Posts made in April 2019

Samples of kitchen countertop materials

Choosing Between Granite or Marble Countertops

It is time to redo the kitchen, and you are trying to decide what stone you would prefer for the countertops. For many people, the top contenders are granite and marble countertops in Wexford, PA. These are both popular choices, but which would work best for you? Let us compare the two, based on appearance and durability:

Appearance: These two types of stone have very different looks. Marble has veins that run through most slabs, giving it a very distinct appearance. Granite on the other hand comes in a wide range of styles, from a simple speckle to something that looks like it belongs in an art museum.

Durability: Marble is a soft stone that can fade and become marred by spills. Granite, however, is hard, strong, and durable. It resists heat, is more resilient, and less porous.

Comparing marble and granite countertops, we find that granite is tougher and better suited for the kitchen unless you want to be very careful about your counters. We invite you to come into Top It Off, Inc. to look at the granite and talk to our experts about countertop options.

The choice between granite and marble countertops in Wexford, PA, might not be the easiest. Reach out to our team today at (724) 538-3505 for more information.

Soapstone slab

3 Advantages of Soapstone in the Kitchen & Bathroom

Soapstone is a beautiful material known for its smooth feel and incredible durability. Soapstone is widely used in kitchen and bathrooms, and the demand is growing higher and higher. If you are interested in installing soapstone countertops in Pittsburgh, below are three advantages you will experience.

  1. It Does Not Stain

Soapstone is non-porous, which means it is impenetrable by liquids. This means it cannot absorb anything that spills, whether it is coffee, wine, or curry sauce. By choosing this material, you will experience beautiful countertops for much longer than other popular stone choices.

  1. It is Easy to Maintain

No material is 100% scratch resistant, so ease of maintenance is important. While some soapstone can be harder and more resistant to scratches, dings, and aging, all soapstone can easily be sanded for repairs. This allows any homeowner to do some light maintenance and help their soapstone countertops age gracefully.

  1. It is Heat Safe

Soapstone is heat-resistant and will not be damaged when you forget to place a hot-pad before putting down your pan. The material slowly and evenly radiates the heat, preventing scars and heat stains from occurring. Because of these thermal properties, soapstone is often used for pizza stones, oven floors, and cookware.