn that reaching all four is more achievable than you thought.
Selection Tip: In choosing a kitchen countertop material make sure to think through its integration with your kitchen cabinets, appliances, and the backsplash that will work best for your design and installation. Solid surface and natural stone materials typically need to be precut prior to installation versus tiles that can be cut and set right on the job site. Kitchen countertop backsplashes sometimes look great when they match the countertop material, but you can alternatively enhance the countertop material by choosing a different tile to run from the top edge of the counter all of the way up to the underside of the head cabinet. If you decide on the tiles, also take care in choosing the right color grout and look for new tile grouts that are stain resistant.
DETAILS on Quartz Countertop Installation:
The technique for installing countertops is different for every type of surface material. While it is possible that accomplished do-it-yourselfers could make an excellent job of installing a kitchen countertop all by themselves, it is recommended you call on the services of a professional. After all, you don’t want to spend thousands on a the raw materials – only to cut it wrong or seal in incorrectly.
When it comes to installing a quartz countertop, it's important to note that as an engineered product, these counters weigh more than granite. It is best to hire a professional to install them unless you have experience working with them.
If you do choose to install it yourself, quartz makes a better choice than most natural stone counters because it is easier to cut and handle without causing damage. However, hiring a professional for the installation process will probably cost less in the long run because you will experience less waste or broken slabs. Most of the time, if you buy your quartz countertop from a reputable dealer they will provide installation as part of the purchase.
GREEN Considerations:
Environmental awareness is driving research towards low impact mining of stone, which is not only environmentally friendlier, but also has strength and durability.
When installing kitchen countertops look for adhesives and compounds that are toxic free and take care to dispose of any waste in the most environmentally friendly manner. Naturally, try to reduce, or encourage your installer to reduce, the total amount of waste materials.
