Find a Countertop Installer

Building Stone magazine has put their finger on the pulse of some stone countertop designers to get a feel for the latests trends:

What's hot in stone counters?

New finishes. That's the observation of Joe Percoco of Percoco Marble and Tile Company. 'Clients are asking for something new, something different. We had been doing quite a bit of river-wash finish, but that has been replaced in popularity by a leather finish.'

To achieve a river-wash finish, stone is flamed or bush hammered and then polished with brushes to smooth the sharpness of the surface. The process takes out some color and makes the surface more porous. A leather finish can do the opposite. 'It begins with a honed surface that is then worked with diamond brushes; the process brings back the color and closes pores, making the stone denser. The result is similar to the finish achieved by using a 300 or 400 grid. It has a nice sheen and is less porous than a honed finish.'

In fact, Percoco said that more inconsistency in the stone betters the process. 'The process is successful on soapstone and certain limestone, too.'

If you're interested in having natural stone counters installed in your kitchen or bath, you can post your request with ConstructionDeal.com. We'll match you with local countertop installation pros - for free - and you can get the unique bath or kitchen look you've always wanted.

Labels: Countertop Material Options, granite counters, Stone Counters

Everyone loves the look of a natural stone countertop surface in their brand new kitchen. Problem is, they don't want the hassle of any extra maintenance usually involved with stone.

Granite, marble, slate, quartz, and other natural stones are porous. If a stone counter is porous, it means water and stains can work their way into the surface - even the smooth, shiny surface of a new countertop.

Desperate for the look of granite and all the benefits that come with it?

Try Caesarstone.

You might have heard of it - it's very low maintenance (easy to clean and does not require a regular sealant to protect the surface!) and is resistant to heat. Like stone, it stays cool to the touch and is as smooth and shiny as the the real stone material. As an added benefit, the Caesarstone counter is so non-porous that it will prevent any germs or bacteria from settling in on the surface from contaminated foods - it can simply be wiped away.

Caeasarstone will also last a very long long time. The natural colors will remind you of a granite surface and the quartz composite material doesn't have the same flaws and imperfections that can be found in stone. Finally, it is very impact-resistant - this means less of a chance of gouges or chips on the surface. Most Caesarstone installations even come with a warranty.

Looking for a Caesarstone Countertop Installer in your area? Look no further than ConstructionDeal.com.

You can submit a request and get up to 4 quotes from counter installers. This means you save time. And by having multiple bids, you'll also be able to save money. And, the best part -- you can post your request for free!

Labels: Caesarstone, Countertop Material Options

Labels: Countertop Material Options, Natural Stone Countertops, Slate

Natural stone is still the number one choice for a countertop material in everyone's kitchen. Some examples of natural stone include the ever-popular granite, marble, slate, Jerusalem stone, quartz and a host of other options.

Nearly everyone who renovates their kitchen plans on installing a stone counter. Nothing compares to the beauty of a natural stone countertop in any style of kitchen - from modern to country, it's usually always a great choice.

The one aspect many do not consider is the type of edging they'll put on their countertop. It's something to consider before you go shopping for just the right material. With the CNC technology available today, just about any type of edging can be put on your stone counter. But, not every edging is right for every kitchen.

The most popular edge is the straight, flat edge. It's a good jumping-off point. You can go with a straight edge on your counter and it should fit in almost any application. From there, the edges are beveled to give a variety of looks for multiple styles.

Clean straight lines and edges are perfect for contemporary and modern kitchen or bathroom countertop designs. If the kitchen is more formal, the Ogee cut works fine. For a country kitchen, the bullnose and Dupont edges are a great option.

If you're not sure, you can talk with a local countertop installer for ideas on what will work best with your kitchen. Here are some examples of edges from BarefootFloor.com:

Edge Profiles Examples

A-3/8" Bullnose	F-Ogee	V-Full Bullnose
B-Demi Bullnose	G-Ogee Roundover	Z-Straight Edge
E–Bevel	H–Dupont	T–Double Eased
Hollywood	Bullnose+Dupont	Radius+Dupont

ConstructionDeal.com can help if you're in the market for a new counter in your kitchen. We can match you with local installers at no cost.

Simply describe your project and you'll get calls from local contractors. It saves you time. And you'll get at least 4 quotes so it will save you money.

Labels: Countertop Edges, Natural Stone Countertops, Stone Counters

Labels: granite counters, Small Kitchen Remodeling, Small Kitchen Remodeling Ideas, Stone Counters

Want to know what the latest trend in countertops?

