We have put together a selection of tips for showing off your countertops to family and friends. It all begins with the simple concept of keeping your countertops clutter-free. Avoid making the kitchen counter a central storage location. After all, countertops covered with stuff can’t be seen.

With all of that said, here are those tips we mentioned:

1. Accentuate the Positive of Your New Quartz Countertops 

Are you familiar with the phrase ‘accentuate the positive’? Applying it to showing off your quartz countertops means highlighting the veining patterns. Veining is that which truly makes a quartz countertop stand out. Highlighting it will reveal all the material’s beauty in rich depth.

You can highlight veining patterns by installing under-cabinet lighting that bathes the countertop surface with light. You can even choose colored lighting if it helps accentuate the veining even more.

Perhaps you haven’t yet installed your new countertops. If that’s the case, you can help your efforts to eventually highlight the veining by choosing a slab with bold, dramatic veining patterns. You are looking for contrast between veins and the slab’s primary color.

2. Consider Color Coordination

Color coordination is a big thing among interior designers. When colors are coordinated, they create a sense of unity and harmony. Coordinating colors with your countertop as the main feature can do a lot to show off its beauty.

If your countertops have a warm, earthy feel, they will work well with unpainted cabinetry. A clear finish or wood stain capable of bringing out the beauty of the wood will complement the quartz at the same time.

If you have chosen a cool-toned or white quartz, you have a countertop with a more contemporary look. You can enhance its beauty by applying modern color coordination techniques with cabinetry, decorations, and even appliances.

3. Look to Create Contrast

If color coordination isn’t your thing, go in the other direction. Look to create contrast that makes the countertops stand out. A light-colored countertop mounted on a dark island gets attention. Likewise for quartz countertops highlighted by dark cabinets.

The goal of creating contrast is using the countertop as the focal point. A lighter colored countertop is best contrasted with darker appliances, cabinets, backsplashes, etc. A darker countertop is better served by light or brightly colored accents.

4. Add Texture Elements

By its nature, a quartz countertop is designed to be smooth and sleek. Even if it has visual texture, its finish evokes a glass-like impression. Some finishes can even detract from the natural beauty of the countertop surface. How do you get around that sort of thing? By introducing textured elements.

Consider installing brick against a smaller wall in the kitchen. If you are remodeling, consider exposing some of the beams or choosing a patterned tile for the backsplash or floor. You are looking to add both visual and tactile texture that makes the countertop look and feel separate.

Quartz countertops are sleek, beautiful, and contemporary. You can do a lot with them simply because there is so much variation in color and veining pattern. Even solid colors are possible. Unfortunately, one of the downsides is having a countertop that doesn’t really stand out.Hopefully, this post has helped you understand how to show off the beauty of your new quartz countertops. If you have any further questions, do not be afraid to ask our staff in one of our Utah showrooms.

The post Tips for Showing Off the Beauty of Your New Quartz Countertops appeared first on Bedrock Quartz.

Achieving a matte finish is not necessarily difficult. It is just a matter of employing a different polishing process. The important thing to remember is that there is a significant difference between polished granite and granite with a matte finish – otherwise known as honed granite.

More About Polished Granite

The primary difference between polished and honed granite is the gloss and shine of the finished surface. Polished granite is so named because its finish is highly reflective. It is a high gloss-finish achieved by buffing the stone until it reflects light like a mirror.

One of the advantages of polished granite is that its colors and contrasts are more vibrant. A highly polished granite countertop displays its colors and veining patterns like a pro. And because light reflects rather than being absorbed, you can see all the details much more closely.

In terms of texture, think smooth and silky. There is very little tactile sensation compared to a honed granite countertop. The downside is that the smooth and glossy finish makes etching and scratches more visible.

More About Honed Granite

Where polished granite’s surface is glossy and highly reflective, honed granite offers a matte finish without nearly as much shying. The finish is largely non-reflective as well. Instead, it soaks up light and mutes colors. A matte finish is more subtle because it doesn’t show contrasts between veins and primary color easily.

