Latitude Countertops Blog | Granite Fabricator

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)

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

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

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.

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!!

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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

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.

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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.

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