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Countertops

Choosing the Right Thickness for Quartzite Countertops in Your Design

It seems like there’s so many things to keep track of during the design phase of a countertop project! You have to think about the type of stone, the pattern, the colors, the edge profile, the finish, how it will look with your cabinets… and that’s not all! Another element to keep track of is the thickness of your quartzite countertops. 

The right slab thickness can make or break your kitchen countertops… sometimes literally, if you go too thin! But don’t worry– that’s what we’re here for. Here at Olympia Stone, we’ve been helping people just like you choose the perfect countertop for decades. Today, we’re going to talk about how to choose the right thickness for your quartzite countertop.

Standard Thickness Options

Quartzite countertops typically come in two standard thicknesses: 2 cm (¾ inch) and 3 cm (1 ¼ inch). Each option offers unique benefits depending on the intended application and desired look. Thinner slabs work well for specific design styles or areas where weight is a concern, while thicker slabs provide a more substantial presence and greater durability. 

If you’re doing a second-floor installation, your fabricator can help you determine if a 3 cm slab will pose any safety issues, as well as advise you on the advantages and disadvantages of the two standard thickness options for your project.

The Elegance of a Thin Slab

A 2 cm quartzite slab creates a sleek and refined appearance, making it a great choice for contemporary and minimalist designs. The thinner profile works well for backsplashes, bathroom vanities, or spaces where a lighter touch is preferred. 

To achieve a more substantial look, fabricators often add a laminated edge, which creates the illusion of a thicker slab while maintaining the original weight and structural properties. This option allows for design flexibility without sacrificing style.

The Strength and Boldness of a Thick Slab

For a more dramatic effect, a 3 cm quartzite slab provides a solid and luxurious presence. The added thickness enhances durability, making it ideal for high-traffic areas such as kitchen islands and countertops that see daily use. Because of its sturdiness, a 3 cm slab often requires less support underneath, reducing the need for additional reinforcement. This thickness also allows for a variety of edge profiles, from simple and clean to intricate and decorative.

Edge Profiles and Finishes That Complement Thickness

The choice of thickness influences the selection of edge profiles, which further define the overall look of the countertop. A thinner slab pairs well with simple edges, such as eased or beveled designs, while a thicker slab allows for more intricate detailing like ogee or bullnose edges. The combination of slab thickness and edge profile should align with the overall design vision, ensuring a cohesive and polished appearance.

When it comes to finishes, either standard thickness works well with various finish options for quartzite. Whether you prefer a sleek, reflective polished finish or a more rugged, textured honed finish, both 2 cm and 3 cm slabs can be finished however you prefer. However, if you want a more unusual finish, like a tumbled or flamed finish, a 3 cm slab might hold up to the process a little bit better; again, consult your fabricator about what is possible.

Creating a Cohesive Design With Quartzite

Regardless of thickness, quartzite countertops bring natural beauty and resilience to any space. Whether opting for a thinner, refined profile or a bold, substantial slab, the right selection enhances both the practicality and aesthetic appeal of the design. 

Careful consideration of how thickness integrates with cabinetry, backsplashes, and other elements ensures a well-planned and visually stunning result. If you’re interested in learning more about quartzite or already have some ideas percolating, we’re here for you! Contact us at Olympia Stone today for a free quote for your countertop project.

How to Create a Focal Point in Your Kitchen with a Quartz Countertop Island

Kitchen islands are an extremely popular design choice, especially if your home features an open-concept design where the kitchen flows into other spaces. In fact, over 60% of all new kitchen designs feature an island! Kitchen islands are great for cooking, eating, and entertaining– and they’re such a practical use of space for storage and appliances. And they look great with any kind of kitchen aesthetic or design. 

When designed thoughtfully, a quartz countertop island can become the focal point that elevates the entire space. With the right design approach, your kitchen island can serve as a beautiful, functional, and enduring feature in your home.

Why Quartz?