The big downside to honed granite is that it is slightly more porous than polished granite. It needs more frequent sealing to protect against stains, etching, and cracking. On the positive side, etching and scratches blend more seamlessly into the matte finish, making them harder to see.

How a Matte Finish Is Achieved

Both polished and honed granite are subject to grinding and polishing. For all intents and purposes, a craftsman cuts the polishing process short to create the matte finish honed granite is known for. A craftsman will follow a basic 4-step process that may be modified according to his liking:

1. Polishing – The first step is to polish the granite slab to a high-gloss shine using a combination of polishing compound and coarse grinding pads.
2. Surface Honing – Next, the craftsman will grind down the polished surface using diamond abrasives. This step is known as honing. It flattens the surface and removes the glossy finish created by polishing.
3. Surface Buffing – The third step is to attack the surface with abrasive pads that can be as fine as 3,000 grit. This process is known as buffing. It is that which creates the smooth, velvet-like matte finish honed granite is known for.
4. Cleaning – The final step is cleaning. A clean and finely honed granite slab offers the non-reflective finish the craftsman is searching for.

Honed granite countertops can be left unsealed prior to installation. However, an unsealed countertop requires a lot more care. A homeowner needs to be considerably more diligent about avoiding spills, high temperature exposure, and exposure to sharp objects. Sealing with a product that preserves the matte finish is recommended. A matte finish on a granite countertop is all the rage these days. If that’s not your thing, no worries. We can still turn you on to a fantastic countertop material we know you’re going to love. Come see for yourself in one of our Utah showrooms.

The post Matte Finish: The Latest Trend in Granite Countertops appeared first on Bedrock Quartz.

The question in our industry is whether bookmatching stones is appropriate for countertop applications. As a general rule, we would say no. To get the maximum effect from bookmatching and still stay within a reasonable budget, you need to be working with larger spaces. So perhaps a rather large island could work well for bookmatching. Yet a long and narrow countertop would not.

Bookmatching Basics

An explanation of what bookmatching is can be found in the word itself. Imagine creating a book cover using graphics manipulation software. If you could take the completed image, make a copy of it, and invert the copy along its vertical axis, you would end up with two images that could be joined seamlessly side-to-side.

Matching the identical images would result in the left image flowing seamlessly into the right. You essentially have mirrored images that fit together perfectly to create the illusion of a single image across both surfaces. It is a rather fascinating effect that can be accomplished with certain kinds of stone.

Bookmatching Stone Slabs

Stone slabs are cut to create everything from countertops to wall panels. The number of pieces a manufacturer can get out of a slab depends on the size of the slab. Here is the tricky part: not every piece cut from a single slab will have the same veining pattern. On a good day, you might get two or three slabs with identical patterns. So right off the bat, bookmatching is expensive.

Bookmatching would theoretically be easier with engineered stone products, like quartz. But even so, there are no guarantees. The veining patterns and colors in engineered stone can be subject to as much variety as their natural stone counterparts. Manufacturing processes are designed that way.

When Multiple Slabs Are Joined

The realities of bookmatching stone slabs suggest that the practice is generally impractical for kitchen countertop applications. Nonetheless, it is completely normal to choose slabs with similar veining patterns when a job calls for joining multiple slabs on a counter or island. The closer the veining patterns, the easier it is to minimize the visual impact of any seams. Additionally, you end up with a more natural looking finished product.

As dynamic and visually exciting as bookmatching is, the look isn’t as natural. The human eye is quick to catch on to the mirrored image bookmatching creates. Meanwhile, the brain knows that bookmatching doesn’t occur in nature. As such, the technique is designed for more avant-guard applications in which a stone mason really wants the finished product to stand up and demand attention.

