Last month, we discussed a few countertop materials to choose from. Now we are discussing more of the options, so that you will have the most information possible to make the best decision for your situation. Understanding countertop materials will help you to choose superior countertops to meet all of your needs. Here are some more countertop materials that you should know about.

Quartzite

Quartzite is a popular countertop material that is comprised of natural stone. It is most similar to granite, though it is a harder material. Unfortunately, while the quartzite offers extra durability, the strength makes it harder to ship, mine, and fabricate. Quartzite tends to be tougher on tools during fabrication and can create a more brittle countertop material. This greatly increases the expense of quartzite. It is still important to understand the advantages of quartzite. They are able to provide some of the most unique and beautiful countertops. Quartzite also comes in a wide variety of colors and movements. Since quartzite is a natural stone, it is porous and needs to be sealed on a regular basis.

Marble

Marble is a classic material for countertops due to its beauty and elegance. However, it is important to keep in mind that marble materials can create a maintenance concern for kitchens. While marble is a fine choice for the bathrooms and less utilitarian spaces, it is generally not recommended for use in the kitchen areas. Marble is a rather soft material, which can cause it to be vulnerable to scratching and chipping. Additionally, marble is a substance that is calcium carbonate rich. This means that it will react to acids, such as vinegar, tomato sauce, and orange juice, which will cause it to etch. It also has the tendency to “bruise” when it is cut. This means that the material will splinter on a microscopic level, which can cause the appearance to become lighter.  

Marble is a natural stone. This means that it is porous and will need to be sealed. It is important to remember that even sealed marble will be susceptible to staining and etching. Quartzite can be a more durable alternative to marble, especially because it can provide a similar appearance to marble.

Soapstone, Sandstone, and Travertine

These materials tend to be rarer and more exotic than other countertop materials. These materials are generally rather soft, which can reduce their suitability for use on the countertops. However, we will still fabricate and install these materials when desired. Soapstone is commonly used in laboratories because it is non-reactive and sanitary. However, it is important to keep in mind that soapstone is soft, expensive, and generally not well-suited for residential use. It easily shows knife marks and can dent or break easily.

Porcelain and Dekton

These countertop materials are man-made and are fairly recent developments for use in the countertop industry. Porcelain or Dekton materials are sold in extremely thin slabs. They can be extremely durable once they have been mounted to substrate, but tend to be rather brittle when supporting their own weight. A miter must be done on these countertop edges due to the thinness. It can be difficult to cover and repair after chipping. This is why our experts at Out of the Woods do not currently fabricate porcelain and Dekton countertops, though we may choose to do so when improvements to the material and fabrication process can be made.

These are just a few of the countertop options that are available to meet the needs of your property. We are also able to help with solid surface countertops, granite countertops, and quartz countertops. If you need assistance choosing the ideal countertop materials to meet all of your needs, contact our experts at Out of the Woods Custom Cabinetry for more information.  

When you are trying to decide between face framed cabinets and faceless cabinets, it is important to consider durability and longevity. Ultimately, face framed cabinets are designed to last longer. These durable cabinets take advantage of the frame to increase their strength and minimize damage. When you choose face framed cabinets for your property, you will often improve the functionality and appearance of your cabinetry. Here are a few of the reasons why face framed cabinets are designed to last longer.

Placement of Hardware

With frameless cabinets, the hardware of the cabinetry will be attached to the particle board of the cabinets. This less durable material will allow the screws and hardware to loosen and shift out of place. With face framed cabinets, this hardware will be attached to solid wood. This prevents the screws and hardware from getting looser or shifting out of place.

Stronger

Consider the opening of a cardboard box lying on its side. If there is nothing reinforcing the opening and you place something on top of the box, it will sag. A similar concept applies to framed cabinets. The framing of the cabinet helps to reinforce the cabinetry. This helps you to ensure that the face framed cabinets are much more durable.

More Customizable

Frameless cabinets are often mass produced. While this may lower expenses, it also results in a less durable, customizable cabinetry solution. When you install face framed cabinets to your property, you will have a higher level of control over the customization of your cabinets. This can help you to choose the ideal cabinetry to meet all of your needs.

Prevents “Racking”

“Racking” is a phrase that refers to sagging caused by the cabinet being leveled unevenly. Face framed cabinets are less vulnerable to these issues. The durability of this type of cabinet helps to prevent sagging and ensure that it can be adapted to all kinds of properties.

Face framed cabinets can be incredibly beneficial for your property. The team at Out of the Woods Custom Cabinetry can help to provide you with the ideal cabinetry to meet all of your needs. Our framed cabinets can help to create a durable cabinet surface for your property. If you need face framed cabinets installed in your kitchen or bathroom, you need look no further than Out of the Woods Custom Cabinetry. To learn more about the advantages that framed cabinetry provides, contact us today!

