Planning a Kitchen Remodel? Start with the Countertops!

Summer is a great time to begin or start planning a kitchen renovation or remodel. We believe that the countertops should be the focal point of the room. Decide on the countertops and then match the paint, cabinetry and flooring form there. At Imperial Counters, we specialize in countertops for Stillwater MN and are excited to get started on your renovation project! Here are a few reasons now is a great time make that remodel a reality:

Remodeling an entire kitchen can be a little tough on the mealtime routine for a period of time. Being without a sink and appliances can be challenging, and eating out costs money. The good news is, summertime is grilling time! Summer offers a great opportunity to spend some time outdoors and offers a wider array of options in the event you’ll be without your kitchen for a few days. The countertop installation itself won’t take long at all but you won’t have to give up a single family when you can cook and grill outside.

Picking out your countertops, cabinetry and other elements of your remodel is key during any renovation. Summer is full of bright light to help ensure you are making the right choice. You can open the blinds and draw in curtains to fill your kitchen with natural light. The days are also longer in the summer which allows more daylight for work to take place.

And, if you plan on repainting or refinishing your cabinetry or any other project that requires open windows or painting outdoors, summer is obviously the season of choice. While a renovation is taking place, ventilation of dust and odors is key. During the summer, you can be worry-free and open windows and doors for ventilation without the cold and moisture of the other seasons affecting the project. Do you have to open the windows? Not necessarily, but it can make things easier on the installation or remodeling teams.

These are just some of the reasons summer is such a great time to tackle you’re eagerly awaited kitchen remodeling project! So, stop into Imperial Counters and start on the selection process of the most important element of the room; the countertops.

Are you ready to start by selecting countertops for your Stillwater MN home? Call us at Imperial Counters at 651-437-3903, or you can feel free to contact us to get a Free Online Estimate.

Some of the Top Trends in Kitchen Countertops for 2019

Looking to make some changes to your home in the New Year? The best and most popular place to start in any home is the kitchen! It offers an array of opportunities to renovate from the floors to the cabinets and most importantly; the countertops. Countertop selection is central to any successful renovation. As experts in granite countertops for Apple Valley and the surrounding areas, we’d like to list a few of the big trends this year in countertops. And, when you’re ready to get started on your home remodel, don’t hesitate to give the professionals at Imperial Counters a call! We look forward to helping you plan out your beautiful new countertop installation!

Old, peeling countertops are the one thing that can seriously date a home. Replacing outdated countertops with new, on-trend timeless countertops is the best way to update the overall look and feel of your kitchen.

Your new countertops should offer on-trend style, innovative durability and timeless appearance. They should also exude quality. In fact, high quality, timelessness and lasting durability are all key features of the 2019 kitchen. That’s why granite remains high on the list of the top kitchen countertop trends for 2019. Granite is often cited as the most durable natural material available and is known for resisting cracks and chips well. They are also heat resistance, scratch resistant and spills wipe away easily.

Another big trend this year is opposites. For example, using high-tech innovations combined with classic, timeless and even rustic surfaces. Combine a big, shiny stove or unique island with classic granite countertops for an instant charmer in interior design.

Quartz is another top countertop trend for 2019 because it is attractive for its durability and its consistent color characteristics. Quartz offers an impressive color selection and is becoming an extremely popular and functional choice in modern kitchen design.

Whatever trend you decide on for the new year, it is important to get your quartz, solid surface or granite countertops from trusted professionals in the field. At Imperial Counters we will help you find the right style for you and your unique home.

Are you ready to learn more about kitchen countertops trends for 2019 as well as get some information on countertops including granite countertops for your Apple Valley home? Call Imperial Counters today at 651-437-3903 for a free estimate!

Learning About Granite Selection & Installation

As experts in the fabrication and installation of granite countertops for Woodbury and the surrounding areas, we’d like to provide you with some information to help you get to know the whole process from selection to maintenance. That way you can better familiarize yourself with granite and learn if its’s the right countertop material for you. We hope that with our expertise and guidance, we can help make the whole process an exciting one for you to enjoy from start to finish.

Start by doing a little research on granite countertops. The internet is not only a good place to learn about which materials work best in different parts of the home, but it is also a good place to start looking. Your new granite countertops will be the focal point of your kitchen, affecting both the overall style and value of the room, so it is important to choose wisely.

Next, decide if you would like to have a granite backsplash or new kitchen island to match your kitchen countertops. And don’t worry, we will walk you through everything, step by step. While you’re at it, you should also select your new sink, faucets and other elements that will be incorporated into your granite countertops. We will need to know how many holes to drill in the granite, and may need to see a specification sheet.