You Can Do a Lot With Stone Countertops

Bookmatching aside, you can do a lot with stone in a modern kitchen. Both natural and engineered stone countertops are durable and tough. They are aesthetically pleasing as well. By combining a modern stone countertop with other designed features, you can make your kitchen look more modern and elegant than ever before.

Bedrock Quartz is pleased to offer quartz, marble, granite, and quartzite countertops in Utah. We invite you to visit any of our showrooms throughout the state. You will get high quality products coupled with a knowledgeable sales team, expert installation, and exceptional customer service.

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Outdoor kitchens are a popular option for people who want to minimize the barrier between indoor and outdoor spaces. They are a fantastic choice in Utah thanks to the incredible views and experiences of our state’s natural environment. If you are planning to install an outdoor kitchen, we hope you’ll visit a Bedrock Quartz showroom to select your countertop.

1. Consider Size and Layout

The first step in choosing your countertop material is considering size and layout. Cost is invariably going to be part of the equation. So if your layout calls for a larger countertop surface – or even multiple countertops for that matter – you may be under budgetary constraints.

It might be necessary to sacrifice a more expensive stone in order to get a larger surface. Then again, budget may not be a big concern to you. If you can spend whatever it takes to get what you want, you will have access to more options.

Another layout consideration is the amount of sun your countertop will be exposed to. That leads us right into the next point: considering your local climate.

2. Local Climate Makes a Big Difference

We encourage you to consider your local climate because it makes a big difference in terms of overall durability. Quartzite, granite, and quartz are all viable options for outdoor countertops. But local climate will affect each of the materials a bit differently.

For example, quartz is not a particularly good choice if your outdoor kitchen will be exposed to significant sunlight. As you may know, UV rays are the enemy where sunshine is concerned. The challenge with quartz countertops is that their resins and dyes are subject to degradation with exposure to UV rays. Unless you plan to keep your countertop under shade, you should probably forget quartz.

Temperature extremes can also be problematic. Quartzite, granite, and should have no trouble with significant heat and cold. But softer stones, like sandstone and flagstone, are a different matter. They are not the best choices for environments subject to temperature extremes.

3. Stick With Lighter Colors

Next, we urge you to consider sticking with lighter colors. Darker countertops absorb heat. Likewise for darker veining patterns. Furthermore, even though sun-related discoloration should be minimal, a lighter color will show less discoloration than a darker one.

The goal in this respect is to choose a countertop material that will still look good years down the road. Why? Because an outdoor kitchen can add value when it comes time to sell your home. But if its aesthetic appeal has diminished over the years, it will not add as much value as it otherwise could have.

4. Select Something Durable

Finally, common sense dictates that your selection be a material you know is durable. Sandstone and flagstone just won’t hold up as well over time. Your best choices for durability are quartzite, marble, and quartz. Just know that with quartz, you need to be sure to select a countertop that has been engineered for outdoor use.

We would be happy to help you make your selection at any of our Utah showrooms. If you are planning to build an outdoor kitchen, let us partner with you to create beautiful and durable countertops that will be the capstone of your project.

The post How to Choose a Countertop Material for Your Outdoor Kitchen appeared first on Bedrock Quartz.

It is not a good idea to use remnants to construct a full kitchen countertop. Rather, installers prefer to cut new granite and marble countertops from an entire slab. If you have ever wondered why, you are about to find out. This post will explain it in detail.

Cut From Slabs of Stone

The starting point for our discussion is how granite and marble countertops are manufactured. In reality, they aren’t manufactured at all. They are cut from huge blocks of stone that have been quarried, cut up, and sent to distributors.

On the other hand, quartz countertops are manufactured. Manufacturers combine natural quartz minerals with resins and pigments. The material is then shaped into countertops with molds. The ability to manufacture quartz to tighter size specifications reduces remnant volume considerably.

Why Entire Slabs Are Used

Getting back to granite and marble, entire slabs are used to create full kitchen countertops. This is the preferred method due to the fact that there can be significant variations from one slab to the next. Veining patterns are never identical. Neither is color. So for consistency’s sake, a single slab is preferred over multiple slabs.

