Download the Floor Decor Project Checklist! Natural stone (e.g., granite) typically requires sealing of the surface at least once a year. The staff was very friendly and helpful. Always use a trivet or hot pad. Installed in slabs, so seams are visible. 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Finally, quartz is not meant for use outdoors. collection of 57 designs dispersed among beiges, tans, and grays. Im working on the seller/installer and the company in regard to warranty info. Whereas it was once reserved for high-end homes,quartz countertops are finding their wayinto more kitchens and bathrooms, replacing granite. Raphael Stone is an industry leader in wholesale manufacturing and distribution of quartz surfaces for kitchen countertops, bathroom vanity and walls used in either commercial, residential, medical and industrial spaces both indoor and outdoor. Try it! The options include polished, honed/matte, and textured surfaces. What Customers Like You Say About Buying from Floor Decor Design Center in Connecticut: Cambria, for example, offers 19 different edging options, Cambria is one of our go-to quartz countertop resources at Floor Decor Design Center, versatile app - Cambria AR - for visualizing your countertop in different quartz surfaces, LG Viatera is our second go-to quartz countertop, two showroom locations in Middletown or Orange. Above: New York architect Lauren Rubins go-to brands for engineered quartz are Caeserstone and Celador. As brands proliferate, quartzbecomes more accessible and prices more affordable. With our wide variety of kitchen countertop options, theres something for everyone! Much of the bargain quartz on the market today are being manufactured in China, and the problems with the quality of stone coming from China is well documented. It is known for pushing the design envelope. Engineered quartz is hard, dense, nonporous, nonabrasive, and nonreactive to acidsattributes that make it perfect for use as countertops, backsplashes, walls, and even floors. Heres a countertop thats billed as combining the best that nature and man have to offer. Was told they are tolerant of high heat. They're available at a price point that fits almost any budget, and more importantly, quartz countertops can be a beautiful focal point in your dream kitchen! Above:Honed white engineered quartz countertops in a UK kitchen by Jamie Blake of Blakes London, a member of the Remodelista Architect/Designer Directory. \. distinguishing factor is its vibrant solid colors. Its Life!, Stellar, Mythology, and Zen series offer bold, bright oranges, greens, reds, and blues that are not found with other brands. Its made of 90 to 94 percent ground quartz and 6 to 10 percent resins and pigments that are combined into durable and nonporous slabs. a privately held Minnesota-based company, began as a dairy business in 1936. But as for the warranty, no -- although I didn't really pursue it too hard. We saw the Arno slab and were disappointed. I did have Lemoncello Stone (assuming you're Chicago-area based) come do some repairs on the garbage Raphael I have, and they indicated some other brands. Quartz is the only material recommended by architects and designers for its durability-quartz surfaces can withstand anything hot dishes dropped on them without breaking apart or scratches from knives being thrown into an architects table saws with no effect at all! -wish i saw this review earlier but i was so sold on quartz i didnt think twice to researchtotal fail. In this San Francisco kitchen byJute, a member of the Remodelista Architect/Designer Directory, Caesarstonecounters are paired with custom marble tiles. You'll find several large brands in the quartz countertop market. But brands come and brands go. Craftsman-style kitchen design focuses on the beauty of function and natural materials. N.B. From sleek and simple designs to more elaborate customizations like natural gradients or vanity top color; we have the perfect quartz stone on site today. They are available at design centers and big box stores nationwide. The surface of manufactured quartz depends on how the quartz is ground: Coarsely ground stone produces a flecked appearance, while finely ground has a smooth look. If we can replace, we will. Up until this time the quartz industry had focused on granite designs, but Polarstone was the original innovator recognizing the demand for high-quality marble designs. esins make quartz more flexible and the cuts cleaner. Raphael Stones headquarters is located in Leonia, NJ, with a distribution center, showroom, & office, available for clients to purchase at wholesale prices. Do you think a greater thickness would've helped? Based in Almeria, Spain,Silestoneis the flagship quartz brand of Spanish company Cosentino. Please, learn from my mistake and avoid Raphael Stone at all costsit will end up costing you more! Unlike