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We are specialize in the supply, fabricate and installation of a wide range of Solid Surface, Quartz and Sintered Stone.

I'm going to install a new countertop for my kitchen, at the same time I'm looking to implement the sink as well on my countertop. Any suggestion of the sink brands? Thank you so much!

You’ve probably heard a million things about the pros and cons of Quartz countertops. Some praise its virtues as if they were the physical manifestation of everything right about the world. However, on the other end of the spectrum you’ll hear enough of how bad it is that it’d paint anyone as a fool for even considering. Well, business propaganda and marketing bias aside, the truth, as always, is somewhere in between. Whether it’s quartz, granite or solid surface, choosing the right material depends on your lifestyle and aesthetic preferences, so it’s prudent to understand both the ups and downs” THE PROS Although its name might lead you to think of natural stone, the quartz we’re talking about here is really an engineered composite. It combines a high percentage of crushed quartz (about 90 to 94 percent) with a binding polymer resin to create something that has the best of natural stone and synthetics (e.g. solid surface, laminates). With that in mind, let’s explore the primary pros and cons of quartz countertops: 1. NON-POROUS – HYGIENIC, STAIN RESISTANT AND EASY TO CLEAN. Unlike natural stones that contain microscopic pores over its entire surface, the resin in between the crushed quartz bits evenly fill out the gaps and surface.This makes quartz countertops very resistant to stains as liquids and pigments won’t seep in and cause a mess, unlike natural stone. It also makes cleaning easier since any mess or spills simply glide off the surface. More important, however, is that non-porous quartz countertops are highly anti-microbial, a desirable characteristic where hygiene is a concern. Without gaps or spaces (pores) for microorganisms to latch on, it significantly inhibits their ability to grow and form colonies. Many common bacteria, such as staphylococcus aureus (which you can find living on your own skin!) produce dangerous toxins that are difficult to destroy. Therefore it is DEFINITELY in your best interest to not let them breed in the first place. In the worst case scenarios, pores can trap liquids in between a solid surface – making it the perfect place for many common types of bacteria to start building biofilms. This is a real problem since biofilms protect the bacteria and can make getting rid of them a gazillion times harder than it should. 2. HEAT-RESISTANT (~204 DEGREES CELSIUS). Compared to other synthetic-based options, such as solid surface and laminate, quartz will not bend and warp if it were to come into contact with hot objects. In addition, burn marks on quartz countertops can be repaired by sanding down the surface. This isn’t possible with solid surface or laminated countertops, which would’ve popped and sizzled into an unsalvageable mess and must be replaced. 3. SCRATCH RESISTANT. Composed almost entirely of hard quartz mineral, quartz countertops will blunt knives and other sharp metal objects before it scratches. But while the resin is soft and susceptible, very little of it is exposed on the surface, and is unlikely to scratch except in the most severe cases. Still, it’s far more durable than solid surface countertops are, which scratch and cut easily. 4. IMPACT RESISTANT. Quartz countertops exhibit greater durability to cracking due to impact compared to granite, thanks to the polymer resin in between the crushed quartz. Flexible and elastic, the resin serve as shock absorbers that disperses the energy from an impact before it reaches the hard but brittle stone – the same properties that makes Kevlar so resistant to high-speed projectiles. In addition, the granules of crushed quartz in the flexible resin polymer matrix provides even more “give” that further helps disperse high energy impulses which would otherwise be destructive to the surface. THE CONS If there is one often recurring theme in everything is that there’s always some give and take. While the polymer resin filling in quartz countertops contributes to many of its advantages, it is also the cause of most of the failings. Below are the main disadvantages of quartz countertops: 1. EXPENSIVE Probably the first thing anyone will notice is the price tag. Costing just a little less than granite (18% less), and significantly more expensive than solid surfaces (54% more) or laminate (270% more), quartz countertops are quite expensive. Nevertheless, its durability, ease of maintenance and hygiene benefits makes up for its price. 2. NOT SUITED FOR OUTDOOR USE. Although great at holding up in a kitchen environment, quartz countertops aren’t the best choice for outdoor use. Prolonged exposure to the elements will quickly fade as the polymer resin and colour pigments react to sunlight and chemicals in the rain and air. It is also more likely to get scratched as conditions are a little less controlled outside of an indoor environment. While that isn’t to say that quartz cannot be used outdoors, there are simply better options to choose from, such as granite, stainless steel or even concrete. 3. NOT PERFECTLY HEAT RESISTANT. While it will not melt and warp like solid surfaces countertops would, placing a hot object directly on quartz is probably going to leave burn marks or obvious discolouration. Using a pad or trivet will completely circumvent this problem, but there are times when you might just forget to use them. Also, what if your little kid started climbing out the window? There won’t be time to look for trivet… So, if you want/need AFFORDABLE quartz for your house countertop, the you should really look for STONE AMPEROR!

