Cabinet & Countertop Inspirations

Cabinet and hardware manufacturers continue devising new options to help organize your kitchen. As you plan a remodel, remember to discuss cabinet accessories with your designer ... they will help the efficiency and organization of your kitchen. Here are a few of the items to consider.

As we wrap up this blog series on range hoods, a few final aspects to consider are:

  • Range Hood Width -- Regardless of the type of range hood chosen, the range hood should be as wide ... or slightly wider ... than your cooktop. This provides a canopy, or capture area, that effectively traps the heat and impurities as they rise. For a 30" stove, the range hood width needs to be between 30" and 36."

The blower in a range hood is sized, or rated, by CFM ... the cubic feet of air moved per minute. It is important to correctly size a range hood based on your stove, room size, and ductwork. In this blog, we will look at ways to calculate the CFM requirements for your kitchen.

Cabinet & Countertop Inspirations

Quartz Countertops

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Over the last couple of years,the popularity of quartz countertops has increased signficantly. The majority of our clients are choosing quartz, instead of granite, solid surface, or laminate for their kitchen or bathroom projects. This shift is due in part to quartz manufacturers developing the ability to create random patterns and color options. It also helps that quartz does not require any maintenance. The major manufacturers of quartz tops are Cambria, Caesarstone, and Silestone.

Read on for additional information on quartz countertops.

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What is Quartz?

Quartz is a man-made, engineered material with characteristics very similar to a natural stone. It is sometimes referred to as man-made granite. Quartz countertops are made by grinding natural-quartz crystals into a dust or aggregate and then fusing with resin binders and color pigments under heat and pressure to form a solid slab. Pieces of glass or metallic flecks may also be added for more interest. The slab is then cut to the correct size in the same manner as granite, with a variety of available edge profiles.

Like granite, quartz tops are very heavy. Installation is not typically a DIY project and should be left to certified installers.

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Pros / Cons of Quartz

Quartz has a number of benefits. As mentioned above, quartz is non-porous, making it maintenance-free. Many customers select quartz based solely on this characteristic. Granite, on the other hand, requires regular sealing. Quartz is also anti-microbial. Finally, a number of quartz colors come in "jumbo slabs." These slabs are larger than normal, allowing fewer or no seams in a counter or island top.

On the downside, quartz is typically more expensive than other countertop materials, including granite. Quartz cannot be used in outdoor settings as direct UV light can impact the colors.

If you are considering new countertops, please stop in our Spiceland, Indiana showroom and we will be happy to talk with you about all the countertop options, including quartz.

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