Countertop Installation in Miami: Matte vs Glossy

Posted on November 9, 2022 by Best Granite for Less

Countertops are essential elements in most home kitchens and businesses, so selecting the perfect choice is important. There are several things to consider before choosing a suitable countertop, including color, shape, and material, which may be granite, marble, or quartz stone. You also have to consider how you want the edge to be designed and other accessories that might be needed. The most vital aspect of establishing a countertop is the type of finish that you need. There are two main finishes for your kitchen countertop, which include matte and glossy.

Glossy vs. Matte

Glossy-sheen countertops are used in most homes and offices. However, matte-sheen countertops are also increasing in popularity because they create a minimalistic and modern look to the countertop.

Matte Finish for Granite, Marble, and Quartz Countertops

Matte coatings are less common than glossy coatings because most consumers do not know about them. Although a shiny surface is more eye-catching, a matte surface may improve the attractiveness of your kitchen counters by adding texture and depth. However, a matte finish may not be appropriate for all materials.

A surface with a matte finish does not reflect much or any light. For instance, granite does not reflect light. However, it can withstand the sandblasting necessary to achieve a matte sheen. When used for countertops, granite seems unclean or dull. Before choosing matte finish for your granite countertops, consult a countertop specialist such as the experts at Best Granite for Less, since not all granite colors complement matte finishes.

If your kitchen has a lot of natural light, a matte surface will help reduce glare from your counters. With a matte finish, less light will bounce off your kitchen’s surfaces, which is especially useful if your kitchen is predominantly light-colored. If your kitchen counters are white, a matte finish will keep other colors and tones of other features, like dark cabinetry, from standing out too much.

The disadvantage of matte-finished kitchen counters is that fingerprints and debris are more visible on the surface, necessitating more regular cleaning. This is not a problem with lighter stones; it is, therefore, best to keep this in mind if you really are considering a matte finish.

Glossy Finish for Granite, Marble, and Quartz Countertops in Miami

Nowadays, most people choose to have their kitchen counters polished or made to seem shiny. This is the base coating for all countertops, although it shines especially brightly on artificial stones like quartz.

Many homeowners prefer the mirror-like reflection of light produced by a glossy surface over a plain one. This finish is very stunning and eye catching. It will bring out the natural glimmering of the granite you choose for your countertops. The only downside is if you get a ton of direct sunlight in your kitchen, glare can be a problem. A glossy finish may be the way to go if your kitchen does not receive much direct light.

In addition, because grease and fingerprints are less visible on shiny surfaces, they are perfect for families with children of all ages. Many homeowners like highly polished surfaces because they are easier to maintain.

Final Word

At Best Granite for Less, we know that choosing the right countertop finish can make all the difference in providing the perfect look for your Miami home or business. Both matte and glossy finishes offer their own unique advantages, and selecting the ideal countertop material that fits your style and needs requires careful consideration. As a leading provider of top-quality marble and granite countertops in Miami, we have years of experience helping our clients select the perfect countertop finish for their installation. Whether you prefer the practicality and durability of a matte finish or the elegant shine of a glossy finish, we have the expertise to help you make an informed decision. Our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional quality and service from start to finish. From helping you choose the countertop finish that best fits your style and needs to expertly install your Miami quartz countertops, we ensure that every step of the process is handled with care and precision. If you are looking for a professional and reliable countertop supplier in Miami, then look no further than Best Granite for Less! Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let us help you find the perfect countertop finish for your Miami home or business.

Getting The Edge On Granite

Posted on June 18, 2020 by Ron Galel

Its well know that granite remains one of the most popular premium surfaces selected for kitchen countertops. The natural stone offers durability and beauty, and because it’s natural, creates a one-of-a-kind look, you probably will spend hours of time picking the perfect slab. However, what many don’t realize is that choosing the right countertop edge can be just as important as the color or pattern in your granite countertop. This detail is not something that should be thought of last minute or even during the installation process since it is a feature you will see and feel and live with for years to come.

Whether your space is simple or elaborate, the edge you choose can fit in with your style like a missing puzzle piece or look completely out of place. There are many edging options available beyond the familiar Bullnose, so something besides the rounded edge may bring out your stone’s beauty even more and also function better for your lifestyle. Best Granite For Less can be a valuable asset from our years of experience, when selecting the right countertop edge. Here are some things to consider about countertop edges for your beautiful granite slab.

Consider Your Budget

With remodeling, it can be very easy to go over budget. To help keep you in your targeted range, you should factor in the edging price with the total cost of your granite. Different edge options have different prices, and it varies depending on the intricacy and complexity of the countertop edge. The more detail desired, the higher the cost. However, Best Granite For Less offers a few simple edges for free, so be sure to discuss this while choosing from the many granite colors we offer. Call us today for a free estimate 954-420-3134 and every countertop order receives a FREE Sink!

Compliment Your Style

For some, it may be easy to quickly identify which profiles correlate with your style of kitchen cabinets. Straight or Quarter Beveled Edges are perfect for modern and contemporary cooking spaces because of their clean lines. More intricate edges like Cove Bullnose, Cove Ogee, or Cove DuPont will complement traditional or classic design styles. Or, you can go against the rules and choose a style that’s opposite of your overall kitchen style. For instance, a classic kitchen might include a Straight Edge profile instead of something more ornate.

