Countertops

The first and most important choice is material.  Please read our information, and do additional research on your own.  Each material has positives and negative.  Your choice should take into consideration the needs of your kitchen, how the stone will be used, and the level of care that must be taken.  

Stone counters come in a thickness of either 2 centimeters or 3 centimeters.  Important considerations for stone counters includes the strength of the substructure, as stone slabs can be quite heavy.  For details on the various pros can cons of the materials we offer, please click on one of the links below, or read through the page.  Edge profile options can be found by clicking the following link: Edge Profiles

Quartz
Due to its durability, heat resistance, non-porous quality, and scratch resistance, quartz counters are popular choice. Made from quartz crystals, the quartz is ground down into smaller pieces. Precious metals, mirror, or bits of glass can be added, to create varying styles. The mixture is then formed into a slab and cured in an oven. While being pressed into a slab, all air is pressed out, which is responsible for the non-porous nature of the materials.  Quartz, unlike granite, does not need to be sealed, and is far less prone to staining.  However, quartz as less resistance to heat than granite, and frequently lacks that pattern and depth of color that granite has.

Quartz is priced by the manufacturer.  Quartz that looks more like a natural stone tends to be more expensive than granite.  In addition, quartz is less temperature resistant that granite.  

There are many name brands for quartz, each with its own unique patterns.  Sizing, material, and freight costs vary between manufacturers.
Caesarstone
LG Viatera
Sequel Quartz
Silestone

Granite
Granite is a vibrant, patterned stone available in countless varieties and colors.  Because of it's variation, strength, and wide-spread availability, it is a popular choice for countertops.  Slabs come from all over the world, including Brazil, India, Russia, Italy, Norway, Africa, Canada, and the US.  Granite is heat resistant.  

Due to the porous nature of granite, however, even with the 20 year seal we add, any liquid left too long on the surface may slowly start to seep in through the seal, though this varies based on the granite.  Because the sealer coating can be worn away by harsh chemicals, we recommend using soap and water, or special cleaning products.   A common fear is that of frequent resealing.  However, the maintenance is easier than most customers believe.  We will provide you with a specific cleaner made for granite.  It helps bring back the glossy shine which can be lost after repeated cleaning with soap and water.  In addition, the cleaner acts as a sealer; after a few uses, this cleaner will strengthen your seal even further.

Granite is usually divided up into 5 groups which reflect price, with group 1 being the least expensive. Prices vary based on the minerals within the slabs, availability, pattern complexity, and the supply size.  As such, many granite slabs can be purchased for less than a comparably patterned quartz.

Kegg's Kreations works closely with the vendors below, who have large selections on hand for you to see. They can take information on the slabs you want and forward it to us!
EleMar Oregon
Bedrosians

Marble
A natural stone, marble has a classic, recognizable look desired by many. It’s prices are within the range of granite, though rarer types are of course pricier. It is also preferred by bakers, as the stone will absorb the heat of the pastry dough, keeping it cooler. 

However, marble is softer, porous material, and is easier to scratch and dull with acids. It also stains due to its porous nature and, like granite, must be sealed. Even after repeated sealing, marble is prone to staining and scratching.  In addition, it can be etched by acidic liquids, like lemon juice, which results in dull patches on the marble.  While many like the patina marble will take on after a few years, not everyone does.  It’s a good idea to consider how neat you are, if those that share the space with you will take care of it as well, and if you can live with the patina as it occurs.
EleMar Oregon
Bedrosians

Quartzite
Like granite, quartzite is a naturally occurring stone, which gives it a vibrant and dramatic appearance.  Quartzite can be found in patterns similar to that of marble, and it is harder than granite.  This means the stone won't etch, and will be far less likely to stain. 

However, quartzite is quite expensive, sometimes twice the price of quartz or granite.  Due to how hard it is, it is more expensive to fabricate as well.  Furthermore, pure quartzite is rare; many slabs sold as quartzite may contain veins of other stone, frequently marble.  Therefore, while the quartzite would resist staining and etching, the marble portions would not.  Depending on the composition of the veins in the quartzite, additional work may need to be done to protect the stone during fabrication and installation.  In some instances, this has doubled the fabrication time, which leads to a substantial increase in costs.
EleMar Oregon
Bedrosian

Soapstone
Soapstone is a natural, quarried stone. It is chemically resistant, and does not need to be sealed, but is instead treated with mineral oil. While strong, soapstone can be easily scratched and dented, and it is not as heat resistant as granite. The prices, like those of granite, vary.  But prices are generally within the same range as granite.
EleMar Oregon
Bedrosians

Solid Surface
Solid surface materials are man-made acrylic products.  There are many brands and patterns available.  Solid surface counters are non-porous, but they do not have a glossy shine like that of granite, quartz, or some laminates.  While the companies may advertise them as heat resistant (meaning is won't be damaged with the heat from cooking), these surfaces will be damaged by placing a hot pot or baking dish on top.  Solid surface can also be scratched, though that damage can be buffed out.  In addition, this material stands up to use with harsh chemicals. This makes it ideal for use in showers, particularly in homes with hard water that require stronger cleansers.
LG Hi-Macs
Wilsonart
Formica

Laminate
Laminate counter tops have changed over the years.  Now, many laminate patterns are made to resemble natural stone, with full sheets bearing a similar pattern to a full granite slab.  Laminate counter tops are actually made of two parts: a plastic laminate sheet that is bonded to a wood substrate.  The wide number of choices make it easier to find a specific pattern or look suited to your individual taste.  In addition, due to laminate having a much lower price point, it is quick and easy to replace your counters every few years for a fresh new look.  While laminate is a cheaper alternative, it is not heat resistant nor as durable as granite or quartz.  But with care, these counters can last decades.

At Kegg's Kreations, we have two options for customers seeking laminate countertops.  Projects meeting specific layout and size criteria came be fabricated with a rolled front edge and backsplash in a variety of edge profiles.
Wilsonart
Formica

Edges
When choosing a counter top, one of the most important decisions is what kind of edge to get.

Available granite and quartz edges are as follows (click to see larger):