Rightway Stone Art

Which Stone Countertop Is Easiest to Maintain?

Tue, 19 Jul 2022 17:24:00 GMT

Stone countertops are an investment. Whether the counters are in your kitchen or bathroom, you want to protect your investment by choosing a durable option. You should consider your lifestyle when choosing materials in high-traffic places like the kitchen and the bathroom. Don’t end up choosing a material that could be hard to maintain.

There are plenty of materials that are both durable and stylish. So which stone countertop is the easiest to clean and retain its shape? Check out this guide to find out.

Quartz

A quartz countertop mixes crushed granite, marble, other natural stones, glass, and ceramic. This engineered material has the look of stone but is much more durable.

There are quartz options that look like marble and granite. The variety of available colours allows you to choose a slab that looks customized to your kitchen or bathroom remodel .

Quartz is easy to maintain, needing only soap and water to clean and requiring no sealants. This material is stain-, heat-, and scratch-resistant.

Granite

The popular option for most kitchen countertops is granite. Granite is a natural stone with various colouring and veins that look unique and high-end.

There are traditional colour options like white and tan as well as more modern options like black. Granite can also add a pop of colour with shades of blue, green, and red.

Granite is also a durable material, making it a great choice for high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms. As a non-porous material, granite creates a clean surface. It’s resistant to heat, so pots won’t leave a burn if you set them on the counter. A granite countertop would also be resistant to scratches and stains. It also won’t fade under sunlight.

What’s the Best Choice for Your Home?

To be able to make that decision, you have to consider your lifestyle. Both quartz and granite are durable options for your kitchen or bathroom. They’ll easily stand up to daily wear and tear. Though granite is a great option, it does require regular maintenance to keep the beauty. Granite needs to be sealed at least once a year, possibly more if you plan to use them as your countertop in the kitchen. Quartz is entirely maintenance-free, so this option is great for homeowners with busy lives who don’t want to add regular countertop maintenance to their schedule.

Get Expert Advice for Your Next Project

If you’re looking to remodel your kitchen or bathroom, you’ll probably want to start with a new countertop. But what’s the point of creating a stunning remodel if the materials don’t hold up over time?

That’s why you should invest in durable countertop materials so that they stand up to your daily lifestyle. Choose a stone countertop that’s low-maintenance and beautiful to transform your home.

Right Way Stone Art is dedicated to providing high-quality stone countertops for your renovation needs. Have a design idea that you want to bring to life? Contact our experts to get a quote on a project today!

Top Kitchen Countertop Trends 2022

Wed, 02 Mar 2022 18:13:00 GMT

A kitchen countertop can transform the vibe of your kitchen. Not only will it enhance the appearance of your kitchen, but new countertops can raise your home’s value.

With so many countertops options to choose from, keeping up with trends in kitchen countertops can get exhausting. We’re here to help. If you want a stylish kitchen, keep on reading. We’ll cover the top kitchen countertop trends for 2022.

Quartz Stays Cool

Quartz kitchen countertops continue gaining momentum. Granite was a popular choice, but its porous nature can lead to water damage.

Quartz kitchen countertops leave no room for water to seep through cracks. The non-porous material has low maintenance. Similar to granite, quartz is a durable material for your kitchen countertop.

Resin Countertops

Homeowners want customization. Resin countertops allow homeowners to create more personalization countertops to fit their unique style. These countertops produce many colorful arrangements and come at an affordable price.

You can tint or colour the countertop’s epoxy to produce your personalized style. Resin countertops allow for custom colours, patterns, and other designs.

Glass Kitchen Countertops

Glass kitchen countertops are heat-resistant and durable. Not only do they last long, but they are also eco-friendly and require less maintenance.

These non-porous countertops require less maintenance than porous materials such as granite. The main downside is that these countertops cost more than average. They also come with higher repair costs if they break.

Thick Countertops Add a Sense of Luxury

A popular trend is that going around is thicker-looking countertops. Contractors are joining the countertop edges by adding an extra 1-2 inches to create the illusion of an extra-thick slab. It creates a modern aesthetic and makes the kitchen stand out more.

The perks of thick countertops extend beyond cosmetics. Thicker countertops come with more durability than their thinner counterparts.

Laminate Countertops Make a Comeback

Laminate countertops appeal to home renovations on a budget . The countertops previously attained popularity in the 80s and 90s.

Laminate countertops imitate expensive materials and come in many colours. This kitchen countertop trend provides variety without breaking the bank.

Find the Best Kitchen Countertop for Your Home

Let us help you narrow down your search for the countertop of your dreams. We offer affordable, quality countertops that match up with the current trends. Check out our showroom in Richmond for inspiration.

Here’s What You Need to Know Before Buying Countertops

Mon, 10 Jan 2022 18:16:00 GMT

Did you know the stones countertops weren’t popular until the 1980s? Even then, stones such as granite were only available in two colours. The lack of variety, resilience, and the high cost made granite undesired for about a decade.

Despite all the difficulty during the early days with granite, the style took off. Today it’s one of the most sought-after styles when buying countertops.

