"Joan at Eastern Surfaces helped guide me thru the stressful process of picking out a granite countertop. She was very patient, knowledgeable and professional. I highly recommend her."
"My experience with epoxy 856 was excellent. The workers were professional, they covered their feet and made sure everything was clean when they left. Most of all my counters and floor are beautiful."
"My experience was great. Dennie was very responsive after I made the initial contact though Angie's List. I included pictures of my old damaged sink. Dennie gave me a quote over the phone and he agreed to come to my home which was an hour and a half way. We made the appointment, he arrived on time and I had a newly resurfaced sink in about 4 hours. I would hire Dennie again. He was responsive to my calls, on time and did wonderful work. He cleaned up everything perfectly. My sink looks like new!"
"He has professional experience and knowledge of what he is doing, a great job getting everything done on time. I love ❤️ my countertop definitely recommend this pro alliance Granite & quartz. His professional experience and expertise in his field are evident in his ability to complete all tasks on time. I highly recommend Alliance Granite & Quartz"
"Very professional start to finish. Received a quick detailed estimate, and scheduling and service were also very promptà ¢à  à ¦speedy in fact. Our countertops look fabulous, exceeding expectations. Ità ¢à  à  s difficult to find someone to do this work, and I had my doubts about using a company I found on the internet. But we are so glad we took the chance on Surface Link because they did a perfect job. It is Hard to find a contractor we can say that about todayà ¢à  à ¦. We are often disappointed. Not with this company. Or this technician (Steve ) who is a pro at this. Time will tell, but as of today, we are thrilled."
"The installed countertops look just the way I hoped they would. Tom Wenger willingly took on the nasty task of removing the old Formica backsplash as well as the old countertops, even though it involved extensive drywall patching and sanding -- not something we had anticipated when he bid the project."
Countertops and Backsplashes questions, answered by experts
Comparing engineered stone vs. natural stone countertops can help you figure out if one is better than the other for you. The answer depends on your preferences, needs, and budget. You might choose engineered stone if you are looking for something more cost effective and low maintenance, but it is hard to beat the beauty of natural stone counters. You may prefer their longer lifespan, the uniqueness of each slab, and their durability.
Yes, Corian® and other solid surface countertops can be cut with standard woodworking tools like a circular saw or a jigsaw, but using the correct blade is crucial for the best results.
The recommended blade is a tungsten carbide-tipped blade, often called a solid-surface planer or triple chip grind blade. This type of blade is hard enough to cut through the material effectively. For a jigsaw, a fine-tooth down-cutting blade should be used.
It is important to note that a diamond blade is not necessary. Diamond blades are designed for harder materials like natural stone, concrete, or brick, and Corian is not a natural stone.
Using blades designed for wood is not recommended as they can cause microfractures that weaken the countertop's edges. While a tungsten carbide blade provides a much cleaner cut, the resulting edge will still be rough and must be sanded and smoothed to prevent microfractures from developing over time.
Yes, Corian® and other solid surface materials can be cut with standard woodworking tools, such as a circular saw or a jigsaw. However, it is crucial to use the correct type of blade to avoid damaging the material.
For a circular saw, a tungsten carbide-tipped blade is required; a triple chip grind blade is highly recommended. For a jigsaw, you should use a fine-tooth down-cutting blade. Do not use blades designed for cutting wood, as they can cause microfractures that weaken the edges of the countertop. A diamond blade is also unnecessary, as those are designed for harder materials like natural stone, which Corian is not.
After cutting, the edge will be rough. It is essential to sand and smooth the cut edge to prevent microfractures, which can eventually compromise the integrity of the countertop.
Granite countertops cost an average of $3,250 compared to $2,250 for tile countertops. Granite is also harder to DIY than tile, given its weight and bulk, which increases the overall labor cost of installation. Over time, both types of countertops may need sealing to remain resistant to water, heat, and other common kitchen elements.
Extensive chips and cracks may require a full replacement of the countertop. The cost to install a new countertop is around $3,100 on average. But, if the damaged area is relatively small, you may want to consider repairing it yourself or calling in a qualified professional. Depending on the material, some epoxy and sandpaper may do the trick. Or you can consider painting laminate countertops or refinishing butcher block countertops.
The Barto, PA homeowners’ guide to countertop and backsplash services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Are you getting close to deciding on Caesarstone® countertops for your home? Discover all the details behind Caesarstone® countertop costs in this guide.
The cost of porcelain countertops is affected by many factors, primarily the material's type (tile or slab) and finish, as well as your counter’s size and shape.
From protecting your walls from cooking spatter to solidifying your aesthetic, these backsplash ideas will elevate the form and function of your kitchen.