solid-surface, Corian-type manufactured countertops, engineered quartz is not made to order. Joanne A. Engineered quartz countertops are easy to clean and maintain. Their Quartz Slabs are much larger than industry standards at 127 x 64. Summer Thornton ofSummer Thornton Designlikes, "Caesarstone's Pure White for a clean and modern look. Wont chip and or crack (thanks to resins). Simply remove surface stains a gentle cleansing scrub. I'm not crazy about swirly splashes and solid counters. All of them offer warranties on their products; these differ inthe length, limitations, and transferability. Engineered quartz (not to be confused withQuartzite,another appealing natural stone used as counters)is a manmade product created mostly from natural materials. Be sure to read How Much Do New Countertops Cost? We could not be more disappointed in the durability of our counters. We offer a lifetime warranty and are environmentally certified! One is that blue does not appear to tie into anything else there. Spacious Store, Many Products, Helpful Customer Service. Never use bleach and abrasive powders or scrubs like Comet, Soft Scrub, or S.O.S.pads. Could this be the look for you? Inspired by you and your imagination, weve been crafting the most trusted countertops for over decades. Dennis Allen of Southern California'sAllen Constructionsays that he prefers Cambria for several reasons: "Their patterns are the most natural looking, the majority of their selections fall under one price group, they offer jumbo sized slabs which can be economical for a large project, and the hand of their finish is the smoothest and best polished.". The pricing was very fair. Caesarstone has a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner along with a 10-year pro- rated transferable warranty to the next owner. 1 Wellesley Rd Natick, MA 01760 Phone: (508)655-5636 All Rights Reserved. It's not even just at the edges where chips occur, but I have two "craters" on the flat part of the surface where a knife and a pot contacted it too rough, and it chipped (see pic). typically up to 360 degrees F but only for a short duration). I think a natural material like a light soapstone or granite would fit better. Corian Quartz,formerly known as Zodiaq, is a versatile line of quartz products manufactured by the chemical giant DuPont. As a result, our company is the most trustworthy quartz wholesaler in North America. Hotels, restaurants, and shops featured on Remodelista. We would love to help you explore quartz countertops for your Connecticut home. Today, while granite is still the number one choice for most homeowners, quartz is rapidly gaining favor with both homeowners and kitchen designexperts.Thanks to today's advanced manufacturing techniques, companies are producing engineered stone products that can rival the look and feel of the most beautiful natural granite and marble and offers better durability and stain resistance at an affordable cost. Engineered quartz, as its known, is madeof quartz and flexible resins, a combination that has. Surface finishes range from matte to high gloss. Quartz counters are harder and more durable thannatural slab granite. Is there any difference in either the quality or appearance between Raphaelstone and Caesarstone? Above: In a Park Slope kitchen addition, architecture firm Khanna Schultz, a member of the Remodelista Architect/Designer Directory, used Walker Zanger Pietra Cucina engineered quartz countertops (this line has been discontinued but rumor has it that Walker Zanger is introducing a new engineered quartz countertop line). One of the most popular brands in quartz countertops among homeowners and designers,Silestoneis available in over 60 colors and styles. I never recommend the squared "pencil" edge, particularly at sinks. Your countertop fabricator will need to carefully measure your existing countertop and create a template indicating where base cabinets are, where your sink, faucets and cooktop go. Copyright Raphael Stone Collection 2019. Engineered countertops are great options for durability, says architect Robert Schultz, and theres a consistent, quality-controlled supply. Photograph by Antoine Bootz, courtesy of Khanna Schultz. Cambriais a high-end brand that is only available through select specialty stores and distributors. Their material is composed of 93% natural quartz and 7% resin which makes it the hardest and most durable, non-precious stone, on the market today. And the environmental impact of manufactured quartz is low: Quartz is an abundant material and the finished product is nontoxic and nonallergenic, and will last a lifetime, reducing the need for replacement. Who we are, plus details on Remodelista events and books. It was the result of several years of development with the goal of creating the finest manufactured representation of natural marble on the market. That said, it shouldnt be