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Leathered Natural Stone Countertops

Leathered Natural Stone Countertops

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There is more to the home renovation process than simply choosing your favorite countertops or flooring. Not only is there a wide variety of materials to venture with, but they also come in an abundance of textures and colors. If you are looking to upgrade your kitchen or bathroom countertops, you may have to consider between polished, honed, or leathered surfaces. If you are looking for a surface that prevents smudges while offering definition and texture, leathering your natural stone countertops is a great option! They are unique in comparison to the classic polished kitchen countertops. Leathered surfaces are not only easy to maintain, but they offer texture and a matte exterior where the color and designs of the stone are easily visible. Keep leathered natural stone countertops in mind when searching for the perfect upgrade to your kitchen or bathroom.

Qualities of Leathered Natural Stone Countertops

Step out of your comfort zone and invest in something that will bring variation to your home. Generally, you walk into a kitchen and expect the standard polished countertops. But with a leathered finish, you’ll have your guests drawn to the texture and definition in the room. One characteristic of leathered natural stone countertops is that they are not glossy and have little to no shine. In addition, they have a highly textured surface. Depending on the type of stone used, some surfaces may be more or less textured than others. Because of the texture, natural designs and patterns within the stone are more visible on the surface. This simple factor adds much detail to the overall appearance of the countertops.

Benefits of Leathered Stone

Apart from the feel of leathered countertops, why else should you consider them as an alternative for your home renovation? Some of the main benefits of leathered countertops are that they are not as susceptible to fingerprints, smudges, and stains in comparison to polished and glossy finishes. Although they are not very reflective, they do provide great depth.

Another advantage of leathering is that it significantly minimizes pores during the process. This prevents stains or damage from liquids, foods, debris, and other potential hazards. However, experts still recommend sealing leathered natural stone countertops. This will help the openings of the surface to avoid any vulnerability to dirt. You can also consider leathered natural stone countertops for your bathrooms or favorite table.

Granite

The most popular material used in leathered countertops is granite. It is said that leathered granite sets a rustic impression that sparks natural charm to the atmosphere. Leathered surfaces are the perfect balance between polished and honed finishes. They do not emit a shiny, mirrored exterior like polished countertops, but they are not as dull as honed finishes. In fact, you can achieve a balanced mixture of both with a sheen, pebbly, and natural texture to top it off. The darker the granite, the more visible the colors and design within the stone.

When choosing your countertops, the Go Mobile Flooring team can help you determine how textured the surface to be. Leathered granite can be both highly textured to almost perfectly smooth.

Maintenance

Conclusively, it will be your decision whether or not you want sealed countertops. Sealants may produce a sheen or semi-glossy appearance but they will protect the surface from any potential staining or damage. If protection is a priority, it is most likely beneficial to invest in a sealant.

Go Mobile Flooring Will do the Job

Leathered natural stone countertops are becoming an increasingly popular choice among many homeowners. Sometimes, it’s good to take a break from the traditional, standard home options and create a living space that is one of a kind and screams individuality. Go Mobile Flooring will do just that and more! With our abundant selection of flooring, cabinetry, and countertops, we can make your dream home a reality. Simply give us a call or visit our website to contact us.

Pros and Cons of Trendy Kitchen Countertops

Pros and Cons of Trendy Kitchen Countertops

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You have many choices when it comes to your kitchen countertops. From trendy to traditional, kitchen countertops run the gamut from stone to wood to laminate. Below we’ll take a look at some of the more popular, trendy kitchen countertop options and the pros and cons of each.Pros and Cons of Trendy Kitchen Countertops

Natural Stone

Stone is a great choice due to its durability. Plus, it has natural differences in colors and texture, making it unique.

  • Pros: This trendy kitchen countertop has a classic look that doesn’t go out of style; it’s also heat-resistant and durable.
  • Cons: Most expensive of current countertop materials; porous surface that requires sealing during installation and regular maintenance.

Cultured Stone

A combination of quartz and pigment, cultured stone countertops mimic the look of stone. Natural color and texture variations are removed for a more uniform look.

  • Pros: Resistant to heat, stains, and scratches; easy to clean and maintain; does not require any special sealing.
  • Cons: Cost is comparable to natural stone; does not look as natural as actual stone.

