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    Category: Countertops

    A countertop is a horizontal work surface in kitchens or other food preparation areas, bathrooms or lavatories, and workrooms in general.

    Can Small Kitchens Have Dark Countertops?

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    In the past, you may have heard design experts say that you should avoid dark colors in small spaces. But this isn’t the case anymore! The field of design is expanding, and more and more people are willing to challenge the “rules” to create more memorable and unique spaces. So, is it okay to use a dark countertop stone in a small kitchen?

    In the past, you may have heard design experts say that you should avoid dark colors in small spaces. But this isn’t the case anymore! The field of design is expanding, and more and more people are willing to challenge the “rules” to create more memorable and unique spaces. So, is it okay to use a dark countertop stone in a small kitchen?    We think the advice, “avoid dark colors in small rooms” is a thing of the past. Dark colors can be beautiful, even in small spaces. If you love the stunning look of dark countertops, but have a small kitchen, you don’t have to settle! You can have the dark countertops you love and still create the illusion of a bigger kitchen. Here are a few tips for how to include dark countertops in your small kitchen.Pair with Light Cabinetry
    In general, having both dark cabinets and countertops will make your kitchen look small. But, selecting lighter cabinetry instead can add breathtaking contrast while still helping your space to appear larger! Here’s another idea – to make your kitchen feel even more spacious, consider cabinetry with glass doors.

    Choose Lighter Color Walls
    Lighter color walls reflect light and gives the illusion of additional space. Although dark walls can work in a small space, we suggest avoiding them if you have already chosen a dark countertop material!

    Think About the Details
    Even the seemingly small details of your kitchen design can make the room feel much more spacious. For example, did you know the pattern on a floor can actually make your kitchen look larger? The same goes for your backsplash design. A linear backsplash running horizontally up the wall is a great choice for small spaces. Also, keeping clutter off of your countertops will make the space feel bigger too!

    So, we’re all for dark countertops! Available in a wide variety of materials, including granite, marble and quartz, dark countertops are simply beautiful. Don’t be afraid to break the design “rules.” Let C and C Stoneworks help you create your perfect kitchen – even if it may be small! Our design experts can help you with everything from countertops, backsplashes, flooring and cabinetry. Give us a call today.

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    3 Ways You’re Accidentally Ruining Your Countertops

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    Kitchen countertops are the most important work surfaces in your home. They are custom-made and fabricated to withstand regular cleaning, food prep, daily use, and so much more! But, despite the durability of even the toughest, top-quality stones damages can still happen over time if you are not careful. Many homeowners are unaware of a few things, that they often do every day, that can potentially affect their countertops in the long run.

    1. Hot Pots and Pans
    Yes, we said it! Hot pots and pans can damage your countertops. It is true that certain countertop stones like granite and quarts can withstand high temperatures. But we strongly advise homeowners to use placemats, hot pads, or trivets. Remember, that the better care you take of your countertops, the longer they will last. In some situations, placing hot pans directly on the stone without protection can result in discoloration, burn marks or cracking.

    2. Cutting and Chopping
    ​Even if you have invested in one of the most durable and long-lasting countertop surfaces, like granite, that doesn’t mean you should abuse them more than other surfaces. We see people slicing, cutting, dicing and chopping directly on their countertops. Although this is okay most of the time, why increase the chances of damaging your counter AND your knives? We recommend using cutting boards.

    3. Water Build Up
    If your countertops are sealed, water build up shouldn’t be an issue. Right? Wrong! Sealing countertops only prevents liquids from seeping through and staining the stone. But, when you leave spills on your countertops for too long, you increase the chance of damage. Pools of liquid can cause white crusty build up when left on the stone. We recommend always wiping up any spills and drying your countertops off after cleaning.Take care of your countertop investment! Remember that although granite and quartz countertops are durable, they aren’t indestructible. Be mindful of how you care for your countertops, and they will remain beautiful for many, many years to come. If you have more questions about how to care for your countertops, contact C and C Stoneworks in Greenville, NC today! Also, check out our blog “How to Keep Your Countertops Looking New” for more tips and tricks!

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    Is it Time to Replace Your Countertops?

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    No matter what countertop surface you currently have in your home, there may come a time when you need to replace them. Recognizing these three signs can help you determine if your countertops are ready for a replacement.

    1. Erosion
    Countertop erosion is common with low-end countertop materials. However, some high-end surfaces can also wear out if you’ve had them for a very long time, or if they haven’t been taken care of. If your countertops have eroded to the point of being able to see the materials beneath them, you are in need of a replacement. Although, we recommend you don’t let them get to this level.You can’t repair eroded materials, so replacement is the only option. Opt for an upgrade in material installed by a trusted professional. This will ensure that you have beautiful countertops for many years to come!

