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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.



Durable Counter Tops

Durable & Long-Lasting Countertops

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In 2022, kitchens will remain one of the top three essential spaces in a home, as reported by the National Association of Realtors. The kitchen, for most, is the heart of the home. Much of our daily lives are spent in the kitchen, cooking, eating, gathering, and partaking in activities such as after-school homework sessions. From a design perspective, the focal point of most kitchens is undeniably the countertop surface, requiring it to be beautiful, functional, and long-lasting. Today’s market offers several options for homeowners to choose when designing their new kitchen from scratch or remodeling. Countertop surfaces come in different colors, patterns, textures, and functionality.  

According to a 2022 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study, more than one-third of homeowners reportedly splurged on countertops (35%). The most common feature improved during kitchen renovations, countertops were upgraded by more than nine in 10 homeowners (91%). The same study indicates that the median spend for both major and minor kitchen remodels increased in mid-2021 by 14% to $40,000 and by 25% to $10,000, respectively, compared to 2020. The median spend for a major kitchen remodel of a large kitchen (250 square feet or more), continued to climb for the fourth year in a row to $50,000, up from $45,000 the previous year. The median spend on a major small kitchen remodel (less than 250 square feet) increased as well, up to $35,000 in mid-2021 from $30,000 in mid-2020. 

GRANITE

The second leading choice for countertop surfaces is the natural surface, granite. Granite has been used in the U.S. for countertops as early as the 1920s but became more mainstream during the 1970s. Granite is undoubtedly considered a classic choice but also lends to a contemporary modern look. The timeless look of granite adds a touch of luxury to any home, elevating its value. According to the National Board of Realtors, granite countertops remain a trendy option in traditional and modern designs. The National Association of Realtors survey also found that 55% of survey respondents said they would pay more for granite countertops when purchasing a home. 

Granite is a 100% natural and a type of igneous rock. It is made from a crystallized form of hot liquid magma that has been cooled slowly to become a solid hard surface. Granite contains a combination of minerals such as mica, quartz, and feldspar. Quartz and feldspar are tougher than some steel, according to the Mohs scale of hardness, making granite one of the toughest natural stones on the market. It is mined from quarries all around the world, with most of the granite mined in the United States from five states: Massachusetts, Georgia, New Hampshire, South Dakota, and Idaho. Granite is available in numerous colors, slab sizes, thicknesses, and patterns. Due to how it is formed, no two countertops are the same. Its natural beauty often creates an eye-popping look and fits any design style.

Granite countertops are durable and often last the life of a home when cared for properly. Granite’s durability includes resistance to heat and scratches. Because it is formed by heat and pressure, it will not scorch if you place a hot pan/pot on it or scratch when you use your sharp knives to cut and slice items. In fact, a granite counter will often dull your knives if you do not use a cutting board when chopping things. 

However, because granite is made of many crystals pressed together, a high-impact hit can likely chip or damage the surface. Furthermore, there can be some staining if certain liquids are spilled and left sitting or the surface is not adequately sealed due to its porous nature. Lighter colors tend to be more susceptible to stains. To ensure the longevity of your investment, consider having your countertops resealed once a year. 

MAINTENANCE 

Maintenance on your granite countertops is relatively simple. All countertops are recommended to be cleaned daily with a mild soap/cleanser and water. 

DESIGN NOTES 

One design element that you want to consider when using granite is the uniqueness and natural variations in the stone. It can be hard to hide seams, and countertops may not look exactly alike if not from the same piece. 

In addition, if using a bold color or design piece of granite you may want to consider utilizing softer and more muted elements in the room.   

PRICING 

The average granite countertop cost reported by HomeAdvisor.com  ranges from $40 to $100 per square foot. Labor generally adds an additional $35 to $85 per hour to the project’s final cost. Size, color, texture, and origination of the granite impact the product’s price, while design, size, shape, and number of seams dictate the price of the project’s labor costs. 

OTHER AREAS TO USE GRANITE IN YOUR DESIGN

Granite is not just for the kitchen. Granite can also be used in bathrooms, laundry rooms, butler pantries, bars, fireplaces, outdoor kitchens, and office areas with its durability and unique design quality. 

2022 DESIGN TRENDS 

Some of the latest trends in the world of granite are Neutral Tones, Leathered Finish, Matte Finish, and Unique Veining & Patterns. 

Neutral Tones include neutral whites, creams, light grays, soft blues, beiges, and mid-tone colors. Most neutral tones go with most cabinet color schemes. 

Leathered Finish is an up-and-coming trend. This bold statement may not be for everyone, but it certainly creates a unique space. This finish has a textured, rough surface with no sheen or light-reflecting qualities. This type is generally used in larger areas with lots of natural light. 

Unique Veining & Patterns have always been part of the draw to granite as a design choice. The unique patterns and veining create a focal point in the kitchen. The options are endless. 

Honed/Matte Finish is a surface with a low sheen. This type offers a softer and more subtle look while still retaining the character of natural stone. The manufacturing process is stopped before the stone surface becomes shiny, leaving it with a matte or satin-like appearance. 

2022 COLOR TRENDS

White, black, blue, and gold are the most popular colors for 2022. This neutral and versatile palette, with varying finishes, offer limitless opportunities when designing your kitchen, bathroom, and other home areas. The durability and longevity of granite offer a lifetime of enjoyment. 

Granite countertops are an important element in designing or remodeling your kitchen, bathroom, outdoor kitchen, and other areas. Why not schedule a consultation with the granite experts to discuss what color, style, and finish would best suit your design needs? 



