Find a Countertop Installer

Looking to install a granite countertop in your kitchen or bathroom but worried it might be out of your price range?

It is possible to have a granite countertop without the huge expense. By installing the granite as tiles, instead of a massive single slab, you'll save a very large amount in the materials and installation.

There is always something to be said for a complete, natural stone counter in one or two large sections. But if the installation would be cost prohibitive, you can still get the look and feel of real granite in your kitchen or bath.

Granite tiles, usually sold in 12 inch size to minimize the number of grout lines, can cost up to a quarter less than the granite slabs. It might also be possible to split your kitchen into sections with a slab and other sections with the tile, to save money. Or, you could put up a slab or two on the counter area and save money with tiles as your backsplash.

You have the choice of highlighting the fact that you're using tiles by using a contrasting grout color or to minimize and hide the tiles with a matching grout. Either way, you'll be able to have the look, luxury, and advantages of granite in your favorite room but at a much lower cost.

If you need to find a local granite countertop company to give you an estimate on adding granite tiles in your home, consider ConstructionDeal.com. We have granite tile installers in your area and you can have them contact you.

It's a great way to save the time and trouble of searching for and calling companies at random from your yellow pages book. The best part? There's no cost or obligation to you!

Labels: Countertop Material Options, granite counters, granite countertop, Natural Stone Countertops

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

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?

RELATED POSTS:
Installing Concrete Countertops
Bamboo Countertops? Yes, Bamboo Countertops
Kitchen Counter Options
Granite Countertops

Labels: Butcher Block, Countertop Material Options, Countertops

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.

RELATED POSTS:
Remodeling a Small Kitchen?
Find the Best Countertop Installer
Kitchen Countertop Options

Labels: Counter Installations, Countertop Material Options, Stainless Steel