Add A Consistent Look With A “Quartz” Countertop…

When it comes to countertops, there are many options to choose from. That is why it is important to ask the customer up front if they have a material in mind, as well as a price range they looking at. It is also important to ask, if they like materials that have a consistent pattern, or ones that have a lot of variety and and movement to them. From there, questions can be asked about preference for color, etc. If consistency in pattern is really important, a “quartz” product might be a good option for them. While there are a variety of “quartz” products on the market these days, they are all essentially made the same way.

How It’s Made:

“Quartz” countertops are an engineered stone that is man-made. Most “quartz” is comprised of approximately 93% quartz and 7% resin binder by weight, (more than 80% resin by volume) with added pigments for color.

Manufacturers:

While we sell a number of “quartz” products including: Cambria,Wilsonart,Silestone, Caesarstone, Hanstone, Difiniti, Dupont Zodiaq and Color Quartz, there are other “quartz” products on the market, as well. Each manufacturer has their own unique colors to choose from, although some colors may be  similar to other product lines.

Maintenance

“Quartz” is relatively easy to clean and maintain. Most manufacturers recommend that they be cleaned with a hot, soapy dish cloth. “Quartz” products do not need to be sealed.

Price

“Quartz” is often more expensive than granite, depending on the color selection. It can range in price from anywhere from $65 to $100 per square foot.

If you are looking for a “quartz” product for your new countertop, make sure you stop by our showroom to check out all of our material selections.

Thanks for reading!

KB Factory Outlet

What Causes Some Granite Countertops To Look Reflective?

If you’ve been looking at granite for your countertops, you’ve probably noticed that some granite’s have reflective areas that seem to sparkle in the direct light. But what causes this and how come some granite colors have more reflection than other colors? Granite is a crystalline, igneous rock that is comprised of a variety of minerals including quartz and feldspar. Other minerals such as hornblend, mica and occasionally pyroxene can also be present in the stone. It is the mica however, that gives granite its reflective appeal.

Mica is a mineral that is present in several forms including biotite and muscovite and is found in a variety of rocks. It has known for its unique reflective properties, as well as its basal cleavage, which makes it split, or flake easily off a stone.

The majority of granite’s contain some mica, but certain colors contain more depending on the stones mineral composition. It is these stones that contain large amounts of mica that are vibrant in direct light and are quite appealing to the eye. Many consumers are attracted to the bright blue and green mica colors. Others like the silver and gold colors in some stones with mica that give it mirror qualities.

Let’s take a look at a couple of black or dark granite counter top containing mica…

Blue Pearl In Kitchen

Emerad Pearl Granite 

Beautiful Black Granite kitchen Counter top

Granite Bathroom Countertop

If you are interested in adding a granite countertop to your project, make sure you stop by our showroom to take a look at our colors, including those with a lot of mica.

Thanks for reading!

KB Factory Outlet

Cost of Granite Countertops vs. Man-Made Stone(Quartz)

We are the Importer of International Granite & Stone from all over the world. Granite prices span a wider range because so many different varieties exist and it is a natural and unique product. It's all supply and demand. Some granite colors are plentiful and others not. Some are popular and others not, so prices follow accordingly.

Installed costs for granite stone tops can run from $35 up to $200 per square foot, but the vast majority are in the $40-$80 range. 

Quality of everything can vary too. That's why you'll see signs for $25 sq ft. granite... avoid these. You'll get cut-rate granite, installation and service along with surprise "add-on" fees in most cases. 

Man-made stone prices match granite. On average, man-made stone countertop materials such as Cambria countertops Wilsonart and other similar quartz surfaces
 (Silestone, Caesarstone, Zodiac) are about as expensive as granite running $45 up to $120 with most around $60-$80/sq. ft. 

"Why is that so?", you may ask when they can make as much or as little as demand dictates. 

Consider that quartz and other man-made countertop manufacturers are wanting to lure customers away from choosing granite by trying to position themselves as equal or superior to granite in every way.We recently Fabricated and Installed some Quartz Countertops..

The debate is out on which is better, but they are leaving money on the table if they don't charge similar to granite. 

And actually, man-made stone surfaces have some of the same costs as granite, such as transporting granite slabs to market and storage at local stone warehouse. Granite must be quarried, but quartz must be manufactured. Either way carries significant costs. 

The final fabrication (cutting the material to fit your kitchen) is basically the same.

Still some particular colors and patterns of Cambria or Silestone or Caesarstone quartz countertops will be more or less expensive just like granite stone. 

