PSD Countertops
Introduction
Precision Stone Design is a premium manufacturer of natural and fabricated stone countertops and one of U&K Cabinets’ top suppliers for the Chicago area. PSD offers a plethora of high-performance stone countertops that match every kind of interior.
For many years, PSD countertops are designed for every need, suitable for homes and offices in the Chicago area. They offer plenty of options for those who like natural stone countertops, such as granite, marble, or quartzite, but also manufactured materials, such as porcelain and quartz. PSD has a range of pre-fabricated countertops but can also provide custom and semi-custom options according to the client’s needs and preferences.
Materials used in PSD Countertops
Whether you prefer natural stone or manufactured materials such as porcelain or quartz, Precision Stone Design has a product range for every taste.
- Granite is naturally beautiful and comes in almost every color, with unique patterns for every slab. It is nearly indestructible and easy to clean, but it needs sealing at least once a year for maximum performance and to maintain its resistance to stains.
- Marble is elegant and timeless and has a varied color palette. However, it is significantly softer than granite or quartzite and requires more care in daily use.
- Quartzite is a highly durable natural stone with the appearance of marble but greater hardness and resistance to heat and scratching. Like granite, it requires regular sealing to become stain-resistant, but it is otherwise pretty easy to maintain.
- Porcelain is also an extremely durable material made from baked clay. It is non-porous, heat, and scratch-resistant with a sleek, modern look. Being manufactured, it is fully customizable but can be more expensive. Porcelain slabs are usually thinner and easier to work with than stone slabs, making them more fragile.
- Quartz is another manufactured material with a wide range of options. It is hard and non-porous, which makes it stain-resistant and low-maintenance. However, it is sensitive to heat.
Finishes and Styles
PSD produces all types of natural stone in many different finishes and styles. Other finishes are applied to achieve various textures, appearances, and functionalities. Every stone becomes more beautiful with the right finish. The right finish can also improve its durability or make it more suitable for specific applications. Here are some common types of stone finishes:
- Polished: The polished finish provides a reflective, glossy surface that enhances the stone’s natural color and pattern. It is perfect for countertops, flooring, and wall cladding in interior spaces and easy to clean.
- Honed: This is a smooth, matte finish with little to no gloss, achieved by grinding the stone. It is mainly used for flooring, stairs, and countertops where a less slippery surface is needed. The honed finish is more scratch-resistant than the polished ones and offers a modern look.
- Leathered: This finish is textured and matte, with a soft, leather-like appearance and a unique touch. It is often used for bathroom countertops and vanities since it hides fingerprints and water spots.
- Brushed: The surface has a soft sheen texture created by brushing the stone with abrasive brushes. This finish is highly suitable for indoor and outdoor applications, whether wall cladding, flooring, or countertops. It adds character and a vintage look to the stone.
- Flamed: The surface becomes rough and textured by exposing the stone to high temperatures followed by rapid cooling. This finish is often used for outdoor applications like paving and pool surrounds. It is slip-resistant and durable against weather elements.
- Caressed: Also known as a brushed finish with a polished sheen, this finish combines the texture of a brushed finish with the shine of a polished finish. It is created by brushing the stone to create a slightly textured surface and then polishing it to give it a subtle sheen. It is most commonly used for countertops, vanities, and wall claddings and adds a touch of sophistication to any space. The brushed texture resists scratches and etching to a certain extent, while the polished sheen makes the surface easy to clean.
- Satin: Also known as a satin-honed finish, this finish offers a smooth, matte appearance with a slight sheen. It is between a polished and honed finish in terms of gloss and texture. The satin finish enhances the stone’s natural color and veining with more elegance than a high-gloss polished finish. It is suitable for various indoor and outdoor applications, such as countertops, flooring, wall cladding, and vanities. It is easier to clean than matte finishes and can be wiped down without significantly affecting the sheen.
Since all these finishes have advantages, you can choose one that complements your design and enhances the beauty of your Chicago home in the best possible way, balancing aesthetics, maintenance, durability, and your household’s needs.
Different materials suit various finishes; granite and marble offer polished, honed, and leathered options, while quartz usually comes polished or honed. Polished finishes are generally preferred for a more classical, luxurious appearance, while honed finishes are perfect for a contemporary look. Leathered finishes add a unique, tactile quality with a soft sheen.
You also need to consider maintenance. Polished surfaces are easy to clean but show fingerprints and water spots, while more textured finishes hide scratches and etch, making them practical for busy kitchens. Leathered finishes mask fingerprints and water spots well but may need occasional resealing.
Busy households benefit from durable, easy-to-maintain finishes like honed or leathered. High-traffic areas suit honed or matte finishes due to their resistance to wear and tear.
Test samples in your kitchen’s lighting and consult a specialist to ensure the finish meets your aesthetic and practical needs.
Consider all these factors, and choose a finish that pleases your aesthetic and practical needs.
Maintenance
Whatever material you choose for your home’s elements, it is advised that you maintain them correctly to ensure their longevity. Each of them has its own instructions for maintenance and care for each material.
- You should clean granite using a mild soap or pH-neutral cleaner and water daily. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners. Granite must also be sealed yearly or every two years to prevent staining and reduce porosity. Spills, especially acidic liquids such as lemon juice or vinegar, need to be wiped immediately. Granite is heat—and scratch-resistant, but mats and cutting boards are still advised.
- Marble needs to be maintained the same way as granite but should be sealed every six months. Marble is also more sensitive to scratches and heat, so trivets and cutting boards are mandatory.
- Porcelain does not require sealing and can be washed with non-abrasive cleaners. It is also highly resistant to heat and staining, so it does not require additional protection, although it is advised to use cutting boards to protect from scratching.