No, it's not granite. Although granite is more popular than ever...

The latest is a natural stone countertop material called Jerusalem stone.

Advantages of Jerusalem Stone Counters
Yes, it's from Jerusalem and it's very similar to a limestone countertop but it's not as porous. It's very durable, like most of the harder natural stones.

It's a great choice for a countertop because it's very light in color. It can brighten up any dark or windowless kitchen or bathroom and it's a perfect contrast to a dark wood color in your cabinets. The lighter options include a tan, gray, gold and cream colors. It's got the smooth finish that everyone craves in their natural stone - similar to a marble counter, but at less cost. And, like any natural stone surface, it will greatly increase the room and home's value.

Cost of Jerusalem Stone Countertops
The cost is pretty high - it can range from $150 to $250 per square foot, depending on thickness and size as well as your edging choices. The product will need regular sealing, like most stones, and spills must be cleaned up immediately.

How to Find a Jerusalem Stone Counter Installer
If you'd like to talk to a Jerusalem Stone Countertop Contractor about your stone counter options, why not post your request with ConstructionDeal.com?

We'll help you find countertop installers - at no cost - and you'll have multiple bids to choose from, which can save you money. Save time - no more random searching for any type of contractor in a phone book.

Simply submit your request and get 4 quotes the same day! Usually within minutes! For free.

Labels: Countertop Material Options, granite counters, Jerusalem Stone, Natural Stone Countertops, Stone Counters

Everyone loves the look of wood.

Wood furniture, floors, and even wooden beams overhead. It brings a bit of the outdoors inside. It's a warm and natural look and, believe it or not, it is also an excellent option for your kitchen countertops.

Professional chefs and home cooks have been using wood and butcher block for their kitchen counters and islands for decades.

Because wood is a neutral material, it can be used with any design style - French country to modern contemporary. It goes well with stainless steel, natural stone or tile backsplashs, and it's available in a variety of woods, colors, and stains. But a wood or butcher block countertop is more than just aesthetically pleasing. It's extremely practical, too.

Advantages of a Butcher Block Countertop
Butcher block counters are made from hardwoods, like maple or oak. And just like a small cutting board, you're able to cut directly on the surface of a butcher block countertop - you won't mark the surface and you won't dull sharp knives.

These counters are very durable. They are made by gluing strips of hardwood together, then adhesives are added and the wood is heated and pressure-treated. Oils are added to bring out natural colors and the countertop is finished, ready to go, and resistant to water. If there are any deep or obvious scratches, the surface can be sanded.

As far as passing along germs from foods, the wood surface is a porous material. However, studies have shown that a treated and sealed wood counter are just as safe as a laminate or solid surface counter - the properties of the wood actually prevent germ colonies from surviving long on the surface.

Wood counters are usually more expensive than laminates or tile countertops, but less expensive than granite and other natural stone materials.

Cost of a Butcher Block Counter
Usually a butcher block counter runs from $60 to $85 a square foot.

How to Find Butcher Block Countertop Installers
If a Butcher Block Countertop is right up your alley, you can always submit your request to find installers to ConstructionDeal.com. This website is dedicated to helping you complete your remodeling project and matching you with countertop contractors.

It's a free service. It saves you time and money. We've got a network of countertop companies ready to bid on your project. It's fast and easy to use, too.

What are you waiting for?

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Labels: Butcher Block, Countertop Material Options, Countertops

Ready to remodel your kitchen?

I have an option for your countertop material. Everyone wants granite but cannot afford it's hefty price tag. But there is an alternative...

It is what's known as solid surface counters. These counters are basically made out of solid plastic. Colors and particles are added when the surface is made to give a wide range of designs with a natural stones mottled or veined look.

Advantages of Solid Surface Countertops:

• Stain Resistant
• Water Tight
  
• Scratch Resistant
• Easily Maintained
• Great Warranties Available
• Inexpensive
  
• Durable

It's recommended that very hot items not be placed on the surface or the it could crack or leave a burn mark. The counters can be installed for around $50 to $60 per square foot. There are many brands available - Formica, Avonite, and Corian, for example.

Solid surface countertops could be a great option for a kitchen remodel if you're on a budget.

When you're ready to replace your current countertops, post the project on ConstructionDeal.com at no cost - we'll connect you with a local solid surface counter installer. Free.