Choosing a surface type for your new kitchen countertop is something that, for many of us, could be lifelong decision. What are the different types of surface materials available? How do they differ? Which surface type would suit your needs? Solid Surface Solid surface countertops are made from synthetic materials, usually out of acrylic or polyester. From a practical point-of-view, solid surface materials make a lot of sense and are popular choice for new homes especially in Asia. These surfaces are synthesized specifically to address major concerns regarding durability, hygiene and design in mind. Solid surfaces are a great alternative to natural stone and typically come in acrylic and polyester. Non-porous Pores are tiny openings over a surface which can be conducive spots for bacteria and other microorganisms to grow. Being non-porous means that solid surfaces are easier to keep clean and hygienic. The absence of pores also do not trap stains and is easy to clean with soap, water and cloth. Versatile in design Solid surfaces can be sanded and shaped into a wide variety of designs. Solid surfaces can be cut and joined in various configurations, which is a designer’s dream. Can be built in different orientations; horizontally or vertically. Durability More durable to impacts compared to natural stone due to its flexibility. Its softer surface is susceptible to cuts from knives. Granite stone is more resistant to heat and chemicals than marble. Ease of repair Light scratching and surface damage can be fixed with fillers. Entire portions can be cut out and replaced with new parts, and its uniform look (unlike irregular features of natural stone) makes it easy to blend in the replacement parts. Cost Expensive and comparable to natural stone. Aesthetics Many regard solid surfaces as lacking in the looks department compared to natural stone. Natural Stone Natural stone are heavy, slabs of rock cut and fashioned from large blocks from stone quarries. Natural stone is regarded for its beauty and have traditionally been used to build solid and long-lasting countertops. Notable examples of natural stone include marble and granite. Images of the Parthenon come to mind when we think of marble works and its association with grandeur. Porous Natural stone contains small pores that, if not treated with sealant, are a hygiene hazard as it traps bacteria and dirt. It is easy to clean when properly treated with sealant. Sealant needs to be reapplied every few years, or sooner as needed. Less versatile Solid blocks of stone are, as it is, set in stone. Seams will be very noticeable where two pieces of stone come together. Durability While very hard, natural stone is inflexible and brittle making it vulnerable to impacts and massive temperature fluctuations. Its hard surface, however, makes it very resistant to cuts and scratching from knives. Ease of repair Again, set in stone, natural stone is nearly impossible to repair. Depending on the severity of the damage, entire pieces may need to be replaced. The harder the stone is, the more difficult it is to repair. Cost Expensive. More so if repairs are ever needed. Aesthetics Widely regarded for its beauty. Aside from its patterns, cool look and glow, each slab of natural stone is unique and no two pieces are ever alike. Quartz Stone Not to be confused with its naturally occurring relative, quartz in countertop design are fabricated, yet retaining some of the aesthetics and durability that we associate with natural stone, with a few minor differences. Quartz stone shares many similarities to natural stone. For one, it boasts a hardness of 7 on the Mohs Hardness scale (granite is 6-7, depending on its minerology) making it very resistant to cuts or scratching with sharp metal implements. In fact it might dull your knives instead! Quartz has a melting point of 1670°C (granite is 1215 – 1260°C) and is non-porous. Quartz does discolour when exposed to sunlight. However, with darker colours, quartz stone can be put together in such a way that the seams are minimally visible. After reading this article, YOU should know WHICH COUNTERTOP MATERIAL IS FOR YOU!

Hey, Our primary home is under renovation and we have moved to a rented home about a few days ago. I haven't fetched all of our home appliances to this home due to its limited space! Yesterday, my baby girl was acting stubborn and I got forced to fetch our countertop beverage cooler to this home. My cooler was bought from a nearby shop, it has been a few months since we have it with us. It is in the best working condition, consuming only less electricity as well. The thing is in the kitchen there is only a switchboard, it consist of one socket and three switches, we already have a motor and an LED light on it. I have no other options than connecting the cooler to it! But I just wonder if it is ok to put such watt consuming things on a single board? My question is, is it ok if I connect my cooler on to the same? Or does it really require a dedicated circuit?

