Stone countertops can do wonders for a modern kitchen or bath. Whether you prefer a natural material like quartzite or a manufactured quartz product, taking the time to make an informed decision never hurts. There is no need to rush into a choice given the amount of money you could invest in stone countertops.
Most new countertop installations go off without a hitch when customers work with a trusted partner like Bedrock Quartz. But mistakes are still possible. So in the interest of ensuring your happiness as a customer, here are the top ten mistakes to avoid when choosing stone countertops.
1. Focusing Only on Aesthetics
Pay a visit to any of our Utah showrooms and you’ll be treated to a visually stunning selection of marble, granite, quartzite, and quartz. Don’t be surprised if what you see takes your breath away. But also go into it by understanding that focusing only on aesthetics is a mistake. You also need to pay attention to function.
2. Choosing an Incompatible Material
Giving too much priority to aesthetics without considering function leads directly to choosing a material that is incompatible with your lifestyle. For example, granite might not be the best choice for a young and busy couple still raising small children. Quartz would probably suit them better.
3. Failing to Consider Maintenance
All countertops need maintenance to some degree. Stone tends to need more than laminates, wood, etc. Furthermore, each type of stone has its own maintenance requirements. It is important to know what they are before choosing a stone material.
4. Selecting a Slab Online
We love the fact that we can reach our customers throughout Utah with our website. But we also think that choosing a slab online is a mistake. It is better to see slabs in-person to get a true understanding of quality and aesthetics. That is why we offer showrooms across the state. Why not visit one?
5. Failing to Consider Durability
Stone is generally a durable material across the board. But there are softer and more porous stones, like soapstone, that are impractical for a busy kitchen. Durability must be balanced with aesthetics to ensure long-lasting beauty.
6. Failing to Give Attention to Layout
The layout of a stone countertop directly affects what the finished product looks like. Everything from veining alignment to seam placement makes a difference. Layout is definitely something to consider in the showroom.
7. Failing to Consider Sealing
It is also a mistake to choose a stone material without considering how you are going to seal it. Quartz doesn’t need sealing because it is a manufactured product. But granite, marble, and quartzite all do. Sealing is your best protection against surface damage.
8. Not Matching Stone With Cabinetry
Even the loveliest stone can look terrible if installed on cabinetry that doesn’t match. We recommend taking photos of your cabinets and bringing them with you to the showroom. That way, you and a Bedrock Quartz representative can find a good match. Better yet, upload a picture of your kitchen in our room visualizer to see what the different stones will look like with your cabinets.
9. Failing to Consider the Heat Factor
While stone countertops are pretty tough, some materials are more sensitive to heat than others. If you do a lot of cooking and are balancing it with a very busy lifestyle, understand that protecting stone countertops against high heat requires some effort.
10. Not Vetting the Fabricator and Installer
Last but not least, do not make the mistake of not vetting your fabricator and installer. We do both here at Bedrock Quartz. Not only that, but our reputation throughout Utah also speaks for itself. We have years of experience along with hundreds of satisfied customers.