Keep in mind that granite may significantly vary in pattern and color from similar samples so it is also important to see the actual slabs of granite in person. Stop by our showroom to see the stone slabs for yourself. This can help you really envision how your new kitchen countertops will look in your home. You can even bring paint swatches or cabinet samples to make sure everything looks good together. Once you have made your final stone selection we are ready to proceed with production of your kitchen countertops.

When it comes to the maintenance of your granite countertops, that’s an easy one. For everyday cleaning, you just need water and a soft and dry white cloth. Make sure you dry off the countertop surface after wiping them down with water. You don’t need to buy any special granite countertop cleaner if you don’t want to. You do not need to worry about disinfecting your granite countertops. Granite is naturally non-porous so they will not harbor bacteria and germs.

Are you interested in learning more about new granite countertops for your Woodbury home? Call Imperial Counters at 651-437-3903, or you can contact us and get a Free Estimate Online.

The Many Benefits of the Latest Countertop Trend, Quartz

The Many Benefits of the Latest Countertop Trend, Quartz

Quartz is the latest trend in countertops. So, what makes it so appealing? As experts in quartz countertops for the Twin Cities, we’ve come up with some of the reasons why we think quartz is so popular right now.

There was once a time when granite was the only word you’d hear in terms of dream countertops. With its classic elegance and great value, it’s no wonder granite has reigned at the top of the interior design most-wanted list. And although granite remains one of the most popular choices in countertop materials, there is a new material on the scene; quartz. Quartz has seen a huge surge in popularity recently and has become one of the most coveted trends in countertops and here are a few reasons why:

Versatility

Quartz countertops come in a wide range of colors and styles because of its manufacturing process. Manufacturers are able to produce quartz countertops in everything from solid colors to imitation stone that looks like the real thing and much, much more!  Quartz countertops come in a huge variety of colors and patterns, so it won't really matter what color your cabinets are or any of the other features in your new kitchen or bathroom. With so many styles to choose from, you are sure to find a style to match your home’s unique décor.

Ease

Quartz countertops are formed with about 90% quartz and 10% binders like polymers, resins and various pigments. Thanks to this unique makeup, quartz is non-porous making it easier to clean and fend off bacteria. Keeping them clean is easy, and this is especially good for those who lead busy lives and/or have large families or a lot of activities going on. You don't need to worry about having them resealed, and you just need to be sure to keep them clean with water and a soft cloth. That's it!

ROI

Thanks to quartz’s durability, it can prove to be extremely cost-effective in the long run. So, when you’re looking to update your kitchen countertops, quartz is a great investment and can even help sell your home later on.

And these are just a few of the reasons to choose quartz countertops! For more information on quartz countertops for your Twin Cities home, call us at Imperial Counters at 651-437-3903, or you can feel free to contact us to get a Free Online Estimate.

What are Solid Surface Countertops? Getting the Facts about this Wonderful Material

When remodeling a kitchen, bathroom or other room and looking to choose the countertop material that works best for your unique household, you will likely have a few questions about solid surface countertops. Over our many years as an expert countertop fabrication and installation company, we have installed solid surface countertops in many Hudson WI area homes. We understand that it can be difficult at times to figure out which countertop material is the right one for your home and family. So, we are here to offer some facts about solid surface countertops and their many benefits.

The major benefits to installing solid surface countertops:

Special features unique to solid surface include inconspicuous seams, elegant coved or set-on backsplashes and decorative edge details.  They also come with an extended manufacturer’s warranty. They are even suitable for shower walls and seats.

What solid surface countertops are made up of:

The material is a combination of acrylics or polyester resins along with an inert filler material. Consumers looking for the most creative design options from a long-lasting countertop surface look to the half-inch thick, 100% acrylic/acrylic blend. The reason these types of countertops are so popular is because they are easily installed and repaired, but they are also a great complement to any room in the home.

Style possibilities:

Solid surface countertops are extremely customizable. They don’t just come in one or two colors. They are available in a wide range of colors and designs, so you are sure to find the perfect countertops to match your kitchen or bathroom décor. They are versatile in design and application, including several stylish and seamless sink style options.

The durability of solid surface countertops:

A certified professional can renew the surface to its original state in a few hours – rather than replacing worn-looking countertops. You don’t need to worry about bacteria growing on them either; solid surface countertops are non-porous so they will not harbor bacteria. Plus they are easy to clean and don’t require any special cleaning products.