Solid-Surfacing

While solid-surfacing countertops look similar to natural stone, they are not nearly as expensive. They also require a lot less maintenance.

  • Pros: Resistant to heat and moisture; also resistant to fading.
  • Cons: Not scratch resistant; countertops can be scorched.

Laminate

Manufacturing techniques have advanced to allow laminate countertops to ape the look of stone, metal or wood for a fraction of the cost.

  • Pros: More cost-efficient than natural countertops; easy to clean; resistant to heat, stains, and scratches.
  • Cons: Cuts from sharp knives or scorching from hot pans can affect the surface and cannot be repaired; can only be used with drop-in sinks due to the construction.

Wood

Many homeowners love the look of wood, as well as the warmth it brings to the kitchen. It is also a great surface for prepping food and meals.

  • Pros: Timeless material with a long shelf life; repetitive cutting and chopping does not dull knives.
  • Cons: This trendy kitchen countertop requires special sealing and maintenance to ensure food safety; therefore, moisture and heat may adversely affect the material.

Metal

Stainless steel is the most common metal countertop material, but copper, zinc, and pewter have been growing in popularity.

  • Pros: Resistant to heat and stains; a naturally anti-bacterial surface; long-lasting and durable.
  • Cons: Can be more expensive; some metals are more susceptible to denting and scratches; some scratches and dents in stainless steel can’t be repaired.

Concrete

Concrete countertops are particularly durable and versatile.

  • Pros: Well-known for its durability; resistant to heat and stains.
  • Cons: Requires special sealing and regular maintenance; more susceptible than some surfaces to acidic liquids.

Tile

Tile is one of the most traditional countertop looks, because of its extensive color, texture and design options. It is also relatively inexpensive.

  • Pros: Relatively easy DIY project for ambitious homeowners; glazed tile is resistant to heat, stains, and scratches.
  • Cons: Tile is easy to clean; however grout is susceptible to mildew and staining and will need to be cleaned regularly; it is possible for tile to chip or crack.

For a closer look at any of these trendy kitchen countertop options, we invite you to contact Go Mobile Flooring today. Our mobile showroom serves the greater Tampa Bay Area, and we are excited to visit your neighborhood.

The Benefits of Marble Countertops

The Benefits of Marble Countertops

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Among the finest choices available to upgrade your kitchen are marble countertops. They are beautiful, functional, and durable. People who have had them will have nothing else.

Think of marble as the jeans of countertops — they will work better and better while wearing and aging gracefully, giving them a unique and organic character.   – Apartment Therapy

Marble is a metamorphic rock that contains crystallized limestone. The raw material is quarried, and its sedimentary form is pressurized and heated to extreme levels. The crystallization process yields a beautiful whitish stone.

The Benefits of Marble Countertops

Marble Countertops are Readily Availability:

Some people think marble is very rare and needs to be shipped from Italy or some exotic region of the world. This is not true; it is fairly easy to find locally, and there are many options as to colors and patterns.

Marble Countertops are Beautiful:

No one would question that marble countertops are exceptionally beautiful.

Rich with crystals and color variations, marble comes in a variety of shades, including white, cream, black, green and pink.

The natural patterns and colors combine to make marble an awesome upgrade in your kitchen. No two marble countertops are the same; each has it’s own charm and beauty!

Marble Countertops are Heat Resistant:

. . . they are heat resistant also; they can stand against all the hot pots and pans.

This seems like an obvious thing, but you don’t want to risk having a countertop that will show burn marks. Additionally, marble countertops, because they are stone, will cool your kitchen.

A Few Notes About Maintenance:

Marble is comparatively soft and is therefore susceptible to stains and etching. The up side is that the quality of marble absorbs scratches and stains in an amazing “aging” process. Many people think it adds tremendous charm. Nevertheless, most etching and stains can be avoided by having the marble countertops sealed after installation, regular clean-up, and awareness of certain items that stain.

When upgrading your kitchen, consider marble countertops. One expert made the choice and over a year later said this:

I love the countertops. After a year and a half of living with marble, I find it elegant, cool, and bright. It’s lovely to work on, and easy to clean.   – Faith Durand

Our specialists at Go Mobile Flooring would love to hear from you if you have any questions. Call us today at: (813) 605-1849.