Academy Blog

Popular Alternatives to White Granite Countertops

| September 5, 2023

When it comes to choosing natural stone countertops, there are plenty of options to explore, each offering different benefits. White granite countertops have been a popular choice in the past, but you might be interested in options that better suit your personal taste or budget.

If you’re seeking alternatives to granite countertops, you’ll want to consider other natural stone options, such as marble and quartzite. You might also look into engineered products like quartz and porcelain, which can be made to look like any number of stone varieties. Here are just a few samples that are sure to transform the look of your kitchen. … MORE

Unearthing the Truth: Is Quartz a Natural Stone?

| August 29, 2023

is quartz a natural stone If you think back to primary or high school science classes, you might recall that there are several types of stone found in nature, such as igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. Quartz, as it turns out, is actually a mineral that may be found in all of these types of stone. It occurs when mineral deposits develop in and around rock formations.

So, is quartz a natural stone? The simple answer is no. Quartz is a mineral. However, it is naturally occurring, and like many natural stone varieties, it can be used to make durable and beautiful counter surfaces. How does this work, and what can you expect when you choose quartz countertops? … MORE

5 Reasons Why Fairfield & Westchester County Homeowners Are Choosing Dekton Countertops

| August 24, 2023

dekton countertops Connecticut features its fair share of traditional home styles, but there’s no shortage of more contemporary residences. Like most homeowners, Connecticut residents are typically keen to choose design materials that exhibit both practical appeal and timeless beauty when they undertake home improvement projects.

Perhaps this is why so many renovations now feature modern surfaces, like Dekton countertops, that offer exceptional performance and versatility. Created by Spanish manufacturer Cosentino, also known for its Silestone line of quartz countertops, Dekton includes porcelain, glass, and quartz surfaces made from a blend of raw materials subjected to an intense sintering process.

This line was actually created as an exercise meant to improve the performance of modern quartz, and it appears to have succeeded. Why are so many Fairfield and Westchester County homeowners choosing Dekton, and what benefits will you enjoy when you follow suit? … MORE

White Marble: Elevating Interiors With a Touch of Luxury and Grace

| August 19, 2023

white marbleWhite marble is always in style, with its uncanny ability to bring pristine luminescence to your living spaces. Perhaps its enduring popularity is due to the fact that it complements any home style, from classic and traditional interiors to modern minimalist and maximalist spaces.

While some classic design elements can make a home feel stuffy or outdated, white marble is luxurious and refined. Whether you’re planning a timeless black and white kitchen, a breezy primary bath, or an entryway fit for royalty, you can’t go wrong with an eye-catching Calacatta, a soothing Carrara, or even a variety that’s a bit off the beaten path, such as Lilac marble, featuring daring violet veining.

There are plenty of ways to incorporate white marble into your home to add elegance and elevate your entire aesthetic. Here are just a few great options to consider. … MORE

Embracing the Beauty of White Marble Countertops in Your New York Home

| August 11, 2023

white marble countertops Some design elements never seem to go out of style. Wood flooring will always add warmth and richness to your home, while the texture of a stacked stone fireplace creates a focal point and a welcoming gathering spot.

White marble also fits into this category, adding timeless elegance and luxury to the kitchen, bathroom, and living spaces. With its pristine look and luminous glow, the characteristics of this natural stone make it an ideal addition to both classic and contemporary design styles.

It looks equally stunning when elevating a farmhouse interior, a trendy loft, or a busy, maximalist design, and it’s versatile enough to pair with any color palette. If you’re looking for a countertop material that will stay with you through decades of design updates, look no further than Calacatta, Carrara, and other stunning varieties. How can you incorporate white marble countertops into your home? … MORE

What Is Quartzite Made of? From Academy Marble’s Natural Stones Experts

| July 21, 2023

silestone quartz Even if you’ve set up your mood board and found inspirational photos to help you plan your next home improvement project, you may struggle to compare kitchen countertop materials and find the options that best suit your functional needs and aesthetic preferences.

There are many reasons to choose quartzite countertops, from its incredible strength and durability to the wide range of colors and patterns you can pick from.

The trick to choosing wisely is understanding exactly what you’ll get with any natural stone countertop selection, in this case, quartzite counters. What is quartzite made of, and what benefits will it infer? Here’s what you need to know before you choose stunning and sophisticated quartzite countertops. … MORE

How to Select the Right Silestone® Quartz for Your Connecticut Home

| July 11, 2023

New York Marble Countertops

There’s a reason Silestone® is a leading supplier of quartz worldwide. Its products are designed to meet the needs of modern homeowners, with outstanding strength, durability, and resistance to common forms of damage like staining, scratching, etching, chipping, cracking, and more.

This non-porous, food-safe surface is ideal for busy households, and Silestone quartz is available in a wide range of attractive colors and patterns, some of which mimic the look of natural stone, while others offer unique characteristics.

When you’re ready to upgrade the kitchen countertops, bathroom vanity counters, or other rooms in your Connecticut home, Silestone quartz is an ideal choice. How can you select the perfect design for your upcoming home improvement project? … MORE

6 Connecticut Quartz Countertop Designs You’ll Want in Your Home

| July 5, 2023

connecticut quartz countertop Redesigning your kitchen to reflect modern trends and your personal taste can be a fun and exciting process. That said, you could get a bit overwhelmed when you first start researching your options for countertop materials and designs.

You’ve probably heard of quartz, but you might not know why it has become such a popular option for kitchen countertops, as well as for bathroom counters. This engineered surface, made mostly of natural quartz, is incredibly strong and resilient, and the non-porous surface is food safe and resistant to microbes like bacteria and mold.

It can also be made in a range of unique colors and patterns or designed to mimic the look of popular natural stone countertop options like Calacatta and Carrara marble. How can you choose the best product for your home remodel? Here are a few Connecticut quartz countertops serving up massive style inspiration. … MORE

6 Top COMPAC® Quartz Countertops for the Kitchen

| June 29, 2023

COMPAC quartz countertopsThere are plenty of reasons to love COMPAC® quartz countertops. Made in Spain and Portugal, this surface material is designed to deliver all the benefits you expect from a food-safe, non-porous kitchen and bathroom surface. Additionally, the company’s Technological Quartz products are engineered to provide exceptional performance and resilience.

Of course, you also want beautiful designs that elevate your interior and imbue your space with a luxury aesthetic. COMPAC delivers this with a range of stunning designs made to look like your favorite natural stone countertop varieties, along with a few you’ll never find in nature.

In other words, there’s something to suit everyone’s style sensibilities. Which COMPAC quartz countertops are trending in modern kitchen countertops? … MORE

Do I Need to Seal Quartz Countertops? 5 Quartz Considerations You Need to Know

| May 23, 2023

do I need to seal quartz countertops When you decide to update your kitchen or bathrooms in the home, you might start by looking for counter surfaces that not only meet your practical needs but deliver the aesthetic appeal that serves as the basis for your entire design.

Whether you lean toward a breezy, timeless, tonal white design or you’re drawn to bright, bold colors, the right countertop is often the lynchpin of your new interior, informing other elements like cabinets, flooring, and fixtures. Of course, there’s no shortage of both natural and engineered materials to choose from.

Quartz is gaining popularity because it not only delivers ample functional benefits, it can look like other materials, such as marble. It also has the added appeal of being low maintenance. What you may want to know is, do I need to seal quartz countertops? What benefits and drawbacks are associated with this counter material? Here are some top considerations before you choose quartz. … MORE