used as flooring over radiant heat because of possible damage from long-term exposure to heat. Each of these manufacturers offers a wide selection of quartz products that can fit into any kitchen style. Has anyone used Raphael Stone in their kitchen? We do our very best not only to meet these needs but to exceed them. The polished finish will stay intact with no need for ongoing maintenance other than avoiding abrasive cleaners that could dull the surface. The benefits of having quartz countertops fall into two categories: performance/maintenance and design options. :-(, After exhaustive research, I discovered that Raphael Stone is made in Malaysia at a factory (Agrostone) that uses Breton technology. Knowing what to avoid is almost as important as knowing which brands offer the best product. They helped me locate the materials and pick what would work best for me. Heading somewhere? Chipping is predominately the result of edge profile selection, not material selection. They had a wide selection of products which made it a great shopping experience. The Viateraline is created in Italy by LG and is available in 50 earthy colors. As can be expected, prices differ between brands. Above L to R: Three color options forCaesarstone:Belgian Moon, Cement, and London Grey. It is available through your kitchen design firm as well as in design centers around the country. SOURCEBOOK FOR THE CONSIDERED HOMEThe one-stop sourcebook for the considered home, guiding readers artfully through the remodeling and design process. Polarstone has been a leading company in the manufactured quartz industry since it released the first accurate Calacatta marble design quartz in 2014. That makes it non-porous and very easy to maintain (just wipe with soapy water once a day). Quartz countertops consist of 93-95% ground quartz minerals, combined with resin binders and pigments for color under intense heat and pressure to form a solid slab. Simply wipe the surface with a soft cloth and warm water, and mild soap if desired, to keep your Cambria spotless. There are some good companies making quartz slabs in China, like Polarstone which primarily manufactures there products in China, however, they are the exception to the rule. The thickness of the material isn't the problem; it's the density. If youre looking for long-lasting, top-quality quartz slabs that are both affordable and environmentally friendly we have just what you need with our products! Just condensation from a water glass will leave a noticeable stain that does not 'clean up with just soap/warm water/microfiber'. I recommend changing the backsplash and counters as you are planning. These ideas make the islands back side the most interesting part of the kitchen, A clients roots in the Netherlands and desire for red countertops drive a unique design. Another is that everywhere I look these days people are doing a navy blue island. To add heft, the architect introduced a 1 1/2-inch mitered edge on the front face of the counters. However, w. a 150,000 square foot factory in Le Sueur, MN, and within five years it had already tripled the size of that plant. Not as heat resistant as stone; trivet use is a must. It doesn't try to replicate a faux-stone appearance but instead leans-in to a look that's simple and sharp.". For the counters, I would not do the Quartz with the gold veining - it does not go with your beautiful wall. They said they were going to have to remove the Arno counter from their display. ;), Please leave a Google Review as well -- I know that my Raphael Stone location in Elk Grove Village, Illinois asked his friends to leave about 6 5-star reviews in a row to pad the ratings after I left my 1-star. As a result, our company is the most trustworthy quartz wholesaler in North America. A designer carves out a cooking and dining space while carefully preserving the protected 17th-century structure, This kitchen on an alpaca ranch in Washington embraces its rural surroundings and a decidedly not-white palette, A smart floor plan and a timeless look create an inviting kitchen in a narrow space for a newly married couple, What you can expect from a kitchen remodel with a budget from $20,000 to $100,000, If high-tech appliances, cutting-edge storage and the layered look appeal to you, a contemporary kitchen may be right up your alley, Move over, backsplash. Above: Solid white engineered quartz, such asCaesarstones Pure WhiteandSilestones White Zeus Extreme,trumps marble for its stain resistance and beats out Corian in heat resistance. I'm sorry you're experiencing the same issues as me. Cambria is the only brand that is wholly manufactured in the United States. In looking at Mark Adamski's photos, he used simple square edges, which is what I plan to do. Making a decision really comes down to the details of color, finish, and availability. @SJ Allison When you bought them did you think