Month: October 2021

If you’re planning to do a complete remodel kitchen project, one of the things you need to consider is the countertop. Kitchens are never complete without countertops. When choosing a material to use for your countertops, you must consider both aesthetics and durability. Selecting a material is crucial since kitchens are one of the busiest areas in the house. Surveys show that majority of homeowners prefer quartz countertops. Let’s find out why.

Is Quartz the Best Material for Kitchen Countertops?

What is Quartz?

Quartz is a crystal mineral that is known for its impeccable strength. It’s virtually everywhere since it forms in all temperatures. You’re not going to have a hard time looking for quartz. It is a very long-lasting mineral that has many uses. Quarts have gained immense popularity because of their beauty. It also comes in different colors and shapes. Quartz is a highly versatile material. Did you know that it is used to make glass, jewelry and even electronics? It’s also commonly found in homes like in kitchen countertops.

What Makes Quartz Great For Kitchen Countertops?

Since quartz is known for its durability and strength, it doesn’t come as a surprise why most homeowners prefer to use this material in their kitchen’s interior design. If you’re planning to remodel your kitchen and you want to change the countertops into something that’s more functional, quartz is an excellent option. Quarts is functional, aesthetically appealing, and cost-effective.

When choosing a material for your kitchen countertops, find one that’s easy to clean and maintain. Are you aware that quartz countertops are made of ninety percent stone, quartz, and a combination of other minerals while others are just made of resin? If you’re looking for a countertop that’s scratch and crack proof, your best option would be none other than quartz. It’s easy to clean because the surface is non-porous, meaning it’s smooth, making it easy to clean.

It can also be designed in a variety of ways that will surely complement your kitchen’s theme. It can also mimic other designs since it’s engineered quartz.

How Is Quartz Better Than Others?

Quartz countertops have multiple competitors like granite, laminate, and many more. Quartz is still the top pick for countertops because it possesses all the critical features needed in countertops that other materials don’t have. It’s also affordable given its high-quality features.

For example, granite has a unique pattern but it is limited in design, unlike the Quartz, which is an engineered piece. Granite is also less durable and it’s not good for the environment because of the processes needed to acquire it. Quartz has a higher heat resistance compared to solid surface countertops. It’s also famed for its scratch-resistance feature, a feature that is lacking among its competitors.

Quartz can mimic the look of granite, marble, and any other stone-looking countertop. It is on a medium scale in terms of price, but even if it’s more expensive than others, the quality is worth the money. Cheaper options like laminate or wood do not perform or look as impressive as Quartz. Granite is more expensive, but Quartz is better in terms of function and beauty. If you want to have a countertop that is worth a lifetime, abundant in designs, and is not too expensive, the best option would be quartz.

Takeaway

In a nutshell, quartz is indeed the best option when it comes to kitchen countertops because of its numerous benefits. Quartz countertops continue to rise in popularity because they never go out of style. The design, the process of how it is made and of course it’s affordable price are just some of the many reasons why homeowners prefer quartz.

If you visit most American homes, you will find that most if not all of them have quartz countertops. Quartz will save you money in the long run since it lasts a lifetime. You don’t need to worry about them getting damaged, cracked, or scratched because they are resistant to all these. The ease in maintenance and its ability to mimic any design you want are enough reasons why you should give quartz a try!

Furthermore, quartz countertops are almost indestructible. Quartz is also considered a green product, meaning it is environmentally friendly because it uses mostly organic ingredients and the process of how it’s made doesn’t harm Mother Earth. Quartz is the best option you have for making countertops. If you’re still not convinced, try doing a poll or conduct surveys; in the end, you’ll still get the same answer. Quartz is the most reliable option you have.

While you can get a lot of enjoyment out of a backyard pond, you might be worried about your pond during the winter. How can you avoid pond freezing? Should you run your pond pump during the winter? You can find answers to these questions and more information about winter pond maintenance below.

Should You Turn Your Pond Pump Off In the Winter?

This isn’t a question that can be answered with a simple “yes” or “no.” Instead, you need to look at your own circumstances and let that guide your decision. To start, you’ll need to consider the climate that you live in. If the temperatures in your area don’t drop below freezing during the winter, you should feel free to keep the pond running.

If you’re in a colder climate, however, shutting your pump off may be the safest option. If your pond does wind up freezing, you could also wind up with a frozen pipe. This could damage or even destroy the pipe entirely. Shutting the pump off before the water freezes can help you keep the pump in good condition.

Turning your pump off could be a problem if you have fish or other creatures in your pond. Your pump circulates the water in your pond, which prevents stratification while oxygenating the water. Thankfully, there’s a way to safely run a pond pump even in freezing temperatures.

How Do You Avoid Pond Freezing?

If you live in an area with cold winters, you can use a pond heater to keep your pond at a higher temperature. A heater is an essential investment if you have fish in your pond. Not only will a heater allow you to operate your pond pump throughout the winter, but it will keep the water warm enough for your fish.

There are many types of pond heaters on the market at a wide range of price points. Many heaters are small and inexpensive to run. If you’re thinking ahead to the winter season, and you want to make sure you’re prepared, now is an excellent time to invest in a pond heater.

What Should You Do If Your Pond Ices Over?

If your pond is covered in ice, you may be tempted to bang on the ice until it breaks. While you should try to make a hole in the ice, smashing the ice could wind up harming your fish. Instead, you should use a de-icer to create a hole that lets gases out. You shouldn’t leave your de-icer running, but you should check on your pond periodically and create a new hole in the ice as needed.

Some types of pond heaters will also make a hole in the water for you. If you’re worried about aeration, you could also try placing aeration stones in your pond.

Do You Need to Feed Your Fish During the Winter?

While feeding your fish is an essential chore, giving fish the same amount of food that you normally do can actually do more harm than good during the winter. Fish become far less active during the winter, and because of that, the amount of food they need significantly decreases.

Instead of feeding your dish on a daily basis, you should try feeding your fish about once per week. There are also special types of fish foods that are specifically designed to meet a fish’s needs during colder seasons.

As long as your backyard pond is properly cared for, it can be a source of joy all year long. Take the time to answer your questions before winter starts. That way, you can keep your pond — and the creatures within it — in great shape.