    2. Cracks
    Cracks are common in certain countertop materials, like wood. Cracks are caused by constant pressure, or sharp and abrasive objects coming into contact with the countertop. Not only do cracks make your countertops unappealing, they can also trap bacteria!It is possible to repair cracks. You should have a trained professional take a look at them to determine if this is a possibility. If your countertops are full of large cracks, your best option will be to replace them!

    3. Outdated
    Nothing can make a kitchen or bathroom look drab more than outdated countertops. Let’s be honest, your kitchen is the heart of your home. So, why not show it a little love. If your countertops are stuck in the past, it’s time to replace them! You can choose something timeless, like a neutral granite stone with beautiful veining. This will keep your countertops in style for as long as you keep them! Or maybe your style has changed, this is a great reason to replace your countertops too!

    Not to mention, if you are planning on selling your home in the future, countertops are a HUGE selling point to potential buyers! Make sure you get the most value out of your home by replacing your countertops!
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    So, have you decided it’s time to replace your kitchen or bathroom countertops? Contact C and C Stoneworks in Greenville, NC! You can visit our stone yard full of all different materials and colors. Find the countertop that is perfect for you and your home! Then our experienced fabricator and installers will work to give you the countertops of your dreams.

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    Crack in Countertop? Or, Could it be a Fissure?

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    Knowing what to look for can help you determine if you have a crack or a fissure. Cracks usually only appear in one location of the stone’s surface and will have noticeable unevenness that you can feel. Whereas fissures often appear in more than one place on the slab and are rarely straight. Your fingernail can also run smoothly over a fissure. Remember, fissures will not impair or effect the integrity of the stone. Fissures do not change the plan of the surface. For example, if you were to place a level over a fissure you shouldn’t be able to slide a business card underneath it.

    Fissures are a beautiful reminder of the natural journey your stone slab took to get to your countertop. But, if you aren’t a fan of the way they look, make sure that you inspect your entire slab for any characteristic that you don’t like (or want on your countertop). Our stone yard is the perfect place to do this! All in one location, you can see many different stones, colors and patterns, and see your FULL slab before you purchase. Other retails may only show you small samples of the stone and you won’t be able to see all the characteristics that may lie on the surface.

    If you’re looking for the perfect stone slab, contact C and C Stoneworks today! We’re there for the entire process – from stone selection and design to custom fabrication and installation!

    Kitchen Remodeling on Budget

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    Is your kitchen in desperate need of an update? You know it’s time for a remodel, but perhaps the sticker shock of how much a remodel can cost has you a little hesitant. We see this a lot; folks have decided to tackle a remodel and are looking for an area they can cut costs. Often times this is with the countertops. After all, laminate is fine. Right?

    Well, the problem is that for the money you may be saving by opting for low end countertops, you are actually just borrowing from yourself long term. Not only do laminate countertops not last like stone countertops, they are much more prone to scratching staining and cutting damage. In the long term, granite, quartz or marble will be much better for your budget because they last a long time and you won’t have to spend money again installing new countertops years later.

    Not only are stone countertops stronger, more durable and more appealing, they are also a lot more forgiving of kitchen accidents than laminate. Not to mention, if you ever plan on selling your home, stone countertops are a huge selling point for potential buyers!

    To save money on your kitchen remodel the RIGHT way we suggest –

    Keeping The Same Layout
    Moving the sink, electrical outlets and switches to other locations will certainty drive up your costs. Consider keeping your same kitchen layout. The C and C Stoneworks team will custom fabricate your countertops, so no need to worry about fitting them perfectly in your existing space!

    Repaint, Don’t Replace Cabinets
    Instead of gutting your kitchen cabinetry, just give it a facelift with a fresh coat of paint and new hardware. If your cabinets are in good condition, a simple resurfacing will bring new life to your kitchen, without breaking the bank.

    Consider Open Shelving
    If part of your kitchen remodel needs to include adding more storage, consider open shelving! It creates interest in your space and saves money. Not to mention, it is very trendy and a great way to display your favorite dishes!

    ​Are you ready to tackle your kitchen remodel? Contact C and C Stoneworks today! We’ll help you pick out the perfect countertop for your space that will look beautiful, increase your home’s value and stand the test of time!

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    Choosing the Right Countertop Stone for Your Bathroom

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    As we all know, new bathroom countertops are beautiful, update the room and add value to your home. But when choosing the right countertop material for your bathroom, there a few things to consider. After all, this countertop will endure a lot – from humidity and moisture, to the normal, everyday wear of your routine. That is why it is important to choose a material that can withstand these conditions and will look great for a long time.

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    If you are remodeling your bathroom, you have a plethora of countertop options to choose from. Here are our top recommendations for bathroom countertops that will, not only add a touch of elegance to your home, but will give you a great return on your investment.