the look and feel was good? Silestone and Caesarstone are the best known, but other brands, including Cambria, Celador, LG Viatera, and Zodiaq from DuPont (creators ofCorian) are making their mark. Computer monitors sometimes interpret colors differently. This was my first time using them. (All of the names of the reviewers can be found on the owner's FB friend list (unlocked, so brilliant).). Rummage around please. Studio Hours: M-F | 9- 5 pmDesign Meetings by Appt. MSIs line of Q Premium Natural Quartzcomes in dozens of elegant scratch, heat, and stain-resistant styles and its backed by a lifetime residential warranty. That's what you'll experience when you purchase from Floor Decor Design Center in Connecticut. I recently had raphael stone, calacatta venetian installed on an island/sink area/bar area (80sqft+). Originally a division of South Korean company LG, which produces everything from electronics and chemicals to solar energy equipment,LG Hausys is well-known in the countertop industry for its HI-MACSacrylic solid surface product. I am trying to understand why one is more expensive than the other. With a wide range of colors from Snow Storm to Absolute Night you're sure to find the perfect color for your new kitchen! MS International (MSI) was founded in 1975 and is a premium surface provider for residential and commercial applications. We would love to help you explore quartz countertops for your Connecticut home. In addition, never apply any sealers, penetrants, or topical treatments to Cambria. We were looking at Arno and Gold too. Engineered stone countertops have been growing in popularity over the past several years. No matter where Raphael Stone is made, the best thing you can do is not buy it! @Mark Adamski Do you know where Raphael Stone is manufactured? In general, the best advice we can offer is to avoid brands that are not made in the United States. Which quartz brands will you find at Floor Decor Design Center? Photograph by Drew Kelly, courtesy of Jute. Because we are committed to providing only top-quality quartz wholesale countertops. Cambria is one of our go-to quartz countertop resources at Floor Decor Design Center for its wide range of designs, colors, edges and slab sizes. The resulting product is not only low-maintenance, non-porous, uniform, hard and stain and scratch-resistant, but also available in a wide range of natural-looking patterns and colors. They both grind their stones very fine to create a pure color, says Rubin. This would have never happened on my previous granite countertops. When it comes to sanitary conditions, durability, and warranties, all quartz countertops are relatively equal.Let's take a look at the eight most popular quartz countertops available on the market today. HanStone has seven different collections and over 50 styles designed to match a variety of kitchen designs. The product, like natural stone, is created in slabs of set sizes and thicknesses that vary by manufacturer. Photograph courtesy of Mark Reilly Architecture. HanStoneQuartz is manufactured in North America. It is the only American company in the quartz surface business. SeeRehab Diary: A Small-Kitchen Makeover with Maximum Storageto tour the full project. Click here to find a quartz countertop store near you. Stain-, scratch-, and acid-abrasionresistant. I suspect China? Corian Quartz comes in over 40 colors and various interesting textured varieties. Slightly more affordable than premium natural stone and comparable to medium-range granite, engineered quartz generally costs between $70 and $120 per square foot installed. In this ultimate guide, we'll explore the following topics associated with quartz so that you feel comfortable making the right countertop decision for your home: What are the benefits of having quartz countertops? Quartz wholesale suppliers who offer top-quality products alongside affordable prices and lifetime warranties together? Stone choice for kitchen countertop. Stone decision for a kitchen with a black countertop and a white one.. How to modernize a kitchen with stone arch over stove? The more round the edge, the less likely the chipping. We, Raphael Stone, as one of the best quartz wholesale countertops sellers in North America, also make sure that our products are environmentally friendly for future generations. If you're planning a kitchen remodel, have you consideredquartz countertops? Visit one of ourtwo showroom locations in Middletown or Orange, Connecticut where you can explore samples and designs as well as tile and flooring options. Your design-build contractor can provide you with samples to help you make a perfect choice. From vanity tops in every color imaginable all the way down to gorgeous natural gradients that can be custom-colored according to an individuals needs weve got what everyone will love! It comes in a wide variety of styles from more traditional