Ultra-Thin Natural Stone Panels
Introducing Our Newest Product
Ultra-Thin Stone Panels is the newest innovation in the stone world! This stone is only 1/3 the size of solid stone, but is 10x as durable. Because it’s so lightweight, it’s easier to handle and deliver–saving you time on installation. Ultra-Thin Stone Panels is perfect for those wanting to incorporate the growing trend of seamless, full stone shower walls, backsplashes, countertops, fireplaces, and floors into their homes and businesses.
Benefits of the Ultra-Thin Stone Panels include:
• Easier handling and faster installation
• Better adhesion
• Ideal for full wall backsplashes
• Easier to cut compared to 2 & 3 cm slabs
• No warping or cupping
• Greater heat resistance
- Published in Uncategorized
Kitchen Trends for 2019
2019 Kitchen Trends
Before diving into your kitchen remodel, it’s important to do your research and have a clear vision for your new kitchen. These five 2019 kitchen trends will help you come up with a plan for the perfect new kitchen.
- Minimalism
Many people are favoring a simpler, more minimalistic aesthetic for 2019. Clean lines and contemporary design are going to rule a lot of kitchens in the next few years. If you’re going for a minimal aesthetic, you’ll want to stay away from molding and anything too ornate or complicated. Stick to neutral colors and try not to indulge in too many accessories or excess décor.
- Dark Colors
Instead of the all-white kitchens that were in style a few years ago, you’re going to see a lot more dark colors in kitchens in 2019. Black cabinets, charcoal grey countertops, and dark neutrals like olive green and chestnut brown will be everywhere. Dark colors lend a sense of elegance and drama to a room, and as an added bonus, they can be a little easier to keep looking clean and new compared to all-white kitchens.
- Granite Countertops
Granite countertops are so classic and timeless that they seem to be trending year after year. Granite is an extremely durable material that’s heat and stain resistant, making for extremely convenient cooking. It also comes in a huge range of colors and styles, so you can choose granite kitchen countertops that suit your home perfectly. Granite countertops continue to be one of the best investments you can make in your home.
- Statement Tile
If you decide you’re not into the minimalist look, consider trying out this trend instead. Spanish and Moroccan-style tile in kitchens is becoming increasingly popular. There are so many different colors, styles, and patterns to choose from that you can create a combination that’s completely unique to your home.
- Unique Sinks
While farm sinks made a big splash a few years back, many people are looking for something with a little bit more wow factor for 2019. You’ll be seeing a lot of sinks in bright metallics like gold and copper, and you even might see some with intricate designs etched in.
- Published in Granite Finishes
4 Advantages of Granite Countertops
It’s no secret that granite countertops can be a significant investment, but they come with so many advantages that they’re well worth the cost.
- Aesthetics
Granite countertops look elegant and beautiful and give any home a sense of luxury, even if the rest of the room is kept minimal and simple. There are so many different colors and styles of granite available that you can find something to suit your unique taste, whether you want classic black or white granite or something more out of the box like a pink or green granite. Plus, because granite is a natural material, each slab is different, so you’ll have something completely unique.
- Durability
Granite is an extremely durable material. It’s tougher than other common countertop materials like Formica or wood and won’t show wear and tear as easily. Granite also resists scratches and dings, so you likely won’t have to spend much on repairs at all, and you won’t have to worry about damaging your countertops when cooking.
- Heat & Stain Resistant
If you’re looking for a more convenient home cooking experience, investing in granite kitchen countertops is a huge step in the right direction. Granite won’t weaken or become damaged by exposure to heat, so you can set hot pots and pans directly on your countertop. If properly sealed, granite also resists stains and won’t absorb any liquid into its surface. Because properly sealed granite isn’t porous, that also means that bacteria and dirt won’t settle beneath the surface and become impossible to remove. It’s easy to clean and disinfect, making granite bathroom countertops a great option as well.
- Classic Style
Granite countertops are here to stay. They’ve been a popular choice for decades, and you won’t see them go out of style any time soon. Granite comes in so many different colors that there’s something to suit any home’s aesthetic. It’s common for home buyers to have granite countertop on their list of must-haves, so choosing this classic material for your kitchen and bathroom countertops can actually increase the market value of your home and make it easier to sell when you’re ready.
- Published in Granite Finishes
Granite vs. Quartz – Which is the Right Choice for You?
One question that we frequently get from our customers is whether they should replace their countertops with granite or quartz. The short answer is that there are benefits to both granite countertops and quartz, it really comes down to personal taste and which features of each material appeal to you most. So, which one is right for you? Read about some of the different aspects of granite and quartz below.
The Basics
- Granite is extremely hard and is 100% natural stone. NEKA’s granite is mined from quarries across the globe. It’s cut down to sizes that can be shipped and transported to our local fabricating facility in Dulles.
- Quartz is actually harder than granite, but it’s very similar to it in appearance. However, it isn’t completely natural. It’s made up of 95% granite and 5% polymer resin, which is added for additional customization options.
Aesthetics
- Since granite comes from different quarries from all over the world, it forms in many different types of environments and its look is influenced by how molten materials cooled and solidified in the area. This creates a lot of variety in color and pattern. NEKA carries lots of varieties of granite, from slabs with a subtler appearance, to ones with interesting mineral inclusions for a unique look. We also have a large selection of finishes you can add to your granite countertop, so no two are ever alike.
- Since quartz isn’t 100% natural, it allows for additional customization in its appearance. While there are lots of great choices with completely natural granite, it can occasionally be easier to find a quartz countertop that matches the color scheme you want to include in your kitchen or bathroom.
Upkeep & Maintenance
- Granite countertops should to be cleaned fairly often if you want to keep them in their best condition. Since NEKA’s countertops are sealed with a variety of high quality finishes, cleanup is fast and easy, and only requires a mild cleaner like soap and water.
- Quartz countertops are very similar to granite – they can be cleaned with soap and water or a standard household cleaner. All our countertops are professionally sealed to stand the test of time, so maintenance beyond typical cleanings isn’t required.
Durability
- Granite is extremely durable. Only diamond, corundum, and topaz are harder. It’s resistant to heat and most of the products you’d find in a typical kitchen. However, staining can occur if certain liquids are left on it for too long. NEKA’s finishes will protect against this, but it’s always best to promptly clean up any spills of oils and other liquids promptly as an extra precaution.
- Quartz is even harder than granite and is nearly indestructible. Since it’s composed of 95% granite, many of the same properties carry over to it. However, it is slightly more susceptible to damage from heat, so make sure to use a heating pad before placing hot pans on the surface.
Get in Touch
Want to learn more about our products? Contact NEKA today for more information. We’ll be able to answer any questions you have and provide a free estimate on your project.
- Published in Granite Finishes, Quartz Finishes