Choose The Finish Wisely

One of the decisions you probably already made is the finish for your granite countertop. Whether you picked polished, brushed, honed, or leathered, the selected surface finish also affects the finished look of your Granite. The treatment and edge should complement the traditional to modern style you are planning. For instance, popular picks for contemporary spaces include dark granite in a leathered finish, so you probably would want something simpler like a Square Edge instead of the very formal and regal-looking DuPont Edge with its sharp, straight drop that moves into a curve similar to the Bullnose.

Countertop Thickness

Most countertops are 3-cm thick, but there is a way to get a thicker look without needing a thicker slab and requiring a significantly higher price. A laminated edge goes through a process where the second layer of stone is cemented to the granite counter to appear 6-cm thick, and it opens up the possibilities for combining different edges and details. It is also another way to achieve a very modern, chunky look with a Laminated Flat Edge while saving money on your budget.

Functionality For Your Lifestyle

Your lifestyle needs are an important factor in the countertop buying process. Some granite countertop edges have sharp edges and corners, while others, including Quarter Round, Half Bullnose, and Full Bullnose have simple, rounded edges and corners. The latter may be better suited for families with small children since anything sharp can quickly become a safety issue. Another benefit of rounded profiles is that they tend to last longer. Kids around sharp edges may not be your only worry though. Before you make any decisions, check your kitchen area to make sure furniture, such as bar stools, for example, will not lean up against the counter since sharp edges might scratch them.

Also, certain edge profiles provide more than just serving their decorative purposes. They can be functional in terms of catching spills and directing how they will flow. Spills may slide right off a counter with straight lines and directly onto the floor. However, a Marine Edge is designed more for work surfaces, but its raised edge means spills have nowhere to go. Also, the Ogee Edge with its dramatic curve may also help keep liquids from overflowing. But, keep in mind that any edge with more intricate details will take more work come clean up time, and overall maintenance will increase since dirt and dust can collect in the complex edge profiles.

Thinking Outside The Box

The Waterfall Edge is a popular kitchen countertop edge that goes beyond the work surface. The countertop falls over the top onto one or both sides and is commonly used with thick countertop slabs. But, unlike the expected pattern of quartz, granite will probably show more seams since the stone is unique in pattern and will be more difficult to match the pieces. Although, at Best Granite For Less we have a full line of Quartzite to choose from as well and can be edged accordingly.

Edge treatments can also extend beyond the countertop with the backsplash. The standard 4-inch backsplash can also get a makeover with the addition of a detailed edge that will tie everything together.

Mix and Match

If you find yourself falling for more than one countertop edge, then try mixing and matching your favorites instead of fretting about your decision. This works especially well with kitchens with center islands. Another cost saving option we offer at Best Granite For Less. Often, you can feature a more decorative or dramatic edge on the kitchen island and add a simpler edge to the surrounding counters (saves money) to help bring balance to the design and keep the focus on the center showcase.

Remember that choosing your countertop edge is as important as which granite slabs you pick to give your kitchen the update it needs. You can stick with the same style or break the rules and feature something different. But, be sure to keep important factors like budget, lifestyle, and maintenance in mind, and you will decide on the countertop edge that suits your needs and design aesthetic best.

Call today to schedule your custom installation. To get your Free sink use Promo Code: GETMYSINK when calling.
954-420-3134

Quartzite versus Granite

Posted on June 16, 2020 by Ron Galel

Granite and quartzite have very similar performance statistics. Quartzite is generally harder and denser and the pattern is more like marble which is appealing to many homeowners. Supply and demand has driven the price of quartzite up, so expect to pay a little more and have fewer color options than with granite. Don’t confuse quartzite with manufactured Quartz Surfacing.

Quartzite is NOT manufactured Quartz.

Quartz and quartzite are two popular choices for countertops, but they are not the same material. They offer differences in looks, durability, care and price that you should know about before making your selection. Quartz countertops are often called engineered countertops because they are fabricated from natural silicon dioxide and synthetic materials. Loose quartz makes up about 93 percent of the material. It is blended with a binder and pigment and formed into countertops.

Hardness and Durability: Quartzite is harder than granite, so it is quite durable. It withstands heat very well. Quartz is hard too, but not quite as hard as quartzite. The resin used in manufacturing quartz countertops is a plastic, so it is prone to melting in heat above 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

Where quartz has an advantage over quartzite is that it is less prone to denting and chipping because it is more flexible. Both countertop materials can be scratched by sharp objects, and a cutting board should be used.

QUARTZITE SLABS & COUNTERTOPS

Quartzite is a very hard metamorphic rock that originated as sandstone. Through a process of high heating and pressurization sandstone is transformed into Quartzite, an extremely strong and durable natural stone. When heated, individual quartz pieces recrystallize giving it a beautiful and decorative sparkling pattern. Quartzite is ideal for any countertop surface due to its strength and long-lasting composition. Consider quartzite countertops for its strength, beauty, and overall durability.

QUARTZITE COUNTERTOP DESIGNERS CHOICE

Designers are gushing over quartzite, and we aren’t the least surprised. Quartzite is heat resistant, doesn’t scratch or etch like some surfaces can, and being a natural product each slab offers exquisite one-of-a-kind looks to give your countertop a personal signature. In an impressive array of colors, and veining that runs soft and subtle to bold and beautiful, one of Mother Earth’s richest treasures. We are not just Granite at Best Granite for Less, we provide the highest quality Quartzite countertop materials available. Contact us today and get a free estimate for your next remodel or new construction.

Call today to schedule your custom installation. To get your Free sink use Promo Code: GETMYSINK when calling.
954-420-3134