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Countertops in Pittsburgh, PA, are a great way to enhance the look and functionality of your kitchen or bathroom. When you are shopping for a countertop, you may spend some time thinking about the material, its colors and patterns, and the layout of the finished product. One overlooked detail is often the edge treatment. In this post, we will talk about why it might matter to factor the edge into your remodeling plans.

The edge treatment is as the border of your counter. It is a common design element for counters that use stone or engineered stone. The edges can be thought of as a design element. While they may not feel impactful on their own, they can either pull an interior design together or can break up the overall harmony when you view the kitchen or bathroom as a whole.

There are many types of edge treatments. The most popular include:

Square: Simple and clean-lined edges meant to resemble a square. This treatment includes “kerfs,” which soften the edges. As a result, a square edge can mitigate the impact of accidents and also protect the counter from chips and cracks.

Beveled: A beveled edge, also known as a chamfer, is an edge style where the top corner of the counter is cut to a 45-degree angle. This type of treatment is a popular style for bathrooms, as it imparts an elegant theme. It also makes a strong design statement.

Mitered: A mitered edge joins the horizontal top piece of a counter with the vertical apron piece. This forms a square joint. A mitered treatment allows the countertop to take on the appearance of a thick, heavy slab without utilizing more materials. If you want to create a countertop that looks thick, heavy, and expensive, then a mitered edge may work for you.

There are many more types of edge treatments available on the market. When designing your dream countertops, it is important to work with an experienced contractor so that you are aware of your options.

You want stunning countertops for your home improvement project, and granite is the gold standard in many people’s minds. However, not every slab is right for every application, and subtle differences can have long-term consequences for your satisfaction. At Top It Off, Inc., we’ve seen stone of all shapes, sizes, and colors, and we know how to recognize quality granite in Pittsburgh. When you shop for your next slab, consider the following tips from our team:

Match Your Colors — Countertops might be some of the most prominent parts of your décor, but they should contribute to a cohesive design. Since each piece of granite is unique, matching a slab to your existing counters and surrounding interior features can take time, but it’s well worth the results.

Light Before You Buy — The kind of lighting in a room can drastically change how granite looks in the space. Consider the intended sources of illumination in your kitchen or bathroom and buy any new lights before you settle on a slab.

Invest Now, Save Later — Few features see as much practical use as a countertop. Granite might be pricey, but its durability makes it a worthwhile long-term investment. Be prepared to budget appropriately for the quality you deserve, especially if you’re interested in rare colors.

The clamor for quartz countertops in Pittsburgh, PA, shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone. They make for a beautiful surface in kitchens and bathrooms, last a long time, and add value to homes across the world. That’s not the end of their list of advantages, though. They also happen to be an eco-friendly choice for conscientious consumers.

What makes quartz a good material for the environment? First and foremost, the natural stone that comprises much of each piece comes directly from the earth. Compared to other countertop options, it offers:

• Superior Durability
• Low-Emission Production
• Recyclable Materials

Outside of grand-scale ecological factors, it also contributes to a healthy internal environment in your home. Hypoallergenic and featuring a non-toxic surface, each quartz slab provides years of clean, healthy use. In fact, it’s such a well-known benefit for green building that many eco-conscious architects and interior designers favor it for its positional LEED points.

Of course, not all quartz is the same, and different manufacturers might have significantly different standards for environmental safety. While some offer highly recyclable surfaces, your best bet for optimal results is always to shop with a supplier who can answer specific questions about the products that appeal to you.

It can seem a bit overwhelming at first trying to figure out what type of material is going to work best for your kitchen. That is, until you start looking into quartz countertops in Pittsburgh, PA. Also known as engineered stone countertops, these counters are some of the most impressive options available to homeowners looking to upgrade their space. A lot of the additional benefits that make quartz stand out from the rest come from how it is made.

Extremely hard and durable, this non-porous surface is formed by combining 90% ground quartz with about 10% polymers, resins, and pigments. This creates a granite-like surface that is non-porous, stain-and-crack resistant, and does not require any sealing or resealing throughout its lifespan.

Looking for more variations of color and design? Quartz can deliver that to you. When the quartz is ground coarsely, it produces a flecked appearance, while finely ground quartz gives you a much smoother look. Since pigments and resins are added independently during the production process, these countertops come in a wide range of colors that make it very easy for you to find something that fits your preexisting kitchen or bathroom design.

Contact our team today to explore your options for new quartz countertops.

Anyone who has ever sold a home before can tell you that it can be a pretty stressful experience. Much of the time is spent hoping you will find an interested buyer and, when found, that the buyer isn’t going to try to low ball you on your price. Many homeowners wonder if there is a way to attract more buyers willing to spend the amount they believe their home is valued at, and the answer is yes!

The key to getting what you feel your home is worth when trying to sell it is to make strategic upgrades and repairs that potential buyers are going to notice and fall in love with. One of the smartest upgrades you can make is with your countertops in Pittsburgh, PA.

Whether in a kitchen or in a bathroom, countertops take up a lot of valuable real estate. Their appearance can also help dictate the overall look of the room they are located in. That means you want to make sure the counters you are presenting are looking their very best. By updating your countertops so that they complement your cabinets, floor, and appliances, you can turn what was maybe a bland space into something eye-catching.

