Ranking of Countertop Fabricators & Installers in Clearwater, FL 2024: Top Companies for Your New Countertop

A variety of stones are used for countertops, each offering unique characteristics, aesthetics, and durability. Here are the main types commonly used: Granite

• Advantages: High durability, resistance to scratches, heat, and moisture. Available in a wide range of colors and textures.
• Disadvantages: Requires regular maintenance and periodic sealing.

• Advantages: Highly attractive with unique veining and a rich selection of colors.
• Disadvantages: Prone to scratches and stains, requiring frequent sealing and careful upkeep.

• Advantages: Durable, scratch- and stain-resistant, and requires minimal maintenance due to its non-porous surface. Offers a wide variety of designs.
• Disadvantages: Sensitive to high temperatures, so heat-resistant pads are necessary.

• Advantages: A man-made material that includes natural quartz. Does not require sealing, and is resistant to stains, scratches, and moisture.
• Disadvantages: Hot items cannot be placed directly on the surface without a heat-resistant pad.

• Advantages: Beautiful and unique, with a translucent quality that works well with backlighting.
• Disadvantages: A very soft and porous stone, easily scratched, requiring careful maintenance. Not suitable for heavily used surfaces.

• Advantages: Easy to work with, available in a wide range of colors, and moisture-resistant.
• Disadvantages: Less resistant to scratches and high temperatures compared to natural stones.

1. Measure the Length and Width of Each Area:
   • Standard countertop depth along the wall is 24 inches.
   • For a kitchen island, consider a width of 27 to 36 inches, depending on your preferences.
2. Include Overhangs:
   • Allow for a 1–1.5 inch overhang along the edges of the countertop above the cabinets to ensure comfortable use of the work surfaces.
3. Cutouts and Openings:
   • Account for the dimensions of sinks, cooktops, and appliances. If you have exact specifications for your appliances, it’s best to include them in your calculations from the start.
4. Area and Material Calculation:
   • Calculate the total countertop area by multiplying the length by the width of each section, then sum up the areas of all sections to get the total square footage.

The most cost-effective option in terms of price-to-quality ratio is quartz countertops. They are durable, easy to maintain, resistant to stains and wear, and don’t require annual sealing like some natural materials. Granite countertops also offer excellent durability and can be a great long-term investment. Finding a company in Clearwater, FL that meets all your needs is simple. Just check out our rankings and choose the best contractor near you!

Marble and natural quartzite are the most expensive materials for kitchen countertops. Their premium price is due to their stunning beauty and unique natural patterns that are difficult to replicate in other materials. These stones require regular maintenance and careful handling, as they are prone to scratches and stains. However, their aesthetic appeal and luxurious appearance often make them worth the investment.

Caring for stone countertops requires regular maintenance to preserve their appearance and durability. Below are key care tips for different types of stone: Daily Cleaning

• Use a soft cloth and warm water for daily wiping.
• Avoid abrasive cleaners and rough sponges that can scratch the surface.
• Soap and neutral cleaning agents are safe, but avoid products with acids or harsh chemicals, especially on marble and limestone.

• Wipe up spills immediately, especially acidic liquids like wine, citrus juices, or vinegar. These can deeply penetrate the surface and leave stains, particularly on marble and limestone countertops.
• Use coasters and trays under bottles of oil, spices, and beverages.
• Place hot pots and pans on trivets or heat-resistant pads. Even if the stone is heat-resistant, sudden temperature changes can damage the sealant and cause cracks.

•  For stones like marble and granite, periodic professional polishing is recommended. This restores shine, removes minor scratches, and refreshes the sealant. It's best to hire a specialist or seek advice from the company that installed your countertop.

• While stone is durable, sharp objects and heavy impacts can cause damage. Always use cutting boards and avoid cutting food directly on the countertop.
• Be cautious with heavy objects near the edges of the countertop, as these areas are more vulnerable.

• Granite: Requires less frequent maintenance but needs regular sealing. Keep it clean and avoid acidic cleaning products.
• Marble: Highly prone to stains and scratches. Seal it regularly and avoid exposure to acidic or alkaline substances.
• Quartz Composite: Virtually maintenance-free and stain-resistant. However, avoid high heat and abrasive cleaning products.
• Onyx: Porous and requires delicate handling. Wipe up spills immediately and seal it to protect against stains.
• Quartz: The most low-maintenance material, requiring no sealing. Clean with a soft cloth and mild detergent. Avoid harsh chemicals to prolong its lifespan.
• Quartzite: Heat-resistant but still benefits from the use of trivets for hot items. Seal every 1–2 years to protect against stains and moisture. Avoid using acidic or harsh cleaning agents such as vinegar or bleach.

The most durable stone countertop is made from quartz composite (engineered quartz). This material combines natural quartz (approximately 90–95%) with polymer binders, making it incredibly strong and resistant to various types of damage. Key Benefits of Quartz Composite:

• Exceptional Strength and Scratch Resistance: Quartz composite is second only to diamond in hardness, making scratches and chips on its surface nearly impossible.
• Stain and Moisture Resistance: Its non-porous structure prevents liquid absorption and staining, which is especially convenient for kitchen use.
• Hygienic Surface: The non-porous nature of quartz inhibits bacterial buildup and makes it easy to clean.
• Minimal Maintenance: It does not require sealing or complex care—simple cleaning with mild solutions is sufficient.
• Heat Resistance: While quartz composite can tolerate heat, using trivets for hot items is recommended to avoid potential damage.

Countertop fabrication and installation contractors typically complete the job within a day. Installing one or two sections without intricate details may take around 3–4 hours. However, when multiple sections, large dimensions, or hard-to-reach areas are involved, the process can take about 6–8 hours. The timeline depends on the following factors:

1. Size and Complexity of the Countertop: Large, heavy, or multi-sectional countertops with cutouts for sinks and cooktops require more time to install.
2. Type of Stone: Quartz composite and granite are installed faster since they require less on-site maintenance, while marble and other porous stones may need additional treatment or sealing.
3. Preparation and Adjustments: If extra fitting is required before installation, this adds several hours to the process. While slabs are usually pre-cut, occasional on-site adjustments may be necessary.
4. Installation Complexity and Site Conditions: Challenging access to the area or the need to remove an old countertop can also extend the installation time.

It all depends on the size of your kitchen. Here are some common and average measurements: Small Kitchen: Countertop length around 6 feet, depth 24 inches. Standard Kitchen: Countertop length between 8 and 10 feet, depth 24 inches. Large Kitchen with an Island: Countertop length can reach 12 feet or more, island depth up to 30 inches.

Sealing is an important part of maintaining stone countertops. It helps extend their lifespan, preserving the appearance and protecting against damage. Here are a few tips on when to seal your countertop:

• Check the sealant for wear once a year. If it has started to peel or wear off in spots, it’s time to reapply.
•  Use only sealants specifically designed for stone, as they won’t damage the surface. Apply the sealant following the instructions on the packaging, evenly and carefully, to avoid streaks and smudges.

Keep in mind that doing this alone will be much harder. Call a kitchen countertop installer for assistance. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you with the task:

• Turn off the water and electricity.
• Remove the appliances (sink, cooktop).
• Cut the sealant between the countertop and the wall/cabinets with a knife.
• Separate the adhesive with a spatula or putty knife, gently loosening it along its entire length.
• Lift the countertop with a crowbar or installation spatula. Work gradually.
• Remove the countertop, and enlist help for heavy materials.