    Quartz
    Quartz is a high-quality material made up of 95% natural stone mixed with resins, polymers and binders. It is completely nonporous, making it resistant to water and stains – perfect for a bathroom! Quartz can handle humidity, preventing the growth of mold or bacteria on your countertop surface. It is also low maintenance, easy to clean and does not require a top sealant.

    Granite
    Granite is the number one material for countertops. And it for good reason. Granite has a hardness index close to a diamond! Granite, like quartz, is stain and water resistant. It is important to apply a sealant to your granite countertop, to ensure that it stays nonporous and resistant to moisture and stains.

    Marble
    Marble is elegant and incredibly durable. This natural stone comes in an endless variety of colors and patterns. Marble is a softer stone than granite and it is porous. To make sure that it holds up in a bathroom and stays looking great, it needs to be sealed every year or two.

    With a stone yard fully stocked with the most beautiful and exotic countertop stone options, C and C Stoneworks is your go-to for any bathroom remodel. We will help you find just the right option for you and your home’s décor and create and install your new countertop with precision. Contact us or visit our location today. Your new bathroom masterpiece awaits!

    How to Create a Family-Friendly Kitchen

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    If you are building a new home or thinking of a remodel, we know that functionality is a top priority – especially if you have a large family or small children. Your design plans require special attention to ensure that the space is family-friendly and welcoming. At C and C Stoneworks, we’ve worked with many families to create both beautiful and functional spaces.

    We all know, especially in eastern North Carolina, that the kitchen is the heart of the home, which naturally means it is the busiest room of the house. So, when considering design elements, we have a few tips that will make your space flow much better – and save parents from a little stress.

    1. Open Floor Plan
    Not only does an open floor plan make your kitchen look bigger, it also allows whoever is preparing meals to feel like they are a part of the action happening in the living or dining area. We know that parents of small children appreciate this layout too, so that they can keep an eye on their little ones playing in the next room.

    2. Kitchen Island
    Kitchen islands are so wonderful and versatile. They can be used for additional seating, prepping meals, homework, crafts or just hanging out before dinner. Adding a kitchen island not only gives you a very useful surface, but also a beautiful design element to your space. The countertop and/or cabinetry you choose to use on your island can be contrasting or complementing to the rest of your kitchen, depending on the look you are going for! Both are trending right now and real attention-getters!

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    3. Fuss-Free Countertops
    ​Low maintenance, easy-to-live with countertops are a must for families. You need something that is durable, fingerprint resistant and easy to clean. Trust us! Quartz countertops are a great choice, as they are heavy-duty and non-porous, meaning they are unlikely to stain. Quartz is available in countless colors and patterns, so you won’t have to sacrifice style for function. Granite is also a great option but does require regular sealing to keep it in excellent condition.

    4. Kid-Friendly Countertop Corners
    This is an important one! Sharp countertop corners seem to just be a magnet for little heads. We highly recommend that if you have small children running around at home, to consider a rounded countertop corner. Not only is it classic, it can help save you from drying a few tears.

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    Are you looking for a family-friendly kitchen design?  C and C Stoneworks is here to help!  We work with each family individually to create a space that, is not only beautiful but, works for everyone in the home! Contact us today!

    Creative Ways to Use Granite in Your Home

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    As we’ve said in many of our previous blogs, granite is the most popular material for kitchen countertops. Here at C and C Stoneworks, we don’t think the eye-catching beauty of granite should be limited just to countertops though! It’s naturally beautiful and incredibly durable, making it the perfect stone to incorporate into other areas of your home as well. Here are 5 ways to use granite in your home – that are not on a kitchen countertop.

    1. Backsplash – Granite is just as functional for a backsplash as it is for a countertop. A custom-fabricated granite backsplash is the perfect choice to create a cohesive look in your kitchen. You can go with a complimenting or contrasting design to give your kitchen the look you desire.

    2. Floor Tile – Granite floor tiles are available in many different designs, colors and patterns and can give a very attractive look to your home. Granite flooring is durable, long lasting and resistant to scratching and staining. Not to mention, it can increase the overall value of your property!

    3. Fireplace – Granite is a great stone to use on fireplaces. It is extremely durable and can handle the heat. A granite fireplace surround can easily dress up any plain or outdated fireplace.

    4. Sinks – Think outside of the porcelain, stainless steel or glass box when it comes to sinks. The trendiest new material for sinks is, you guessed it, granite! Granite sinks are made from granite dust and resins that are molded into an eye-catching, heat and scratch resistant sink. When coordinated with your countertops, using granite for your kitchen sink can create a beautiful and seamless look.

    5. Tabletops and Desks – By using granite, you can create a sophisticated and low-maintenance dining room table that matches your kitchen countertops. Another idea is to use granite as a top for the built-in desk in your home.

