Countertops play a significant role in your kitchen. When you have new stone countertops for your home, you can choose between the matte or polished stone. Both can give you a beautiful look, but also comes with different drawbacks. If you are torn between the two and don’t know which one to choose, here are a couple of pros and cons that you should consider.

Polished countertops are popular and widely used throughout different homes. It’s considered the standard because it’s available sheen in granite countertops, marble, quartz, concrete, and other materials. With this said, it comes with very few limitations when it comes to its availability. Since this surface is standard, the cost is affordable since it doesn’t require any type of upcharge or additional fees. It is easy to hide fingertips and smudges, which is excellent in the appearance of your countertops.

Now, the polished kitchen countertops downside. Since it tends to be shiny, it will most likely reflect light. If your kitchen is more of a traditional look, this is not the surface for you to choose from. This surface may not damage as quickly, but when they are scratched or chipped, it can be very noticeable.

Matte, on the other hand, is a popular choice for those who want a modernized kitchen. It can create a nice layer of texture in the kitchen with much less glare than a polished surface. If you have many lights in your kitchen, you don’t need to worry about the glow of reflection that might show in your countertops. 

Now, matte countertop surfaces may not be available in some countertop materials, even though they are more common today. One of the materials that it works with is quartz countertops. Unlike the polished surface, matte easily shows fingerprints. It may also be a bit more expensive than a polished surface since it is considered as an upgrade option, depending on the fabricator. However, the additional cost doesn’t always apply.

With our countertops company in Chicago, you can expect a high work quality, whether it’s your kitchen countertops or bathroom countertops. You can trust us!

For the sake of aesthetic continuity, matching your countertops to your cabinets is a good way to maintain a good visual flow. The eyes are drawn to certain patterns and color combinations. When those combinations don’t pair well, the brain has to rectify what the eyes see, and that can cause confusion and distraction. 

If you are putting in new granite countertops in your Chicago home and want to match them in a seamless, visually-pleasing picture, we have some suggestions:

• For instant visualization, when at the granite showroom, have a piece of your cabinetry put side-by-side and see if it will pair, or if it clashes. 
• Do you want a darker room? Then darker granite with cherry or mahogany cabinets will work. The same applies for lighter granite or cabinetry mixes. Or contrasting dark with light can work well, too.
• If you can find a granite with flecks of your cabinet color already in it, the shared color will paint a picture of harmony between the items.
• If you don’t want to lug your cabinet door to the showroom, ask for samples to bring home. Comparing the environment it will soon be installed in can help.
• Look at the samples, and how they pair with the cabinetry at different times of day, at night, and in different interior lighting options. 

For the modern kitchen with a clean, sterile appearance, if you have white or very light-colored cabinets like maple, a medium gray granite countertop will complement it well. 

Conversely, if you have red or honey colored cabinets, like oak, cedar, walnut, or pine, a black or nearly black countertop is the way to go. It adds a dramatic effect to the room and draws more of the rich color from the cabinets. 

Ultimately it is up to you because it is going in your home, but countertops and cabinets can be around for a long time, and while something might seem perfect today, or trendy, in a week, a year, or ten years, it might just drive you crazy. Think long term.

Finding the best countertop for your kitchen, bathroom or vanity is not an easy feat especially when you have a tight budget. But even with a low budget at hand, you can still find beautiful countertops in Chicago that best suit your home. As with the more expensive types, you can choose from a wide variety of styles, colors, and textures based on your budget.

Inexpensive Countertops

The cheapest kitchen countertops in Chicago are between $5 to $30 per square foot. The most popular choices are ceramic tiles, laminate countertops, and solid surface counters. 

A ceramic tile costs between $18 and $35 per square foot. Mostly known for their elaborate mosaic designs, ceramic tiles come in different colors and styles, making them highly customizable and perfect for the kitchen. They also look great as bathroom countertops. Overall, they are durable, heat resistant, and easy to maintain. On the other hand, laminate countertops cost around $15 to $40. They are known to be affordable and low maintenance compared with other materials. You can choose from different colors and styles, and make them look like you have a granite countertop or marble one for a cheaper alternative. They are surprisingly durable, especially with their cheap price. With a $35-$85 per square foot budget, you can have yourself a solid surface countertop. They are low maintenance, durable, and perfect for innovative designs. 

Expensive Countertops 

If you have an extra budget to spare, you can easily purchase granite countertops, soapstone or marble countertops in Chicago around $40 to $200 per square foot. 

Marble countertops cost between $75 and $250 per square foot. They’re high maintenance – the cost of an elegant countertop for your home. Be careful to have them installed for light use only. You can save on the cost by choosing more affordable grades, shades, and colors. Another top choice by homeowners is granite countertops. They cost around $45 to $200 per square foot. They’re moderate to high maintenance. You can go cheaper by installing tiles instead of slabs. Quartz countertops are another option and they are about the same cost with granite countertops. They are also durable and they don’t chip easily, so if you have a busy kitchen, quartz kitchen countertops are your best option. 