When you are dealing with remnants, you’re dealing with granite or marble that has probably been cut from different slabs. Putting together an entire kitchen countertop with remnants would mean inconsistent veining, color, and clarity. It just wouldn’t look good.

There is also the matter of minimizing the seams. The greater the contrast between two pieces of marble or granite, the easier it is to see a seam. So joining two remnants cut from separate slabs could be a visual disaster. Any seams would stick out like a sore thumb.

Remnants Don’t Go to Waste

For the record, marble and granite remnants don’t go to waste. They may not be ideal for full kitchen countertops, but that doesn’t mean they are completely useless. Remnants can be used for smaller projects, like small islands and bathroom vanity tops.

In the bathroom, a single remnant could be large enough to do the entire vanity. If there is a little bit left over, it would probably be useful as a backsplash. When you are talking larger vanities with his and her sinks, lighting and other conditions are such that using pieces from two different slabs might be doable – especially if the two slabs were similar.

In terms of kitchen islands, they are often utilitarian spaces that are significantly smaller than the main countertop. If an island is the right size, its entire service could be accommodated with a single remnant.

It’s an Aesthetic Thing

The practice of cutting entire kitchen countertops from a single slab is a purely aesthetic thing. From a functional and durability standpoint, it is not necessary. But here’s how we see it: as long as a customer is putting the money into genuine marble or granite, isn’t the aesthetic beauty of a single slab worth the price?

On the other hand, a DIY homeowner could purchase multiple remnants for the purposes of installing a mix and match countertop. The granite or marble would still function the same way. It would still offer the same durable work surface and long-term toughness. It is just that the finished product probably would not look right. But then again beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

The post Why Remnants Are Not a Good Idea for Kitchen Countertops appeared first on Bedrock Quartz.

Quartzite countertops come with their own collection of impressive benefits. So let’s dig in and look at the most important among them. Should you decide that quartzite is worth considering, do not hesitate to see it for yourself at one of our Utah showrooms.

1. Quartzite Countertops are Durable

Quartzite is a natural stone formed when sandstone is put under intense heat and high pressure. Quartz minerals in the sandstone are packed tightly together to form a tough and durable rock. Quartzite is a lot like marble and granite in this respect.

It is tough enough to stand up to daily wear and tear. It is extremely hard and very resistant to scratches, cracks, and chips. Quartzite countertops tend to be long lasting kitchen components that offer decades of faithful service.

2. Quartzite Is Heat Resistant

As a natural stone, quartzite can withstand moderate heat. It generally does well for daily cooking as long as the material is properly sealed. Briefly placing a hot pan on a quartzite countertop shouldn’t be a problem. However, high heat can be an issue. High heat for extended amounts of time can warp or scorch quartzite. That being said, we always recommend using trivets anyway.

3. Sealing Prevents Stains

Natural stone materials are somewhat porous. Therefore, consumers tend to worry about stains. Staining isn’t an issue with quartzite as long as the material is regularly sealed. Sealing protects quartzite from highly acidic substances like vinegar and wine.

How often is sealing necessary? That depends on both the stone and sealant. On average, sealing once per year should do the trick.

4. Classic Beauty and Unique Character

Many of our customers expect a certain level of maintenance and care regardless of the countertops they choose. For them, the deciding factor is often aesthetic. We get it. A beautiful countertop goes a long way toward adding value to a kitchen.

Quartzite is known for its classic beauty. Like marble and granite, it offers unique veining patterns that are not duplicated from one countertop to the next. Every slab of quartzite is unique. Even multiple countertops cut from the same slab are distinct from one another.

In addition to its beauty, quartzite also offers unique character. Subtle color variations and veining patterns in broad strokes make quartzite unlike any other natural stone. It really has a character that stands out.

