Quartz vs. Granite Countertops – Which is Best for Your Home?

A big thanks to Consolidated Kitchens and Fireplaces for their expertise on this interesting subject. The next time you need a quality countertop, be sure to check out their website at www.ckfco.com.

When you build a new house, there are many decisions that must be made. It’s important to choose quality products that will last as long as your home. Kitchen countertops are an important part of any home since they will be used literally thousands and thousands of times over the life of the home. But how do you know what you should choose?

Quartz and granite countertops are two of the highest quality countertops on the market today. But, which is best for your home? There are a few considerations to keep in mind when making this important choice.

Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops offer superior quality and durability. Cambria® is one type of quartz countertop that will give your kitchen cabinets the durability you need in what is frequently the busiest room in your home. Cambria® countertops are 93% granite, mixed with polyester resin.

These quartz countertops are: 

*Scratch resistant
*Non-porous
*Won’t allow substance and odors to absorb into the countertop
*Engineered, which means the consistency of the slabs is very consistent from one piece to another.
*Allow for near perfect color matching, even down to the specific color hues

Quartz countertops are a great choice when durability is important, as well as a uniform look and color are considerations in your home.

Granite Countertops

Granite is a natural rock product from the earth. It is composed of quartz, potassium, sodium rich feldspar, and mica.  It is formed near the earth’s core and pushed up to the surface through volcanic activity. It is an excellent choice for countertops, particularly if a more rustic, natural, and earthy feel are what you want to give your home.

Granite countertops are:

*A natural substance
*Scratch resistant
*Non-porous.
*Vary in appearance from slab, due to the fact they are all natural

 What Can You Do On Quartz and Granite Countertops?

Since both of these types of countertops are such high quality, many questions frequently arise from consumers as to just how durable both of these countertops actually are.

Can I Cut on These Countertops?

 Most likely cutting will just dull your cutlery, but it is possible to take a chip out of these products so it is always recommended to use a cutting board to protect your countertop.

Can I harm these counters with heat? 

Both sustained and dramatic changes in temperature can damage the stone countertops. As a precaution, you should always use a hot pad to protect your countertop.

What Type of Warranty Do These Products Carry?

Cambria® quartz countertops have a limited lifetime warranty. Since this particular type of counter top is man-made, there is no maintenance required on it.

Granite countertops also carry a limited lifetime warranty.  However, since it is a natural product, it does occasionally require a little bit of maintenance that is very simple.

Both quartz and granite countertops offer superior quality to any home. By examining many of the individual differences, you can determine which type is right for your home. CKF is Nebraska's only Accredited Fabricator and Installer for Artisan Natural Granite and Cambria®  Natural Quartz.

Fall Landscaping Tips

Every yard needs a little freshening up by the end of summer. Gone are the scorching sun, heat, and drought of summer. By fall, your yard is ready for a few fall updates and preparing it for the winter chill. With a few simple proactive steps, your yard can be more beautiful and healthier than ever in the spring.

Fall is for Planting

We often think of spring and summer as the best time to plant. While this is true for certain items, fall is the best time to plant trees, plants, and perennials. The warm soil and cool air offers a great recipe for healthy planting. This dynamic duo helps root structures grow and become better established. Spring and summer planting requires surviving hot temperatures. The fall, however, offers a time of less stress on the root system and gives it plenty of time to be established. Vegetation will continue to grow through the winter, as well, provided the ground temperatures are above fifty degrees.

Trees are an excellent choice to plant in the fall. They will provide color, protection from the wind in the winter, and shade in the summer for years to come. These factors can help significantly reduce energy costs for years to come, as well.

In addition, landscapers and nurseries offer larger discounts in the fall to encourage you to plan during this ideal time. You can save hundreds or dollars on larger landscape projects by simply purchasing during the autumn planting season. This allows you to either save a significant amount of money or make your allotted fall planting money go much further than it would just a few short months before.

Winterize Your Lawn

Lawns are usually something we concern ourselves with while the grass is quickly growing and the sun beats down on it, draining it of crucial moisture. However, fall is an excellent time to get your lawn ready for the upcoming cold temperatures.

Water might not seem like something you need to be as concerned about in the fall, but it is important to make sure your lawn is still getting the proper amount of water. Turn down the frequency of water output during the fall months since more water is being absorbed into the ground with the cooler temperatures fall ushers in. Overwatering a lawn in the fall can cause serious problems later.

Irrigating your lawn is another consideration. By making sure you have the proper amount of water on your lawn for the fall, you will help root systems become well-established. Also consider applying a fertilizer to your lawn. This will give it much needed nutrients for the coming months.

Winterize Your Sprinkler System

In order to properly winterize the sprinkler system, you should drain the system completely. It is important to get it ready for winter so that it works properly when spring rolls around. This can be done by calling a professional or even by a knowledgeable sprinkler owner.

Properly draining the sprinkling system will prevent the back flow preventer from cracking and breaking. When this happens, the back flow preventer must be replaced. This should be done early to get ready for any possible unexpected early freezes.

There are a number of considerations in the fall when it comes to your lawn. While your frequency of mowing may decrease, the lawn should still be properly maintained. It is an excellent time to plant, winterize your lawn for winter, and prepare your sprinkler system for the coming winter. Paying extra attention to your lawn in the fall will reap a much healthier, stronger lawn in the spring.