Are you stuck while trying to choose the right materials for your countertop? Understanding the differences can enable you to choose countertop materials that will best meet your specific needs. If you need further guidance, our team at Out of the Woods Custom Cabinetry is happy to provide assistance. Here are a few things that you need to know about countertop materials and their differences.

Laminate

Before we talk about laminate countertops, it is important to note that we do not offer this option. Many homes have laminate countertops, because it tends to be the cheapest option for countertop use. However, remember that you get what you pay for when it comes to countertop materials. Laminate countertops are generally the least durable material, despite how common they are. They can be chipped, scratched, dented, discolored, or burnt incredibly easy. It is usually attached with screws, staples, or adhesive, which makes it fairly easily to remove when you need to replace it. Laminate countertops tend to be taller than most stone materials. This can lead to design issues during remodels, which is why it is essential to work with a professional countertop installer. Laminate countertops often look thicker than they actually are which can cause problems with the appearance. We are able to provide both removal and disposal services for laminate countertops.  

Solid Surface

Solid surface materials are a great upgrade to make from laminate countertops. It is often referred to as Corian. Solid surface countertops are common, but they may still be surprisingly expensive. While solid surface countertops are an engineered “stone”, they can still chip, scratch, burn, and discolor. Though it is harder and more resilient than laminate, it is a less durable option than granite or quartz countertops. Solid surface countertops are available in a large array of colors and patterns. They will often be molded together with the sink in one piece, which may make it necessary to replace the top when you replace the sink.

Granite

Granite materials are a natural stone. Granite is mined from mountain quarries around the world. Since granite is a natural stone, it is porous and will require periodic maintenance in the form of re-sealing. Our granite countertops are sealed in the shop prior to delivery and installation. Some dealers may offer a kind of “permanent” sealing, but it is not recommended. These processes can make repairs difficult and is costly to have performed. Sealing granite for regular maintenance, contrary to popular belief, is a fairly easy process. Sealers won’t make the stone completely impervious to liquids, but will make it more resistant to stains from oils. It is normal for granite surfaces to soak up water and become darker. The water will eventually evaporate.

Granite Finishes

Granite countertops are available in many different finishes. A textured finish is often referred to as “antiqued” or “leathered.” Another finish is often referred to as a “matte” or “honed” finish. Finally, you may also choose to have the finish completely smooth and polished. Many people think that polished granite has a varnish applied. While epoxy is sometimes used to fill pits or fissures, this generally isn’t true. Rather than coming from varnish, the high-shine finish of granite tends to come from the many iterations of polishing using diamond polishing pads. This helps to provide the mirror-like finish from the stone itself.

When you are deciding on maintenance, a polished stone surface tends to be the easiest to clean. The polishing process helps to minimize the impact of the natural pores. This makes the granite less susceptible to staining. Alternatively, textured surfaces are much more difficult to wipe clean. Duller finishes also tend to show oils or fingerprints more easily than more polished varieties.

Granite Advantages

There are many advantages to choosing granite as your countertop material. Granite is extremely hard, durable, and heat resistant. In fact, granite countertops are often used as cutting boards, because they are resistant to scratching. However, these granite countertops will dull knives rather quickly, so you may want to use a designated cutting board. Granite countertops will vary in price based on their type. Factors that will impact the price include the size of the slabs, as well as the expense and location of the quarries and mining.

It is important to note that each slab of granite is completely unique, due to the way that the natural stone is sourced. Due to this, it is important to note that our team at Out of the Woods has no control over the appearance of the stone or the naturally occurring fissures or pits that the countertop may have. Samples may help you to get an idea of the color or aesthetics, but there can still be a great deal of variation from bundle to bundle. Final selections should often be made in person if possible.

Quartz

Quartz is a countertop material that is engineered, which means it is man-made. Though quartz tends to be less hard than granite, it does have its own unique benefits. Quartz is comprised of both ground stone and epoxy resin, usually 80% or 90% stone with resin and dye comprising the difference. This ultimately means it is not as heat resistant as granite countertops. The resin of quartz countertops can scorch or discolor when it is exposed to extreme or prolonged heat. UV rays can cause the epoxy in the stone to discolor when in disproportionately sunny areas.

The resin does provide some advantages for the quartz countertop, however. It allows the quartz to be less brittle than other materials, as well as enables it to be used in situations that require flexural strength. Quartz is non-porous, due to the resin. While this increases its stain resistance, it does not make it completely impervious to staining. You should ensure that you take care with colorful or acidic foods. Spills should be wiped away quickly to minimize damage and staining. Chips in the material may prevent a consistent aesthetic throughout the depth of the slab. These countertops are often consistent in size and style, because they are engineered. However, it can still be beneficial to select the material in person.

These are a few countertop materials that you should know about. Granite countertops can be an incredibly beneficial choice for your home. To learn more about countertop materials and how to make the best decision for your property, contact us at Out of the Woods Custom Cabinetry today!