​The latest trend is surfacing is porcelain slabs. You may also hear "ultracompact" or "sintered stone," but it all refers to the same material, which we will refer to as porcelain. Some brand names are Laminam, Techlam by Levantina, Dekton, Neolith, and Infinity Surfaces.
​ 
​The category is rising in popularity for several reasons:

Aesthetic Appeal
The slabs are man made, using digital technology to create the most realistic marbled, wood, metallic or concrete designs. For a marbled design, the manufacturer will find the most beautiful slab of real marble, and scan it with an industrial grade scanner. The design is then digitally printed on the surface of the porcelain slab, creating a slab that is almost indistinguishable from the natural stone.

Durability
​ Porcelain is an extremely durable product--it can withstand extreme heat, and is nonporous, so no need to worry about staining! The matte finish is extremely durable and can be cleaned with a Magic Eraser for some brands. The polished finish is created by applying a layer of glass to the surface, creating a shinier finish than quartz and stone. You do need to take care not to chip the edge of the countertop or the sink cutout. 

​Unlimited Uses
​Porcelain can be used for more than just countertops...it makes an excellent surfacing material for walls (shower, accent, or full backsplashes), range hoods, flooring, exterior cladding, or even around a pool. The uses are virtually unlimited. 

It is a "green" product in that the ingredients all come from the earth, no harsh chemicals are used. The main ingredients are clay, quartz, and feldspar. Through the process of heat and pressure, the feldspar melts, becoming the glue that hold everything together.  Unlike quartz, it is absent of resins, therefore a UV stable material suitable for outdoor applications. 

There is no doubt that you will see more use of porcelain in the future.  For full slabs, and displays, please visit our showroom. Click here for directions and hours: travertineartisans.com/contact.html

Congratulations!  You purchased your dream countertops of quartzite, marble, granite, or other natural stone.  Now what?  How do you keep them in top condition?

**Please note that the tips below are for NATURAL STONE ONLY, not manufactured quartz, which requires no sealing.

All natural stones have some degree of porosity.  The more porous a stone is, the more susceptible it is to staining. For the most part, darker stones tend to be less porous and absorb less liquids than lighter colored stones.

To help prevent discolorations or staining of the stone, we recommend applying a penetrating sealer at least once a year. Penetrating sealers soak into the second layer of stone, and do not alter the appearance. 

We have tried many sealers over the years, and 2 of our favorites are Tenax Proseal, and Lustro Italiano.

After thoroughly cleaning and drying your countertop, apply sealer to countertop using a soft cloth.  Let soak in for 5-10 minutes, then remove excess with a clean dry rag. 
Sealer may be re-applied if it soaked in the stone quickly.  

​That's it! Easy peasy. 

If you are concerned that your countertop needs re-sealing more often than 1x per year, you can test it.  Place a few drops of water on the surface of the countertop.  It should bead up and stay there.  If the water absorbs within minutes, apply a coat of sealer for more protection. 

**Some sealers have a strong smell as they are solvent based, use care around children, pets, and those with sensitivities. 

How to choose the right material for your countertops

The most common question we are asked is: What is the difference between quartz and quartzite?

Let’s first discuss quartz. Quartz slabs are a man-made product comprised of approximately 90-93% crushed quartz, with resin acting as a binder and pigments for coloring. Brand names include Silestone, Cambria, and Caesarstone.

The ingredients are mixed and poured into a slab form, then baked in oven to cure the slab. Once cured, the slab is polished using diamond abrasives to create a brilliant shine on the surface.

Quartz countertops are very popular and comprise 80% of our countertop business today. The popularity is mainly due to ease of maintenance…the countertops are nonporous and never need sealing. Soap and water is all that is needed for everyday cleaning.

There are many patterns and designs available from marbled designs to solids and even textured or leathered finish.

For a low maintenance countertop, quartz is the clear winner.

Quartz Price: $-$$$


However, some clients want a surface that is more unique and an “art piece.”


Quartzite is quarried from the earth, and no 2 slabs will be exactly the same. Your kitchen or bath will be uniquely yours as you personally select the slabs for your project!


Quartzite is one of the finest creations of Mother Nature, created when Sandstone mixes with magma. This process makes quartzite very hard and dense. This hardness makes it somewhat difficult to quarry and process the blocks of stones into single slabs. It may take 3x longer to process a slab of quartzite than any other natural stone, making quartzite a pricier option.


However, the hardness and density is what makes quartzite a great countertop option. Quartzites hold up well in kitchens and baths, resistant to etching and most stains if sealed well.
Quartzites are available in shades of whites, creams, greys and even some darker shades. Some popular colors include Taj Mahal, Mont Blanc, and Bianco Superiore.


If considering quartzite, it is imperative that you approve your slab prior to cutting. Each slab is different, and the color range and movement can vary greatly. 
Quartzite Price: $$$-$$$$$

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