Have you ever thought of doing some countertop replacement? Well, as strong as your countertop is, it will show some aging eventually. The surface may not be as smooth as when you bought it, scratches will show, burn marks will be left from burning pots, and so on. Furthermore, scratches will make your kitchen top prone to bacteria, so it’s not safe for foods and of course your children. Rather than risk your family safety, countertop replacement is one of the options that you can consider. However, before you replace your kitchen top there are some things that you need to take a note of. 1. CHECK FLOORING AND CABINET Before you start installing the new countertop, check your current cabinet and flooring whether it can hold the additional weight. Especially if your previous top is a plastic laminate countertop and you want to change to stone material. You can also consider to change or upgrade your cabinet as well when you decide to do countertop replacement. Better starts to replace it now and saves a lot of trouble in the future. https://www.renotalk.sg/kitchen-backsplash-material-glass-tile-cement-screed/ 2. CHANGE THE BACKSPLASH One aspect that some people forget when they want to do countertop replacement is changing the backsplash as it generally mounted on top of the countertop. You can try to find the backsplash that matches or have the same material with your countertop to make it look seamless. There are a lot of materials and ideas that you can choose from here, to help you create your perfect kitchen. 3. PLUMBING REPLACEMENT When you want to replace your countertops, take note of the sink as most of the time you need to replace the sink too, unless you have an under-mount sink. You need to change the faucet as well as it’s connected to the sink. So you need to take this into a consideration while replacing your old countertop. 4. YOUR OLD APPLIANCES If you care about aesthetics, which I believe you do, you might want to change your old appliances. However, if your appliances are quite new and still in good condition, you can still use that with your new tops. Only replace the one that not useable and not fitting the style of your kitchen. 5. SHOP WITH CONFIDENCE The last and most important thing is shopping with confidence with your trusted seller. Not every shop provides service for countertop replacement, or even if they provide, it may not the best service that you can get. Well, I can assure you that we here at Stone Amperor will be able to replace your old countertop and install the new one effortlessly. We also have a wide selection of countertop material and brands that you can choose according to your needs. You can contact +65 88163033 or email us at sales@stoneamperor.com.sg for more information. Our consultant will be more than happy to help you choose your perfect countertop.

Hi, I need feedback from the forum regarding the quality of the iQuartz or Caesarstone, and your feedback on our price quotation from an ID. - iQuartz and Caesarstone? I failed to find out how the quality varies between the two brands in the renotalk forum. The current owners who installed these either iQuartz or Caesar stone. 1) How long have you installed it? 2) What is your experience with the product? (installation, quality, etc) What justifies the price premium of Caesarstone other than the branding? We may switch from Caesarstone to iQuartz if the quality is good and reasonable. Is the following price quotation reasonable? SGD2,320 for Labour and material to install 20mm Caesarstone Kitchen countertop with backsplash Size: L:2,900mm x HT: 860mm x D: 600mm | L:1,400mm x HT 860mm x D: 600mm Thank you

