MERCHANDISE

The Most Popular Countertop Types (And Why)

Are you looking to redo your countertops and wondering which stone will be best for you? We are here to help! Here are the most popular countertop types and why they may be good options for your next kitchen remodel.

1. Granite

No surprise here – granite has been a crowd favorite for as long as we can remember. Because granite is formed near the Earth’s crust, where pressure is exceptionally high, and it is an average temperature of 2300℉, granite is known for being a hard countertop with extreme heat resistance. Granite comes in an assortment of colors and styles, making it popular in kitchens and bathrooms.

2. Quartzite

People like quartzite because it looks like marble and comes in some absolutely stunning colors. Not to be confused with quartz, quartzite is also formed when extreme temperatures meet extreme pressure, creating a smooth, glass-like surface. However, quartzite is more resistant to stains, scratches, and chipping than granite.

3. Dolomite

If you’ve never heard of dolomite, that’s okay! This stone is slowly climbing through the ranks of “most popular countertops” due to its marble-like look and durability. Dolomite is not as hard as granite or quartzite, but it is harder than marble. It is formed when limestone meets groundwater with high magnesium levels, causing the limestone to undergo a chemical change. Dolomite comes in shades of gray and white and typically has streaking (similar to marble).

4. Marble

A lot of people consider marble countertops to be the height of luxury. Marble is created when limestone or dolomite is exposed to the extreme pressure of the Earth’s crust. Marble comes in an assortment of colors, meaning there is something out there for everybody! However, marble isn’t as durable as other stones due to its porous nature. It is easier to stain, chip, or scratch if improperly cared for. If you have small children, this may not be the best choice for your home.

5. Engineered Stone – Quartz and Porcelain

While some stones are naturally made, others are designed to be your countertops. Engineered quartz is popular because it is virtually indestructible – including scratches, cracks, and chip resistant. Engineered quartz typically costs about the same as quartzite would cost, and though engineered quartz is more durable, quartzite is more heat resistant. Porcelain is another engineered stone that is available in almost every style, color, and texture you could dream of. Because it is manufactured with extreme heat, porcelain is also highly heat resistant and incredibly durable.

If you have more questions about these stone options stop by the showroom and meet with our Interior Design Consultant or call us at 252-902-5535 to schedule an appointment.

How To Achieve Perfect Countertop Installation

Countertops are a statement; they can tie your whole kitchen together. Whether you are looking at marble, granite or quartz…when it’s time to invest in new countertops, you do not want to compromise your new look with anything less-than-perfect installation. Here are the eight steps to ensure you achieve the perfect countertop installation.

Budget it Out.

Simple, yet often neglected by homeowners. Knowing what you want to spend and how you want to spend it allows you to set realistic expectations and accomplish your desired look with your new countertops.

Plan, Plan, Plan!

Countertop installation is a big project, so you will want to work around you and your family’s schedules. Countertop installations are pretty quick, but you would not want to have to cook a huge meal the same day you’re getting your counters redone. Remember that being without a kitchen – even for a short time – can be stressful. Plan ahead to make your installation process as stress-free as possible.

Get to Know Your Space.

It is always fun to change up the layout of your space, but it’s important to know what you’ve got going on in your existing space. This helps you see what you do and don’t want in your new and improved space and can help you determine if you want anything added in. It is also important to note how you and your family interact with that space, plumbing and electrical systems, and traffic patterns.

Measure, Measure, Measure.

You are going to want to get measurements and dimensions of your space before heading off to pick out your new countertops. These measurements should include your current space and your future space. Though they don’t need to be exact, they will help you pick out your materials and get the process started!

Select Your Dream Countertop.

There are so many beautiful materials you can use for your countertops that choices can be overwhelming. Don’t be afraid to ask for help in picking out counters. Our designer will be happy to show you options in different price points.

Measure, Measure, Measure (Again).

It is finally happening! A trained team member will come to your home to map out the space and get any necessary information to ensure you have a smooth installation.

Prep Your Home.

When it’s time to install your countertops, clear any pathways or entryways to avoid any accidents and ensure a seamless counter installation.

Leave the Rest to Us.

You have nothing left to worry about. Your new countertops will be installed and ready for you to enjoy, entertain with, or just admire in no time.

