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KEEPING GRANITE, QUARTZ & MARBLE COUNTERTOPS CLEAN  

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WHO IS CONTINENAL?

Continental Granite is a family-owned and operated custom fabrication shop located in North-Central Florida, providing superior quality products and services, including but not limited to granite, marble, onyx, travertine, Silestone, Cambria, Ceasarstone, and Corian. Continental also works with the best cabinet makers in the business to provide cabinet options for both residential and commercial projects.

Continental Granite offers a combined 80+ years of experience in residential and commercial projects and services in 50 states. We pride ourselves on building relationships with our customers, including homeowners, business owners, and interior and design professionals. 

Granite, Quartz & Marble

Whether you are remodeling or starting from scratch with a residential or commercial project, deciding on a countertop is an important decision that you will most likely be making. There are several options, but the three most popular materials used in countertops are granite, quartz, and marble. The material you choose can significantly impact the visual appearance of the completed project and your budget. Let’s look at how these three materials compare to one another and how to keep them looking fabulous.

GRANITE

Granite produces some of the most beautiful counter surface areas you can find. There is an abundance of styles and colors to choose from. No two granite countertops look the same, and it has a very organic appearance.

Granite is a natural resource and type of igneous rock that combines minerals like mica, quartz, plagioclase, and feldspar. This combination creates one of the toughest natural stones available for residential and commercial projects. 

Granite is stain-resistant, heat-resistant, and scratch-resistant, but granite can sustain damage such as cracks and chips if not careful with day-to-day usage. The durability makes a perfect choice for any home or office.

Granite pricing ranges from $50 to $175 per square foot installed.

Maintenance requires your countertop to be cleaned daily with mild soap and water or a non-harsh cleaning product. To maintain the integrity of the stone, you must also seal the granite approximately every year.

QUARTZ

Quartz is an engineered product created with a combination of ninety percent ground natural quartz and roughly ten percent polyresin. These percentages may vary slightly depending on the brand of quartz.

Quartz has a more uniform appearance than granite and marble. It has the look of stone but without imperfections and varying patterns.

Quartz is a durable option but can not withstand high levels of heat. High levels of heat can melt the resin and lead to burn marks on the surface. 

Quartz surfaces are non-porous and considered relatively bacteria-free. The polyresin materials protect the surface from needing to be sealed. However, if you require a long span of countertop, you may need to seam together multiple pieces of quartz. Continental uses a unique Invisa-Seam process. With this process, we can minimize unsightly separations in the countertops, giving them a more seamless look.

Quartz pricing ranges from $65 to $150 per square foot installed. 

Similar to the granite countertop, quartz maintenance is relatively simple. Clean daily with mild soap and water, making sure not to use harsh chemicals. 

MARBLE

Marble is considered a timeless classic when it comes to interior and commercial design. Marble has been used for centuries, including in some of the most famous sculptures and statues. 

For years marble has also been used in many homes, offices, restaurants, and commercial spaces. 

Marble is a metamorphic rock that is formed by the transformation of other rock types; in this case, the other rock is limestone. Marble is more porous than granite and quartz, making it more maintenance-heavy. Marble can easily stain and scratch, making it less durable than granite and quartz.

Marble offers several options when it comes to color, veining, and edges. 

Marble pricing ranges from $50 to $180 per square foot installed.

Marble is vulnerable to acidic food and drinks and will need to be cleaned quickly. Items such as tomatoes, citrus fruits, soda, coffee, wine, fruit juice, and even vinegar can damage the marble. Suggested cleaning is wiping down the countertop with a damp cloth and a pH-neutral cleaner designed for stone. Be sure not to use abrasive cleaners that can damage and dull the finish. 

Many stains that appear on marble countertops can be lifted with a mixture of baking soda and water. Spread the paste on the stained area, leave for 12-24 hours, and then wipe with a damp cloth.

Marble also requires that it be sealed periodically. As with granite, sealing can prevent stains and damage to the surface, maintaining the countertop’s beauty. 

Granite, quartz, and marble provide a pleasing aesthetic to your space. Granite and quartz offer a more maintenance-free choice for your kitchen, bathroom, office, or commercial space. 

