countertops Articles

Dark granite countertops are a popular choice in kitchens today. Polished, leathered, or honed are among several finishes available for granite countertops. A dark granite countertop can create a nice contrast against lighter cabinets, creating a lot of interest for your space. Strong and durable as any other granite, dark granite countertops will always make a powerful statement and are an excellent choice.

Black Pearl Granite

Black Pearl Granite is absolutely gorgeous and one of the most loved and popular black granite colors. This black granite kitchen countertop features a deep black overall tone with flecks of black, silver, brown, green, and gray.  It is a natural stone product and when it catches the light you can see its own amazing design and pattern. Black Pearl Granite is available in several finishes including polished and leathered. Black Pearl Granite can be used both inside and outside.  White kitchen cabinets paired with black granite will provide the right balance of light and dark, and just the perfect amount of contrast. White and black design is definitely on trend. However, Black Pearl Granite looks great with most cabinet choices.

Steel Grey Granite

Steel Grey granite is a durable granite with shades of grays and small flecks of lighter grays. It has a subtle beauty that will glisten, especially when light reflects from the granite's surface. Steel Grey has more variations of muted tones that are easily visible than Black Pearl Granite. Black Pearl is more of a singular black toned granite, where as Steel Grey has beautiful subtle variations of grays that will shine in your space. It will pair beautifully with many popular cabinet colors including white, off-white, grays, and browns.

Titanium White Granite

Titanium White Granite is very popular for its affordable price and beautiful natural appearance. This natural stone from Brazil features a black base with white veining that gives a lot of movement to the stone. This deep black stone has a beautiful wavy pattern and heavy crystallization. Titanium White will definitely make a statement in your space, but not overwhelm it. This granite adds more interest than Black Pearl or Steel Gray, yet still staying within the black and white design theme. It is perfect for kitchen countertops, bathroom vanity tops, backsplashes, fireplace surrounds, flooring, and outdoor kitchens.

Silver Grey Granite

Silver Grey Granite is a stunning choice that looks amazing with a honed or leathered finish. This beautiful Brazilian granite has a strong charcoaled black background with subtle whitish gray veining with the soft look of soapstone. Silver Grey granite creates a luxurious design in any space, immediately elevating any kitchen's ambiance. These granite countertops look fantastic with the light wood tone Shaker cabinets. Wood tone cabinets are trending again, but in a more contemporary design of the Shaker door style. 

Pros and Cons of Dark Granite Countertops

Pros-

• They create a stunning, timeless elegant design
• Dark granite counters add interest and contrast in the kitchen.
• Incredible versatility — they go well with almost any color and design style, and is easy to accessorize
• Dark granite countertops are durable, dependable, and long lasting surface 
• Dark granite countertops are stain resistant when properly sealed. 
• Easy to maintain them. Using warm water with just a bit of liquid soap and soft cloth is enough.

Cons-

• Water marks and fingertips may show on the surface of dark granite countertops. Sealing your countertops should help this issue.
• You may notice dust sooner on dark granite countertops than on their lighter counterparts. If you make sure to wipe down the surface every day, you won’t notice it at all.

Conclusion

Dark granite colors are classic choices that will never go out of style. They are perfect for a modern kitchen with clean lines. Not only is black or gray granite a stylish choice, but it is solid and long-lasting. Granite is ideal for withstanding daily wear and tear in high-traffic areas, as long as it has been sealed with a high quality product. Dark granite provides a striking contrast against light-colored floors or cabinetry for a bold and dramatic effect. It is very versatile and can be used in both traditional and contemporary kitchens.

Starting a new countertop project can be stressful. When looking for a new countertop material, it’s important to understand the steps of the installation process to prepare for what lies ahead. Our experienced experts, will make the process smooth and easy and will help you choose the perfect countertop for you!

