The kitchen is literally the heart of anyhousehold. It’s the place where the entire family comes together and makes memories to cherish forever. If you have a growing household, your kitchen may be the busiest place. That also means you need a kitchen countertop that can serve you well while living up to the challenge.

Quartz kitchen countertops may be the best choice for a busy kitchen because of the following reasons.

• Resistance to stains– Quartz is non-porous which is a blessing. Your kitchen countertop has to go through a great deal – oil, juice and wine spills, knives hitting it as you chop and cut vegetables, and more. With quartz, you can rest assured such things will not spoil your countertops.
• Easy to clean– Since quartz is non-porous, it won’t allow bacteria to grow, and all it takes to quickly clean any spills is a simple wipe-down.
• Durable and strong– Quartz kitchen countertops are more durable than other countertop materials.They are less likely to chip or breaksince they are made with one of the toughest materials.
• Variety of colors–Your kitchen countertop should not only be functional and durable but alsopresent a look you’ll love. You can gethigh-quality quartz countertop in a wide variety of colors and styles, that match or stand out against the rest of your kitchen décor.
• Low-maintenance – Quartzkitchen countertops are durable and stain-resistant, so you don’t need to keep resealing them like other countertop surfaces.

If you’re looking for new countertops for your busy kitchen, ask an experienced quartz kitchen countertops installation company to find the best option for your household. If you are looking for the best quartz kitchen countertops installation companyin Chicago, IL, call Chicago Stone Source and Remodeling at 630-313-9491 now!

Quartz and marble are both popular options in kitchen countertop materials.

A kitchen is one of the most used spaces in most houses, it is important to spend some time making the choice. It will help you pick the material that complements your home and fulfills your needs.

Both quartz and the marble look elegant look but they do not perform the same way.

Quartz scores over marble in several ways. It can lend your kitchen both the look and style you are looking for, in addition to longevity, which is important in busy and/or growing households.

Looks

In appearance, a wide range of colors and patterns are available in quartz. The countertop material itself is made with 90% quartz, mixed with pigments and resins. This means the color and placement of the veins is more controlled, compared to natural stone, and you will get just what want, without any surprises, as happens often with marble.

Durability

Quartz is also more durable than marble. Quartz doesn’t etch, stain or stun easily. That means it is easier to maintain. Quartz countertops are non-porous and don’t absorb moisture like natural marble. The same is true of stunning. With quartz, a sudden impact is less likely to cause any marks unlike marble, which is more vulnerable to stunning.

Maintenance

Maintenance is important in any kitchen. Quartz countertops require little maintenance and you do need specialty cleaners. Marbleis comparatively high maintenance, requires regular sealing which may break and create issues.

Choosing the right countertop material is an important decision and you can always ask for a professional countertops installation company’s help. If you are looking for the best quartz kitchen countertops installation company in Chicago, IL, call Chicago Stone Source and Remodeling at 630-313-9491 now!

Do you know you may be accidentally harming your kitchen stone countertops without knowing it?

Kitchen countertops are one the most important and used workspaces in any house. While they are built to endure regular cleaning, meal prep, daily use, troublesome stains, and so much more, they may still get damaged if you are not careful!

Here are the top 5 ways your kitchen countertop may be sustaining damage and ways you can keep them top shape.

Hot Pots and Pans

While countertops are meant to place pots and pans and countertop materials, such as granite and quartz, can tolerate high temperatures, placing hot pans directly on the countertop without protection can cause cracking or discoloration.

It is much more convenient to take a hot pan and place it directly on the countertop but it is recommendedthat you use placemats, trivets, towels, or hot pads and place the pan on that. Remember that the better you care for your countertops, the longer they will last.

Cutting and Chopping

It is common for people to cut and chop directly on the countertop. Many countertops are scratch and stain resistant but constant chopping and cutting on the counters may increase the chances of damaging them. Always use a cutting board to avoid fine scratches that can disrupt the water-proof sealant damage the countertop.

Water Build Up

The sealing should protect the countertop from water build up, right? Not always.

Sealing only preventsstains and liquids from seeping through. When a liquids spill is left on the countertop for too long, it increases the likelihood of damage. Water buildup can lead toa white crusty build up and stains. Make sure you dry the countertop after a spill.

Acidic Food

Acidic foods can harm kitchen stone countertops because some countertop materials are made from calcium carbonate, which is sensitive to acidic foods and liquids. A simple splash of lime juice may etch the surface and cause dull spots.

Excessive Weight

Many stone surfaces may crack under excessive weight and pressure. Be careful when you place a heavy object, especially over a countertop overhang. If you are looking for the best granite kitchen countertops installation services in Chicago, IL, call Chicago Stone Source and Remodeling at 630-313-9491 now!

What the next days and months will bring is not known. But one thing remains: modern living will keep evolving. If you’re planning a renovation when the pandemic is over, here are the top home design trends for the coming months and year.

Countertops

Quartz and granite are gaining popularity amongst homeowners for their beauty and durability. Both surfaces are easy to maintain and will last for a long time, with little care. Natural and engineered stone countertops are also more hygienic and can be easily kept germ-free.

Cabinetry

You may know about “two-tone kitchen cabinets” with upper cabinets and lower cabinets in different colors. The new trend is a three-tone kitchen in whichan additional color is introduced to create an asymmetry in the color palette and define specific areas of the kitchen.