There’s such a wide variety of styles and designs to choose from these days. Unlike those in the ’80s doing their kitchen remodel with limited choices, we have the opportunity to shop around and find something we truly love.

That said, a wider variety comes with the challenge of not knowing where to begin. Below we have highlighted some points to consider before choosing countertops for your home.

Functionality for Your Routines

Every household has different routines when it comes to lifestyles.

For example, do you cook a lot? Those who enjoy making a home-cooked meal are slicing and dicing away in the kitchen. Therefore, home cooks need durable countertops that can handle heat and knives regularly.

Or perhaps you have a new baby or young children. They might spill their cups and foods regularly. Will the countertops need to resist staining?

Whatever your lifestyle may be, consider the daily activities that will take place at the counter. Once you have narrowed down the workload, you’re one step further in the process of remodeling the kitchen and you’ll find your decisions are easier to make.

Compare the Countertops Options

There are several choices from colour to porous or nonporous. Here are just a few examples we offer:

Granite: five-colour categories
Engineered Stone: four-colour categories
Marble: three-colour categories
Quartz: in-store colour options

If you narrow it down to your top five favourites, then you can take home a few samples to see how it mixes with the overall kitchen remodel project.

How to Maintain Your Countertops

When deciding what the best countertops are for you and your kitchen remodel, don’t forget to do some research on the amount of maintenance you’ll need to do long-term.

For example, if you love to cook, granite should be a top contender for you. It can withstand heat, abuse from knives and is easy to clean. In addition, these types of countertops are easy to maintain, only requiring periodic sealing.

The best policy when buying countertops is first to evaluate the type of lifestyle you lead.

Visit the Showroom

if you love to host parties, you’ll want to find a countertop that can withstand spills and not stain. Again, don’t be afraid to bring samples home for your personal vision.

Here at Rightway Stone Art , we help you narrow down what’s best for you and your family’s needs. For more on the different countertops and how they could suit your style, contact us online or give us a call anytime at 604-339-0296 .

5 Tips to Make Your House Renovation Run Smoother

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 18:26:00 GMT

There’s a lot of moving parts when it comes to a house renovation.

Not only do you have to think about your design and its materials , but you also have to think about scheduling and other resources.

All this is why it can be difficult to carry out a smooth house renovation.

From scheduling hiccups, unforeseen interruptions, and construction mishaps, there’s a lot to account for when it comes to calculating efficiency.

So keep reading to learn three tips to make your house renovation run smoother. Afterward, you’ll understand how you can save as much time and money as possible.

1. Budget Wisely

Even if you’re not one to worry about money running out remodelling costs can get steep. For this reason, you’ll want to budget wisely while leaving room for additional costs.

As a homeowner, you definitely don’t want a big project to be left half-done. It can be uncomfortable to live in your own space unfinished while you’re working to earn the money needed to finally finish the project.

2. Don’t Skimp on Professionals

Unless you’re an experienced contractor yourself, it’s best to hire a general contractor. Even if you do have experience, you might want some extra help to get a house remodel done.

For this reason, make sure that you have pros on your side. They will ensure maximum safety and results, mitigating many DIY mistakes homeowners make. Make sure you check for a contractor’s certification, references, and whether they offer a warranty.

3. Demo Small Structures

We typically discourage homeowners from performing DIY renovation tasks . However, there are certain tasks that most homeowners are certainly capable of doing. Provided they do so with care, safety, and with the right tools.

One possible task is demolishing outdoor structures. Of course, it’s a different story if you want to knock down a wall from a patio. Doing so can weaken the entire building’s structure and cause it to collapse. But with enough caution, most homeowners can certainly take on demolishing a fire pit, countertops, or a deck.

4. Buy Appliances Last

Using remodeling costs on new appliances may seem like an exciting prospect. But installing them before you’ve done other renovations will prove extremely difficult.

That’s because you’ll have to tarp and cover them, even moving them around to finally finish painting your walls, retiling the floors, etc. So save new appliance installation for last, when they have little chance of getting in the way.

5. Make Storage More Efficient

Before you commit to knocking down your walls for increased room size, rethink your storage situation. You might realize that you don’t need to upsize your property at all!

Doing this won’t make your space feel cramped. In fact, blending storage into your space seamlessly might make your space look even cleaner. Of course, you can also incorporate built-in storage into your walls, which offers a nice middle ground between minimal and maximal effort.

Make House Renovation Ultra-Efficient

So you have your building materials, your plans, and your anticipation. But when it comes to actually renovate, it’s easy to get behind on schedule and/or your budget! For this reason, it’s crucial that homeowners make the job as efficient as possible.

That’s why at Rightway Stone Art, we offer quality countertop installation services. This way, your house renovation will have the best results, materials, and design possible. If you’re interested, then contact us today !

Best Alternatives to Marble Countertops

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 18:45:00 GMT

Have you seen those stunning homes on the glossy pages of a magazine? They’re well-designed with beautiful details that stand out from the average house. And the bathrooms and kitchens are always the most striking.