5. It Has Value-Adding Potential

There is no arguing that natural stone countertops cost more than entry-level wood and laminate auctions. Quartzite is among the more expensive materials. But when you consider that the kitchen tends to be the most important room in a home from a property value perspective, quartzite countertops could ultimately pay for themselves by adding value.

Another way to put it is this: when it comes time to sell, quartzite countertops could help you sell faster and at a higher price. Combining new quartzite countertops with a remodel that modernizes the kitchen could knock your home out of the park, as it were.

Most of what you get with quartzite is positive. The material offers a lot of great benefits that are definitely worth considering. We invite you to do just that before you make a decision on your new countertops. And if you have questions, feel free to ask. Our knowledgeable and friendly staff is always happy to help you better understand quartzite benefits. Come view our quartzite countertops in person at one of our Utah countertop showrooms.

The post Quartzite Countertops and the Benefits of This Beautiful Stone appeared first on Bedrock Quartz.

Operating showrooms is expensive. We need to pay for the space, utilities, staffing, etc. Yet we feel doing so is well worth it. There is something about the showroom experience that just cannot be replicated online. So once again, we invite you to visit one of our showrooms if you are planning to install new countertops.

Pictures Don’t Do Justice

We appreciate the internet and its ability to make pictures readily available to our customers. Being able to look at examples of our quartzite, quartz, marble, and granite countertops can get you pointed in the right direction. But the truth is that pictures don’t do justice to the actual materials. They can only show so much.

Variation is one of the key characteristics of stone countertops. No two pieces look exactly the same. So what you see in pictures is just a representation of what is actually available at that time. If you want to see the stone that will ultimately become your new countertop, the only way to do so is to see it in person.

The Tactile Experience Is Incredible

What a granite, marble, or quartz countertop looks like is only one aspect of its aesthetic appeal. Gaining a true appreciation is all about a tactile experience. Not only do you get to see what the stone looks like, you can run your fingers across and feel it. You can feel the various finishes and the edge choices we offer. You cannot get that kind of tactile experience from a website.

No, it’s not really necessary to make a countertop choice. But that tactile experience certainly does help. Come to think of it, it’s a lot like buying clothes. Being able to see and touch your new countertops is similar to trying on clothes and a dressing room.

You Have Questions – Let Bedrock Quartz Answer Them

Beyond seeing and touching quartzite, quartz, granite, and marble countertops, visiting a physical showroom affords the opportunity to ask any questions you might have. Let’s face it, you do have questions. Every homeowner does. Why not ask Bedrock Quartz representatives directly rather than searching for answers online?

It is true that you can find lots of general information about stone countertops on the internet. You can learn all about cleaning natural stone, which materials are more stain-resistant than others, and so on. But if you want to know the specifics about our countertops and installation, we are your best source for answers.

As a side note, visiting a showroom can lead to questions you didn’t even know you had. They come to you while you’re discussing your options with our staff. The end result is that you leave far more informed than you likely would have been had you not stopped by.

We Can’t Wait to Meet You

Here at Bedrock Quartz, stone countertops are our passion. We love being able to share that passion with our customers throughout Utah. Why not pay us a visit? We can’t wait to meet you.

Each of our showrooms features a good selection of quartz, marble, and granite countertops that you can see and touch to your heart’s content. Our staff will be on hand to answer questions and explain the installation process.

The post We Invite You to Visit a Bedrock Quartz Showroom – Here’s Why appeared first on Bedrock Quartz.

The good news is that quartz countertops can be extremely eco-friendly depending on where they are manufactured and the materials used to make them. The bad news is that there is no black-and-white answer to the question.

No countertop solution is 100% eco-friendly. In fact, everything humanity does has at least some impact on the environment. So when we talk about the eco-friendliness of a particular product, like quartz countertops, we need to consider a variety of things.

1. Materials Used

Countertop manufacturers use a variety of materials to make their products. In terms of quartz countertops, it is a combination of naturally occurring quartz and a variety of dyes and pigments that hold it all together and make it look good. Although quartz itself is a natural mineral, quartz countertops are manufactured.