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Continental Granite & Cabinets offers our clients a wide variety of custom fabrication needs, including countertops, fireplaces, stairs, wall cladding, flooring, bars, furniture pieces, custom trim, and much more. We also offer a wide range of products to make such creations, such as Granite, Marble, Onyx, Travertine, Silestone, Cambria, Caesarstone, Corian Quartz, etc. Continental Granite & Cabinets is proud to be a family-owned and operated business and treats its customers as if they were one of their own. We’re located in Bunnell, Florida, just 6 miles Northwest of Destination-Daytona in Ormond Beach, Florida, serving all of Central Florida and beyond. We believe our relationship with our customers lasts much longer than the current project we are working on with them. To learn more, call us today at 386.586.7059 or fill out our contact form here.



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Kitchen Spotlight: The Golden Brittanicca

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Design trends can change year to year, but some things never go out of style. For instance, a white kitchen is always a classic look that has the opportunity to make a grand statement. Whether designing from scratch or remodeling your kitchen, an all-white look with a pop of color or metal tone accents is sure to make a statement. 

The kitchen is the most utilized area in a home and deserves the most significant degree of function and beauty. If you want to design your kitchen with an elegant modern feel, utilizing high gloss white cabinets, Cambria’s Brittanicca Gold countertop, backsplash, and gold accents are perfect. 

Keeping true to the existing look of the home while creating a functional and beautiful kitchen can sometimes seem like a daunting task. At Continental Granite & Cabinets, we work closely with the homeowner from the beginning to the end, guiding and designing the area to reflect their desires and needs.  

This contemporary high gloss white kitchen includes several elements with shiny surfaces like the cabinets, white appliances, a stunning Cambria countertop in Brittanicca Gold, and gold accents throughout. 

The sleekness of the flat panel door (sometimes called “slab doors”) has been popular in Europe for decades and has become mainstream in the United States. They can be budget-friendly while providing a rich look, especially high gloss. These cabinets offer smooth, clean lines that showcase the high gloss finish. 

The gold accents in the hardware, furniture, and lighting provide a high-end design look and beauty to the space. The mix of pulls and knobs creates a different look and functionality. The modern fixtures and hardware of the current day are stunning and offer a subtle design choice with any white kitchen. The gold lighting is an excellent way to tie everything together, creating an Architectural Digest-worthy look.  

A combination of white and stainless steel appliances creates a consistent color pallet in the space. It also creates a seamless look from one end of the room to the other, allowing the appliances to feel like a piece of the design puzzle. The commercial-style range with six natural gas burners is aesthetically pleasing and perfect for the chef in the family. 

Last but certainly not least, the stunning Cambria Brittanicca Gold countertops and backsplash. This extraordinary element that offers a multi-hued stream of copper-gold, fog, and other earth tones against a white background takes your breath away—the marble-like veining offering a unique design aspect to the space while providing functionality and durability.  

FUNCTIONALITY OF DESIGN

The color, style, products, and textures are essential when designing your perfect kitchen, but one must also look at the functionality of the space. This kitchen has a wide range of cabinets, drawers, and counter space. The island allowing for interaction between those cooking in the kitchen and those sitting around the island is perfect for most families. The kitchen is generally the gathering place in any home, and this layout lends itself to togetherness. The island also creates a show-stopping focal point in the room. The upper and lower cabinets provide ample space for tableware, drinkware, pots & pans, pantry items. At the same time, the drawers throughout the area offer great space to store cutlery, placemats, spices, and more. Upgrades such as soft-close doors, drawers, and pull out shelves make the space beautiful and efficient. 

BENEFITS OF A BRIGHT WHITE KITCHEN

  • Long-term value of your kitchen look. Many appreciate this clean and elegant look of a white kitchen.
  • Creates a very clean look and allows natural light to bounce off.
  • Utilizing white as your color base for your kitchen is very versatile. Works with any style from traditional to modern chic. 
  • Naturally makes the space feel open and more significant.
  • Establishes character by utilizing varying textures while keeping the color consistent. 