Overall, stone countertops in Chicago vary in price per style, color, and material. Cheap countertops cost anywhere from $5 to $30 per square foot while the more expensive types cost around $40 to $200 per square foot. For cheap alternatives, your top choices are ceramic, laminate, and solid surface. If you have the budget for it, you can spruce up your kitchen counter with marble, granite or quartz.

Your kitchen and bathroom can be a  reflection of your personality, and it gives the first impression on the first look on your home design. They are equally the busiest part of your home. The kitchen counter is often the busiest part of the kitchen, as it is where you do your cooking preparation. Your bathroom countertop, on the other hand, is used daily as you prepare yourself for work in the morning, or bed at the end of the day. The materials that you use for your countertops should withstand the wear and tear. This is why you may want to consider installing a stone countertop for your kitchen or bathroom. 

Whenever you think of stone countertops, the first thing that comes to mind is undoubtedly their elegance. It adds a luxury look to any space and will help raise your kitchen or bathroom design to a new level. But it is more than its beautiful aesthetic. Stone kitchen countertops and stone bathroom countertops have proven to be naturally durable materials that can last for several years, making it an ideal option for areas where heavy use is encountered.

Granite countertops are one of the best choices for your kitchen and bathroom countertops. It holds up well in a kitchen under wear and tear, and it is also a child-friendly choice because it is not easily damaged. Granite countertops are water-resistant and heat-resistant, which makes it a great choice for your kitchen and bathroom. Granites are natural stones that come in a variety of colors and patterns. You can surely find the perfect style that you desire for your granite countertops in your kitchen and bathroom.  

Quartz countertops are another best option for your kitchen and bathroom countertops. They are very solid and sturdy materials, which means they do not easily get stained. It can withstand spilled oil, coffee or other sources of stain that usually ruin your kitchen countertops. Also, quartz countertops are known to be always clean because of their non-porous property. These types of countertops are so firm that viruses and bacteria don’t have a space to hide, which makes quartz ideal for your kitchen and bathroom countertops. 

Stone countertops are a popular choice among most households, old and new. Aside from the beauty they provide, upgrading to stone kitchen countertops or stone bathroom countertops for your home also improves the value of your home. Consider hiring professional stone countertops contractors in Chicago to ensure you get the optimum potential of your kitchen and bathroom countertops.

Spring is a time of renewal in nature, so why not bring that renewal into your home with new kitchen countertops in Chicago. Even your bathroom countertops may need a spring update. But there is more to choosing the right countertops than just color.
Here are some tips on making sure you select the perfect bathroom or kitchen countertops with style, beauty, and color in mind.

Finding the Right Material

Before deciding that you want pure white marble countertops from Chicago’s wide selection of kitchen countertop choices, think about how you would use them. For a busy family with young children that always use the space for homework projects, a dark granite countertop might better suit your lifestyle.
Your source for countertops in Chicago, IL will be able to identify the right stone to match your needs.

Style

As every cut of stone is different, whether it’s granite, marble, or quartz countertops, your countertops will be unique to your home. But another thing to consider that will make them work nicely with your style is the edge.
There are many countertop edges to choose from, each with its own finished look. The standard is a square edge, but other options include radius, beveled, bullnose, and more.

Mixing and Matching

Remember that you can take liberties with your space by mixing countertops to accentuate certain areas. You can mix color or materials to make a bold statement. This can be done by selecting a different countertop for an island, as an example, to make it stand out from the rest of the kitchen.
Choosing the right granite countertops in Chicago or any other type of surface for your springtime bathroom or kitchen renovation is made easier with the help of a countertop specialist. Keep these tips in mind when you’re ready for your new countertops in Chicago, IL.

Countertops are a defining feature in a kitchen or bathroom. The options available for worktop surfaces are so varied it is possible to get any look you want. Let’s look at the countertops options available from least expensive to most expensive, and discuss the advantages and drawbacks of each.

Least to Most Expensive Options

• Laminate countertop material is the cheapest option, is easy to find, offers a variety of colors but is least durable.
• Ceramic or stone tile is relatively inexpensive, moderately durable, difficult to clean and maintain.
• Butcher Block has a warm, natural look, durable but somewhat labor intensive to maintain, susceptible to moisture damage.
• Solid surface, originally marketed under Corian, looks artificial, wide range of colors, easy to clean, durable but prone to damage.
• Granite is usually the least expensive natural stone material, offers a variety of patterns and natural color variations, exceptionally durable and resistant to damage, easy to clean and maintain.
• Marble is susceptible to stains, even when sealed. Stays cool and is good for working dough, so a favorite of bakers. It gives a beautiful classic look, durable but troublesome to maintain for heavy use.
• Quartz is the best combination of engineered and natural stone surface. It is crafted of quartz chips and resin, looks man-made but offers a variety of colors, and very durable and easy to maintain.
• Soapstone offers a unique natural stone look which is enhanced with age. It is susceptible to scratching, cuts and the rougher surface can be problematic. It must be oiled to maintain its durability so maintenance can be an issue.
• Concrete is a custom creation so one of the most expensive options, highly versatile, excellent durability, the heavy weight requires some planning and careful placement.
• Stainless steel is also custom made and is the most expensive option, it has become a favorite of designers and chefs for its sleek modern look, ease of cleaning and maintenance, and longevity.

