If you are considering installing new countertops or are just interested in the process, the following summary of the installation process will help you understand what to expect. This particular example is about the installation process of kitchen countertops, however it will also be helpful to you if you are considering other installations including bathrooms, outdoor kitchen, etc.

The basic steps are templating, fabrication, tear out, and finally installation.

Template:
Before templating can begin, it is helpful to clear the countertop area completely of any objects, which will help us do our job more efficiently.  Additionally, your items will be protected from any dust or damage that could take place if the objects were on or near the countertops during the templating process. During the templating process, an outline of your cabinet pattern is made to accurately install your new countertops. Some of the steps during the templating phase include:

• Seam placement

• All sinks, cooktops, faucets, etc are checked for fit (which means you should have them available).

• Cabinets are checked for fit.

• Support and any personal preferences in regards to the countertops are normally discussed at this time along with any refinements for cabinetry, etc so that this is discussed with you prior to installation of your countertops.

Project Information:
In order to efficiently follow through with the production process, this is a list of information we will need during the templating process.

• Decision on the edge of the countertop
• Faucet brand, model, and location decision
• Sinks
• Range/Other kitchen appliance brand and model and location decision

Sink:
If you choose an undermount sink, this will take place during installation. Therefore, it is recommended to not use any plumbing in the area for at least 12 hours. Any kitchen appliances, such as the cooktop and faucet, will be set to accurately determine fit.

Fabrication:
Before the fabrication step, you will approve your slabs for your countertops so that you can review them and give final approval.

Tear Out:
If necessary for your project, normally the tear out of exisiting countertops will take place during the installation process. All plumbing is also disconnected during this process and (And it’s not a good idea to use your dishwasher until your plumbing is reconnected).

Installation:
On the day of installation, it is important to clear a path to the area where you countertops are going to be, so that the stone can be easily carried through your home. Normally the installation process takes a few hours and last minute adjustments to the stone may be made in your home. You should probably expect leftover dust from the installation and you probably want to keep your cabinets empty so that the objects stay clean. Any drawers should be removed as well to allow the us access in order to efficiently install your countertops.

Final Job Approval
At the completion of your countertops, we recommend that you are available to approve the project. It is important that the installer goes over the installation with you so that you can have any questions you may have answered. Normally at this stage we will ask for the final balance due for the project. We will also might ask permission to take a few photos for our Orlando Countertop Photo Gallery

Producers
There are many producers of Engineered Stone including Cambria, Silestone, Hanstone, Caesarstone, Zodiaq, and many others.

Price
When it comes to price, both Natural and Engineered Stone are normally pretty similar. The colors of Natural Stone can cause the price to be higher than Engineered Stone, otherwise there is not a significant difference in price.

Durability
Although Natural Stone is strong and, if maintained well, normally lasts several years, it is not as durable as Engineered Stone. Natural Stone can potentially crack in certain areas while Engineered Stone is much stronger and cracking is unlikely to happen.

Natural Stone is porous and has to be maintained and sealed, while Engineered Stone does not. The trouble with a porous countertop is sometimes bacteria and viruses can penetrate into your countertop if not sealed correctly and not maintained well. However, with a nonporous countertop, you do not have this problem.

Natural Stone can sometimes be repaired, unlike Engineered Stone, if it is chipped or scratched by filling in the blemish or by surface polishing the granite. Normally the repair is not noticeable.

Drawbacks of Engineered Stone
If Engineered Stone were to be scratched or cracked, it is very difficult to repair and it is likely the countertop would have to be replaced. Also, it lacks the natural and unique colors and patterns of the Natural Stone.  Additionally, if you decide to cut on Engineered Stone, it will dull your knives, so it is recommended that you use cutting boards.

Drawbacks of Natural Stone
Natural Stone countertops must be maintained in order to keep their beauty and value. They need to be periodically sealed to prevent bacteria or viruses from seeping into the countertop. Natural Stone could possibly crack from thermoshock if a hot item is placed on a natural fissure in the granite.  Additionally, it is difficult to add on to the countertop over time because the Natural Stone’s color changes slightly darker or lighter. Therefore, finding a match could be very difficult.

Conclusion
Both Engineered Stone and Natural Stone are beautiful and will add value to your home. It just depends on what is important to you and your home. We recommend that you come up with a list of questions to ask yourself to make the right decision between Natural and Engineered Stone. For example: How much use will my countertops get? Do you want to maintain your countertops every year? Will I want to add on or make any changes to my kitchen in the future?

Also, please Request a Quote from us and one of our countertop specialists will be happy to walk you through all the differences between natural and engineered stone.

1. Granite Counters
   The most elegant and valuable choice for countertop is granite. Not only is it beautiful, but it is also durable and can last for a very long time. The problem with granite is that it requires regular maintenaince, has a high price, and there are a limited number of colors compared to other countertop materials. Granite is great about being durable and although it needs to be sealed, this is what keeps it from getting stained and continue to be beautiful. Granite countertops will add value to your home.
2. Engineered Stone
   Composed of 93% quartz particles, Engineered stone is a beautiful alternative for countertops. Basically stain resistant and very durable, this nonporous countertop is very durable, comes in a large range of colors, and is basically maintenance free. Just like granite, Engineered stone is a more expensive alternative.
3. Solid Surface
   These types of counters are durable and easy to maintain because if you have a scratch, you can just sand it out. They are stain resistant, seamless, and they come in a large variety of colors and patterns. The only problem with this type of counter is they are not very heat resistant to hot pans. They also are a pricier countertop option.
4. Ceramic Tile
   An inexpensive and resourceful choice for homeowners, Ceramic tile comes in several styles, colors, and patterns. It is easy to clean and durable. The only issue is that because ceramic tile is an uneven surface, it can chip or crack. Additionally the grout will stain over time.
5. Laminates
   Laminates are made of a plastic synthetic material that comes in a large range of patterns and colors. The Laminate’s smooth surface makes it easy to be cleaned nad maintained. They are an inexpensive option and are also durable, however with time they will scratch and chip.
6. Wood or Butcher Block
   Available in a wide range of colors and finishes, Wood countertops bring warmth to a kitchen. Wood is easy to clean and if there are any scratches or anything, they can easily be sanded away and resealed to look like new. One problem with wood countertops is standing water can cause damage and wood tends to stain over time and absorb food odors.
7. Stainless Steel Counters
   Seamless, heat resistant, and durable, stainless steel creates a contemporay appeal to your kitchen.  Although durable and easy to clean, stainless steal scratches easily and can be very noisy. It is also a more expensive choice for a countertop.
8. Soapstone Counters
   Often used in historic homes, Soapstone is a soft, dark gray countertop. Soapstone is stain resistant but requires regular maintenace with mineral oil. Additionally it may chip or scratch and is especially weak around the edges.
9. Marble
   A very expensive countertop option, normally Marble is not used for entire kitchen. Marble is very elegant looking and is waterproof, heatproof, and is a luxurious option for a home. Marble does require regular maintenaince, such as periodic new sealers, to prevent staining and scratches.
10. Concrete Counters
    Concrete is strong, heat resistant, scratch resistant, and can be tinted with a large range of colors. Also, if you have an unusually shaped kitchen, this is a great option because it is often poured into molds in your kitchen. However, concrete can be subsceptible to staining and therefore needs to be sealed and waxed periodically. Additionally, concrete can crack and some do not think it gives a warm look to a kitchen.