Countertop installation does not have to be stressful if you are collaborating with the right team. At C & C Stoneworks, there is nothing we want more than to see you happy in your home with beautiful countertops. If you have more questions about countertop installation, want help picking out your new countertops or are ready to have your dream counters installed, call us today at (252) 902-5535.

Will You be Making a Splash with Waterfall Countertops? 

Everybody loves a good waterfall in their kitchen – no, not that kind of waterfall. Waterfall countertops have been described as “stunning” and “jaw-dropping” when compared to traditional countertops, and they are an interior design trend for kitchens. Waterfall countertops on your kitchen island waterfall create a seamless, classy look, but do the pros outweigh the cons on this modern feature?

Before we jump into the comparison, maybe you are not sure that a waterfall countertop is exactly. Unlike their traditional counterparts which are flat and sit on cabinets or an island, a waterfall countertop flows over the sides, creating a clean, coherent piece that stands out in your kitchen. This will make your kitchen island really pop. So, is a waterfall countertop right for you?

A kitchen island with waterfall countertops is visually appealing, helping you to achieve a beautiful aesthetic space. Just like flat countertops their durability and clean-ability is based on the product selected. They are made of the same materials – granite, marble and quartz – so the sides are taken care of just like the tops!

Waterfall counters can provide extra storage and can protect your cabinets from damage since they are more concealed. Waterfall countertops can be designed to create more storage space for you in your kitchen. Since your cabinets are hidden, you will still have an appealing kitchen. And a waterfall countertop still allows you to slide bar stools under the countertop for some additional seating.

Since a waterfall countertop uses more granite, marble or granite, they can be more expensive when compared to a traditional kitchen countertop. However, your kitchen is one of the rooms in your house that really increases the value of your home and a statement piece like a waterfall countertop is sure to increase your kitchen’s value and appeal to potential buyers.

Are you thinking about making a splash with an upgrade to waterfall countertops? Do the pros outweigh the cons? If you have any questions about waterfall countertops compared to traditional countertops, reach out to our design team. They can take a look at your kitchen, make recommendations and get the process started on designing your dream kitchen with the perfect natural stone countertops,

Give us a call today at (252) 902-5535 or stop by our showroom at 6144 NC Highway 43 South in Greenville, North Carolina.

Picking Countertops for Your Remodeled Kitchen

Are you planning a kitchen remodel? It can be hard visualizing what materials will work in your new kitchen. However, at C and C Stoneworks, our Interior Design Consultant, Mandy, is here to help show you products and styles to make your kitchen remodel easier.

For starters, Mandy can familiarize you with kitchen materials, products, and the newest design styles. She can also help you put together the perfect kitchen look for your design style. Mandy helps customers with the entire design process, including tile and countertop selection, paint and cabinetry color selection, and so much more. By working with Mandy from the beginning, you can avoid errors later.

Three Steps to a Well-Coordinated Kitchen

First you need to figure out what your preferred style is. Do you like traditional, contemporary, farmhouse, or something transitional? Is there a color or materials palette that works best for your style and preferences? Our designer and showroom assistant can help you coordinate your kitchen countertops to your cabinets and floors, to ensure your kitchen if the focal point of your home.

First, choose your color palette

C and C Stoneworks recommends you keep your palette fairly simple by first choosing three coordinating neutrals. You should select a primary color along with two complementary accent colors that appeal to you and your style. If you are looking for a kitchen that is timeless, we suggest you choose neutrals to accomplish this. We can show you classic quartz countertops with backsplash, grout and flooring that complete the look. Or some stunning granite or marble countertop options that add a little flair.

Next, pick your kitchen countertop

You should select a material for your kitchen countertop that matches your personal and home life style. When you first choose your countertop, the material you pick can become the foundation of your kitchen design. For example, if you choose a light quartz countertop, you can pair that with classic grey cabinetry and a natural wood floor that “picks up the tones” from the countertop and cabinetry to finalize your design. Or go bold with a marble or granite with veining that grabs your attention and pair with a white or neutral cabinet and backsplash.

