Calacatta Marble Kitchen Countertop

Granite, Quartz & Marble Concepts For Your Home

Granite Countertop Thickness: 1cm, 2cm or 3cm?

Posted by Nelson Wong on Mon, Oct 15, 2012 @ 04:50 PM

For many years, 2cm Granite and quartz was the “go to” thickness for counter tops.  Many times, especially in kitchens, the edge is laminated to a 4cm edge. This size edge is perfect for framed cabinets since that thickness edge can cover the gap between the top of the cabinet and the cabinet door.  Even as cabinets became frameless, 4cm edging is still popular.

 

Image Courtesy of http://bit.ly/kTaFfD

But what about people on the cutting edge? What thickness of counter tops are they interested in?  For the last few years, thick counter tops with 6cm – 20cm mitred edges was popular. On islands, the thick edge and material would also go down the side of the cabinets to the floor to create a thick side panel. This gave the counter top a thick and substantial look.  This is still very popular in North America.

Caesarstone - Blizzard 2141 (Image Courtesy of www.caesarstone.ca)

 

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In Europe the emerging trend is to go with super skinny counter tops – 1 cm thickness material. This look is sleek and modern.  It goes along with the whole integrated kitchen/home idea that is so popular right now.  Appliances are built to be hidden from plain view or its appearance as muted as possible. Likewise, counter tops are becoming more subtle in terms of material thickness.  Latitude currently has various 1CM Silestone and Caesarstone materials in stock and acrylics such as Corian and Staron come in 1CM  only (traditionally, Corian and Staron edges are built up to that thicker looking edge).  It is a new look that is making its way into modern designs.

Image Courtesy of www.bolli.com

I love the clean look of the thin counter top, but whether or not I would decide to go with that or another look would depend on the overall look of the house.  The styles in the home would have to work together.  Thinner counter tops would look better in smaller kitchens to make the space seem bigger and as you can tell from the picture above, will look good in a larger space as well. Thick, 4cm – 6cm” counter tops may make a small kitchen feel more closed in.

- Nelson Wong

2cm granite with a 4cm edge

 

 

Topics: Quartz Kitchen Countertops, Countertops, Kitchen Renovation, tips for counter tops, Granite Fabricator, Granite countertops, Kitchen design tips, kitchen design, rennovation, renovation

Leathered, Honed, Volcano Finishes with Granite/Quartz

Posted by Jonathan Wheller on Mon, May 30, 2011 @ 11:28 AM

Over the last few years, many different finishing options have come to market for granite and quartz countertops.  Before these last few years, we had only been able to see Granite and Quartz in polished finishes. Now that the industry has grown and quartz and granite are hugely popular in modern design, we are beginning to see a variety of available finishes for stone countertops. 

 

 

Leathered and honed finishes are often related to each other, but do have specific differences between the two.  Honed finishes were first introduced to give stone a softer look compared to that of polished stone.  One of the only problems to consider with using a honed finish is that it can affect the overall performance of the stone when it comes to staining.  Leathered finishes have advanced the honed look to allow for better performance.  Leathering closes the stone pores, which make it much more difficult to stain than a honed finished.  Leathering also retains the natural stone colour while honed finishing tends to cloud out the natural colour of the stone.

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Silestone has been offering quartz countertop colours in a leathered finish for a nearly five years.  Coming very soon, Silestone will introduce a new texture to the market that has not yet been approached:  Volcano.  This new Volcano texture is said to give the feel of an orange peel, while continuing to offer the same performance standards as their leathered and polished finishes.  Silestone expects to release this finish, along with a variety of new and exciting colours this summer. Silestone is able to offer their remarkable 15 year warranty with these new finishes as well.

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If you are interested in learning more about leathered, honed, or Volcano finishes to your granite or quartz products, please visit Latitude Countertops or speak with one of our knowledgeable and friendly sales team members. 

Topics: Granite, slabs, Silestone, bathroom design, bathroom ideas, Toronto, counter tops, Quartz Kitchen Countertops, counter top, Countertops, Kitchen Renovation, Quartz, Cleaning granite counter top, difference between granite and quartz, kitchen countertop, Kitchen Countertops, Natural Stone, Granite countertops, kitchen design, Granite Kitchen Countertops, Cleaning granite, Granite Kitchen Countertop, Staining, care for Granite, cleaning quartz counter top, unique granite, Granite vs Quartz, Stone, Stone Fabricator, Natural Stone Fabricator

Staying Green with Countertops

Posted by Colin Ackroyd on Thu, Dec 16, 2010 @ 09:57 AM

If the goal in your kitchen is to be as green as possible, Latitude offers the best options for countertops.  Our knowledgeable sales people are always on hand to answer any questions that you have about the green qualities of the countertops that we offer at Latitude.

The new environmental craze that is happening, in regards to granite, is the testing for Radon gases in granite slabs.  Many people have asked us about Radon gases in granite, and what effect it can have on your home.  Granite, and other natural stone products, always contains traces of NORMs (Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials) that produce measureable amounts of radiation and sometimes Radon gas.

Although all granite is tested for radon, it is possible that small amounts of the radioactive material can still be found in the slab.  Not to worry though, as Radon gas usually becomes insignificant when diluted with the quantity of air in your home.  Most Radon gas that is produced in your home is from the actual soil that your house is built on.  I have included a pie chart that shows the most abundant locations for radon gas in your home.

radonsources resized 600 Although granite does not usually have enough radon gas in it to be harmful to your family, you may still be cautious of putting granite in your home.   In that case, Latitude offers 5 Natural Quartz Surfaces that are all leading the charge in safer countertop options.   For your information, I have included links to each of these suppliers “Green Qualities” on their websites.