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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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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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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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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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3 Reasons to Love Black Countertops

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3 Reasons to Love Black Countertops

If you’re looking to make a statement with your kitchen or bathroom, black countertops are the perfect solution. Striking black kitchen countertops make a dramatic impact, bringing elegance and style to your kitchen.

Luxury

Whether you are planning on reselling your home or not in the near future, black countertops are a winner when it comes to timeless beauty and elegance. The rich dark color of black granite or quartz in your kitchen portrays a dramatic feel in your space. 

Aside from white or neutral colors, black is in-demand because of the great contrast it brings with your light-colored cabinetry. Meanwhile, if you use black for the cabinet door panels, this creates a modern and sleek appeal with black kitchen countertops. 

Black quartz countertops are a bold statement. They look perfect in a luxurious home.

3 Reasons to Love Black Countertops

Maintenance

Dark countertops are a staple because they bring depth and substance to a room’s design. In addition to being a bold, statement piece, dark countertops are preferred by many homeowners because they’re easy to maintain.

The patterns and details incorporated in dark countertops help to conceal messes, crumbs, stains, and more that can take place on a daily basis. Specifically, this is a large benefit if you have children in your home who are prone to spills and messes.

3 Reasons to Love Black Countertops

Contrast

While black kitchen countertops don’t always blend well with soft, cosy, country-style kitchens, they are highly effective with many other home décor styles and themes.

In the end, it’s about balance. Black statement countertops are often balanced with lighter colored kitchen uppers and lowers. And with an array of options for your kitchen countertops, we’re excited to help you choose the design that best fits you and your home. 

3 Reasons to Love Black Countertops

Determining the color of your new countertops is just the start. Once you have that figured out, you must also confirm the material of your countertops, the shape, the size, and so on. Once that’s decided, you must consider all your options for backsplashes, flooring, paint colors, décor, and more.

The point we’re making here is renovations, and specifically kitchen and countertop renovations, can be hard work. There are endless elements to think about. However, at Continental we’ve tailored our business around helping you. We offer high-quality and affordable stone countertops for any remodeling or new construction project in the industry. We have a vast collection of quartz, granite, and marble countertops for you to choose from.

If you need any assistance with your remodeling, do not hesitate to give us a call or stop by our showroom. (386) 586-7059

We’ll see you soon!

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Step By Step Guide: Countertops with Continental

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Step By Step Guide: Countertops with Continental

Step 1: Lets Connect

Once you are ready to purchase your new countertops feel free to contact us in person or over the phone to inquire for information. Our staff would love to assist you in scheduling a free, in-home estimate so we can take the field measurements to determine the amount of surface area of your countertops.
Office + Showroom Location: 5950 S US 1 Bunnell, FL 32110 (just 6 miles NW of Destination Daytona off 95)
Phone Number: 386-586-7059

Step 2: Material Selection

We know you have a lot of options (which can be very overwhelming) when it comes to choosing the perfect countertops, cabinets, sinks, backsplash, tile & more for your home. Our team of highly trained and experienced professionals are here to help!
Continental Granite-1
Continental Granite-10
Continental Granite-13
Continental Granite-6
Daytona Beach Granite-9
Daytona Beach Granite-7
Daytona Beach Granite-6
Continental Granite-8
Daytona Beach Granite-15
Daytona Beach Granite-24
Continental Granite-1
Continental Granite-10
Continental Granite-13
Continental Granite-6
Daytona Beach Granite-9
Daytona Beach Granite-7
Daytona Beach Granite-6
Continental Granite-8
Daytona Beach Granite-15
Daytona Beach Granite-24
We’ll walk you through our showroom and answer any questions you have in order to help you choose the best countertop materials, sinks, backsplashes, edge profiles and cabinets for your home and your style. Feel free to bring in your flooring, wall color or tiles to have our team help you find the perfect match. Feel free to stop by anytime and take a look!

Step 3: Official Estimate

Once you’ve made all of your selections, we will generate a written estimate using measurements from our team to give you an exact proposal for your project.

Step 4: Behind The Scenes

Then we get to work!! We’ll order your slab, cabinets, sink and backsplash and begin preparing them in our warehouse. We’ll schedule a countertop templating appointment in your home once your cabinets are installed and any old countertops have been removed. A skilled technician will arrive to take the measurements. To measure, a high-intensity laser is pointed at the surface. (It’s really an incredible thing to watch!) This laser sends information to a computer, which records various points to create accurate and precise dimensions.
Step By Step Guide: Countertops with Continental
The technician will add in additional pertinent details, such as any overhangs, backsplashes, specialty cuts, cutouts for sinks and faucets or seams that need to be factored into the project. After this, the measurements are double-checked to make sure they are completely accurate. Once the measurements are verified and saved, the computerized system sends them wirelessly to our fabrication facility. At the facility, the template is laid out on the stone’s surface. Following this, the stone can be cut using fabrication machinery, polished and prepared for installation.
Step By Step Guide: Countertops with Continental

Step 5: Installation

It’s GO TIME!! Our team of background checked men and women who are highly trained and awesome individuals will arrive at your home to install your brand new countertops and finish off your beautiful home. It’s an exciting day that you’ve been waiting for and we’re excited to have a small part in it. From start to finish, you’re family and we vow to treat you like it.
We look forward to working with you. Stop by our showroom, give us a call or click on the link below. We can’t wait to hear about your next project.
Step By Step Guide: Countertops with Continental

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