Whether your price point is budget, middle of the road or luxury, most countertop materials feature a wide range of flecked, stone, or marble-like patterns. You can even take samples home with you so you can see how the countertops work with your proposed cabinetry, flooring, backsplash and accessories such as hardware.

Finally, finish with kitchen accessories and accents

The last step in planning your kitchen remodel is to select accents and accessories that bring out your personal style. If you want to add some splash to the neutral elements you selected, you can add some bold colors and finishes to the walls or with your kitchen appliances.

Your kitchen hardware will enhance whatever style you choose, whether it be farmhouse, traditional or contemporary. Metallic finishes can brighten your space or highlight the marble, quartz or granite countertops you selected with flecks of metallic, silver or gold. Pulls and knobs can highlight the countertops and reflect light.

Call C and C Stoneworks to get started today!

Are you ready to begin your kitchen remodel? If so, give us a call to schedule a free consultation with our interior design consultant. Simply call Mandy today at 252-902-5535. She can meet with you in our Greenville, NC showroom or set up an in-home consultation. Mandy prides herself on taking the time to understand her client’s goals and works hard to ensure they get the end results they have always dreamed of.

How to Pick the Countertop Edge That is Right for You

You decided to get new kitchen countertops and you had to make a lot of decisions. First, do you want granite, marble or quartz? Then you had to pick the design. Do you like veining or something less dramatic. Do you need a design that is warm or cool? But you didn’t realize that one of the other decisions you would have to make was regarding the countertop edge style.

You may not think that this is as a big a detail as the other choices, but it can have a pretty significant impact on the overall design style of your kitchen. The edging on countertops can make your kitchen design feel dated, modern or somewhere in between – we call it “transitional“.

What are the options available to me?

There are so many edge styles to choose from, that we decided we would make it easier for you by putting them in a chart. We are going to break these down by standard edges, premium edges and custom edges and give you some information about these popular edge styles.

 

Straight Edge:

Straight edges are perfect if you are searching for a clean design. This edge style is slightly rounded on the corners which protects the stone.

Beveled Edge:

A beveled edge is one of the most popular edge styles, probably because it offers a sleek, angled look.

Quarter Round Edge:

Homeowners pick this edge style for its simplicity and elegance without intruding into the overall design of their kitchen.

Waterfall Edge:

Waterfall edges are great when you want to make your countertops the focal point of the kitchen and highlighting the beauty of the stone you choose. This edge style should not be confused with a waterfall countertop which is a trendy style when the countertop continues down the side of an island or cabinetry.

Ogee Edge:

The Ogee edge offers an elegant, yet classic look that pairs well with a kitchen that is traditional in style.

 

How do I know what edging is right for me?

Start with the style of your kitchen.

When you are choosing other elements for your new or remodeled kitchen pay attention. When you pick cabinet doors, light fixtures, appliances, backsplash tile and flooring, you could see a pattern developing. Are you choosing materials with curved lines or are you sticking with clean lines and sleek styles? Wherever your style is going for those elements that will help you decide on countertop edge style.

Do you need something family friendly?

If you have young children or grandchildren that are running around your house, you may want to consider an edge that is more rounded. Smooth, clean lines look absolutely amazing, but they are not great for kids. Rounded edges are safer than straight edges.

What is your budget?

Obviously, custom edges are more intricate, and prices are higher on those edge styles. o up. Simple, standard edge styles will be less expensive and more budget friendly than premium or custom edge options because less work is involved. Premium and custom edges are sure to give your kitchen a statement-making countertop, but you may find that the standard edge styles will give you the tasteful looks and style that fits any kitchen at a budget-friendly cost.

Are you ready to move forward with your kitchen transformation?

C&C Stoneworks is ready to help you! We specialize in natural and engineered stone fabrication and installation across all of eastern North Carolina. Our team can help you pick the perfect countertop and edging for your kitchen’s style. Give us a call today, 202-902-5535.

 

Countertop Updates Increase Home Values

If one of the items on your New Year’s resolution list was to flip a property, sell your house or update your kitchen or bathroom, you should consider investing in new countertops for your kitchen or bathroom.

Investing in new countertops is sure to increase the value of your home, giving you a better return on your investment. New countertops can increase the quality of your living space as well as the value of your home.