BENEFITS OF USING CAMBRIA QUARTZ – MARBLE ALTERNATIVE COUNTERTOP

  • Uniqueness of the countertop, no two are alike
  • Durability 
  • Stain-resistant
  • Sustainable 
  • Not Porous, easier to keep bacteria-free
  • Easy to clean

HOW TO CLEAN A CAMBRIA COUNTERTOP

  • Avoid harsh cleaning tools and products
  • Use warm non-colored soap and water
  • Get your magic eraser out
  • Run your exhaust fan when you cook
  • Wipe up liquids and spills as soon as possible
  • Use vinegar to remove stains 

Continental Granite & Cabinets is here to help curate the kitchen of your dreams! Contact us today to get started, and visit us on Facebook and Instagram for more inspiration!

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Continental Granite & Cabinets offers our clients a wide variety of custom fabrication needs, such as countertops, fireplaces, stairs, wall cladding, flooring, bars, furniture pieces, custom trim and much more. We also offer a wide range of products to make such creations such as Granite, Marble, Onyx, Travertine, Silestone, Cambria, Caesarstone, Corian Quartz, etc. Continental Granite & Cabinets is proud to be a family-owned and operated business and treats its customers as if they were one of their own. We’re located in Bunnell, Florida, just 6 miles Northwest of Destination-Daytona in Ormond Beach, Florida, serving all of Central Florida and beyond. We believe our relationship with our customers lasts much longer than the current project we are working with them. To learn more, call us today at 386.586.7059 or fill out our contact form here. 

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Quartz vs. Granite: The Solid Difference

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When choosing a product for your countertops in your home and office, there are several options. The two that stand out above the rest are quartz and granite. Choosing either one would be considered a popular choice, but although both are technically stone, there are some key differences between the two. 

What is Quartz?

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral on the planet and has been used to design kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas for decades. Quartz is mined and ground into an aggregate fused with resin and other synthetic materials. It is generally made up of ninety percent quartz and ten percent resin. Quartz is considered an engineered stone.

What is Granite?

Granite is a naturally occurring rock formed deep beneath the earth’s crust over millions of years when magma or lava cools and solidifies under heavy pressure. The slow cooling process of intense heat makes a strong and dense material. Granite contains several minerals, of which quartz, feldspar, and mica are the three main components.

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Appearance

No two granite countertops look the same, and this choice has a very organic appearance. Each slab has a slightly different pattern and color, providing the consumer with a limitless selection. Granite is a solid choice if you are looking for something that will stand out and offer a unique element to your kitchen or bathroom. Depending on the size of the area you are placing your granite, you may require slabs to seam together. Due to the variations found in granite, seams may be less visible than other surface options.

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On the other hand, quartz countertops have a more uniform appearance. It has the look of stone but allows consumers to customize their product. Some feel that the uniform appearance lacks the charm of granite, but this option can meet those who would prefer not to see the natural flaws that exist with granite. Quartz countertops also offer a wide range of color options produced with little to no pattern. If your counter area requires a long span, you may need to seam together multiple pieces of quartz. Continental uses a unique Invisa-Seam process. With this process, we are able to minimize unsightly separations in the countertops, giving them a more seamless look.

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Durability 

Granite countertops are incredibly durable and resistant to heat and other kitchen elements. However, granite is very porous and can absorb stains from oils, wine, and other common kitchen liquids. The porous nature of granite requires sealing the countertop upon installation then periodically sealing on an ongoing basis. You can cut directly on granite without worrying about scratching the surface, but be aware that the stone will dull knives; therefore, always using a cutting board is suggested. 

Quartz is harder than granite and also very durable. Quartz is not porous like granite, so not as easily stained and relatively bacteria-free. You will want to be cautious as excessive heat can damage the surface. Be sure to use trivets or hot pads when placing hot items on your countertops. Quartz does not require sealing, thanks to the resins used in the fabrication process.

Maintenance

Both materials are relatively simple to care for. Granite and quartz countertops should be cleaned daily with soap and water or a mild ecological cleaning product. Granite will need to be sealed yearly to resist stains and bacteria. Quartz does not need to be sealed but can sometimes be treated with an antibacterial coating during production.