looks like marble, to some contemporary and daring textures. Slab Size: Since slab size can slightly vary, please double-check the dimensions before you purchase. Engineered stone is made using 93% natural stone and 7% resin and polymers. It's all the same stuff, 2/3 quartz, 1/3 resin, no matter the brand. You'll find a range, too, of edges just like natural stone. @SJ Allison - sorry to hear you already have two chips but I can't say I didn't warn you. Since posting my review, I've added two more chips as well as a stain from curry sauce that doesn't seem to want to release. Natick, Framingham, Wellesley, Weston, Dover, Ashland, Holliston, Sherborn, Newton, Dedham, Needham, Wayland, Southborough, Northborough, Westborough, Winchester, Westwood, Cambridge, Hudson, Milford, Sudbury, Marlborough, Walthan, Somerville, Boston, Watertown, Lexington and more. Unlike natural stone (or even wood), quartz will never need to be sealed. Caesarstone, for example, offers one slab size (56.5 inches by 120 inches)and two thickness options (0.75 inches and 1.25 inches). what a waste. What to expect when you select a quartz countertop? "Designs" is the industry shorthand for several qualities of the slab's visual appearance: overall color, size and shape of minerals, streaks, and striations. The Remodelista editors provide a curated selection of product recommendations for your consideration. Why Choose the best quartz countertop for your home or office with Raphael Stone? As a material, quartz is versatile, available in a wide range of beautiful styles, and easy to care for. LG Viatera is our second go-to quartz countertop resource with a collection of 57 designs dispersed among beiges, tans, and grays. Find our NJ showroom and warehouse on google maps. This is because we are the best choice among many competitors in the quartz wholesale industry. Do you still have the counters? @tyler grant - I still have them, and they still suck. I haven't at this point. Ive used many colors, including deep browns, grays, and whites. It can only be found at kitchen and bath dealers or purchased through builders, architects, and designers. SOURCEBOOK FOR CONSIDERED LIVINGThe definitive guide to stylish outdoor spaces, with garden tours, hardscape help, plant primers, and daily design news. Finally, get more ideas on how to evaluate and choose your kitchen countertop in our Remodeling 101 Guide: Kitchen Countertops. @danihaas9 - I've not heard of Precision, but I'm also not in the market for quartz at the moment. One of the appealing features of engineered quartz is its wide variety of colors, patterns, and textures. what a scam. They were knowledgeable and informative. We, Raphael Stone, as one of the best quartz wholesale countertops sellers in North America, also make sure that our products are environmentally friendly for future generations. Manufacturers have also created colors and patterns that mimic natural stone, such as marble and granite, and have even created cement lookalikes (an appealing option, since cement itself is prone to cracking, chipping, and staining). Also, some of the Quartzes with the thicker veining are too strong with your wall. They will be damaged at high temperatures. This has created a huge opening for products, such as quartzes, that come in light colors.Photograph courtesy ofBlakes London. Edge (pencil) chipped incredibly easy. They all offer good warranties (the finer details will vary) and have similar price points and product features. Copyright 2007-2022 Remodelista, LLC. You may also find quartz referred to as engineered stone. New Haven, CT - 3/12/19. Another counter supplier told us that MSI changed the formula (not for the better) and it no longer looks like the samples. @SJ Allison - I've looked under the stone for a "Made in XXXXX," but can't seem to find anything. These eight most popular lines of quartz countertops offer you tremendous value, along with thousands of choices in style, color, and texture for your kitchen. Of the three leading quartz brands, Silestone offers the most robust warranty: 25 years (limited), transferable to subsequent owners, and with no pro-rata limitations. There is nothing that wont stain these counters. Visit one of our. the length, limitations, and transferability. Raphael Stone Collection is a Quartz Manufacturing Company, which sells to Distributors and Fabricators. Theres a big trend at the moment to use lighter worktops instead of the darker granites, Blake says. Kitchen Countertops and Cabinets 1 Wellesley Rd Natick, MA Phone: (508)655-5636. Quartz countertops are heavy so be sure, before installing them in your home, to evaluate structural issues. The appearance is fine, but it chips with incredible ease. The range of designs is the single biggest difference between quartz brands. This luxury brand boasts some of the most exciting color options available and the most