One of the biggest fears people may have about natural stone is the maintenance it requires. With many individuals increasingly turning to the use of natural materials in the home, granite has become the countertop of choice. Synthetic solid surface materials are no match for the richness, depth, and incredible performance of real granite. Unlike laminates and solid-surface materials, a hot pot or frying pan has no effect on granite’s mirror-like finish. Most importantly, by choosing a granite countertop you not only give your kitchen everlasting performance and beauty, but you also increase the value of your home. Granite is also a very hard mineral and is virtually impervious to abrasions, impact damage and heat. However, the material is prone to cracking due to mechanical stresses caused by repeated heating and cooling. While the seams in between slabs provide some leeway for this repeated expansion and contraction, it is best to keep granite away from sources of large heat fluctuations. You’ll find caring for your natural stone is easy. The best care you can give your natural stone is preventive care. By following a few suggestions, your countertops will last a lifetime while maintaining a brand-new appearance. BASIC CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE 1. AVOID USING CLEANING PRODUCTS WITH ANY KIND OF ACID OR ABRASIVE. Avoid using harsh cleaning agents that contain strong acids/alkaline (e.g. bleach, glass cleaners, ammonia, degreasers) or abrasives (e.g. powdered ceramic/bathroom cleaners) as it can cause the sealant to discolour and scratch. Warm water, mild dishwashing liquid, and soft clean cloth are generally all that’s needed to maintain your granite countertop surface. 2. AVOID SUBJECTING YOUR GRANITE COUNTERTOP TO HEAVY WEIGHTS AND PRESSURE. While hard, granite surfaces are brittle and you should not stand, kneel on, sit or stack heavy objects onto your countertops as they could crack or break. This doesn’t mean that granite is fragile, however, and it’s perfectly capable of supporting microwaves, dish holders and other moderately heavy objects. 3. DO NOT PLACE HOT PANS OR OTHER OBJECTS DIRECTLY ON YOUR COUNTERTOPS. Again, hot objects can cause the sealant to discolour (mainly in dark granites) and/or cracking. Always use a protective barrier between any hot object and granite such as trivet or mat. Unsealed granite countertops do not have this problem, but are highly porous and come with other problems. 4. WIPE OFF SPILLS AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE. Sealed granite countertops are surprisingly resilient to stains from citric acid, coffee tea, alcohol, or wine. However, as a preventive measure, wipe up any spills on the countertops within a reasonable amount of time and do not let liquid sit on the countertop overnight. 5. Watch out for oil stains. Granite is most prone to staining by oil – be careful not to place any pots or frying pans with oil traces on the bottom on the countertop surface. Blot oil and acid spills as soon as they happen, and clean with mild soap and warm water to avoid any harm to your countertops. If the oil stains remain, there is a special cleaning procedure for the removal of deep-seated, time-set dirt and grime. A general poultice with baby or baking soda and water is the best remedy. First, moisten the surface of the granite with the same liquid that made the paste. Next, apply the poultice paste to the granite surface about half an inch thick. Tape plastic sheeting over the poultice area, and allow it to sit for 48 hours. Remove the poultice with a spatula, rinse the cleansed area with clean water, wipe off excess water, and allow the surface to dry. 6. RINSE SOAP AND WASHING DETERGENTS OFF TO PREVENT LIME BUILD UP. Rinse with hot clean water on a regular basis and use a paper towel to dry. Another way to remove lime build up , soap scum, stains or dried spills, is to use a straight razor blade in a gentle scraping motion. Do not use lime removal products or cleaning products that contain ammonia, as this will affect the seal on the stone. 7. AVOID HITTING THE SURFACE WITH HARD OBJECTS. Chips in granite are not a common occurrence. When they do happen, chips are most often caused by banging something into the edge of the countertop. Take care when you handle heavy pots and pans around your granite profiles as these are the most prone to cause chipping. If a chip does occur and you find the piece that chipped out, hold on to it. Most of the time it can be epoxied back into place. 8. APPLY SEALERS. The use of sealers is an excellent preventive measure and will encourage the preservation of your granite countertops. Some granite can be very porous. Sealers fill in natural pores and repel spills on the surface, radically reducing the rate of absorption. This gives you time to wipe spills away before they have a chance to penetrate your stone. After the installation process, the granite must be sealed. We recommend a re-application of this sealer annually, or more often for some light granites, to fully maintain the luminosity and avoid stains. Some dark-colored, dense granites (browns, blacks) do not require sealing. When the water or liquid spilled on your countertop fails to bead up when splashed, or you begin to notice a water darkening spot that dries out, this is an indication that your countertop needs to be re-sealed. 9. AVOID STORING CHEMICALS ON THE SURFACE. It’s risky to store chemicals on the surface of your granite countertop in case of spillage. This includes cooking oil, hair products, chemical cleaners and cosmetics.

Hello All! It is time to replace my Berkey Water Filter. I have been happy with it, and was thinking of replacing my plastic one with the stainless steel version. Any input or suggestions for countertop water filters? I would like a similar style to the Berkey (sits on counter, not hooked up to the plumbing or faucet). Fluoride removal is a must. I want to delve into the world of water research Ray has cited in this product ZIP Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water Filter , but I won't have time before my current filter demands replacement. Also, any recommendations for shower head filters? Thanks!

Hope to get some advice here. I moved in a month ago and saw this mark on my quartz countertop. Thought it was a stain but I couldn't cleaned it off. I can actually feel it and doesn't quite feel like a scratch mark. Was advised to use AMWAY metal poilsher but wasn't sure if that would be appropriate for this. Anyone has seen similar issues?