- Quartz must be washed with mild soap and water or a non-abrasive cleaner. Harsh chemicals and bleach need to be avoided. Like porcelain, quartz does not require sealing but can be sensitive to high temperatures and protected from hot objects with trivets.
- Quartzite needs to be maintained the same way as granite.
If you follow these maintenance practices, you can ensure that your stone surfaces remain in excellent condition and retain their beauty for years.
Features
Precision Stone Design Countertop Warranty
PSD countertops have a warranty that covers defects in artistry, including installation. Proof of purchase is required. The manufacturer will repair or replace defective countertops or refund the purchase price if repair is impossible. The warranty is valid for one year from installation. Implied warranties are also limited to one year.
Some cases are, however, excluded from the warranty, such as:
- Moved countertops
- Natural stone characteristics (color variations, water lines, surface marks)
- Damage from factors beyond control (e.g., house settlement, natural disasters)
- Cracking, staining, or scratching of natural stone
- Indirect, special, consequential, or punitive damages
- Installation-related damages (dust, noise, smells, nicks, cuts, holes, scratches to surrounding areas)
The warranty is non-transferable.
Environmentally Friendly:
Precision Stone Design employs the “Zero Waste Approach” in stone cutting. The goal is to prevent stones from going to waste. They aim to satisfy their customers and take care of the environment. They strive to minimize their pollution output and reduce waste.
We sell all inventoried products not by the slab but by the square foot. This way, the customer buys only what they will use in their project.
Countertops are manufactured using on-site laser measuring, so the manufacturer knows exactly how much material is needed for each project.
Water shortage is another severe environmental issue threatening 11% of the world’s population. Precision Stone Design is dedicated to being eco-friendly and, therefore, uses the Rapid Settling Water Filtration technology.
Precision is the Goal
High-end custom countertops are designed through meticulous craftsmanship and innovative technology. Their state-of-the-art CNC fabrication ensures each cut is perfect.
Extensive Material Selection
We offer you a range of over one thousand full slabs, both on-site and on sale, so you can select the material on our U&K Cabinets website. There are various countertop materials, including granite, marble, quartz, and porcelain.
Advanced Fabrication Techniques
The fabrication process of countertops is driven by advanced CNC technology to ensure high precision and swift delivery. The result is a flawless, high-quality countertop that fits perfectly and meets the highest standards of craftsmanship and durability.
See It In Action
Get Your Free Cabinet Design
Let us help you design your cabinets to suit your preferences and requirements, all at no charge.
Our Customers Usually Ask
You can take countertop measurements by following these easy tips:
- Measure Width and Depth: Measure the width from the wall to the edge of the cabinets and the depth of each section.
- Include Overhangs: Account for any overhangs or extra space needed.
- Obstacles: Register the location of sinks, appliances, and any obstacles.
- Measure Twice: Ensure accuracy by measuring each area twice.
- Sketch: Create a detailed sketch with all measurements and notes.
However, for a precise fit, you should consult professionals who can use advanced tools like laser measurements.
Kitchens’ primary purpose is meal preparation, cooking, and dining. They frequently feature larger, more open spaces. Key areas include cooking, cleaning, and food storage zones. Kitchens typically need a large countertop space for food prep, cooking appliances, and storage. PSD countertops have durable surfaces like granite or quartz for kitchens that withstand heavy use and heat.
Bathrooms are typically smaller and focus on hygiene and personal care. Countertops are used primarily for sinks and storage of toiletries. The main challenge is how to maximize storage in a limited space. Naturally beautiful stone, like marble, enhances the luxurious feel while being easy to clean.
Consider material, certifications, and finish types if you are looking for eco-friendly and sustainable countertop options.
Engineered quartz surfaces can be eco-friendly if they use a high percentage of recycled materials and non-toxic resins.
Porcelain is eco-friendly if it is certified by environmental standards like LEED or has eco-labels indicating sustainable practices. Some manufacturers also use recycled materials in their porcelain products or have programs to minimize waste and energy use. Choose locally-produced porcelain to reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation. Natural stones like granite or quartzite can also be eco-friendly if they are locally sourced and cut, implementing a “zero waste” policy.
Regarding finishes, opt for countertops treated with sealers with low or no volatile organic compounds. Some finishes use natural oils and waxes instead of synthetic chemicals.
Certifications:
- LEED Certification: Indicates that the product contributes to achieving LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) points for green building.
- Cradle to Cradle Certified™: Shows that the product has been assessed for environmental impact and safety.
- GreenGuard Certification: Ensures the product has low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions.
- SCS Global Services Certification: Verifies recycled content and sustainability claims.
The cost of kitchen countertops can vary widely based on material, size, and installation complexity. On average, you should spend $20 for a low-quality laminate countertop up to $200+ for specific rare marble and high-end quartz types. U&K Cabinets always has a wide range of products on sale and offers to help you choose the best one within your budget.
The most affordable option is usually laminate. They cost around $20 – $50 per square foot and come in various colors and patterns. They’re less durable than other materials but are a frequent budget-friendly choice. PSD offers many varieties of granite and quartz that cost around $50 and are much more durable.
Solid-surface countertops are usually highly durable and resistant to most damage if adequately maintained. However, they do have several disadvantages.
Solid-surface countertops like marble can be scratched relatively quickly, so cutting boards are always advised. Others, such as quartz, are sensitive to heat. Hot pads and trivets should be used on all types of solid-surface countertops. Regarding staining, some materials, such as granite and quartzite, need to be sealed at least once a year for optimal performance.