MANAHAWKIN

Building More Than Countertops: A Tradition of Philanthropy in New Jersey

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For over two decades, our commitment to craftsmanship has only been matched by our dedication to giving back to the community. Since 1997, we have proudly supported local initiatives across New Jersey, making philanthropy a cornerstone of our mission.

 

From the very beginning, we recognized the importance of giving back to the community that has supported our growth. One of our most impactful initiatives is our annual Food Donation Drive, where we not only donate non-perishable food items but also encourage our clients to join in the effort. To make it even more exciting, we offer prizes and perks to clients who participate, rewarding their generosity while increasing the reach of our donations. All collected food is donated directly to a local school, ensuring students and their families have access to nutritious meals, particularly during the holiday season.

 

This incentive-driven drive has allowed us to create a fun and meaningful way for our clients to give back. With their help, we’ve made a significant difference in the lives of many families, strengthening the sense of community that we deeply value.

 

As we approach our third decade of service, our goal is to expand these efforts even further. We’re not just a countertop company—we’re part of the fabric of New Jersey. We’ve been fortunate to grow alongside the community, and we’re eager to continue making a meaningful difference.

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New Trends

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COVID has changed our lives in many different ways. Some homeowners are now working from home permanently and are rethinking how they want to remodel their homes, especially their countertops. Because of that, Progressive Dimensions is seeing design trends that we’d like to share with you.

 

For about a decade, white on white or white with gray kitchens have dominated the industry but now we’re starting to see customers wanting to bring nature and its colors indoors by asking for quartz countertops with pops of cool blues and warm sandy hues. Many homeowners are choosing quartz or engineered stone because it gives you the beauty of natural stone with the added benefit of being highly hygienic. Calacatta Mirragio Cielo delivers those ocean blues and Empire Gold brings in rays of sunshine. Progressive recommends a matching high backsplash to add more character.  Pure white cabinets will always be popular but now some are choosing creamy off white instead. Nautical blue in cabinets is also gaining traction with handleless doors to create a simpler, more streamlined look or you can use interesting hardware to enhance your vision.

 

If you’ve started to bake while in lockdown then marble makes the perfect countertop.  Not only because it stays cool while you are working with dough but also has gorgeous movement that elevates your kitchen with saturated color.

 

Going into 2024, we will see how time and circumstances affect our style choices. Take a walk through our full slab showrooms to unlock the possibilities available to you and bring Mother Nature into your new life.

Hello, Shrewsbury!

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We know that it’s an exciting time when you’re renovating your kitchen and buying countertops is a big part of it. Recently, we welcomed our first customers at our new fourth store in Shrewsbury. They did their homework and had lots of questions. She, however, likes quartz, while he likes granite. So, we were happy to give them a tour of our indoor slab yard filled with both quartz and natural stone. And, as we talked, they learned about stone and we learned about our new community. We couldn’t have asked for better customers. We started with the difference between quartz and granite. Quartz is manmade while granite comes from deep within the earth. Quartz has beautiful, consistent veining that looks a lot like marble, while each slab of granite is unique with pretty variations throughout.

 

Care and maintenance of countertops was a big worry for these homeowners. I always assure my customers that quartz and natural stone are very durable and can definitely hold up to everyday use.  Although you shouldn’t place a hot pot on quartz, it can withstand other sources of heat like a coffee mug, a hot plate or a bowl of soup. Natural stone, on the other hand, can take a hot pot, but we recommend that you don’t make it a habit. If you need to put it on your granite or quartz top, use a trivet or pot holder. As far as stains go, cleaning up spills right away is a good rule of thumb. Natural stone such as granite, quartzite and marble, must be sealed which is why we recommend our 15 year sealer for peace of mind.  Quartz, on the other hand, does not need to be sealed at all. Wiping down your countertops with soap and water is fine or you can use countertop cleaners just as long as it doesn’t have ammonia, bleach, or vinegar. We use Windex Multi Surface on our countertops.

 

As far as colors, she was looking for white with gray veining like Borghini Silver, which is very much on trend. While he preferred a pop of color like Vivid Green which is becoming more popular. Overall, they enjoyed this part the best and were impressed with all the different stone choices.