What’s the key to a good kitchen or bathroom design? It’s the countertops. These pieces of stone have the ability to transform a room from drab to luxurious.

Homeowners and designers consider marble countertops because of the luxurious feel. However, that’s not the only option you have. Here are the best marble alternatives for countertops.

Quartz

For a material that looks like marble, but is more affordable, choose quartz. It’s such a good alternative, many people can’t tell the difference between quartz and marble.

You can find many quartz countertops that look like marble and have the signature marble veining.

Quartz is a human-made material. This makes it much more durable and resistant than other countertop options. It’s scratch-resistant, stain-resistant, and requires much less maintenance than natural stone options.

Granite

Coming from the solidification of molten rock, granite is actually one of the oldest stone materials in the world. This natural process makes it an ideal material alternative to marble in the bathroom and kitchen.

Granite is incredibly durable and heat-resistant. So if you have a busy life, choose this material for kitchen and bathroom countertops. With its composition of quartz, mica, and feldspar, granite has many color variations.

You can find rosy pinks, bold greens, and classic grays. But granite can also have the idiosyncratic veining look of marble, which makes it a great alternative.

Concrete

This is a more modern choice than the classic stone options. Concrete is becoming more popular, especially in modern and industrial-inspired designs . However, you can still fit them in more traditional designs like marble.

If you use white concrete, with the right staining, you can create a look like marble. Concrete is a great alternative also because it won’t empty your wallet like some pricy marble slabs.

Concrete can look elegant while providing stain- and heat-resistance in the kitchen.

Engineered Stone

Made from quartz and held together with resin, engineered stone offers a variety of benefits for homeowners. This material is eco-friendly , making it a great alternative to natural stone options like marble and granite.

Engineered stone is also incredibly durable and easy to maintain. It’s acid-resistant, heat-resistant, and not absorbent, so it won’t stain or become damaged from common liquids like water, coffee, or wine.

It’s the perfect swap for alternatives to marble worktops in the kitchen.

Alternatives to Marble Countertops that Look Just as Stunning
Marble is a classic material that looks great in every design it’s placed in. But marble may not be the right option in your home.

Whether you’re looking for a more cost-effective option or don’t want to keep up with the maintenance, you can find many alternative marble countertops that look as beautiful in the design.

Ready to give your home a transformation? We’d love to assist you in creating the home of your dreams. Contact our experts about seeing our stone selection today.

How to Maintain Your Countertops in the Long Term

Mon, 25 Jan 2021 18:51:00 GMT

Did you know that, depending on the material of countertops, they can last anywhere between 10 and 100 years? Of course, this is only the case when countertops get maintained properly. This is always easier said than done, so getting a replacement may be your best bet sometimes.

Read on to learn about how to maintain your countertops in the long term.

How to Maintain Clean Countertops

Understanding how to clean countertops depends a lot on the material they get made from. Depending on what type of countertops you own, they will have different stain removal and maintenance requirements.

Wood

Wood countertops are an amazing material to have because they can last up to 100 years. However, proper care is necessary to make it that long.

Cleaning countertops made of wood involve applying mineral oil each month. This can help the countertops be stain-resistant.

Maintaining wood countertops can be done with home remedies as well. For example, burns and marks can get sanded out of wood. Stains can be easily removed with hydrogen peroxide and lemon juice.

If these remedies stop working, it is probably time to start replacing countertops. Damaged countertops can get replaced by Rightway Stone Art.

Quartz

Maintaining clean countertops made of quartz is easier than other materials because they are already heat, stain, and scratch-resistant. If stains do happen, hydrogen peroxide and flour can do the trick if you let it sit for 24 hours.

Marble

Knowing how to clean countertops made of marble takes more work than other materials. These countertops are considered high maintenance.

Because marble is naturally porous, etching is very common. Corrosion from chemicals can get buffed out using marble polish. Oil stains can get removed by hydrogen peroxide, ammonia, or mineral spirits .

It is important to consider the cleaning materials needed for maintaining countertops made of marble. Ammonia can be highly toxic and should only get used with care. Having kids or pets around this chemical may make you reconsider your marble countertops. It may be best to replace these countertops with the professional help of Rightway Stone Art.

Soapstone

In contrast to marble, soapstone is naturally nonporous and does not need sealing. It is common to have scratches because the countertops are already rugged.

Cleaning countertops made of soapstone involves using mineral oil when there is discoloration. However, mineral oil only works on slight discolouration. These damaged countertops can get replaced with countertops from Rightway Stone Art.

Stainless Steel

It is common knowledge that stainless steel is prone to scratches. Luckily, these scratches can get buffed out using an abrasive pad.

Stainless steel damaged countertops can be avoided if you prevent contact with cast iron pans. If rust stains occur, you can use lemon juice and baking soda to eliminate them.

Extend the Life of Your Countertop

With the many different materials countertops are made of, it can be difficult to know how to clean them. By using this guide, you can have clean countertops for as long as possible. Unfortunately, countertops don’t last forever and these tips won’t always work.

When you are ready to replace your damaged countertops, hire Rightway Stone Art for professional help!