Kitchen countertops play a big role in how homeowners interact with their kitchen. If your kitchen countertops are not up to par and outdated, you may not be spending time in the room that should be one of the most welcoming rooms in your home – the kitchen.

If you don’t enjoy your kitchen like you used to, you should consider investing in new countertops from C & C Stoneworks in Greenville, NC.

We would like to offer you some countertop suggestions before you get started:

Granite countertops are sure to increase the value of your house

Are you planning to put your house on the market this year? Sometime in the near future? If so, the beauty of granite countertops along with their value will definitely appeal to potential home buyers. Granite countertops in a kitchen or bathroom add a touch of elegance to any home.

Granite countertops are not only beautiful, but when they are used as upgrades in renovation or flip projects, they also guarantee durability. The long-term durability of the granite countertops makes them appealing to both the current homeowner and future home buyer.

Consider quartz countertops when upgrading your home

You can certainly find inexpensive engineered countertops such as solid surfaces and laminate, but you should remember that quality and durability are something home buyers want in homes. Quality quartz countertops are available at C & C Stoneworks. You get the look of natural stone countertops with maximum durability when you invest in quartz countertops. And, just like granite countertops, quartz countertops will last a lifetime.

One of the biggest benefits of quartz countertops is that they are non-porous, making them easy to keep clean. If you want clean, germ-free countertops, all you need is soap, water and a sponge when cleaning quartz. Home buyers are sure to love the durability and ease of cleaning. Plus, no special sealers are required for quartz countertops.

Marble countertops are a solid investment

There are plenty of manufactured materials that look like marble, but they will never impersonate the real thing. Marble is formed from limestone and sedimentary rocks through the earth’s natural heating process.

The veining you find in marble countertops are the impurities trapped within the rock. As the Earth heats, pressure turns the rocks into marble. This process takes time, but it also makes each piece of marble one-of-a-kind. No two are ever alike, which is something home owners and home buyers find very appealing.

C & C Stoneworks in Greenville, NC  offers a wide selection of quartz, granite and marble countertops. Our experienced craftsman offer excellent attention to detail, personalized service and exceptional installation services. Call or text us today at 252-902-5535 to set-up a free in-home consultation for your next  countertop project.

Purchasing the Right Quartz Countertops

Before you begin looking for quartz countertops, you should have some idea of what you need for your new or remodeled kitchen or bathroom. You will want to consider how long you plan to be in the house, and you will want an idea of what your cabinets and fixtures will be so everything can match.

Your kitchen is the center of your home. You not only cook there, but it is also where you gather and entertain, so you will want to be sure your quartz countertops reflect this. Your new quartz countertops need to compliment your style, needs and the current living space. You need to be well-informed when you start your search.

Things you should know when buying quartz countertops:

Function should always come first.

Every house is different and so are quartz countertops. There is no such thing as one size fits all when it comes to natural stone countertops. Quartz is available in assorted colors and styles, and some are made with kitchens in mind and others are for bathrooms. Our first tip before buying quartz countertops is to rank the features by your order of importance – such as durability, stain resistance, easy maintenance and cost before you make your quartz countertops purchase.

The style of your quartz countertops.

Make sure you shop around and look at a variety of options before you decide. Be sure you like the texture, look, feel and colors that are available. Do you need your countertop to be warm or cool to the touch? Do you want seamless appearance? What about a bright color? These are just a couple of other details you should consider along with the thickness, edge profile and overhangs when searching for the right quartz countertop. And the result should leave you amazed!

Should you mix several types of quartz countertops?

From ease of maintenance to scratch and heat resistance, every style of quartz has its own unique characteristics. Because of this, how do you choose which one to pick? Can you use more than one? The answer from many kitchen and bath designers is to mix it up. Mixing several types of quartz countertops could produce an amazing, completed space.

How do you set your budget?

This is a harder decision than what to pick! You need to know where you are starting before you start picking options. You need to remember to include things like delivery and installation costs, and specialty treatments such as the edges, backsplash and your sink, when putting together your budget.

Take home the largest sample possible, or see it in another kitchen, before purchasing

Quartz countertops come in many variations, from the patterns and colors to tonal qualities called vein movement. Some types of quartz have uniform speckled patterns and others have more veining or swirls, which are meant to mimic other natural stones such as marble.

