The Design Process includes the Options You Want
Countertop Design Features or Options
Part of the design process involves including the features or options that the client wants. Nathan will guide the client to choose the feature they need and recommend the necessary countertop features that best fit the customer’s requirements. The countertop features are discussed at the Free Design Session and Quote in your home. Please note features can significantly impact the price. Thus Nathan will help decide on the features to fit your budget.
There are two types of features you can purchase: Implicit Features and Explicit Features. To arrive at a final price requires the clients to approval all the features they need. Implicit Features are those feature items that change the countertop surface. Explicit Features are those the increase the surface of the countertop system. In either case, adding features will increase the price. Your feature choices depend on your individual preferences, lifestyle and the overall countertop design you want to achieve.
Countertop Design Features
Implicit Features
- Edge Profile (see detailed description below)
- Mitered Edges (giving the appearance of a thicker, seamless edge)
- Surface Finish (see detailed description below)
- Slab Cut-ins for sink/faucet, controls for light, Garbage disposal & etc
- Select Sink, Faucet & Mounting
- Surface Dimensions
- Sealant (see detailed description below)
- Warranty: 2-year or lifetime
Explicit Features
- Backsplash
- Replace Drywall
- Side Panel or Waterfall
- Wall Cladding
- Extra Countertop Overhang
- Extended Countertop as a Kitchen Table
- Additional Countertops or Kitchen Island
Edge Profiles
The edge profile can impact the countertop aesthetic appearance, safety, durability, maintenance and price. The following is the most popular edge profiles Nathan provides:
- Radius: top rounded with a clean contemporary look & good safety
- Beveled: sharp 45-degree angle cut along the top edge, decorative & helps deflect spills
- Full Bullnose: fully rounded. offers maximum safety, ideal for family & kids & less prone to chipping
- Ogee: elegant “s: shape curve, luxurious touch. suitable for traditional & high-end countertops & extra effort to clean
- Demi Bullnose: smooth, rounded edge that’s elegant & versatile, durable, easy to clean, resists chipping & reduces pill.
- Chiseled: looks rugged unfinished for rustic or industrial design. unique & more effort to clean
Surface Finishing
This feature is performed at n the Fabrication Shop. Pricing varies based on finish desired and the stone slab. The following is a list of the must popular surface finishing:
- Glossy luxurious, easy to clean, & stain & scratch resistant,
- Honed: subdued, smooth, matte finish that depends on the stone, contemporary look, porous, requires sealant & show scratches
- Leathered: textured finish with subtle sheen, unique tactile touch, resists stains, resists smudges compared to glossy or honed finishes
- Flamed: created by intense heat that provides a rough , textured , non-slip surface & often used for outdoor kitchens.
Sealants
Natural stone such marble and granite and a lesser extent quartzite are porous and require sealing. In addition stones that have a hone finish are recommend to be sealed.
- High Quality Impregnating Sealers: are recommended to protect 3 – 5 years or longer depending om the specific brand product and amount of countertop usage,
- According to Tenax USA: sealer like Hydrex & Proseal are effective in preventing liquid absorption that cause discoloration
- Food Safety: it’s recommended to seal porous countertop to prevent micro-organism growth. natural sealers such as Skudo & Walnut oil are non-toxic and many instances out perform the synthetic sealers.
- Regular Cleaning: periodic use of a PH neutral stone cleaner is recommended to maintain the natural stone surface.
With 25+ Years of Experience, Nathan's Greatest Strength is his Creative Countertop Design Expertise.
To get started, Call Nathan
(727) 365-7036
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