Islands

Kitchen islands are one of the most functional parts of your kitchen but now homeowners are taking kitchen islands beyond storage and eating. Think bigger and multifunctional kitchen islands. Many homeowners are adding microwavesand cooktops to the kitchen island.

Bathroom Vanities

A floating vanity can free up precious floor space and give your bathroom look like a luxury room. It also makes floor cleaning easier compared to a furniture-style vanity with legs that can trap dust. No wonder so many homeowners have begun installing floating vanities in their bathrooms! If you are looking for the best quartz and granite kitchen countertops installation company in Chicago, IL, talk to Chicago Stone Source & Remodeling or call 630-313-9491 Today.

A quartz countertop is one of the easiest surfaces to maintain. While it is simple to care for your quartz countertop, you need to be mindful of a few important steps in order to keep your countertop shining for a long time.

Important factors

Quartz is a durable material and comes in a different of patterns and colors. While maintaining quartz, you should avoid any chemicals that may damage your countertop. Chemicals can weaken the bonds between the resins and quartz crystal. Also avoid abrasive cleaners since they can darken the surface.

DOs and DON’Ts

Since quartz is a resin-bound, engineered stone, it does not require the same level of maintenance as a natural counterpart, granite.So, cleaning and maintaining a quartz countertop is much easier than a granite countertop!

Things you should DO–

• Clean your quartz countertops regularly, using a gentle cleaning formula, specifically made for quartz, or warm water mixed with mild dish soap.
• Follow washing by a drying-down with microfiber cloths.
• Use Nonabrasive cleaner and Nonabrasive sponge.
• Use trivets and potholders when placing hot pans or using appliances on the countertops.
• Quartz countertops don’t need sealing.

Things you should NOT DO –

• Don’t use abrasive cleaners, towels, or sponges. While quartz is quite stain-resistant, marks may show up with abrasive cleaners or sponges.
• Don’t place hot pans directly on the countertop. While you may not see immediate damage to your countertop, over time, it can discolor or warp quartz.

If you are looking for the best quartz and granite kitchen countertops installation company in Chicago, IL, talk to Chicago Stone Source & Remodeling or call 630-313-9491 Today.

In kitchen design, granite countertops are the hottest trend. So, there are a lot of questions homeowners have, about various aspects of countertop installation. And one of the most popular ones is about the thickness of the countertop. For years, people preferred a 2cm slab which was easy to find in a wide variety of colors and sizes.

However, style is an important factor for modern homeowners and the luxurious look of the 3 cm slabs has become very popular. In fact, some designers are even installing granite slabs up to 2 inches thick. This thickness brings the color of the stone into the scheme of the room more with a bold horizontal line breaking up the vertical cabinet doors.

To determine which one is right for you, define your priorities. A 2 cm thick stone countertop is good enough, but in some cases, 3 cm, or even heaviergranite, quartz or marble might be more suitable for your kitchen. Here are some important factors to consider.

Design first

For kitchen remodeling, pick the design first. Begin with the aesthetic you desireand the way you want to utilize your space. This will help you maximize the impact and the budget.

Start with elements that you wish to keep, like your existing cabinets. Now consider surrounding color schemes and other elements.

You can use a drawing, or a digital image, to get clarity on how your countertops will finally look in your kitchen.

Consider budget

If you are on a budget, you haveto modify the design. That said, there are always options to meet your design expectations while keeping it affordable.

Start with the square footage of your countertop space. Make a note of any featured spaces, such as islands, or bar tops. Note any cutouts that may have to be made, such as sinks and cooktops. The ends of cutouts would need finishing.Mark seams on the layout. You may need to check with your installation contractor to determine this.

Check availability

If you want the look of thicker granite, your color and styleoptions may be restricted because getting large pieces of intact, clean surfaced natural stone can be a challenge.Remain open to other colors and patterns. Once you know the stone is available, have it installed as soon as possible. To learn more about quartz and granite kitchen countertops installation company in Chicago, IL, talk to Chicago Stone Source & Remodeling or call 630-313-9491 Today. Whether you want to build a new kitchen or remodel your existing one, Chicago Stone Source and Remodeling manufacture and install custom kitchen countertops to complete your dream kitchen design.

The kitchen is often the busiest space in a house, and remodeling it can be a challenge. Here are a few ways to make the transition as easy as possible as you remodel.

Assess your present kitchen

The first step to create a dream kitchen is to assess your current one. What are the things you are you happy with and what would you like to change? Is there an area that you would want to see altered or become a more functional space? For example, do you have to run around your kitchen while preparing meals?

Your kitchen remodel contractor can help you redesign your kitchen so that the appliances, cooking utensils and the storage is in close proximity with each other. You should also have ample counter space.

Evaluate your lifestyle

How much time do you spend in the kitchen and how do you spend the majority of this time? If you spend most of your time in the kitchen, your remodeling project should be focused towards making your space more functional and comfortable. If you entertain a lot, you may need plenty of seating – perhaps a large island with sufficient space around it.

Consider your dream kitchen

To have the kitchen of your dreams, discuss your ideas and vision with your kitchen remodel contractor. Share any ideas you may have gathered from magazines, Pinterest boards, etc. To learn more about quartz countertops, basement remodeling and kitchen innovation services in Chicago, Illinois, talk to Chicago Stone Source & Remodeling or call 630-313-9491 Today.