Selection of Countertop

We have a large selection of countertop products to choose from such as granite, marble, quartz and quartzite. We will help you find the perfect countertop that is just right for your style and budget. We have a large amount of in-stock materials and have new materials arriving daily. After choosing the material that best suits your space, we’ll work with you to create an estimate for your unique project. Upon review, you’ll sign a contract that guarantees your materials, products and installation scheduling.

Templating

Templating is the process of creating a guide that has the exact measurements of your countertop. Without a template, the fabricator cannot accurately manufacture your countertop. In order to cut your selected slab to the right size that will fit perfectly on top of your cabinets, we first have to create a template. During your selected template date, our skilled technicians will come to your home to precisely measure and create the template for your new countertops.

Layout

After templating is complete, you can make an appointment to come layout your template on the exact slab you have chosen. Our customers can choose where to place the template depending on a few restrictions. Not all countertop fabricators allow their customers to do their own layout. Many companies choose to place the template where they can get the maximum countertop cut per slab. We want our customers to be able to choose that “sweet spot” of the slab they have chosen.

Fabrication

The stone is cut out using the template and the specific measurements of your countertop by a highly skilled technician. Your selected material is cut to ensure precise detail and accuracy. Once cut, the countertop material is edged, polished and quality checked.

Preparation for Countertops

Make sure the path is cleared from your doorway to your kitchen. Before our installers arrive, be sure to disconnect and remove any appliances or decorative items that you have sitting on your countertops. Make sure any chairs, tables, or anything close to your countertops are pushed back to allow room for our installers.

Installation

The day you have been waiting for is finally here!  Our highly experienced installation team will arrive at your home during the specified time to safely install your countertops. If your countertops still need to be removed our installers will take care of that. Our professional installers work hard to make sure your countertops look amazing. Your countertops are an investment that deserve quality installation.

Quartzite and Quartz are two high-end countertop materials both derived from quartzite. They are very popular options to homeowners but have several differences. The biggest difference between quartz and quartzite is that quartz is a man-made material, while quartzite is a natural stone.

Quartzite Countertops

Quartzite is an abundant metamorphic rock. It occurs naturally when sandstone in quartz experiences heat and high pressure. Quartzite is typically made of more than 90% quartzite; some can be as high as 99%. Quartzite typically comes in shades of white, light grey, and bluish gray but minerals in the stone can also include pink, gold, or reddish-brown hues.  

Quartzite has a glassy appearance and resembles marble in some cases. Quartzite countertops, like marble or granite, are a natural stone and have a porous surface. They require a high-quality sealant to protect against staining. 

Quartzite countertops are some of the most beautiful on the market. Those seeking a natural look with lots of movement may prefer a quartzite countertop. This desirable appearance has made quartzite one of the most popular countertop materials.

Quartz Countertops

While quartzite countertops are a natural stone, quartz countertops are made using engineered stone. This engineered stone is comprised of about 90% loose quartz. A quartz countertop is engineered with the same quartz crystals found in quartzite, but a man-made process binds the crystal with resins, pigments, and other materials such as bits of glass. Resin and pigments are added to bind the loose quartz and create the coloring of the countertops. 

Because quartz is man-made and resin is added, no sealer is needed.  Quartz is very durable and low-maintenance.  It can even be made to resemble materials such as granite and marble. Quartz countertops are more durable than quartzite.

Quartz is offered in many different shades and patterns. If you have a specific color in mind, or want a low maintenance option, quartz would be a good choice.

Quartz countertops are the modern way to take your kitchen countertops or bathroom vanity to the next level. The clean and elegant flow throughout the surface will make any room shine. Another factor other than the beauty of the material is the durability. Quartz countertops are hermetically sealed during the manufacturing process. Quartz will withstand daily use and abuse while remaining easy to maintain and resisting stains and bacteria growth. Let’s take a look at the various levels of Quartz countertops and weigh the pros and cons of having this material as a kitchen countertop.