Quartz’s versatility, durability, and aesthetic appeal make it an ideal material for creating a visually striking island that complements the surrounding elements. And quartz, as an engineered material, comes in any color and pattern you can imagine. It can mimic the look of natural stone, or come in a single statement color, or look like a sparkling night sky– the only limit to quartz is the manufacturers’ designs! 

Designing with Quartz

The color and pattern of your quartz countertop are the first steps in creating an eye-catching kitchen island. If you want the island to stand out, choose a bold, contrasting color to break up the monotony of surrounding neutral tones. 

A deep shade like navy or charcoal can add depth and sophistication, while a lighter hue like marble-inspired white with gray veins offers a luxurious, timeless look. Patterns with unique veining or subtle speckling add a touch of natural stone appeal, giving the countertop an organic, elegant feel. 

Carefully selecting the color and pattern of your quartz can help ensure the island becomes a visual highlight of the room. When you start talking with a fabricator, ask if you can bring showroom samples home so that you can see what the quartz patterns you like look like in your kitchen– and look at them at different times of day so you can see how the changing light affects the look of the quartz.

Integrating the Island into Your Kitchen’s Design

While it’s important to make your kitchen island stand out, it should also fit seamlessly into the design of the room. This balance can be achieved by coordinating the island’s countertop with other key elements in the kitchen. 

If the cabinetry features dark wood or rich tones, a lighter quartz countertop can create an eye-catching contrast. Alternatively, a quartz island with a complementary hue or pattern can tie together various design elements without overwhelming the space. 

Customizing the Island Shape and Size

The shape and size of your kitchen island significantly impact how it functions as a focal point. An oversized, rectangular island offers ample space for food prep and seating while becoming a dominant feature of the room – so it’s perfect for large kitchens. 

For smaller kitchens, a rounded or oval island can still create a sense of visual interest without taking up too much space. 

Whether large or compact, the right island shape will naturally draw the eye and create a welcoming environment for both cooking and gathering.

Making Your Island Dreams a Reality

Whether you already have a kitchen island that you’d like to renovate, or if you don’t yet have a kitchen island but want one, Olympia Stone is here for you! We have an incredible selection of quartz countertops, and our friendly team is happy to work with you to bring your design to reality. Contact us today for a free quote for your kitchen countertop project!

Why You Should Choose Marble Countertops for Your Kitchen Renovation

A kitchen renovation is an opportunity to create a space that is both functional and visually stunning. From cabinetry to flooring, every design choice plays a role in the final look and feel of the room. When it comes to countertops, few materials bring the level of elegance and timeless beauty that marble does. Choosing marble for your kitchen upgrade ensures that your space will be as sophisticated and lovely as it is practical.

A Timeless and Luxurious Aesthetic

Marble has been used in architecture and design for centuries, and its appeal remains as strong as ever. The soft veining and natural variations in each slab make every marble countertop a unique work of art. Whether you prefer the subtle elegance of Carrara marble or the bold veining of Calacatta, this natural stone has the ability to elevate any kitchen design.

Unlike some countertop materials that can look manufactured, marble has an organic quality that adds warmth and depth to a space. Its soft sheen catches the light beautifully, giving your kitchen a bright, airy feel. Whether paired with modern, sleek cabinetry or a more traditional design, marble enhances the overall aesthetic with effortless sophistication.

Marble Arabescato 2cm

A Cool and Functional Surface for Cooking

Beyond its beauty, marble is highly functional, especially for those who love to cook and bake. One of its standout features is its naturally cool temperature. Bakers and pastry chefs have long favored marble for rolling out dough, as it helps keep butter from softening too quickly. Whether you’re making homemade bread, delicate pastries, or a perfectly crisp pizza crust, a marble countertop provides an ideal work surface.

Marble is also heat resistant, meaning it can handle the occasional hot pan or baking sheet without damage. While trivets are always recommended to preserve the surface, marble offers peace of mind in a busy kitchen where heat exposure is common.

Increased Home Value and Long-Term Appeal

Choosing marble countertops is an investment that pays off in both aesthetics and home value. High-end materials like marble make a strong impression on potential buyers, adding a touch of luxury that sets a kitchen apart. Even if you’re not planning to sell your home anytime soon, installing marble countertops ensures that your kitchen remains stylish and desirable for years to come. And marble looks great in kitchens of any size; it won’t get lost in a big space or overwhelm a more compact kitchen.