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Sustainability

Both granite and quartz are made of primarily natural materials, granite 100 percent stone, and quartz is roughly around 93 percent stone, with the remainder comprised of color pigments and polymer resin. The production process of natural granite produces fewer carbon emissions than quartz; however, granite requires the product to be quarried, which takes a considerable amount of energy. You must also consider the transportation involved in purchasing a granite slab from an international supplier. You can also look for indigenous stone or consider using a piece of granite that can be cut to fit your needs. 

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Cost

Granite and quartz are an investment and can sometimes make up a more significant portion of your budget when designing a kitchen or bathroom. Depending on where you are looking to purchase your granite or quartz, you will find that generally, they are priced similarly. Granite, however, tends to have a broader variation in price. Installation of granite countertop pricing can range from $49 to $175 per square foot. Pricing can depend on the style, edging, and treatments. Quartz countertops range from $65 to $150 per square foot, installed. Once again, pricing varies depending on style, edging, and treatment as well.

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Whether you choose granite or quartz for your countertops, you will undoubtedly create a wow factor in your home or office. Granite and quartz are premium materials that will add value to your home or business.

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Give us a call at 386.586.7059, fill out our contact form, or stop by the showroom at 5950 S. US HWY 1, Bunnell, FL 32110 to start the process of bringing your dream space to life. Also, be sure to check us out on social media for more inspiration! We’re on Facebook and Instagram!

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Continental Granite & Cabinets offers our clients a wide variety of custom fabrication needs, such as countertops, fireplaces, stairs, wall cladding, flooring, bars, furniture pieces, custom trim and much more. We also offer a wide range of products to make such creations such as Granite, Marble, Onyx, Travertine, Silestone, Cambria, Caesarstone, Corian Quartz, etc. Continental Granite & Cabinets is proud to be a family-owned and operated business and treats its customers as if they were one of their own. We’re located in Bunnell, Florida, just 6 miles Northwest of Destination-Daytona in Ormond Beach, Florida, serving all of Central Florida and beyond. We believe our relationship with our customers lasts much longer than the current project we are working with them. To learn more, call us today at 386.586.7059 or fill out our contact form here.

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Quartz Kitchen Countertops & Holiday Baking 101: What to Know When It’s Time To Roll-Out Those Holiday Treats.

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‘Tis the season of cooler weather, multi-generational meals, seasonal get-togethers, making memories, and of course…..holiday baking. Whether you’re masterly re-creating gramma’s butter tarts with your daughter, baking a few dozen cookies for your annual holiday cookie exchange, or kneading the dough for the homemade bread that you put in your Christmas morning casserole, the right countertop can be a great space to help you feel like the master chef that you are.

Holiday baking is a time-honored tradition in many homes, and for some, a family affair. Having the ability to utilize your countertop area in its entirety can make things just a tad easier and allow for everyone to feel a part of the process.

 

Quartz Kitchen Countertops & Holiday Baking 101: What to Know When It’s Time To Roll-Out Those Holiday Treats.

 

When choosing a counter surface, you have some options, but if you are looking for a pastry-friendly work area, Continental Granite and Cabinets suggest quartz as the choice.

Quartz is not only beautiful but versatile and durable. Quartz is a man-made surface that is removed from granite rock, crushed, and combined with resins and pigments. It is more accurately referred to as engineered stone as it is not a true solid surface. The final product is 90-95 percent quartz and 5-10 percent additives.

Quartz countertops are green and sustainable. The 90 percent of stone materials that form the base of quartz are all generally waste-by-products of other manufacturing or quarrying processes. Meaning that no natural stone was quarried solely for use in a quartz countertop. In addition, the resins that make up the additives have become more natural and less synthetic over the last few years.

A little bit of trivia about Quartz…our industry partner Cambria, one of the largest suppliers of quartz, is also a cheese producer. This family-owned business began in the 1930s as a dairy business. In 2000, they expanded their business portfolio to include quartz processing.

There are a number of benefits that working with quartz brings to the baker and culinary geniuses in the kitchen.

IT’S ALL ABOUT CHILLIN’

Very much like a natural stone countertop, quartz keeps things cool. Quartz is also one of the hardest minerals on the planet which allows you to be able to roll out your dough easily. You will want to sprinkle the countertop with flour or powdered sugar so that the dough does not stick to the counter. The coolness of the stone also ensures that the butter does not melt into the dough so that your pie crust will be crispy and flakey.