 

Finally, we told them about our process. Not only do we have expert designers with years of experience, we also digitally template, and fabricate, as well as, install. Our knowledgeable staff will guide you through each and every step. As a family owned company in business for over 25 years, we can confidently say that we are well known in the remodeling industry.

 

They finally agreed on a quartz color called Portrush from the Cambria brand. It is white with blue veining. I guess you can say they met in the middle. 

 

Why not pay us a visit and start your own journey at one of our four locations: Shrewsbury, Toms River, Manahawkin or Egg Harbor Township. We’d love to meet you and show off our showroom and slab yards. We guarantee that we will exceed your expectations!

Green With Envy Over Calacatta Verde

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I fell in love with Calacatta Verde when I first saw it.  It’s a quartz color that is trending now for countertops because of its pretty green veining. I always tell my customers that green is the new blue so get on board! The pop of color is subtle but the pure white background with light grays really transforms your kitchen and bath countertops. The beauty of quartz is that it’s stain resistant, scratch resistant, and there are no grout lines, which is why it’s so popular. I like doing a gorgeous full height backsplash with this color, which we can install, as well.  Feel free to play with different cabinet colors. Try blue or green but traditional white works works too. Visit our showroom to see Calacatta Verde and get inspired!

 

The Honed Finish

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For homeowners who want to try something different in countertop design, Progressive Dimensions now offers honed finish. Honed granite is natural stone that is unpolished or matte (low-gloss shine). This finish has been creating quite a buzz over the past few years and here’s why: 1) When you run your palms along the surface, it’s soft and cool to the touch 2) If you’re looking for a relaxed look with visual appeal, honed granite is the perfect choice 3) Honed granite is non-reflective and, as a result, hides, scratches, etching and other imperfections better than polished granite 4)Honed granite is available in a wide range of colors. The grays, blacks, and off-whites are the most popular.

To keep your countertops in tip top shape, we recommend Progressive Dimensions’ 15 year Sealer. By properly sealing your granite countertop, you will increase its lifespan. The best part? Honed granite that has been taken care of won’t lose its value. If you spill acidic food or liquid, the best thing to do is clean it up right away with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Also, there are products on the market that work great on stains. Use Windex without ammonia for everyday cleaning.

If you’re thinking about incorporating honed granite in your home, Progressive Dimensions suggests that you stop in any of our showrooms to see large samples of all of our finishes: polished, brushed, iced, and honed. There you can compare, feel, and visualize which finish fits best in your personal space.

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Thinking of getting honed? Try this custom finish on one of your small projects such as your vanity, bar or laundry room!

Top Dollar!

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The Countertop Store FOR-SALE

Spring is one of the most popular times for people to put their homes on the market. With the season being just around the corner, now is the perfect time to research ways to get top dollar for your home before you list it.

According to Zillow, “minor updates” to a kitchen can provide a big ROI.  A minor update such as replacing outdated countertops can attract more buyers to a certain property over the other homes for sale in the area. 

When homeowners shop Progressive Dimensions Countertops (with 3 locations throughout South Jersey), they’ll get a great price and a fast turnaround time for their countertop project. Using Progressive Dimensions’ same-day removal and installation service, allows for convenience and full use of their existing kitchen during the template and fabrication process. 

Switching out hardware such as drawer pulls, door handles and faucets is an inexpensive way to compliment a new countertop and make a kitchen standout to a buyer.

In as little as 3 weeks, a home could have an updated countertop that will give any listing agent a reason to ask for top dollar!

Chasing Waterfalls

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Are you looking for a timeless, effortless look for your new natural stone countertop? Consider the growing trend of the waterfall edge. The reason they call it the waterfall edge is because it has the breathtaking look of water flowing over a cliff.

The waterfall edge is a design that makes a 90 degree angle at the end of the countertop. Rather than ending with a finished edge, the countertop spills towards the floor, and down the side of the cabinet, island or seating area. The waterfall edge is also eye-catching because it creates the illusion that the area is larger than it is.

One of the ways you can create this beautiful focal point, is the mitered edge, which creates the seamless edge design from the countertop to the floor by cutting the stone at a 45 degree angle and then precisely joining them together.