Silestone

Caesarstone

Hanstone

Zodiaq

Eco by Cosentino

If you have any other questions regarding the green qualities of countertops, please visit our showroom, or showroom locator for a Latitude dealer near you!!

Happy Holidays!!

C

Topics: granite sale, Granite, slabs, Silestone, vanity, bathroom design, bathroom ideas, Toronto, Caesarstone, Quartz Kitchen Countertops, Countertops, Kitchen Renovation, Quartz, Kitchen Countertops, Natural Stone, Granite Fabricator, Granite countertops, kitchen design, Granite Kitchen Countertops, granite shower walls, granite table top, unique granite, Granite vs Quartz, Stone Fabricator, Natural Stone Fabricator

Marble vs Granite Part I

Posted by Brett McLennan on Tue, Dec 14, 2010 @ 11:23 AM

Marble and granite materials have been used as kitchen countertops and bathroom vanities for quite some time around the world. Marble typically only comes from a couple of locations on the planet whereas granite can be found on almost every continent.

There are some very obvious pro’s and con’s to both solutions.

Marble:

Marble is a type of metamorphic rock composed mostly of calcite. Marble comes in a variety of colours and patterns, especially in the coveted light colours which people enjoy in both the bathroom and the kitchen. Unfortunately, marble has several disadvantages, it is very porous and can easily be chipped, cracked, or stained. It is recommended that marble is sealed often to maintain it properly.

Granite:

Granite is a crystalline stone that is known for being much harder. Granite also contains a medium to high concentration of quartz, quartz being one of the hardest minerals on the planet. When properly sealed, it is much more resistant to staining as it is less porous.

Conclusions:

Kitchen – Marble would be suited best in a decorative kitchen that does not have high traffic or children. There’s no question it adds elegance to any room but it is much less practical due to how soft and porous it is. Granite would make a much better choice for the average person with the amount of use their kitchen counter tops receive.

Bathroom – This is an area of the house I personally would prefer to put marble, either as a stylish vanity or as unique marble shower walls.

Cost:

There is no real difference in cost between the two of them. If you’re shopping on a level by level basis they are exactly the same price here at Latitude. However, don’t forget to check out our ongoing remnant sale and you may be able to save up to 75% off which ever surface you choose.

Granite Shower Walls

Topics: kitchen countertop, Granite countertops, Marble vs Granite, granite shower walls, marble vanity, marble countertop, granite vanity, granite vs marble, marble shower walls

European Design Trends

Posted by Colin Ackroyd on Tue, Nov 23, 2010 @ 10:00 AM

Recently, I had the opportunity to attend the monthly chapter meeting for the NKBA, being held at Euro-Line Appliances in Oakville.  It was nice to meet and socialize with the other members of the NKBA, while enjoying a delicious meal and an informative presentation.   The guest speaker at this month’s chapter meeting was Janette Ewen, Décor/Design Expert and Co-Host of “Inside the Box” with Ty Pennington.  Janette has toured Europe visiting many different Design and Decor Shows, gathering new trends that are beginning to be seen amongst their design community. 

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The presentation was very interesting, and I was able to take away a few great ideas that are beginning to be seen in the counter top and kitchen design industry.  Janette mentioned that, currently, the common trend in Europe is to choose basic, simple colours such as black, white, and grey, as the main colour theme in the kitchen.  Use these colours as the central point in your kitchen, such as appliances, countertops, and even sinks.  

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After designing your kitchen around these basic colours, Janette suggests accenting the kitchen with bright colours, such as blue and green.  These accent colours should be seen in smaller, more exchangeable items in the kitchen, such as dish towels, soap dispensers, and centre pieces.  Using accent colours with these items allows you to change the look of your kitchen as trends continue to change throughout the years.

RedSink resized 600

  This helps keep your kitchen in style, without having to spend too much money.  Quartz counter tops can be a great addition to this package, as they are the most durable counter top that Latitude offers.  We currently offer the following Quartz products: Silestone, Caesarstone, Hanstone, Compac, and ECO by Cosentino.

At Latitude, we offer many different styles of black, white, and grey counter tops.  Caesarstone continues to produce the boldest colours in these shades.  I have included a few pictures of what these colours look like, but the best way to get a view of these colours is to visit our showroom, or one of our many dealers that can be found on our Showroom Locator.  Latitude’s showroom is open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm, and Saturdays from 10am-2pm.  I look forward to discussing these new and upcoming trends in the counter top and kitchen design industry, when you come visit us at Latitude.

Raven resized 600

Caesarstone-Raven(Above)

Caesarstone- Pure White(Below)

Purewhite resized 600

Topics: Granite, slabs, Silestone, vanity, bathroom design, bathroom ideas, marble, Toronto, Quartz Kitchen Countertops, Countertops, Kitchen Renovation, Quartz, Kitchen Countertops, Natural Stone, Granite Fabricator, Granite countertops, kitchen design, Granite Kitchen Countertops, Marble vs Granite, Marble vs Quartz, Granite vs Quartz, Stone Fabricator, Natural Stone Fabricator

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