We save you time - countertop pros call you. We save you money - you get at least 4 quotes for 4 different companies and you get to choose the best quote.

Labels: Countertops, Solid Surface Countertops

Granite countertops are usually the first choice in countertop material whenever a homeowner decides to remodel the kitchen or bath. The natural stone is a beautiful addition to any room because of depth of colors and the unique character of the polished surface. Granite is truly durable as well as being stain and scratch resistant (with proper sealing.)

Granite is such a dense stone that it resists chips and gouges. And, if you spill a glass of red wine, you can easily clean up the surface with a solution of 1 part white vinegar to 2 parts hot water. It's the perfect low maintenance countertop material!

Granite countertop manufacturers recommend homeowners use a silicone sealing application every year to protect the surface from stains. The countertop installer usually applies it when the granite is first installed. Your installer should provide you with information on where to get sealer and how to apply it.

Save money - avoid any of the granite cleaning products on the market today. For regular cleanings, to make sure your countertop surface remains protected as well as germ-free, it's important to clean up with regular dish soap and water, or with the vinegar cleaning solution. If you get a particularly tough stain in your granite surface, let the stain soak in straight vinegar overnight. This should take care of any lingering problem. Avoid using any bleaching product on your granite countertop.

Do not use any harsh abrasives or steel wool pads on the surface. Even though the material is scratch resistant, you'll want to avoid the possibility of any marks or on rubbing off the protective sealer on the surface.

When you're ready to find a granite countertop installer, we can help. ConstructionDeal.com matches homeowner with countertop contractors - at no cost to you.

Simply submit your request, for free, and we'll send it out to granite installers in your area. This saves you time - no need to call companies at random from your yellow pages book! And it saves you money - you'll have more than one bid from granite countertop companies to choose from!

Labels: countertop maintenance, granite counters, granite countertop

Granite countertops.

It's the only item one needs to mention when describing a newly renovated kitchen. Whenever someone embarks on a kitchen remodel, new granite for the counters seems to be a prerequisite.

What's so special about granite and why does everyone want it in their kitchen?

Advantages of Granite Kitchen Counters

• Granite is a gorgeous natural stone, perfect for the kitchen. There are tons of colors and grains to choose from and no two counters are alike. The beauty of granite counters is unsurpassed which explains why it's usually the number one choice for anyone remodeling a kitchen.

• Granite countertops are resistant to bacteria. The natural stone is not as porous as, say, a wood butcher block countertop might be. It's easy to clean off the counter and prevent passing any microbial content to other food or surfaces on the counter. Stainless steel and granite are the best at preventing the spread of bacteria.
  

• Some countertop materials can be easily scratched, including some other natural stones like marble. A kitchen countertop sees heavily and regular use in most homes, so having a scratch resistant surface is very important.

• Granite countertops are also capable of handling high temperatures and this heat resistance is invaluable in any kitchen.
  

• For the same reasons that the granite surface is resistant to bacteria, it's also very easy to clean your granite countertops.
  

Disadvantages of Granite Countertops

• Got Style? Granite is a great surface for a counter. But not every home is the right for granite. People try to force it into every style of home even when the style doesn't call for granite.
  

• Got Seams? Granite seams are commonplace. Seams are inevitable on natural stone. However, the seams can be filled with epoxy and color-matched to help the seams appear less visible.

• Money, Money, Money - It can be very expensive to purchase and have granite counters installed.

• Seal It Tight - Sealers are required on granite counters on a yearly basis so this adds to the maintenance requirements.

If you're looking to add granite countertops to your kitchen (or bathroom), consider submitting your project for at no cost to ConstructionDeal.com. You'll get several bids from local countertop installation companies which saves you time. Having multiple bids to choose from means that you'll save money.

And you'll save time - no need to call several contractors at random. They will call you.

Find a granite countertop installer today.

We help you get your project done!

Labels: Countertops, granite counters, granite countertop

For many, the only countertop option they'll even consider is a granite counter. Even if they don't have the correct kitchen style to support it.

Granite is a gorgeous material so it's understandable. But those who cook in their kitchens are going a different route. Stainless steel has been gaining in popularity. They're not just for restaurants any more!

There is a reason most restaurants use this material. Durability, stain and water resistance, low maintenance, a myriad of size and shape choices are just a few of those reasons. It's also very easy to clean and you can put a hot plate or pan on the surface without worry of damaging it. Because it's easy to clean, it's great for preventing bacterial growth. The non-porous surface prevents germs from taking hold. If you have a stainless countertop installed, make sure the surface is at least 18 gauge and has eight to ten percent nickel in it.