So, if you’re looking for that luxurious look of water cascading down a cliff, the waterfall edge is for you. Talk to your design consultant about adding this feature to make your natural stone countertop special.

 

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Your Custom Kitchen

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We understand that updating your kitchen can be overwhelming. That’s why at Progressive Dimensions Countertops & Cabinets, we offer our kitchen design services free of charge to all of our customers. Our Kitchen Designer, Roger, has been designing custom kitchens for nearly 30 years and has a passion for creating a space that offers both form and function for all of his clients.

 

Our process makes your kitchen design experience simple and easy. We start with an initial consultation at one of our locations or in the comfort of your home. During this meeting, Roger will get to know what your needs and wants are for your space, as well as, your style and budget. With all of the necessary information and a quick measure, Roger can begin to transform your kitchen.

 

In a few days, you will be given a 3D layout of your design, which can be adjusted, as needed, until everything is perfect for you and your family. Once your layout is approved and we have placed your custom order, the fun of picking out your countertops in our Manahawkin or Toms River location will begin!

 

With any home remodel, it’s important that you use a company that you trust, with a staff that is knowledgeable and reliable. Roger and our entire team at Progressive Dimensions will be with you every step of the way and available to answer any and all of your questions about your kitchen, even after your job has been completed. 

 

If you’re interested in a free design consultation for your kitchen, feel free to contact us at 732-244-0109 or 609-622-4001 and let your journey begin!

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Your Template Experience

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The Countertop Store THE-GUYS

You did it. You took the first step and started your kitchen project. Now from here, let us walk you through the template phase. You’ll hear from Katy, who will schedule the date and window as to when we will arrive. And your templator will call you 30 minutes before their arrival.

Get ready for your template by clearing off your countertops and emptying the sink base cabinet.  New or existing cabinets must be fully installed and level with nothing loose or missing. If you choose to supply your own sink, please have it on site to make sure that it will fit. Farm Sinks, however, must be installed.

The templator will begin by reviewing the particulars of your project including edge, overhang, sink, and stone. This is the time to ask any questions you may have. 

Next, the templator will let you know how long the template measure will be. It’s ok if you want to stay and watch or you can go to another part of your home to wait. Once the digital template is done, the templator will give you a virtual design of your kitchen for you to approve.

Once you’ve signed off, he will chart an access path to your kitchen, so the installers will know the layout of the house before arriving. This also determines how many installers are needed for the job and if they need special equipment that may be needed the day of install.

Our templators have 15 years of combined experience and outstanding reviews:

“This is our 3rd countertop with Progressive Dimensions, and wouldn’t go anywhere else. Everyone is so helpful and knowledgeable about the products. The templators are awesome!”

“The templators did a fantastic job on measuring some complicated areas and the install team was efficient and did a fantastic job”.

 

Cabinets Make All The Difference

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We’ve talked about islands and other countertops in your kitchen.  But now let’s talk about the functionality of cabinets and how it can transform your life. Maximizing your storage space including special add-ons will enhance your cooking experience. With every countertop comes another opportunity for cooking space, storage or seating.

It’s all about having a user friendly design. Pantries are the most popular cabinet in kitchen design. Having one designated area for spices, cans, jars, or dry goods is a huge boost for storage efficiency. Everyone’s favorite is the chef’s pantry. A popular design is a floor to ceiling pull out version with numerous rolling shelves.

A microwave cabinet tucked under the countertop is a convenient way to free up your beautiful new countertop. Above that, at counter height, is an ideal spot for your appliance garage. 

Underneath your island you can put base cabinets with shelves to store plates, placemats or even cookbooks. If you opt for a drop-in stove, you can interact with family and friends while cooking.

A slender tray holder keeps your cookie trays, broil pans and other trays neatly stored.

A relatively new accessory is a garbage holder in a Lazy Susan design.

These are only a few cabinets and accessories used in kitchen design. We carry high quality brands like Cubitac, Hanssem, Wolf, and 21st Century. Different styles are on display in our showroom. Our designers have 10 plus years in custom cabinetry.  Make an appointment today to get started.

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