Unlike granite, you can get multiple slabs of quartz in the same color, pattern and veining. If you can bring home a large sample from the showroom, you may be better able to envision it installed in your kitchen or bath.

For more tips on choosing not only quartz countertops, but also granite, marble and dolomite countertops, visit C and C Stoneworks’ showroom on Hwy 43 South in Greenville, NC today. Our interior design consultant will guide you through the process, from helping you choose your stone to the final installation. Give our team a call today, 252-902-5535.

Why You Should Include Stone In Your 2022 Bathroom Renovation

Many bathroom design trends come and go but few remain timeless quite like natural stone. Natural stone is a sturdy and eco-friendly option that can be used in a variety of areas in your bathroom. Due to its beauty and versatility, using natural stone has become a staple in bathroom remodels. Here are our top reasons why you should consider including natural stone in your renovation plans.

Functionality

As trends progress, low maintenance bathrooms have become increasingly popular. Natural stones such as granite and manufactured stone such as quartz both provide low to no maintenance upkeep for bathroom surfaces. Quartz is manufactured with a mix of ground stone and resin, so its surface does not require regular sealing like granite or marble. Granite does require sealing every few months, but it is durable making it difficult to scratch or chip. Granite also has a high heat resistance protecting it from curling irons and flat irons that are used and placed on bathroom countertops.

Appearance

No two pieces of stone look the same, this is another reason that natural stone is a stunning and unique choice for your bathroom remodel. Marble has colored “veins” running through the stone creating a unique pattern in each cut. Granite comes in wide range of colors due to the variety of minerals within each slab. Light colored granites such as white or yellow create a welcoming and bright environment. Deep gray or brown granites add a sense of elegance to any bathroom. Quartz also offers a wide color palette. Depending on its ground stone contents and resin shades quartz can range anywhere from white to brown or even black!

The wide variety of color and pattern options make natural stone the perfect fit for any bathroom décor or aesthetic. The appearance of stone communicates quality and elegance in any room of the home. C & C Stoneworks can heighten that style and elegance with a variety of edge and corner options making your cuts of stone just as unique as your home.

Timelessness

As trends adapt and change, natural stone has never gone out of style. Its beautiful colors and patterns communicate elegance which is easily adapted to any home décor. Adding natural stone to your bathroom renovation can increase the value of your property due to its timelessness and beauty. When properly cared for, natural stone surfaces can last a lifetime making them a long-term investment into the value of your home.

Include C & C Stoneworks in Your Next Renovation

When remodeling it is important to choose specialists that are knowledgeable in natural stone, their uses, finishes and installation. The artisans at C & C Stoneworks can answer all your stone and tile related questions and help turn your renovation vision into a reality.

 

Your Countertops‍ Should Make Your Kitchen Shine

Countertops are an essential design element in any kitchen. Depending on what countertop material you select, your countertops could take a back seat to your cabinets, or they could be the focal point of your kitchen, adding character and visual appeal. When you choose natural stone, such as granite, marble and quartzite, or man-made quartz, you’ll infuse your kitchen with the beauty of stone. However, you can also introduce drama depending on what pattern, texture and veining you selected for your countertops.

Marble is a truly timeless stone filled with delicate texture

Many types of marble feature dramatic veining that can really stand out in any kitchen setting. When the veining of marble is paired with a white backdrop it creates a cool, calming effect in your kitchen. Or, if you choose a variety of marble with browns and golds, it will provide a warmer ambiance that some homeowners may prefer.

Granite offers classic beauty and versatility

When you are looking for veining, pattern and texture that truly elevates any kitchen design, you can’t go wrong with granite. Granite offers a wide range of color combinations and palettes, contrasting elements and visual depth. Whether you prefer the warmer tones or the dark markings, you can make a bold statement when choosing granite countertops for your kitchen.

Quartzite has very unique and intriguing patterns

Quartzite may not get the same level of praise as marble and granite, but you can definitely find eye-catching and unique varieties that rival them if you are looking at quartzite countertops. Quartzite will add dazzle to your kitchen due in part to the particles of quartz that are embedded in the stone. These sparkle in both natural and artificial lighting conditions, making a powerful statement in your kitchen.

