Countertops

While your kitchen countertops are beautiful, they offer more than just looks. If you only installed them to be seen but not touched, you’re not getting half as much out of them as you should.

While stone countertops are durable, sometimes scratches are inevitable. Even the most careful person might end up scratching their countertop.

Some people like seeing scratches on the surface of their countertops. To them, it shows that the countertop has life and a personality. But others aren’t so crazy about the marks because they think it diminishes the radiance of the stone. No matter your position on scratches, this article explains how to get rid of them.

You asked the question: Will anything scratch my kitchen countertops? And the answer is yes. While some materials are easier to scratch than others (marble is somewhat easy, and granite is pretty difficult to scratch, for example), it’s possible for any type of stone material to sustain scratches.

But scratches aren’t the end of the world. We’ll tell you just what to do when you encounter them.

Repairing Marble Countertops

Since marble is a decently soft and porous stone, it sustains scratches easier than many other materials. While deep scratches should be tended to by a professional, you might be able to handle remedying light scratches on the marble’s surface.

If you notice a minor scratch, you’ll need fine-grit sandpaper or steel wool. Using your tool, buff the area as gently as you can—be gentle so you don’t add more scratches to the one you’re trying to make disappear!

Once the area has been evened out, rinse away the leftover mineral with a bit of water and follow with a good marble sealant.

Repairing Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops are by no means easy to scratch, but it’s not impossible to do so. Luckily, if you do end up scratching your quartz, the surface is easy to repair.

Quartz is made up of stone pieces and resins that bind the stone pieces together. To make a repair for scratches, nicks, and pits, use a special epoxy resin that’s made exactly for this reason. Fill in the crack with clear or colored epoxy resin and let it sit for at least twenty-four hours. If you see any excess after you’ve filled the scratch/nick/pit, use a razor blade to smooth it out.

If you come across damage that a simple fix won’t repair, don’t hesitate to call Legacy Tile & Granite.

Repairing Granite Countertops

Granite is very tough and unlikely to scratch. But as with quartz, it’s not impossible.

As with marble, you can use fine-grit sandpaper or steel wool to buff the scratch out gently. After you buff it, apply two coats of sealant—just make sure to let the first coat dry before you put the second one on, and that takes about forty-eight hours.

You should only attempt to repair scratches on your granite countertop if the scratch is barely noticeable and quite minor. If you’re not sure you can do it yourself, or if the scratch is in a very conspicuous place, give us a call.

Avoiding Scratches

Even though you now know how to repair scratches on your stone countertop, it’s also beneficial to know how to keep them from happening. Here are a few tips to avoid scratches:

• Always use a cutting board and avoid spilling juice or oil off of it (especially on marble surfaces).
• Use coasters under everything.
• Place heavy pots on trivets or towels and pick them up, never slide them across the counter.
• Avoid abrasive cleaning materials and stick with gentle soap and water.
• Keep up with regular maintenance and sealing routines.
• Always contact a professional for major scratches and other such damage.

Maintaining Your Countertop

At Legacy Tile & Granite, we want to make sure your countertop looks as good as the day you had it installed. Always remember that it’s possible for your kitchen countertop to be scratched, but repairs are usually simple.

Get in touch with us today if your countertop has sustained major damage, or to learn more.

There are not many features that impact the value of your home like your kitchen countertops, so it’s only natural that you want them to be 100 percent perfect. Since granite is such a popular material and has stayed relevant over the years, it’s safe to say that this stone will serve you well.

But after you decide on granite, there are still more choices to be made. There are tons of colors and patterns to keep in mind regarding this stone—from white, black, and brown to red, green, and blue. You want to choose the slab that will make your kitchen come to life, but it can be overwhelming and daunting to do so.

At Legacy Tile & Granite, we know granite countertops, and we’re glad to give you the rundown on what you can expect from all the choices in front of you.

Regarding Color

When you’re choosing your granite slab, you can do one of two things: 1) pick out the main color in the granite that best complements the dominant color in the kitchen (usually found on the cabinets), or 2) go with a subtler option and pick out a color that you see in the veins or streaks. For example, if you have black cabinets, you can either choose a granite countertop that has a black base or black veins.

Light or Dark

You may want to think of the big picture rather than the fine details when it comes to the shade of your granite. For example, if you have a small kitchen, you may want to invest in light-colored granite in order to open it up.

If you have a modern kitchen and would like to add a splash of drama, dark granite can do wonders in that respect.