Trends in kitchen design come and go, but marble has stood the test of time. Quite literally– some of our oldest monuments and architecture is made of marble! While other materials may need to be replaced as styles change, marble maintains its classic appeal, making it a long-term choice that never feels outdated.

Marble Countertop Maintenance: Tips and Tricks for Care

Proper Care for Lasting Beauty

While marble is a durable stone, it does require proper care to maintain its pristine look. Regular sealing helps protect against staining from spills, while simple daily cleaning with mild soap and water keeps the surface looking fresh. Unlike synthetic materials, marble develops character over time, gaining a patina that adds to its charm and contributes to the countertop’s design. It’s not just a marble countertop; it’s your family’s marble countertop.

Upgrade Your Kitchen with Olympia Stone

For a luxurious, timeless, and functional kitchen, marble is the ultimate choice for your renovation. Whether you’re drawn to its elegant veining, cool work surface, or lasting value, marble is a material that transforms any space. Ready to find the perfect marble countertop for your home? Reach out to the team here at Olympia Stone today for a free quote. We’d love to work with you!

The Most Durable Countertops for Family-Friendly Bathrooms

Busy families need bathrooms that can keep up! From spill-prone toddlers to teenagers with hot hair tools, it’s easy for cosmetic damage to build up. And worse, structural damage can occur, too. If you have the wrong type of countertop, it can experience significant water damage that leads to bacterial growth– not what anybody would call hygienic or want in their bathroom! 

So as a homeowner with a family, what can you do to improve the bathroom’s functionality? One major aspect of the bathroom’s usability is the counter surface. Let’s take a look at some of the best options for family-friendly bathrooms to give you the peace of mind (and lower repair bills!) that you need. 

What Is The Most Durable Bathroom Countertop?

Personalizing Kitchen and Bathroom Countertops with Custom Designs

When you need durability in a countertop, stone is the way to go. Whether you choose a natural stone like granite or an engineered stone like quartz, stone countertops are more durable than any other kind of countertop. They are resistant to cracks and chipping and can hold up to decades of use without needing to be replaced if you maintain them properly. But each type of stone has its own characteristics that contribute to the family-friendliness of a bathroom, so you should know about their functions before you make up your mind. 

Quartz: The Ultimate Low-Maintenance Choice

For a bathroom that sees daily activity, quartz is one of the best countertop materials available. Engineered from natural stone and resins, quartz is non-porous, making it highly resistant to stains, moisture, and bacteria. It’s an exceptionally hygienic choice, as it does not absorb water or trap germs, ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment for families.

Beyond its durability, quartz requires very little upkeep. Unlike natural stones, it does not need sealing, and its smooth surface makes cleaning as simple as wiping with a damp cloth and mild soap. No fancy cleansers required!

Bathroom vanity remodel with Quartz Quantra Fontainebleau 3cm

Granite: Timeless and Resistant to Wear

Granite has long been a favorite for stone countertops due to its durability and classic appearance. Known for its resistance to heat, scratches, and moisture, granite performs exceptionally well in bathrooms that experience heavy use. Its natural density makes it less likely to absorb water, and when sealed properly, it resists stains from common bathroom products like soap, shampoo, and cosmetics.

Bathroom remodel with Granite Thunder White 3CM

Quartzite: Strength and Natural Beauty

For those who prefer a natural stone with outstanding durability, quartzite is an excellent option. Formed from sandstone and transformed under heat and pressure, quartzite is incredibly strong and resistant to scratches, making it ideal for high-traffic bathrooms. Its natural hardness ensures that it can withstand daily wear without showing signs of damage, and it resists moisture well, especially when properly sealed. While it does require periodic maintenance to preserve its protective layer, it remains a highly durable and low-maintenance choice. 

What About Marble?