The level or the grade of Quartz countertops is determined by the Quartz material used in the manufacturing process. The Quartz stone that is chosen to go into any particular batch will be classified in one of the following classifications;

Seconds:

This grade of Quartz will have numerous veins and could possibly include discolorations throughout the stone. The upside to this is that most of the defects are not visible once the Quartz is crushed and married with the resin.

Standard:

Also known as “commercial” grade, this is the standard Quartz level. This level of Quartz will offer average color depth and quality.

First Quality:

This level utilizes the most premium Quartz. With this Quartz grade the countertops will offer rich colors and very minimum veins.

We carry a multitude of Quartz slabs ranging the spectrum of styles and looks. The three main brands we carry are Cambria Quartz, Zodiaq by DuPont and Cosmos Quartz.

Cambria:

Composed of 93% Quartz, resin and pigments. Cambria Quartz countertops are engineered to feature zero emissions and to be free of Radon. Cambria offers a fully transferrable lifetime warranty.

MSI:

Premium quartz products produced with high-quality materials in a wide variety of colors and designs. MSI offers a lifetime warranty to the original homeowner. 

Cosmos:

Cosmos offers a 10 year warranty on their Quartz surfaces. They also use the perfect blend of polymeric tech combined with Natural Quartz. The results are stunning and extremely durable while remaining easy to clean and maintain.

No matter the brand or level, Quartz kitchen countertops are stunning. The grade of the Quartz will strictly depend on your taste, style and budget. Quartz will give you the custom and unique kitchen you have always dreamt of. As mentioned in the beginning of this article, another great aspect of Quartz counters is that they will never have to be sealed.

Quartz Countertop Maintenance

No matter the brand, color or pattern, Quartz counters are a breeze to maintain. The vast majority of the time a sponge, hot water and elbow grease is all that is needed to clean up any spill that occurs on the countertop. Using any soap for cleaning can build up a film like residue and leave your surfaces dull and hazy.

Our best recommendation is to use a high quality stone cleaner, such as a Granite or Marble cleaner, to keep your counters clean. These cleaners not only clean your surfaces, they are mild enough as not to damage or discolor your countertops. As a bonus, these cleaners have an optical brightener to keep your quartz countertops shining brightly.

Even with Quartz’s rise in popularity, Granite is still one of the most popular choices for kitchen countertops. Why is granite a top choice for kitchen countertops?

Strength

A major reason granite is chosen for applications in the kitchen is its strength and durability. It is a material that will last you a lifetime. Marble is very unique in its visual appeal, but the softness of the stone can create issues in high-traffic applications. Granite is a great all-around choice for any space you choose to install it.

Since granite is so strong, it is perfect in any application in your home. Large kitchen, high-traffic bathroom vanity tops, and outdoor living areas/kitchens are a perfect pairing with granite.

Color Options

Granite contains a number of different minerals. Every slab is different, so any piece you select is sure to be unique. The composition of the mineral deposits dictates the unique colors and patterns. Granite contains quartz, feldspar, mica, and many other materials. The balance of these minerals always varies thus leading to beautiful individualistic kitchen countertops.

Granite colors can range the color spectrum. Currently, the popular stones have a White or Gray background color. Neutral palettes compliment just about every decor and house style.

Granite is also known for the possible exotic tones available. Some look like artwork, with bold colors forming the veins and flakes. These slabs normally range in the higher prices but are well worth the money if you are looking to have a custom designer look in your space.

Easy To Maintain

Most natural stones are porous and require a sealing treatment to fill the pores. Marble is notorious for staining if not sealed, especially the lighter varieties. Some homeowners still select marble because it is a timeless stone with stunning beauty. There are high-quality sealers that can last for many years.. This sealer is applied after installation and will protect your surfaces for years to come. 

Granite definitely has many great qualities. This is why it is one of the most used natural stone materials for kitchen countertops. Granite adds beauty and durability your kitchen and any other space that you use it in. If your style is a modern, contemporary, or even a traditional style, there are a multitude of granite colors to choose from.