Patterns

While most people focus on the color of the granite slab, sometimes the pattern is more important. If you have a colorful or busy kitchen, it may be in your best interest to choose a granite slab with a solid look in order to contrast the vibe. If you have a kitchen that is on the simpler side, then a flamboyant granite slab can spice up the room and provide an interesting accent.

Consider These Pairs

There are certain pairings that you can create in your kitchen that work. If you’d like some inspiration, take these design pairs into consideration:

– Dark hardwood cabinets (made of mahogany, for example) and neutral granite countertops.
– Light wood cabinets (made of oak, for example) and black granite countertops.
– Deep brown cabinets and green granite countertops.
– Rich red cabinets (made of cherry, for example) and earth tone granite countertops.

Rules to Remember

If you’re still stuck on the decision, here are a few rules of thumb to remember:

• Black Granite

Black granite typically pairs well with a neutral or monochromatic kitchen to give it a flair of elegance, especially if the kitchen is large and well lit. In a small kitchen, pairing black granite with white cabinets works great because black granite makes the white cabinets float and allows them to act as the focal point of the room.

• White Granite

White granite pairs best with shiny and sleek appliances in order to give the kitchen a contemporary vibe. It can also work well with vintage or retro appliances. The truth about white granite is that it goes with nearly anything—you just have to make sure to find a slab with depth to avoid a flat-looking kitchen.

• Red Granite

While deep red granite is rare, it can be a bold, stunning choice to use with neutral-colored cabinets. Depending on the shading and highlights within your red granite slab, your kitchen will gain either a bright or a dramatic look.

Making Your Choice

Since granite countertops are so versatile, there’s a way to make all sorts of styles work for kitchens of every sort. If you’re having a tough time deciding which style works for you, get in touch with us at Legacy Tile & Granite today at (850) 215-5779.

In recent years, engineered quartz has become one of the most popular countertop materials. This is due to many reasons, one being that it’s one of the most durable materials that you can find. But that makes people wonder: Just how durable are quartz countertops?

Why Is Quartz Durable?

So, you’ve heard that quartz is durable, but do you know why it’s durable? The reason they’re so hardy is that they actually do not qualify as a natural stone material. Instead, they are a manufactured material made mostly from natural quartz with about 10 percent polymers and resins added in to seal the pores and create unique strength

While natural stones have weak points or fissures that can cause them to be breakable, quartz is known for its uniform thickness throughout the whole slab. This is what makes it so resistant to breaks, chips, and scratches.

Chip and Crack Resistance

Thanks to the additives in quartz’s makeup, they tend to be more resistant to damage than any other type of countertop across the board. But just because they’re tough doesn’t mean they are indestructible. While they may be more impervious to major cracks and chips than natural stone is, they’re not immune to major damage.

Quartz countertops do not like being exposed to extreme heat or extreme cold. In those circumstances, these slabs are much more likely to sustain damage.

Quartz countertops may also be susceptible to chips and cracks along the edges. For example, if something strikes or scratches the edge of the slab, it may cause harm. If the same thing happens in the middle of the slab, it’s less likely to make an impact.

Stain Resistance

Most countertop materials are naturally porous, but quartz is not. These countertops do not require any sealing, and they are very difficult to stain or discolor thanks to the absence of pores.

But even though quartz countertops are tough on stains, they are not completely stain-proof. Dark liquids like wine, coffee, and tomato juice have the potential to stain if you leave them sitting out for long enough, so make sure to clean up spills as soon as you notice them.

Heat Resistance

Heat damage is one of the most common types of damage you’ll see in quartz countertops. Since the resins included in quartz’s composition are a type of plastic, they don’t exactly hold up well against heat and may melt.

Heat damage in quartz can result in staining, warping, and sometimes even cracking, so be careful when using hot kitchen appliances, and always remember to use a hot pad or trivet.

Is Quartz for You?

Now that you know the details on quartz’s durability, you can better decide if this stone is the right choice for your home. To learn more about quartz and its qualities, contact Legacy Tile & Granite today.

At Legacy Tile & Granite, you’ll always get the result you’re hoping for.

When it comes to installation, there are a few ways that you can make the process simpler for our team—let’s work together to create a result that you love.

Before Installers Arrive

After you have selected an installation date, there are a few steps that you can take to prepare for our installers. We want to get your kitchen back in working order just as quickly as you do, and we appreciate the help you give us!