While marble is undeniably beautiful, it requires more maintenance than other stone options. As a softer material, it is more prone to scratching, staining, and etching from acidic products like toothpaste and skincare items. For bathrooms that see less traffic, such as a guest bath or a private ensuite, marble can be a luxurious addition. However, in a busy family bathroom, it may require extra care to maintain its pristine look over time. If you love the look of marble, you might like quartzite just as much; it’s often used to give that look of luxury with higher durability and resistance to damage.

Upgrade Your Bathroom With Stone Countertops

A family-friendly bathroom deserves countertops that combine durability, style, and easy maintenance. No matter what type of countertop is right for your family, Olympia Stone offers expertly crafted stone countertops designed to enhance your home. Contact us today for a free quote and find out more about our stone bathroom countertop offerings!

6 Design Tips For Pairing Granite Countertops With Wood Cabinets

Granite countertops and wood cabinets go together like grilled cheese and tomato soup, bringing warmth and sophistication to any kitchen or bathroom. However, it takes consideration to find the right balance. The interplay of textures, tones, and styles can make or break the look, so understanding how to pair these elements effectively is key.

1. Consider The Tone Of The Wood

The tone of your wood cabinets plays a significant role in determining the best granite countertop to pair with them. Light wood, like maple or ash, creates an airy, open feel that pairs well with granite in soft, neutral tones like white, beige, or light gray. These combinations maintain a sense of spaciousness and brightness. 

Darker woods, such as cherry or walnut, offer a more dramatic look. For these cabinets, granite with bold veining or a darker color palette, like black or deep green, can enhance the luxurious feel of the space. Balance is essential– you don’t want the wood or the granite to overpower each other.

2. Match The Style Of Your Space

Granite Thunder White Leathered 3CM

Your kitchen or bathroom’s overall style should guide your choices. Modern spaces often look really nice with granite with minimal patterning and smooth finishes, paired with sleek, simple wood cabinets. But more rustic designs call for cabinets with detailed finishes and granite featuring organic, flowing patterns. Paying attention to the overarching design style ensures that the materials complement one another and make your space look put together and polished.

3. Think About Lighting

If a slab looks beautiful in the showroom but is lackluster when you bring it home, it might be because of the lighting. Lighting has a major impact on how granite and wood appear together. Natural light can highlight the nuances of wood grain and the depth of granite patterns, while artificial lighting can alter the way we perceive color. In spaces with abundant natural light, darker wood and granite combinations can shine without feeling too heavy. But in areas with limited lighting, lighter tones in both the wood and granite help prevent the room from feeling closed in. 

4. Focus On The Granite’s Pattern

Granite comes in many different patterns, from subtle speckles to bold veining. When choosing a granite countertop, think about how its pattern interacts with the texture and finish of your wood cabinets. Cabinets with a busy wood grain can clash with highly detailed granite, so a simpler countertop may work better.

5. Pick Complementary Undertones

Granite Countertops For Kitchen Renovation

Undertones are often overlooked but are essential for creating a cohesive design. Both wood and granite have undertones that can lean warm or cool. Warm undertones in wood, like red or yellow, pair beautifully with granite that shares similar hues. Cool-toned woods, such as gray-stained oak, harmonize with granite featuring blue or gray undertones. Ensuring that the undertones align prevents the materials from looking mismatched and enhances the overall aesthetic of your space.

6. Don’t Forget About Hardware And Backsplash

The finishes you choose for hardware and backsplash tiles play a pivotal role in tying your design together. Sleek stainless steel or matte black hardware can add a contemporary touch, while antique brass or bronze complements more traditional looks. And the backsplash acts as a bridge between the granite and wood, allowing you to incorporate colors or textures from both materials. Choosing the right accents ensures that every element in the room works in unison.

Granite Countertops For Your Wood Cabinets 

Granite countertops and wood cabinets offer endless design possibilities when paired thoughtfully. By considering tone, style, lighting, patterns, undertones, and complementary accents, you can create a space that feels inviting and timeless. Want some help choosing a countertop? Reach out to us here at Olympia Stone today for a free quote. We’re sure to have a slab that perfectly suits your cabinetry!

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