Quartz Kitchen Countertops & Holiday Baking 101: What to Know When It’s Time To Roll-Out Those Holiday Treats.

 

NOOKS & CRANNIES
Pores are virtually non-existent, which not only creates a lovely esthetic look but makes cleanup super easy. Flour and other ingredients won’t seep into crevices and pores, ensuring that you won’t have to dread the worst part of baking, clean up.

Quartz is also impenetrable to spills, which is great if you work with liquids like lemon or wine containing acid.

Unlike other countertop surfaces that require a chemical seal, quartz does not. That is one of the reasons quartz is a top choice for bakers. This allows you to create a chemical-free space for your family.

A quartz countertop is tough and heat resistant, making it durable against many issues that come up in the kitchen. We, however, don’t recommend placing a hot cookie sheet or using your counter as a cutting board. Always use a hot plate or cutting board.

Quartz Kitchen Countertops & Holiday Baking 101: What to Know When It’s Time To Roll-Out Those Holiday Treats.

 

Cleaning your quartz countertop is easy-peasy. You can use dish soap and water and a microfiber cloth. Stay away from any harsh cleaners to keep the surface chemical-free.

THE LOOK
For many, one of the top benefits of using quartz in their home is its natural luster. It has a three-dimensional appearance, very much like a natural stone.

Quartz countertops come in a wide variety of colors. The most popular colors are neutrals in white, black, grey, beige, and brown. Quartz can also be found in just about every shade of the rainbow.

Your kitchen is the space in your home where you create memories. Where you make your family dinner, pack lunches, and prepare for all your holiday feasts. Using quartz as your counter surface allows you to do all of that and your kitchen looks beautiful at the same time.

Contact us here, for more information on quartz, natural stone, and all of your residential and commercial cabinet needs. Be sure to also check us out on social media for more inspiration! You can find us on Facebook and Instagram!

Quartz Kitchen Countertops & Holiday Baking 101: What to Know When It’s Time To Roll-Out Those Holiday Treats.

 

WAIT! Before you go… what are the holidays without sharing one of our own and favorite recipes!? Check it out! Praline Crack… topped with sliced almonds! We make this one every year and look forward to sharing it with our friends and family.


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Continental Granite & Cabinets offers our clients a wide variety of custom fabrication needs, such as countertops, fireplaces, stairs, wall cladding, flooring, bars, furniture pieces, custom trim and much more. We also offer a wide range of products to make such creations such as Granite, Marble, Onyx, Travertine, Silestone, Cambria, Caesarstone, Corian Quartz, etc. Continental Granite & Cabinets is proud to be a family owned and operated business and treats its customers as if they were one of their own. We believe the relationship we form with our customers lasts much longer than the current project we are working with them. To learn more, call us today at 386.586.7059 or fill out our contact form here.

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Take A Tour: Ormond Beach Custom Countertops Throughout The Home

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Kitchen Countertops

This masterpiece of a kitchen was formulated with one thing in mind: FAMILY!
The open concept creates a fluid living space between the kitchen and dining/living room. Our clients chose Cambria’s Ironsbridge Quartz Countertops, combining true strength and delicate beauty. This intriguing design blends liquid honey accents with patchworks of grays, whites, and cream to beautifully merge warm and cool tones in delightful harmony. The black accents throughout the kitchen really help this beautiful stone stand out!
Take A Tour: Ormond Beach Custom Countertops Throughout The Home
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Featuring: Ironsbridge Luxury Series Cambria 3cm Quartz Countertops

Bathroom Countertops

Whether you’re looking to make a statement with your bathroom design or keep it simple and elegant, we have a selection of countertops and stone to achieve both. And in this home – that’s exactly what we did!
Take A Tour: Ormond Beach Custom Countertops Throughout The Home
Talk about bold! With a mix of black textured walls along with Cambria’s Golden Dragon Quartz Countertops, it’s a pairing that combines for a one-of-a-kind oasis.
Featuring: Golden Dragon Luxury Series Cambria Quartz Floating Vanity Top, Apron Front, 12″ Backsplash and Porcelain Vanity Sink
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Take A Tour: Ormond Beach Custom Countertops Throughout The Home
Can you ever go wrong with a pure white countertop and gold and black accents!? We kept it simple & elegant with completely different looks in all 3 of these bathroom remodels.
Featuring: Pure White Pompeii Granite Countertops with 4″ Backsplash Flat Polish Edge & Vanity Undermount Porcelain Sink
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Office Countertops