So, when you’re ready to learn more about solid surface countertops for your Hudson WI home, call Imperial Counters at 651-437-3903 or contact us for a Free Estimate.

How to Find the Perfect Granite Countertops to Match Your Home

Granite countertops aren’t just beautiful, elegant and luxurious; they are also incredibly durable. In the distant past, your granite selection may have depended strictly on the stone available from your local quarry. But nowadays homeowners have the opportunity to purchase granite from all over the globe! Homeowners spanning all across America have been choosing granite for their home’s countertops for decades. Today, with so many colors, patterns and styles to choose from, it can be overwhelming trying to pick the perfect granite countertops to match your unique home.

At Imperial Counters, we install granite countertops in the Twin Cities and surrounding areas, so we have the experience and know-how to help you choose the right slab of granite for your home. In fact, some of our experts have come up with a few tips to help you along the way:

Consider your Lighting

Consider your home’s lighting. No matter how beautiful your granite countertop selection, if your lighting is poor, you won’t be able to appreciate them as they’re meant to. Granite counters are a great way to add value to your home, so make sure you’re getting the most out of them. Ample natural light and a string of pendant lights can brighten up the room and allow your granite countertops to shine.

Choose Your Colors

Whatever colors you like, it is important to incorporate your new granite countertops harmoniously with your home’s color scheme. Here are a few color tips and matching suggestions to consider:

• Dark brown cabinets should be complemented by granite countertops with an old-world look light to medium in shade or have beige or brown speckles.
• Oak cabinets in medium or light brown look great and create an eye-catching appeal with contrasting color granite.
• Light or neutral cabinets like medium brown look great with granite countertops that are grey, white or beige.
• Cherry wood cabinets look best with granite featuring rose accents.

Whatever you choose, avoid an exact match to your cabinets, whether it be in color or shade, as this can create a uniform, overwhelming look for the room. Still not sure? The professionals at Imperial counters can help you pick the perfect granite counters to complement your home’s décor.

Don’t forget Your Swatches and Samples

When you come into our showroom, bring along samples of your flooring, cabinets, wall paint and appliances. For anything you are unable to bring in swatches of, take a photo to bring in. Then, place these swatches, samples and photos on or around the granite slab to see how it all looks together. Doing so  can help you envision how your new granite countertops will look with the rest of the room.

Are you interested in installing granite countertops for your Twin Cities home? Call us at Imperial Counters at 651-437-3903 or contact us for a Free Estimate.

Granite Countertops Call for Standard Care

A great addition to any home, granite countertops add some class, regality and luxury to your bathrooms, kitchens and/or outdoor entertainment areas. Granite countertops even add resale value to your home. As installers of granite countertops in Stillwater MN and neighboring towns, we at Imperial Counters would like to drop a few suggestions on how you can maintain and care for your new counters to help ensure that they last a very long time. Perhaps decades, even the rest of your life!

Common sense does indeed apply in the art of making your granite countertops last. Use coasters with beverages, implement pot holders when hot items are to be placed upon them (granite countertops are heat-resistant but not heat proof). Keep the long term storage of liquids on your countertops at a minimum. If spills or general dripping occurs from such, staining is a likely outcome. If you make an effort to stay on top of spills and leaks, your granite countertops will be just fine.  

In the act of preparing food on your granite countertops use a cutting board instead of cutting food on the surface. Granite countertops are stain resistant. If a more powerful than the norm type of liquid does indeed stain them, try removing them with a poultice. For stains involving oil, apply a baking soda and water solution to remove the blemish. If staining occurs as a result of organic stuffs, try an acetone and baking soda mix. Always use a non-abrasive cleaner on your granite countertops.

Most granite countertops will require a sealing every one to two years to keep them at their best. Be mindful, too many sealings to tend to leave behind a cloudy residued surface. To see if you are due for a resealing, carry out a simple absorbency test. Place a drop of water on the granite, letting it stand for 15 minutes. Wipe it up. If you spot a dark stain where the drop was, look into a resealing. This test is indicative of your granite countertops tendency to slowly meander back to its more porous, naturally occurring state.

Do not place too much weight upon your granite countertops, especially consistent placement for too long. Tempting as it may be for family and friends alike, do not let anyone sit or stand on your granite countertops, either. Too much weight in one place for too long can cause damage to the granite.

For more information on granite countertops in Stillwater MN, call Imperial Counters at 651-437-3903 or contact us for a free estimate.