Some manufacturers are starting to incorporate recycled materials into their quartz countertops. These materials include post-consumer recycled quartz and glass. Introducing recycled products makes a quartz countertop more eco-friendly.

2. Countertop Origin

Another consideration is origin. In other words, where are quartz countertops manufactured? It matters in terms of environmental friendliness because countertops need to be shipped from the manufacturing site to multiple distribution centers. Shipping has a very definite impact on the environment.

Granite, quartzite and marble countertops are cut directly from slabs of stone. To get the slabs, you need to go to wherever quarries are located. Transporting large slabs of stone can be energy intensive. On the other hand, quartz countertops can be manufactured locally or regionally. That should mean shorter shipping distances.

3. Countertop Durability

Product durability matters in the sense that it impacts the need to manufacture new countertops. The longer a material lasts, the fewer the total number of countertops installed in a given home. At least that’s the theory.

Quartz shines in this particular area due to its incredible durability. A high-quality quartz countertop can last decades with minimal maintenance. The downside is that a good countertop can outlast the style preferences that were in vogue when it was first installed.

4. Maintenance Requirements

It is hard to ignore maintenance requirements when considering the eco-friendliness of a new countertop. First and foremost, think of countertop sealers. A sealer is a chemical designed to protect the surface against stains, chips and cracks, etc. Sealers themselves can be quite eco-unfriendly.

Quartz countertops do not require sealing. Therefore, that particular question is off the table. In terms of routine maintenance though, a quartz product can be cleaned with a general-purpose green cleaning solution. You don’t need harsh chemicals to keep quartz looking like new.

5. Manufacturing Process

Last but not least is the manufacturing process. Manufacturing quartz countertops can be energy intense. The trade-off is the fact that they last so long. Also bear in mind that wood and laminate countertops also involve energy-consuming manufacturing processes. For granite and marble, there is the question of how much energy is needed to harvest, transport, and cut stone.

Are quartz countertops more eco-friendly than the other options? In some ways, yes. In other ways, no. Overall, quartz is a relatively eco-friendly material and a worthwhile choice for any modern kitchen. You ultimately have to make the choice for yourself. If we can help by answering your questions, we would be happy to do so during your visit to one of our Utah showrooms. You can also conduct your own research online.

The post How Eco Friendly Are Quartz Countertops appeared first on Bedrock Quartz.

Speaking specifically of veining patterns, do you know where they come from? Do you know what causes veins and why no two slabs of rock are exactly identical? If not, sit tight. We have put together this post to explain the details. What you are about to learn might surprise you.

A Long Artistic Process

The veining patterns found in large slabs of granite and marble are created by nature. But veining isn’t created overnight. Rather, it is a long and artistic process that requires plenty of time. You also need mineral-rich water and porous stone ready to accept that water.

Natural veining is the result of a 3-step process, as follows:

Step #1: Mineral Infiltration

The first step is for mineral-rich water to sleep through the cracks, pores, and fissures in the rock. Without veining, the rock is technically not considered granite or marble. But that is a different topic for another post. The point is that the water carries a variety of minerals into the rock. Those minerals come in different colors.

Step #2: Crystallization

Mineral-rich water seeping into the rock doesn’t necessarily leave as easily as it got in. In fact, the water tends to evaporate over time. It leaves behind the minerals. As the water evaporates, the minerals solidify into crystals that are then embedded in the previously open spaces.

Step #3: Vein Formation

Over many years and water cycles, minerals gradually build up in the rocks’ open spaces. Different colors and sizes of minerals are what ultimately create the veining patterns we see when marble and granite are harvested. Veins can be dark and thick, light and wispy, and anything in between.

Also know that veining patterns do not follow straight lines. This is because the cracks and fissures in the source rock aren’t straight either. They occur pretty randomly, which explains why veining patterns are random.

