Sunday, March 30, 2014

Quartz vs. Granite


            One of the most common questions I am asked is Which is better, quartz or granite? Last time we explored exactly what quartz countertops are. I hope you found that information helpful in deciding which material would work best for your space and family.

 

Pick a favorite. Tell me what I should use. Which one is the best? These are comments I hear all the time when clients are trying to decide between quartz or granite countertops. Often times I take the politically correct route and say “It’s personal preference.” I know, I know. Not very helpful, right? Well, let’s talk through it.

 

Color: If you are looking for a more solid color, less variation or consistent pattern, quartz may be the product for you. If you like the natural pattern of granite and want something that truly acts as a piece of art in your space, granite may be the one for you.

 

Maintenance: If you are a set-it-and-forget-about-it type of person, quartz may be the better solution for you. Granite is recommended to be sealed once a year. Don’t be dismayed! This is not a difficult process and can be done by even the most regular Joe.

 

Durability: Both products are very durable and you would be hard pressed to really hurt them unless you like cooking with a blowtorch or banging cast iron skillets around. Any product can chip if hit with the right thing in the right spot.

 

For many applications, I lean more towards granite for it’s natural beauty. You just can’t beat the unique character found in a slab of granite. It’s amazing that something that beautiful comes out of the ground! Some pieces I believe could be hung on the wall and called art. But, I also love and utilize quartz for different applications. Like I said, it all comes down to personal preference. So do you like quartz over granite? What do you like or dislike? Shoot me an email and share your thoughts at Jessica@webbercoleman.com

Sunday, March 16, 2014

What are quartz countertops?


            One of the most common questions I am asked is Which is better, quartz or granite? Before we dive into the differences between the two materials and why you might choose to use one over the other, I thought it would be helpful to know exactly what quartz countertops are.

 

Quartz countertops, such as Silestone, Cambria and Caesarstone, are composed of about 90% natural quartz, one of the hardest minerals in the world. Quartz is crystallised silicon dioxide (SiO2), which is usually white or transparent, although it can be found in other colors if it comes into contact with impurities during its formation. It is found either in a pure state or present in other compounds. However, because of its extreme hardness and resistance to acids, it is used to make a large variety of products that require precision and top-quality performance. Granite is only about 40% to 60% quartz, along with other softer minerals and impurities.

 

Can it take the heat? Natural stone surfaces can be damaged by sudden and/or rapid change of temperature, especially near the edges as well as direct and/or sustained heating of the top. Some quartz tops may not withstand the direct transfer of heat from pots and pans and other cooking units such as electric frying pans and griddles, and some crock-pots or roaster ovens and heat lamps. Therefore, the use of a hot pad or trivet is always recommended to prevent heating the product.

 

Quartz tops are a non-porous surface and highly resistant to stains from coffee, wine, lemon juice, olive oil, vinegar, makeup and many other everyday products. Just wash it with warm water, and use a mild soap if desired. Stain resistant, it never needs sealing or reconditioning. The Silestone brand contains a unique bacteriostatic formula they developed that is based on the use of latest generation silver ions to prevent the propagation of bacterias.

 

Colors! Quartz tops come in a variety of different shades of color, offering a multitude of design possibilities. It’s an excellent option of you want a solid white or uniform color that is often difficult to find in granite. Granite has more of a natural beauty with pattern and color changing from slab to slab whereas quartz is more uniform and manufactured in appearance.

 

So do you like quartz over granite? What do you like or dislike? Shoot me an email and share your thoughts at Jessica@webbercoleman.com

Sunday, March 2, 2014

2014 Athens Home and Garden Show


If you missed the Athens Home and Garden Show last weekend at the Classic Center, you really missed out. Catch the highlights below.

 

  • The interior design students from Athens Technical College and the University of Georgia competed in the White Room Challenge. The White Room Challenge was to transform a 12 x 14 space into a room for the home. Students had a virtual budget of $1500.00. Students were to shop at the two Athens Habitat for Humanity Restores for furniture and accessories and then transform them. Dalton Carpet One provided the flooring choices. It was a lot of fun to watch the students work on their project over the course of the weekend and truly transform the space. Congratulations to Athens Technical College on their win!!!
     
  • Garden South and College Pro Landscaping outdid themselves with their booths. The landscaping ideas, cool plants and water features were incredible!

 

  • Cupcake Wars! Culinary students from Athens Technical College competed and baked some delicious cupcakes! I sure hope they do this again next year. It was a hit!

 

  • Several booths had fun ways to win prizes, photo booths, popcorn and fun games.

 

  • Kids crafts: woodworking and pottery. There truly was something for everyone!

 

  • Girl Scout cookies. I mean, who can resist?!

 

This years event was wonderful! Many thanks to Susan Bogardus for heading up such a large event and the Athens Area Home Builders Association for sponsoring this event each year. If you missed it this year, make a point to come next year. Im sure you wont be disappointed. Did you attend the show this year? Id love to hear what your favorite part was. Shoot me an email at Jessica@webbercoleman.com