Quartz is an elegant, engineered stone

One of the biggest pluses of quartz for kitchen countertops is the depth and dimensionality it can deliver. Quartz is man-made and is made up of crushed quartz, resin and polymers. Pigments can also be added to enhance the natural colors found in quartz. Quartz comes in a wide variety of colors meaning it can complement a wide range of kitchens.

 

Your Countertops‍ Should Make Your Kitchen Shine

Not every countertop will have veining, pattern and texture, but you only need just one of these elements to have the kitchen you long for. With so many counter top options available, picking the right stone for your style can be overwhelming.

If you need help selecting the right countertop and material for your kitchen and personal style, call C&C Stoneworks today. We can help you pick a countertop that offers the character you want while making a unique statement that showcases your own personal style. We are here to help!

Upgrading Your Vacation Rental Kitchen

Are you considering updating the kitchen in your rental property? We know it’s a major decision from a business and financial standpoint, but some of the benefits of a kitchen update include increased occupancy, better income, a higher average daily rate and a great resale value if you are thinking ahead.

Improvements can also make your vacation rental a nicer place for you and your family. Some people wonder just how nice their house should be. We think the answer is always the same, if you walk into your rental and are wowed, then your guests will be wowed as well. This results in better revenue.

Where should you invest in your vacation rental ?

Our advice is to start in the kitchen. One of the main reasons people choose vacation rentals over a hotel-type property is that they want to cook. And, if you are planning on cooking, you want a nice kitchen to cook in – possibly even cooking in a kitchen that is nicer than what they have at home.

Next, remember all parties end up in the kitchen. A kitchen is more than a place to prepare meals, it is the primary gathering place in every home and this includes rentals. Since this area gets a lot of traffic, a rental property kitchen renovation might get you the highest return on your investment. When renters are shopping for vacation rentals they want a stylish, updated kitchen and if they don’t see that they may move on to the next listing.

Here are some kitchen countertop options for your rental property.

Quartz Countertops

According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association (link https://nkba.org/) man- made quartz is one of the top selling materials for kitchen surfaces. It is more scratch and stain-resistant than granite, which is the second most commonly utilized material. Quartz is made by combining mineral fragments with heavy-duty resins. It is durable and chip resistant, and it is fairly priced at slightly above granite but still below marble.

Quartz countertops are also considered to be environmentally friendly as they are created by combining waste stones and not mined. Overall, quartz is functional, affordable and practical. The only downside may be some people find the look of quartz to be too uniform, missing the mark for people who like the natural irregularity of marble. New improvements in manufacturing have allowed quartz production to become more advanced with more sophisticated patterns.

Granite Countertops

People notice countertops, especially granite counters when they are shopping online. If you go online and look at pictures of vacation rentals, you will see how granite countertops “pop” in the pictures. They scream “quality.” And, even though there is some initial expense, it is a hard-wearing surface that will outlast most other countertops making this a solid long-term investment.

Granite is not as durable as quartz; however, it still is scratch, stain and chip resistant. Manufacturers explain that darker-colored granite is denser, which increases their durability. For this reason, lighter-colored varieties of quartz might require sealing procedures. That also means those varieties are going to be more demanding when it comes to upkeep over the years of your rental property.

Marble

Marble is quite elegant and can be fairly affordable. Often times it can be cheaper than quartz and granite. People who are enthusiastic about cooking and baking are drawn to marble’s naturally cool temperature.

Unfortunately, marble is quite porous which makes it vulnerable to scratches and permanent staining. If you choose marble countertops you have to be incredibly careful and mindful of foods and condiments which means this probably isn’t the right choice for a vacation rental. No one will take quite as good care as you!

Kitchen countertops take up the majority of the kitchen space. They impact the look and feel of the room, it is one of the first things renters use when selecting a vacation rental. Property managers like countertop materials that look appealing and are easy to maintain. Kitchen countertops should aim to combine aesthetics, practicality and affordability.

Need advice selecting a countertop for your rental?

Reach out to the professionals at C and C Stoneworks. We are happy to talk with you and find a way to make your property more attractive to renters. Give us a call today at 252-902-5535.