Countertop in your kitchen

Your kitchen counter is literally the workhorse of the kitchen. Even on the days you do not do any cooking, you probably use your counter. It is where you plop down mail of the day. It is where you stand while you are waiting for the coffee to brew. It is where you unpack groceries. How do I know that? Because I do the same thing. So, I exaclty know how important it is to take care of my countertop. I want it to look the best all the time. And I know that you want the same thing when it come to your countertop.

How to clean your kitchen counter?

When it comes to cleaning your kitchen counters, one method does not fit all. It depends on the material from which your countertop is made of. I want to help you discover how to clean countertops and keep them in top shape. Here are some thing that may help you:

1. Granite countertop
   Acidic cleaning products and anything vinegar-based can damage granite, so only use warm water, a conservative amount of soap and a wet sponge or soft cloth to clean the surface.

2. Wood countertop
   Wood is easily damaged, so try to wipe up all spills quickly to prevent stains and keep countertops as dry as possible. To get rid of odors that are absorbed by wooden countertops, rub the surface with a slice of lemon and remove stains with a solution of 1/4 cup chlorine bleach in 1 quart warm water. Rinse, dry and coat with oil.

3. Stainless steel countertop
   To keep stainless steel clean, regularly wash the surface with warm water and a small amount of baking soda. Always thoroughly dry your countertops after cleaning to prevent water spots.

4. Concrete countertop
   To clean concrete surfaces, use a mixture of vinegar and water, and always avoid abrasive soaps and cleaning solutions containing harsh chemicals.

5. Marble countertop
   Treat marble with a special stone sealer to reduce its porosity, and wipe up wine, fruit juice and other acidic food spills immediately to prevent permanent surface etching.

Introduction to quartz countertops

If you are remodeling your kitchen you have most likely encountered the problem of choosing the right counter material. You want to look for something that will be durable for many years to come and will satisfy all your needs. In such case you might want to consider quartz countertops, also called engineered stone. They are becoming more and more popular over the past decades and create a great alternative to other popular solutions such as granite and marble countertops.

It should not come as a surprise considering their combination of durability and flexibility, making them just as strong as other materials with the benefit of an easier installation process. They are non-porous, meaning there no holes and cracks for liquids to soak in. That is why they never require any sealing and always come with a few-year warranty.

Combining practicality with beauty

Even though they are heavier than granite they do not have the hardness in the feeling that some people might find unpleasant. Being non-porous, they are the best stain-resistant material you can choose, resisting even wine and oil. Even if you do spill something on the counter you will soon find how easy it is to clean its’ surface. Cleaning is also the only maintenance you will ever need to provide.

Moreover, it is much harder for germs to get lodged into the counter and therefore your food will be much safer than on other surfaces. When it comes to looks, the only limit is your imagination. Being man-made and manufactured, it can come in all sorts of styles and colors, making it a versatile material. The look and feel are also guaranteed to be uniform throughout the whole surface. But don’t just take our words for granted – visit our gallery and see for yourself.

Quartz – great countertop material

Quartz is one of the most beautiful and durable materials for your home design. It is often used in kitchens and bathrooms. Quartz is quarried from mines and then cleaned before being distributed for a variety of uses just like other stones. But, if you are taking under consideration different stones and laminate materials for your countertop, the quartz combine stylish look with a lasting finish. That is what everybody wants right ?  Well, quartz countertops are absolutely stunning but they are not cheap. When it comes to getting an estimate or price quote for a quartz counter it can be extremely confusing. One distributor will offer you a price that includes the installation while another keeps it separate. So, if you are planning to install your new quartz countertops you need to think if it will fit into your budget.

How much the quartz countertop cost?

The price of quartz countertop is different depending on many things. When you are buying the quartz countertop itself it can cost from $50 to $100 per feet depending on the quality of it. On average, people are paying $75 per square foot. Another thing is when a distributor offer you a price that includes installation. The cost of installation vary from $150 to $280 per square foot.  The price fluctuating based on the number of slabs of quartz and any additional finishes. You will find out by yourself that the cost increases when you want to add detailed edging fabrications or request extra fixture cutouts. There are a couple of steps that may factor into the cost of installing a quartz countertop for example : leveling, fabrication or seam jointing. Estimating the cost of installation for a quartz countertop comes down to knowing the price per square foot. The average countertop that measures about 25 square feet will cost between $1,200 and $2,700 after purchasing the quartz and paying installation fees. So, you see that this is not a cheap project. Think twice before you decide.