There are also drawbacks to having a stainless steel counter. It can be considered too modern. People love to have their appliances with a stainless steel cover, but not the reflective and large surface of their counters. It can be considered to look too "industrial." Stainless is not cheap, either. Even though it seems like a bare metal, it requires a lot of have it made and installed. And in a restaurant, a chef might slice and cut directly on the stainless steel surface, but it leaves a scratch or mark. A homeowner might be more worried about the extra cuts and dings that a chef would not be concerned about.

However, if you consider yourself a serious at-home chef and you like the modern look of stainless, it can be a great addition to any kitchen. The nice thing about the neutral look of the metal is that you can change your cabinets to almost any other color or material and the counters will always match. If you plan your kitchen's lighting scheme right, the reflective nature of the surface will increase the illumination and make your kitchen sparkle.

For total costs on having a new stainless steel countertop installed, be prepared to pay anywhere from $75 to $100 per square foot.

If you need to find a stainless steel countertop installer look no further than ConstructionDeal.com -- we'll connect you with quality countertop companies at no cost to you.

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Labels: Counter Installations, Countertop Material Options, Stainless Steel

You're ready to remodel your kitchen or bathroom. And you know you need new countertops.

Where do you start? It is important to plan your remodeling project carefully. For your countertop installation, you'll want to make sure you have the right specialist for the project.

Using these tips can ensure your new counter is installed without problems or complications:

• First, submit your countertop installation request with ConstructionDeal.com. It's a fast and easy way to get multiple bids from counter contractors in your area. At no cost.
  

• When you get calls from countertop companies, make sure they come out to your home to view the job before giving you a quote. There's no real way for them to give you a decent estimate without reviewing the room, getting dimensions, and determining the thickness and edging. Get a bid, in writing, from at least 4 countertop contractors.
  

• Ask for references from the counter installer. These references will let you know how well they performed their duties and what to expect on your project. Keep in mind these references are all happy customers provided by the countertop company. But it's important to validate that they are, indeed, happy clients and do really exist. And it's important to gather details and information they provide to get a feel for how well things will go for you.
  

• Talk with the countertop installer about the best materials to use for your application, your climate, and your homes style. "You get what you paid for" usually applies to countertop materials. All counters have advantages and disadvantages. Many popular countertop styles, like granite and other stones, need some maintenance.
  

• Get a complete, detailed breakdown in your estimate so that you'll see how much money is being allocated for the counter and how much for the labor. Compare each estimate with the other to make sure you're getting a good deal and not paying higher labor costs.
  

• If your state requires it, make sure your countertop specialist has a license to perform the work in your home. It's the best way to make sure you're dealing with a countertop professional from the beginning.

Keep in mind that problems do arise on any remodeling project - the countertop company may discover problems that were not visible before work began. But by following these countertop installation tips, everything should work out and you'll have a beautiful counter that will last you many years and improve your home's value.

Post your project - for free - on ConstructionDeal.com to find a countertop contractor. Good luck with your kithcen or bathroom remodeling job!

Labels: Counter Contractors, Counter Installations

Concrete countertops have a warm, natural look that is similar to natural materials like wood, stone, and brick. Stains, a variety of colors, additives for texture, and epoxy coatings can give concrete the look and feel of quarried stone such as marble, slate, granite, and limestone.

The great thing about a concrete countertop is that it's much less expensive than the natural stone or wood countertops on the market. They can be made to fit any custom cabinetry and are poured on-site.

But isn't concrete that flat-gray, crackled boring surface? Not anymore. The stains and colors can be added to the concrete and the surface can be done in a high-gloss or semi-gloss coating to give you just about any look you want. You can choose your edging abd the thickness of the counter, all without breaking the bank.

The surface is perfect for hotter items because it's heat resistant. But excessive heat can cause chipping on the surface. You can embed a trivet or a cutting surface directly into the concrete, anywhere you need it. Concrete countertops can be coated with a silicone sealer to minimize staining.

If you need to find a concrete countertop installer, submit your request with ConstructionDeal.com today. You'll save time - counter installers call you. And you'll save money - you'll get at least 4 quotes from contractors and you can choose the best one.

We Help You Get Your Project Done!

Labels: Concrete Countertops, Counter Contractors, Countertop Installers