Installation variables like edge style, sink, and cook top cutouts, raised bar tops and slab thickness, will contribute to overall costs with both materials resulting in an average "range" of prices. 

So, depending on the particular colors of granite and man-made stone you are comparing, you may get a big difference in price either way... granite more than quartz.... or quartz more than the granite. 

Of course, you must always compare apples to apples when getting quotes meaning all variables other than the countertop material itself must be the same.

Thank you reading.
KB Factory Outlet

Add A Granite Desk To Your Home Office…

When most people think of granite for the home, they think of granite countertops for the kitchen, a granite bar top for the bar room, or a granite vanity for the bathroom. There are however, plenty of areas where granite can be used including in a home office. Many people these days, work out of their homes, or spend a significant amount of time in their office space. Why not make your home office more cozy and appealing by adding a granite desk? Granite is a great working surface and if you opt for a granite desk, you can custom design it for your space and needs.

Let’s take a look at a few examples we fabricated and installed…

Blue Pearl Granite Fabricated & Installed by KB Factory Outlet

Absolute Black Granite Fabricated & Installed by KB Factory Outlet

If you are interested in adding a granite desk to your home, make sure you stop by and take a look at colors. We have a large selection of partial slabs and full slabs to choose from.

Thanks for reading!

KB Factory Outlet

Granite Countertops And Overhang Questions…

One question we get asked frequently in our showroom is, “how much of an overhang can I have for my granite island?” While a 12″ overhang is probably the most common, as it fits a stool comfortably in place, there is no standard size, per se. For overhangs larger than 12″, we typically recommend some sort of additional support, such as corbels, posts, etc. We also sell and can install a support bracket, which is mounted on the under side of the granite, so it is not visible in plain sight. These brackets are very popular and are used when consumers are not interested in adding other types of support systems.
Here’s what they look like…

Keep in mind that there may be some limitations on overhang sizes depending on the size of the room, the cabinets selected, etc. As far as front overhangs to perimeter cabinets, we typically will add an 1-1/2″ overhang to the front of any countertop surface, and will add 1″ to any exposed open ends.

If you have questions pertaining to overhangs, our  customer service staff is always happy to help. Our measuring technician can also help determine overhang sizes that are right for your project at the time of your field measure.

Thanks for reading!

KB Factory Outlet

Granite Countertops—Polished vs. Leather What Is The Difference?

In our showroom, we often get asked questions in regards to finish options, as there are a number of choices. In this blog, We wanted to take a look at the difference between a polished finish and a leather finish.

Let’s take a look at a picture of the same stone in 2 different finishes…

            Cosmos Granite Sample (Left Side -Polished Finish, Right Side-Leather Finish)

The granite sample above shows the color, Cosmos, with the left side polished and the right side in a leather finish. Both finishes are smooth, but definitely have a different look to them. The polished finish has a gloss, mirror finish and is more reflective. It is the most popular choice for granite countertops and best choice in regards to staining and scratching factors (very slim). The leather finish is smooth and soft and often appears slightly more polished than a honed finish, but offers a slight texture. It is a fairly popular choice for granite countertops, especially to those consumers who are interested in a granite, but prefer a unique look. Like a honed material, it is also more susceptible to staining and scratching than one that is polished.

Whether you are looking for a polished finish for your granite countertops, or a finish that offers a little different look, we can help with your questions. Stop by our showroom today for answers.

Thanks for reading!

KB Factory Outlet

Create A Uniform Look For Your Kitchen Island With Book-Matching…

In this blog, We wanted to share a few photos of a project that involved the process of book-matching some countertops. So what exactly is book-matching, you may ask? Book-matching is a process used to create a uniform flow pattern between two pieces that need to be seamed together. The flow of the material from one piece is matched and aligned to another piece to capture similar characteristics, such as veining. The process is used from time to time in various circumstances, such as for larger islands that require more than one slab of stone, or for islands that have side panels, etc.

Let’s take a look at a few photos of a book-matched island from a project we recently fabricated and installed…

Side Cabinet view with Brunello Granite at our AndersonShowroom

A uniform look is perfectly achieved from top to side.

 Notice how the large vein flows beautifully from one piece to the next.

A Great look with Ocean Beige Granite

                                Beautiful Look and Island

If you are interested in book-matching for your countertops, make sure you stop by our showroom. We would love to work with you and help you achieve the perfect look for your island and countertops.

Thanks for reading!

KB Factory Outlet