If you are design-savvy and are looking to add an upgraded feel to your kitchen, you should strongly consider quartz for your kitchen countertops. Quartz countertops add a striking visual appeal and durability to your kitchen surfaces. Due to its near infinite design options, quartz has become the most popular alternative to natural stones such as granite and marble for countertop materials.

1. (The Obvious) They Are Very Trendy

Since quartz countertop manufacturers are constantly innovating new sophisticated patterns and colors, quartz offers many style options that fit all kitchen design types. You will find a countertop to match your style; from farmhouse to traditional, modern to rustic, any style is covered. When you travel down the quartz color options, there are dark colors to pair nicely with light cabinets and light quartz countertops that match well with dark cabinets. Are you looking for a countertop that has an even design? You will love the colors of the consistent patterns quartz can offer your kitchen countertops.

The consistent pattern that manufacturers can give to quartz countertops will allow your entire surface to have even patterning throughout your space. This is a great option if you want to avoid the unwanted inconsistencies that can be found in natural granite and marble. We believe the “natural occurrences” in granite and marble are beautiful, however, we understand this does not fit all homeowner's preferences. A predictable pattern is nice because you can match up seams. The ability to hide seams gives your surfaces an even flow throughout the space.

2. Easy Maintenance

Now let's talk about functionality. We know that visual aesthetics and the cost are important, but the functionality and low-maintenance will pay for itself in the long term. Quartz countertops are among the most durable surfaces available. They are sealed during manufacturing so there is no need for any additional future sealing. Quartz countertops rarely chip, are heat and stain resistant, and are difficult to scratch. These characteristics make for the perfect kitchen countertop surface. 

3. The Manufacturing of Quartz is Eco-Friendly

We have outlined many benefits that come with “manmade stones”, now we will discuss the environmental perks quartz countertops offer.

Quartz is a very common element found throughout the United States. Although mining practices have evolved and improved through the years, mining is not entirely eco-friendly. A great thing about quartz countertops is that the process uses quartz that has already been mined. So, manufacturers recycle the “scrap” pieces from other mining that has already been completed. No natural quartz is mined just to make quartz countertops.

Quartz countertops are manufactured by introducing crushed quartz with resins and pigments. All brands use basically the same method. The positive of this process is, there is little-to-no impact on indoor air quality, which should help you keep your peace of mind where health matters are concerned. As always, manufacturing, mining, and transportation can have a negative impact on the environment. These processes are constantly reconfigured to ensure the environment is taken care of as best as they can. The point is that quartz countertops are proving to have less impact than the other most popular surfaces.

4. Design Options are Virtually Infinite

While you are planning your new kitchen design, do you like having a wide variety to choose from? If you just answered, “Yes!”, quartz countertops are probably a great fit for you and your project. Prepare yourself to have to choose from a large variety. The selection of colors and patterns are almost endless. Even if you have the most precise taste or design idea, there is a quartz countertop to match your style. Although granite comes in a wide variety of colors you could make the argument that there are more color options with quartz.

Quartz offers the cleanliness of pure colors and patterns that are designed and consistent. This creates a clean visual landscape in your space. If you are considering a kitchen remodel, there is a perfect quartz countertop for your project out there. East Coast Granite can help coordinate the quartz color with your cabinets and flooring ideas and then choose a backsplash to match. Or we can simply install the same quartz you choose as a 4-inch or full backsplash.

5. Quartz Countertops Are Perfect For All Household Types

Due to its durability, affordability, functionality, and low maintenance, quartz countertops perform well in a wide variety of kitchens. A quick summary of the highlights of Quartz countertops:

• Quartz countertops offer a modern style and versatility for anyone looking to add long-term value to their home.
• The durability of quartz makes it perfect for families with children. We all know that children can be rough on a home, and your kitchen countertops need to withstand frequent spills and accidents.
• Quartz kitchen countertops are strong, durable, and low-maintenance. This makes them an excellent match for anyone who wants a countertop that will last and does not require upkeep or annual seal treatments.