Remember, as a seller, you want to create some sort of draw to your property that sucks in buyers and makes your space irresistible. Investing in new countertops helps you do just that so you can see a nice return for your hard work when the home sells.

You already know that marble is a great looking choice for kitchen counters, but what else do you need to know about marble countertops?

For starters, marble is a durable material that ages nicely and develops a very pleasing character over time. It can be considered in the same way as a favorite pair of jeans that build up a familiar, likable personality with use and wear.

It’s long-lasting, but it’s also porous which means that it is susceptible to staining and should be cleaned regularly. Because it’s porous you might want to consider what finish you choose. A honed finish gives it a matte look that doesn’t show scratches as much, but its pores are open. In that case you will want to apply a sealant.

A polished finish doesn’t stain as easily, but the surface can etch and scratch. The shiny surface can also wear down eventually.

Frequent and effective cleaning is ideal for preventing marble from showing its age from accumulated stains. A solution of warm water and dish soap spritzed onto the counter and wiped away works very well. Mix baking soda and water into a paste and apply it to stains overnight. The surface stains will lift right out.

As a business that spends a lot of time working with marble countertops in Wexford, PA, and the surrounding areas, we hope you find our insight helpful in informing your decision

Making your kitchen look like new is as easy as installing updated countertops. But, deciding which type of material to use can be the tough part as there are many options on the market.

Let’s say you’ve narrowed down the choices between granite and quartz countertops in Pittsburgh, PA, but still need some help finalizing your choice. The team at Top It Off, Inc., has the knowledge and experience that you can rely on for guidance with this decision.

Let’s take a look at both materials.

Granite is mined from pure stone with a wide range of colors including blues, greens, roses, and earth tones. Quartz is manufactured from crushed stone that is mixed with a pigment and other binders. Granite contains abstract veining and movement within the design, while quartz has more consistency in the color.

Quartz is extremely durable. It withstands the test of time admirably, and since it’s not porous, there is no worry about food preparation and serving areas being contaminated with germs and bacteria getting trapped in the surface. That also means it resists staining too. Granite needs to be sealed to prevent damage, and you’ll need to reseal it every ten years depending on use.

As far as cost goes, you can get similar pricing depending on what you are looking for. Quartz can cost much more than some granite, but if you are looking at high-end, rare granites you will be looking at a steeper price tag.

If you own marble countertops in Butler, PA, you’ve already made an excellent investment in your property’s value and beauty. It only takes attentive care and a little knowledge to keep those surfaces shining like new. Make your counters last by following these simple guidelines for marble maintenance:

Preventative Protection — The best way to deal with damage, discoloration, and other issues is to avoid them altogether. Taking care not to leave messes longer than a minute or two and watching out for things like tossed keys or heavy appliances can go a long way toward protecting marble from danger.

Product Selection — Like any stone surface, marble reacts best to specialized cleaning chemicals and care products. When you shop for wipes, sprays, and other items, check to see that they’re safe for your countertops. If possible, get advice from the experts by checking with your seller for the products they recommend.

Seal Upkeep — Stone counters usually come sealed when you buy them, but years of even gentle use can wear the protective layer down. Resealing your marble when this happens can prevent etching and other issues, as well as preserve the pristine look you love as time goes on.

You probably know that granite is a type of stone and that it’s often used for luxurious countertops in some of the world’s most beautiful homes, businesses, and other buildings. Before you shop for quality granite in Pittsburgh, however, there’s more to understand about this top-notch material. With the right information, you can make a smart choice for your interior design or remodeling project.

Granite is one of the most durable stone surfaces on the market. While similar options like quartz and soapstone also stay strong over time, granite is the premier choice when you want the best in strength. Virtually immune to household heat and highly resistant to scratching and other damage, it’s a lasting investment that exudes refinement, elevates the surrounding room’s aesthetic, and attracts the eye.

That attraction likely comes from its unique patterns. Every granite countertop is natural rock, which means that the design on its surface won’t be found anywhere else in the world. This can make shopping a little slower since you might have to check back at even a leading supplier to find exactly what you desire. Even so, it’s worth the wait for the stunning beauty and natural authenticity of timeless stone surfaces.

Quartz is an excellent material to consider when you’re looking to add new countertops to your home. This eye-catching, durable material is pleasing to look at, resistant to chipping and cracking, and non-porous, which means it won’t hold on to bacteria. It’s easy to clean, with a luxurious, unique appearance.

Moreover, quartz is environmentally friendly, since a majority of quartz products are made from waste by-products of manufacturing and quarrying processes. When shopping for quartz countertops in Pittsburgh, PA, you can be confident that you’re making a green choice for your new counters.

A Durable, Low-Maintenance Material

Quartz is a great choice when you want a low-maintenance countertop. Engineered quartz doesn’t need to be sealed. It can be cleaned with any stone-safe cleaning product and a non-abrasive pad for cleaning granite. You won’t have to worry as much about maintaining your countertops over time when you choose this material.

Quartz is ultra-durable, and countertops made from this material often come with manufacturers’ warranties, to set your mind at ease. When you purchase a quartz countertop, you’ll feel confident that it will last for years to come. As a solid investment and a superb aesthetic option, quartz is always an excellent choice.