realistic looking natural stone patterns on the market, including a beautiful imitation marble. An excellent place to start is by talking to your kitchen and bath designer. I am also considering this quartz and can't find much in terms of reviews. Its Life!, Stellar, Mythology, and Zen series offer bold, bright oranges, greens, reds, and blues that are not found with other brands. Quartz is also a bit more flexible than natural stone and is much more scratch and chip resistant. Houzz Pro: One simple solution for contractors and design pros. And its not recommended for use outside because the resins arent UV stable(warranties are voided for outdoor applications). ill certainly pester both seller and manufacturerat the minimum to hopefully get someone to come out and explain to my face. See the whole project inWeekend Spotlight: Combining Two New York Studio Apartments. This product is manufactured by the popular consumer electronics and appliance company LG. I went to the store to purchase some materials. hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(4266577, '8a5841d3-bf81-4725-8825-8e9c9d7f1f75', {"useNewLoader":"true","region":"na1"}); Note: We originally published this article in July 2018 and have updated it. The strength of quartz, even in a manufactured form, makes it naturally resistant to abrasion, scratches, dents, and even acids without the need for sealants. A perfect quartz countertop company that is inspired by you! Remodelista, Gardenista, 10 Easy Pieces, Steal This Look, 5 Quick Fixes, Design Sleuth, High/Low Design, Sourcebook for the Considered Home, and Sourcebook for Considered Living are registered trademarks of Remodelista, LLC. Above:In a kitchen byMark Reilly Architecturewinner of aRemodelista 2013 Considered Design Awardthe countertops are made of honed Caesarstone in Pebble. Having entered the quartz countertop industry in 2000, Cambria is a relative newcomer. Is RS just a downmarket brand? Solid surface materials consist of 66% minerals and, Performance/maintenance benefits of quartz. Caesarstone is continually improving and growing its product range and has added styles that will fit into almost any kitchen design. Quartz has a water absorption rate comparable to that of porcelain at 0.5%. With six times the durability of granite its a countertop material that is ideal for aspiring chefs and those families that spend a lot of time in the kitchen. However, within oneyear,Cambria had openeda 150,000 square foot factory in Le Sueur, MN, and within five years it had already tripled the size of that plant. From in-your color choices to custom designs, our company offers the best of everything when it comes down to being able to find that one piece that will make any room complete. While some are available only through your kitchen and bath designer or remodeler, most are also available at design centersthroughout the country. Today there are manufactured stone products that look remarkably like granite, limestone, marble, and even slate. Color: Due to changes in lighting, a product may appear different in pictures than it does in real life. Thats exactly what Remodelistas Izabella Simmons did for her bathroom countertops and backsplash: I paid half the price ($40 per square foot) for Silestone, since I was able to find leftover pieces from someone elses project, she says. I had it installed in August 2020, and I'm already making plans to replace it. As brands proliferate, quartzbecomes more accessible and prices more affordable. These eight manufacturers produce the highest quality products and provide homeowners with great value. I just saw some slabs in person today and am considering them for my kitchen. These are the steps you can expect when you make your purchase decision. I heard about them from a co-worker. For more on kitchen countertops, see the following posts. Should notbe used as flooring over radiant heat. Let us help bring out all those dreams so they come alive on their own terms: perfect yet versatile shapes created just how you want them! Note that the color and texture of engineered quartz are more consistent than natural stoneto some this uniformity is an appealing feature and to others its a drawback. I know people save up for big purchases like this and it's so disappointing to be let down by terrible quality. Having entered the quartz countertop industry in 2000, Cambria is a relative newcomer. into more kitchens and bathrooms, replacing granite. All rights reserved. In terms of heat resistance, the material is reportedly not affected by temperatures lower than300 degrees Fahrenheit. Note that honed surfaces show more fingerprints and other signs of use than other finishes and require more frequent cleaning. If youre looking for long-lasting, top-quality quartz slabs that are both affordable and environmentally friendly we have just what you need with our products!