"We recently had Mega Power Electric Inc install a solar system and panels. The President and provided excellent communication all the way through the process. He even met with us after installation to explain the almost incomprehensible PG&E bill. Although not the least expensive bid, his was competitive and I felt he was as interested in educating me about solar and the various types of panels and inverter systems as he was in selling a system. He demonstrated how the array of panels would meet our energy needs and as opposed to some of the other companies, wasn't selling us more than we needed. We are very satisfied with our solar system and I highly recommended Mega Power Electric Inc."
"Joshua is great! I purchased the toilets at Home Depot and arranged for Joshua to pick them up. Well HD Lancaster location only had two of the HE toilets that I wanted, so the 3rd toilet was picked up in the HD Palmdale store. Joshua did all this with pleasure. He was on time, work was completed superbly and cleanup was on point. I will always call on Joshua for my Handyman needs..."
"Darnell is very professional. We have young children and I very much appreciated that he and his crew were on time everyday and cleaned up every day after they left. Communication was easy with both him and his wife who primarily does the scheduling. The price was outstanding and we would recommend them to anyone who is looking for a general contractor in our area. "
One of the primary benefits of a soapstone countertop is that the material is heat-resistant. You can put a hot pan on soapstone, and it won’t scorch or crack. Despite being able to handle extreme heat, soapstone is much softer than granite, quartz and similar materials. This means that it scratches easily, so you should not prepare food directly on the surface.
You can cut food on tough, scratch-resistant granite countertops. However, these hard surfaces can quickly dull your knife blades, and continual cutting in the same spot can eventually lead to marks forming and compromising the protective sealant. As with any countertop material, it’s always best to use a chopping board.
You can cut countertops without chipping by using your saw correctly and having a new fine-toothed blade. You can also put masking tape on the front of the countertop material across the cut line and cut from front to back. However, it is very hard to cut countertops without chipping them, especially if they are made of stone or more fragile materials like laminate. The best advice is to know how to use the equipment, use the correct cutting method for the material, cut from back to front, move slowly, and practice on scrap material first.
Deciding between marble and granite for kitchen countertops depends on your personal priorities, budget, and style. Both materials have similar costs for material and installation.
Marble offers a luxurious aesthetic and timeless beauty, but it is more expensive and requires more maintenance. It is susceptible to staining and etching from acidic substances like coffee, wine, or tomato sauce if spills are not cleaned up quickly.
Granite is highly durable, heat-resistant, and easier to maintain, making it a practical choice for busy kitchens.
Both materials should be sealed to protect against damage, but they can still be vulnerable to stains if spills are left on the surface for too long.
Silestone® is heat-resistant, so it can handle moderately high temperatures for a short period of time. That said, exposure to high heat can cause serious damage. You should never take a hot pan off the stove and place it directly on your countertop. Temperatures above 300 degrees Fahrenheit can leave marks or discoloration on the surface. Instead, use a trivet.
The Walker, CA homeowners’ guide to marble and granite services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Marble countertops have yet to go out of style, and likely won't any time soon. This strong, durable, and stunning material melds with most kitchen, bathroom, and even dining room designs. But how much do marble countertops cost to install?
Are you weighing engineered stone vs. natural stone countertops? Both offer many of the same benefits, but there are differences in price, durability, and appearance.