Everyone needs a space they love to work in! Our client chose Pompeii Quartz Countertops in their home office to reflect a fresh, natural look and complement their modern lifestyle.
Take A Tour: Ormond Beach Custom Countertops Throughout The Home
Featuring: Pompeii White Thanasos

Fireplace Stone

As the focal point in the living room, this fireplace needed a stone that would be resistant to heat as well as provide a beautiful aesthetic to the home. Quiet but never subdued, Fairbourne quartz provides a peaceful presence that calms and soothes.
Take A Tour: Ormond Beach Custom Countertops Throughout The Home
Featuring: Cambria Fairbourne Matte Finish Quartz
Regardless of the size, shape, edge profile, or room in your home – Continental is equipped with the latest technology and a vast selection of quality stone products to meet your needs!
Interested in creating a showstopping design for your home? Give us a call or stop by our showroom.
Phone: 386-586-7059
Showroom: Open Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm 5950 S US HWY 1 Bunnell, Florida (Just 6 miles west of Destination Daytona in Ormond Beach, FL)
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The Best Kitchen Countertops for Your Lifestyle

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Searching for the perfect kitchen countertop doesn’t have to be difficult. If you’re in the market for a new kitchen countertop, you know that the choices can be overwhelming: There are hundreds of colors, patterns, and textures to choose from. And materials that range from natural stone to quartz to granite and more. Which one is right for you and your family, your style, and your budget? We’re here to help! 

The Best Kitchen Countertops for Your Lifestyle

First things first: Let’s take your lifestyle into consideration.

Ask yourself the following questions:

  • Do you want to seal your countertops once a year?
  • Are you worried about spilled red wine, cutting lemons, or burning the surface?
  • Are you active entertainers?
  • Do you have a house full of family members?
  • How often do you clean your countertops?
  • What are you using your countertops for? 

Regardless of your lifestyle, Continental has the right stone for you!

Worried about spills, staining, or upkeep? You may want to consider a material that incorporates man-made elements that support a busy lifestyle and are low maintenance, like quartz. Be honest with yourself and realistic about what kind of upkeep—daily, seasonally, and yearly—that you and your family are willing to do. 

 

The Best Kitchen Countertops for Your Lifestyle

It’s not all about function though. You should also think about aesthetics. Countertops often set the tone for the design of the kitchen, so choose a material that reflects your personal style and start building from there!  

The good news is if homeowners have their hearts set on a certain look, but the material just doesn’t match with their lifestyle, odds are there’s another material that does.

Whether you choose a natural stone countertop, like marble, granite, dolomite, or soapstone, or the very popular engineered countertops like quartz and quartzite, our guide to Choosing The Right Material for your countertops will help!  

 

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Quartz Vs. Quartzite

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Quartz and quartzite, two high-end countertop materials derived from quartz, are often confused as being the same. However, understanding the key discrepancies between these two often mixed-up materials will help you make an informed choice for your new countertops. The materials vary in composition, look, maintenance, and durability. So lets take a look at their differences and why either one may be the right fit for you!
Quartz Vs. Quartzite

Natural Vs. ManMade.

The biggest difference between quartz and quartzite is that quartz is a man-made material, while quartzite is a natural stone. A quartzite countertop may appeal to the eco-conscious because it’s made by nature and contains only naturally occurring components. Conversely, the quartz used in countertops is an engineered stone molded and baked into slabs in a factory. Only 90 to 94 percent of it is ground quartz mined from the earth; another 6 to 10 percent is man-made polymer resins and pigments that bind the ground quartz.

Colors and Patterns.

The pigments added to quartz can be used to achieve a wide spectrum of colors. The slabs can be flecked or veined in the factory to display diverse, uniform patterns across. Quartzite comes primarily in shades of white or gray and limited to the pattern created through natural formation. 