Before our team arrives, you can

– remove any appliances that typically sit on your countertops—like toasters, coffee makers, or microwaves;
– remove tables, chairs, and decorative items from the space;
– empty the cabinets at the base of the sink and removing the top set of drawers to give our installers easier access;
– disconnect and remove sinks (we can install new sinks if you so choose) then wait about twenty-four hours after the installation to hook the plumbing back up;
– remove your old countertops and make sure the cabinets are level;
– clear the path between your entryway and the installation area to make it as easy as possible to transport the heavy countertop materials;
– cover nearby furniture with plastic wrap to protect it from dust that may come from the installation process.

Installation Day

On installation day, we don’t mind if you observe now and again, but to get the job done as fast as possible, our team prefers an area to work with as little obstacles/distractions as possible. It is a great help if you can keep pets and small children away from the work area to keep them from getting harmed.

Following through with these steps helps your installation go as smoothly as it possibly can—not just for us, but for you too! During the process, if you think of any questions that you want to ask, feel free to let our team know.

Choosing Legacy Tile & Granite

When you work with Legacy Tile & Granite, your countertop installation is in great hands. To get started on your project, give us a call at (850) 215-5779 today.

Countertops catch the eye when you first walk into the kitchen, and they provide a space for preparing meals, eating, and entertaining. Choosing the right material is essential. Out of all the materials we offer, granite is what we’re going to shine a light on in this article.

What Is Granite?

Before we dive into the pros and cons, here’s a brief rundown on granite: (a) it has been popular for the last twenty years or so, (b) it’s an igneous rock formed beneath the earth’s surface, (c) it’s composed mostly of quartz and feldspar, and (d) its trace minerals determine its unique colorations.

Granite is most often used for countertops, stairs, fireplace mantels, tiling, and many high-end construction projects. Fun fact: Mount Rushmore is made of mostly granite!

Pros of Granite

The main advantages of granite countertops are their attractiveness, low maintenance, and durability. But there are actually plenty more benefits to this material beyond that.

Other granite pros include the following:

• It’s all natural.

• • • Granite contains no synthetic additives that are found in many other countertop materials.

• It has a natural appearance.

• • • Every slab of granite is one of a kind. You won’t find two that are the same. They provide a warm and luxurious look and are available in both light and dark shades.

• There’s variety.

• • • There are tons of design options when it comes to granite. Each slab is special and has its own veins and small flecks in its pattern. You can find granite slabs in black, white, gray, beige, gold, pink, and blue.

• It’s resistant to heat.

• • • Since granite is formed under such intense heat within the earth, hot pots and pans are no big deal. (Although we do recommend still using a hot pad to stay safe!)

• It’s resistant to scratches.

• • • Granite is more likely to dull your knife than to be scratched by the blade.

• It’s resistant to stains.

• • • Especially when granite is sealed, it holds up especially well against stains. But always remember to clean up spills ASAP!

• It’s low maintenance.

• • • Granite does not require any special daily care, and it can be cleaned with mild all-purpose cleaners, granite-specific cleaners, or simply soap and water.

• It has a diverse price range.

• • • When granite was first gaining popularity, it was ultra-expensive and only available for high-end mansions. Now it’s more widely available and the price varies significantly between slabs.

• It adds value.

• • Granite can add resale value to your home, especially if you are using it to replace a material like laminate or tile.

Cons of Granite

There is plenty to love about granite countertops, but there are certain disadvantages to using this material.

Granite cons include the following:

• It could look dated.

• • • Since the most recent trend is bright, white kitchen countertops, the dark shades of granite could be seen as outdated.

• It has a busy design.

• • • Granite isn’t the best choice if you’re going for a minimalist aesthetic. In every slab, there are plenty of speckles and veining patterns—though some may be more extreme than others.

• It has visible seams.

• • • If your kitchen countertop is shaped like an L or a U, slabs will be cut and joined together, which creates seams. Good installers can minimize the appearance of seams, but there’s no getting rid of them. Of course, this isn’t a problem if you’re using granite for your kitchen island.

• It needs to be sealed.

• • • Since it’s a naturally porous stone, granite needs to be sealed in order to maintain its durability and liquid resistance. Regular resealing is necessary, though it is not a difficult process.

• It can crack.

• • • Cracks can occur if you drop something heavy, like a cast iron pan, onto your granite countertop—especially near the edges and around the sink cutout.

• It’s heavy.

• • This material is very heavy, which means it should only be installed by professionals.

Weighing the Pros and Cons of Granite

Granite is a great choice for almost any kitchen, but your choice depends on how you feel when you weigh the pros and cons. If you want to learn more about this stone, contact Legacy Tile & Granite today for a consultation.