Don’t Forget Heat and Pressure

While time and mineral-rich water are the main drivers of veining in marble and granite, heat and pressure can also play a role. When rock is exposed to intense heat, the high temperatures can influence how minerals align themselves and crystallize. Long and wavy veins tend to be the result of long-term exposure to heat.

As for pressure, it can impact how mineral-rich water flows through rock. For example, some cracks and fissures can be made larger due to pressure. New cracks and fissures can open where none existed before, allowing more water to seep in.

Veining Patterns in Marble and Granite Countertops

The veining patterns you see in marble and granite are the result of nature doing what it does. But just in case you are curious, things don’t work the same way in terms of quartz countertops. Even though quartz is a naturally occurring mineral, it doesn’t occur in large slabs that can be cut for countertops. Quartz countertops are manufactured by combining quartz minerals with resins and pigments.

Manufacturers can manipulate the pigments to influence overall color. They can even use specialized pigments to simulate veining patterns eerily similar to what you would see in natural stone.

And now you know what causes veining in granite and marble. It is nature’s artistry and something that looks stunning in any modern kitchen. If you are looking to install new kitchen countertops, we cannot recommend marble or granite strongly enough. Visit one of our Utah showrooms to begin designing your dream kitchen.

The post The Natural Artistry of Marble and Granite Countertops appeared first on Bedrock Quartz.

If you have never visited a Bedrock Quartz showroom before, why not stop by and see what we have on offer? Come prepared to ask questions, too. We are happy to provide answers. We get lots of questions, and all are worth asking. With that in mind, here are some of the most frequently asked questions heard in countertop showrooms:

1. Which is the best countertop material?

This is one of the toughest questions to answer because so much of it depends on personal preference. Needless to say that quartzite, quartz, granite, and marble are all different materials with distinct properties. The three materials look different. They feel different. They come in at different price points.

The only advice we can give in this regard is to do your best to explain to a showroom representative exactly what it is you are looking for. That representative is likely to ask you questions as well. Based on your answers, they can guide you to the right material.

2. How much maintenance is involved with each material?

Now here is a question that’s fairly easy to answer. Of the three materials, quartz requires the least amount of maintenance. For routine maintenance, cleaning with a general-purpose solution should do the trick. Quartz is the most stain-resistant of the three, so that’s worth considering.

Granite and marble require a bit more maintenance. Both should be sealed. The two materials are also prone to staining if you don’t stay ahead of spills.

3. What exactly is sealing?

Although quartz countertops do not need sealer, applying one won’t hurt anything. On the other hand, granite and marble need to be sealed. Sealing is a process of applying a chemical finish that protects the stone in order to minimize the risk of staining, chipping, and cracking.

Sealed countertops need to be resealed periodically. How often depends on the material and the chosen sealer. A good rule of thumb is to plan on resealing once per year.

4. Is there a best choice in terms of profile?

When we speak of profile in kitchen countertops, we are speaking mainly of the edge. We offer seven different edge choices including flat, waterfall, and mitered. As for which edge is best for you, only you can decide that. Each profile choice has its advantages and disadvantages. One of our team members will walk you through each choice at your request.

Flat, bullnose, and waterfall edges are fairly common in modern homes. All three are fairly easy to keep clean. However, the waterfall and bullnose profiles offer the added advantage of no sharp edge to worry about.

5. Is it true I can get almost any kind of look with quartz?

In theory, yes. Quartz countertops are manufactured by combining natural quartz minerals with a selection of resins and dyes. The resins and dyes can be mixed and matched to create a variety of solid colors or some of the most intricate patterns. Manufacturers can even replicate natural stone.

The five questions offered in this post barely scratch the surface. There are a lot more where these came from. Where is the best place to get answers? At a Bedrock Quartz showroom. If you are planning to install new countertops, why not stop by and speak to our team?

The post Frequently Asked Questions Heard in Countertop Showrooms appeared first on Bedrock Quartz.