Moisture Resistance.

Quartz has a non-porous surface that doesn’t require sealing. It serves as an effective barrier against moisture, making permanent staining and bacterial invasions unlikely.

Quartzite, on the other hand, has a more porous surface and a little more susceptible to staining and bacterial invasions if not sealed immediately following installation and on an annual basis thereafter. 

Quartz Vs. Quartzite

Style.

Aside from the different composition of these two materials, the stylistic differences are quite striking as well. Quartzite is often mistaken for marble or granite, as it has the delicate veining of marble and similar coloration and patterning to some granites. Those seeking a natural look with lots of movement may prefer a quartzite countertop. 

Because quartzite slabs retain the granular, sugar-like texture of quartz-rich sandstone, they have a slightly coarser feel desirable to those who prefer countertops with a more organic vibe. The resin that binds ground quartz gives the slabs a smooth, seamless finish that imparts a somewhat manufactured look.

Scratch Resistance.

Quartzite is slightly harder and more scratch-resistant than quartz. With that being said, an errant stroke of a knife blade is unlikely to ding or chip either material. It’s a win-win in this category! 

Heat Resistance. 

Feel free to place hot baking dishes or pans on a quartzite countertop… or quartz for that matter!! Quartz will withstand most of your common kitchen temperatures, however manufacturers do ask that you use a hot pad or trivet when setting down anything above 300 degrees on your quartz countertops.

Quartz Vs. Quartzite

Cost. 

It’s not significant, but due to it’s nature – quartz may be easier on the budget than quartzite. (However – just to note: this all depends on the quartz selection that you make. We provide both high end and lower end quartz options at Continental for every budget). The price difference between quartz and quartzite though is due to the increased complexity of transforming mined quartzite into slabs. Taking 4 times the amount of time to quarry and fabricate it than other stones like granite or marble, on average quartzite will come in a little higher in cost. 

There you have it! You can’t go wrong with either stone for your countertops and our team is here to walk you through the entire process from choosing your slab to final installation.  

Give us a call or stop by the showroom. 

(386) 586-7059

5950 S US Highway 1 Bunnell, Florida 

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Outdoor Kitchen Countertops

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Creating an outdoor living space has become even more important this year for families across the country to be able to enjoy time in their backyard with friends and family.  And while the market is filled with great selections of countertops, some materials are better than others for outdoor use. That being said, here are some of the best countertops for outdoor kitchens today.

Outdoor Kitchen Countertops

Granite

Granite is by far the most popular choice of materials for your outdoor countertops. It’s not only the strongest and most durable stone to hold up to the harsh conditions on the Florida coast but also reasonably priced and a long lasting investment. (Win Win!) 

Hot and sunny day? No problem! Granite can withstand the heat from the sun and hot pans without any issues. Granite is also resistant against stains, mold, and mildew so even the messiest gatherings or rainiest days won’t pose a threat. This natural stone is very easy to maintain and with a huge variety of colors and finishes to choose from. 

Overall, granite sets the bar high for materials to use in an outdoor kitchen countertop. 

Outdoor Kitchen Countertops

Quartzite

Quartzite is another great option for your outdoor kitchen countertops.  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. With an impressive array of colors available, you’ll be able to not only choose a unique design for your outdoor areas but rely on this stone not to fade in the harsh sunlight.

Outdoor Kitchen Countertops

Leathered Granite

Leathered granite is a finish that has grown in popularity over the past several years. It can be a striking addition to your home and a perfect option for your outdoor countertops.  Leathered granite is more stain-resistant than honed granite and disguises smudges and water spots better than polished granite. It has a naturally unique and rustic appearance but can be difficult to keep clean and can scratch easily. 

Outdoor Kitchen Countertops

& More

Porcelain and Dekton tops are also beautiful choices for your outdoor countertops. Both can provide strength, style and practicality to your outdoor kitchen – being resistant to stains, bumps, utensils and high temperatures. Whether you choose granite or quartzite, porcelain or dekton, or something completely different – we look forward to showing you our vast selection of stone, tile, backsplashes, sinks, outdoor weatherproof cabinets and much more. 

