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    Category: Quartz

    Reasons Quartz is So Popular

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    Recently, the natural stone business is noticing a growing trend among customers. Just as granite swept home remodels and renovations in the early 2000s, quartz products are taking the spotlight in the newest homes. Thanks to HGTV and many home design experts, quartz is the newest trend, and for good reason! So, why is this trend becoming more widespread among homeowners? Here are 5 main reasons for the increase in the demand for this beautiful manmade countertop option.

    1.   Durability
    Unlike natural stones such as granite, marble, travertine, limestone or soapstone, which are mined from quarries around the world, quartz is engineered and created in factories, using some of the hardest minerals on earth. This process, along with its other additives, such as polyester resins, gives quartz extreme durability. Quartz is scratch resistant and will not stain – attractive qualities for homeowners with children, or for those who really use their kitchens for cooking, cutting, etc.

    2.   Low Maintenance
    Due to its stain-resistant, non-porous nature, quartz never has to be resealed like its sister stones granite and marble. Owners do not need to be too particular about cleaning the stone either. More delicate materials cannot be exposed to cleaning products or harsh chemicals, while quartz can take a wipe down from bleach products to ammonia cleaners and remain unharmed. Although, we don’t recommend it! Quartz is antibacterial because it is non-porous, so a damp cloth will do the trick!

    3.   Uniformity
    Natural stone, like granite, is known for its “movement” and non-uniform appearance, whereas quartz is engineered and therefore consistent in its design. This not only saves time in the design process by allowing fabricators to cut the stone without a predetermined layout (as they do with granite or marble, to make sure the customer likes where the variations in the stone are placed within the space), but it also makes matching paint, tile, and cabinet colors and styles easier for the homeowner.

    4.   Options
    In previous years, quartz was criticized for its lackluster patterns and designs, which paled in comparison to granite and marble. However, today there are quality brands of quartz that resemble granite and marble so accurately that most customers can’t tell the difference. Manufactures are able to not only polish, but they can now produce a honed, embossed, or sand blasted finish. The latest strides made in the quartz industry make it a top contender for the newest kitchen and bathroom projects.

    5.   Cost
    Despite the fact that it’s manufactured, the price tag per square foot on this increasingly popular material mirrors that of mid-level granite. Most people looking to renovate or start a new project with natural stone already have an idea of the cost, so they’re prepared to spend the kind of money that will buy a custom stone kitchen or bathroom!

    Are you ready to give your kitchen a facelift? Contact C and C Stoneworks for a free consultation on your upcoming kitchen or bathroom renovations!

    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!

    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!

    The Best Countertops for Outdoor Kitchens

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    Outdoor kitchens are great for summer barbecues and cookouts on game days. With the mild weather we have here in eastern North Carolina, outdoor kitchens are especially great because they can be used almost all year around. When you’re designing your outdoor kitchen area, one very important thing shouldn’t be overlooked. No, it isn’t the grill (even though that is important too). It’s your countertop choice! You should keep in mind that not only will the counters have to withstand the same conditions as those in your home, but also the conditions outside like sunlight, temperature changes and weather. Here is a little more about a few options to help you determine the best countertops for your outdoor oasis.

    1. Quartz is a very durable material and comes in a wide variety of styles and colors, which may have you adding quartz to the top of your list for the best countertop option for your outdoor kitchen. But, while quartz countertops may handle the outdoors fine, the resins used in their construction may not be able to stand up to prolonged sun exposure without suffering damage. You will notice that the material will start to yellow over time.

    2. Marble: It may be hard for you to imagine that polished marble countertops wouldn’t be a good choice for your outdoor kitchen. But in reality, they can easily be damaged by outdoor elements. Porous stones, like marble, may look great at first but can be easily stained and your outdoor countertops could be left marked by grease. If you do decide to use marble for your outdoor kitchen countertops, we recommend a honed finish since rain, wind, snow and weather in general will wear away a shiny, polished finish.

    3. Granite countertops are hard to beat for all-around ease-of-use, durability and maintenance. That is why granite is at the top of our list for the best countertops for your outdoor kitchen. Granite is good at withstanding wear and tear, as well as hot, cold and wet conditions. With simple care and minimal maintenance, your granite countertops can stay looking great. However, some lighter color granites, like whites and light greys, have natural iron deposits in them. Because we have acid rain the iron deposits will begin to rust. So, you need to be mindful when choosing the color for your outside granite. Especially for outdoor countertops, C and C Stoneworks in Greenville, NC recommends sealing your countertops. This is a great idea no matter where they are used because sealing prevents stains.

    There you have it, a little more about some of your options for your outdoor kitchen. Granite is your safest bet, but it isn’t your only option. Contact the experts at C and C Stoneworks today .

    We can help you find the perfect material, color and style to make your outdoor space come alive. We’ll consider your outdoor kitchen structure, availability of shade, climate, and the amount of time and effort you’re willing to spend on maintenance. Our expert countertop installers will help you create the outdoor kitchen of your dreams. Get ready to fire up the grill!