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    Are you inspired? Do you have new ideas of how to incorporate granite into your home?

    Contact C and C Stoneworks in Greenville, NC today! Our talented fabricators can help make your dreams come true!

    Quartz: What You Should Know

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    Last month we featured what everyone should know about marble when choosing to use it in their home – this month its quartz’s turn! 

    Quartz Isn’t 100% Natural Stone
    You may have read that and got a bad taste in your mouth. However, the fact that quartz isn’t a natural stone isn’t a bad thing! Quartz is an engineered material created with approximately 95% ground natural quartz and 5% polymer resins. The resins help make this countertop material stain and scratch resistant – and non-porous, so they never have to be sealed. Although they are engineered, they come in many different patterns, colors, and finishes making them almost indistinguishable from natural stones like granite and marble. Therefore, quartz can suit every style and design – from streamlined modern and relaxed farmhouse to earthy and traditional.

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    Great Option For People Who Want Low Maintenance Countertops
    A common request we hear is for a white stone that has the look of marble but without the amount of maintenance. Quartz is a great option for this! Made from one of the hardest materials on earth, quartz is one of the most durable options for kitchen countertop. As we mentioned before, unlike granite or marble, its non-porous surface means it never has to be sealed. Surface stains can often simply be removed with a gentle cleaner and the only daily upkeep needed is a quick wipe down with soapy water! Quartz is also antimicrobial because the polymer resins block odor-causing bacteria, mold and mildew from penetrating the surface!

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    There Are A Few Things Quartz Can’t Handle
    Quartz countertops are only heat and scorch resistant up to a certain point. A sudden change in countertop temperature or sustained heat from a hot pot or pan can crack the surface. To stay on the safe side, be sure to always use a hot pad. It is also not recommended to use quartz for outdoor projects as the sun can cause the colors to fade and the countertop to warp over time.

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    Where You Buy Quartz Matters
    You may be tempted to go to a big box retailer or home improvement store to pick out your quartz countertop. But, by doing this, you are significantly limiting your options as they usually have a much smaller selection to choose from. And, odds are you will get a less-skilled contractor handling the installation. Instead, visit C and C Stoneworks in Greenville, NC! You will have the opportunity to see many whole slabs of quartz and won’t have to make a decision based off of a small sample. You will also have the guarantee of an experienced stone countertop fabricator and installer. Since we’ve been in business for many years and have completed countless projects, we can even show you our work to help you make a decision that is perfect for your home’s countertops!

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    If you’re in eastern North Carolina and are considering quartz countertops, contact C and C Stoneworks today!

    Why Granite Countertop Should Start with the Slab

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    As we all know, granite has been one of the most popular countertop materials for many years now – and for good reason! Granite countertops are beautiful, easy to maintain, durable and can last forever with proper care and maintenance. Considering your granite countertops are going to be with you for quite a while and are usually the main focal point of any space, wouldn’t you want to be able to select the exact countertop stone that will be installed? At C and C Stoneworks in Greenville, NC, we always suggest going directly to the slab when deciding on your perfect countertop – here’s a few reasons why!

    You Get to See the Big Picture

    Tiny samples of granite can be a great starting point to narrow down your preferences, but you need to choose from full slabs when you make your final decision. When you choose the actual slab, you can see what the overall color and pattern looks like – because granite is made by nature and no two slabs are alike. Many times, a slab of granite will have secondary and tertiary colors that are not obvious until you see the whole piece. Will the beautiful swirls and veining in a particular slab of granite match your décor plan? Seeing the “big picture” will help you with your design choices too!

    You Will Learn Not All Stones Are Equal

    Even if you get the same type of granite as a sample you saw, remember not all stones are created equally. What we are getting at is that just because you loved the 12” x 12” sample you saw at the big box dealer, doesn’t mean the countertop as a whole will be what you imagined. Much of the appeal of granite to many people are the “beauty marks” made by nature. However, there are some granite stones with unflattering patterns and/or flaws. If you only see a small sample, how do you know what the rest of it will look like?

    You Can See Many Options

    Another advantage of going directly to the slab when choosing new countertops, is that by going to a stone yard you will be able to see many, many options. Once you decide on the perfect color and pattern for you, you will be able to inspect the individual slab. Like any other natural stone, granite is rarely consistent in design and you must be sure you like any changes in color or patina across the slab.

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    ​Once you’ve picked your perfect slab, C and C Stoneworks’ professional fabricators will convert it into your dream countertop. We guarantee maximum utilization of the slab and hide seams for a cohesive look across your countertop surface. Contact us today to visit our stone yard. Your perfect slab is waiting for you!

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    Slab of Sienna Beige at C and C Stoneworks Stone Yard