Countertops

Much like the flooring industry, countertops come in a myriad of different materials, colors and prices. The staff at Chesapeake Family Flooring brings the same commitment to customer service and product knowledge to your kitchen and bath as we do to the products that you choose for your floors. Among the many options are:

Granite is an igneous rock that is formed when magma or lava (molten rock) has cooled and hardened. Each stone is a unique one, even if it is the same granite by name. One should never rely on a sample or picture for the final appearance of the stone. Each stone belongs to a “lot,” and you can think of granite as a loaf of bread being sliced. These slices form the stone’s lot. Using slabs from the same lot is the only way to ensure that your slabs will match. Not only is this important for blending the seams, but also for the overall look and flow of the stone’s direction.

The primary reason for granite’s meteoric rise in popularity is credited to its endurance. Granite withstands the scalding heat of pots and pans; and cutting directly on your granite will do nothing more than damage your knives. Although Granite is the least porous of all stones, proper maintenance goes a long way to preserve its original luster, so we recommend regular sealing once a year.

Marble is aesthetically pleasing and hygienic, but can stain and scratch more easily. It is not as hard as granite and does not react well with chemical cleaning agents, therefore is not always the best option for a kitchen countertop.
Marble does however add a formal and elegant feel. Historically, marble was most often used in hallways and foyers, though it can be effectively applied in almost any room. Many of today’s homes take advantage of marble’s natural beauty in the bathroom by using the material for vanities and shower walls. Like Granite, Marble will need to be sealed every year.

Engineered Stone or merged material consists of milled quartz, resin, and dyes. Engineered stones can also contain recycled glass, concrete, paper and broken porcelain. Many go by popular brand names such as Silestone, Zodiaq and Cambria. Engineered stones require no sealing.