GIVE US A CALL OR STOP BY OUR SHOWROOM TO LOOK AT SAMPLES OF GRANITE, QUARTZITE OR TILE FOR YOUR OUTDOOR COUNTERTOPS! 

(386) 586-7059

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A Guide To Choosing Countertops

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A Guide To Choosing Countertops

Are natural stone countertops, like marble, granite, dolomite, and soapstone, the right choice for your kitchen? Or should you choose the very popular engineered countertops like quartz and quartzite?

With so many options available, it’s no wonder choosing a countertop material can be a daunting decision. No worries… we’re here to help! 

A Guide To Choosing Countertops

The Best Place to Start.

How your countertops look in your kitchen will probably the first thing you think of when trying to choose the best countertops for your family. But, the most critical part of your countertop decision should come from an assessment of how you and your family use your kitchen.

A Guide To Choosing Countertops

Granite Countertops

Granite, the top choice in countertops, is available in a variety of shades such as blacks, whites, greens, corals and beiges, and no two pieces are exactly the same. Granite is available in three finishes. Most granite counters are polished to a glossy sheen, but you can also ask for a honed finish, which is much less shiny and more of a matte sheen. And leathered granite has a slightly textured surface that lends a rustic, casual look to a kitchen.
A Guide To Choosing Countertops

Marble Countertops

Marble is a high-end natural stone that comes in fewer color patterns than granite. Marble is also relatively soft and porous, so it’s not as stain resistant as granite. However, marble is regarded as a near-perfect work surface for activities like baking or making fresh pasta. Be careful when cutting, though, or marble may show knife scars.

A Guide To Choosing Countertops

Quartz Countertops

Engineered stone countertops like Quartz comes in a wider variety of colors than natural stone countertops, are more durable. Like other hard surface countertop materials, quartz is non-porous so it resists staining much better than granite or marble. For cleanliness, a non-porous surface means that it will not harbor bacteria or viruses. 

A Guide To Choosing Countertops

Visit a Showroom

Regardless of your decision, the best choice is to see all of your options in person. Schedule a FREE CONSULTATION with our experts today. We’d love to show you around our showroom and discuss your options with you. We’ll see you soon! 

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Mixing & Matching Your Kitchen Countertops

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We all love a kitchen with personality and style… and adding contrast and texture within your space doesn’t have to be limited to your fabric or paint choices!  Here’s what you should know about choosing the right countertops for your kitchen and why mixing is the design choice for you.

Mixing & Matching Your Kitchen Countertops

Practicality
Creating a stunning look with different countertops is a practical way to get the most out of your kitchen. First and foremost, your kitchen is a functional space and so it’s only natural that you make practical choices to maintain that. Before installation, know your kitchen.. where are surface spills most likely to occur? What areas are going to receive the most traffic? What do you love to cook the most and what foods are on top of your countertops?

⇒Heavy Traffic? It’s these areas you’ll want to opt for a countertop material that does double-duty against spills, stains, and moisture. As seen in the image above, Cambria’s Queen Anne Quartz Countertops are a more durable and heat and stain resistant material. It’s the perfect choice for your kitchen countertops.

⇒Heat Resistant? Granite countertops in your kitchen are not only stunning and add an element of luxury to any room – but also help you achieve the look you want and still maintain a practical and hygienic work space. Since Granite Countertops can last a lifetime, contain no harmful chemicals and will not melt or blister when exposed to heat – they may just be the perfect solution next to your oven or workspace. 

⇒Baking much? Marble’s naturally cool surface is ideal for keeping dough soft and safe from sticking to the surface (with minimal flour required). If you love to bake, consider a Marble Island or a smaller, marble-topped work zone.

Image Courtesy of Cambria
Image Courtesy of Cambria

Balance
For a consistent and composed look, select a focal point (like your kitchen island), where friends and family gather. This is the place for a more luxurious, showy material to shine. The mix of countertops between the island and the perimeter countertops help blend the entire room together for a shareable and functional space.

Mixing & Matching Your Kitchen Countertops

Our team is here to help you pick the best countertops for you and your home. Need help visualizing how various materials will look together? Stop by our showroom to mix and match a variety of surfaces —including backsplashes, countertops, cabinets & more.

We look forward to working with you! 

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