Buying Guide For Kitchen Countertops
Renewal of old kitchen or building a new one from scratch requires thinking
, planning and organization. May require the purchase of kitchen cabinets at least 40 percent of the budget allocated to the kitchen area, but do not forget that the cabinets you will need to countertop. Countertop space is the most obvious to anyone in the kitchen. Take a good look at the table, and different materials used to create them, and what you intend to do before you buy.
You've probably already decided on cabinets and you know what is the style of your home or will be, so do not skimp on the countertop. Do not take a decision earlier. Take the time to see what types of countertops available. Feeling surfaces. Know the pros and cons before opening your wallet.
What is available?
Stones
Granite says elegance and luxury with a price tag to match. Cost and high maintenance, and it's not for the faint of heart. You can set the pan on a hot granite and it will not burn leaves, but do not tend to absorb moisture over the time. Seal it is required.
Limestone talking to a sumptuous surroundings, like granite, limestone, and comes at a high rate. The problem with the use of limestone as kitchen countertop is that scratches easily and requires careful sealing periodically.
Soapstone comes in one color: gray. Gray of soapstone takes on the appearance of unwanted dark over time, but restrictions leaves a desire in the Department countertop. A good option to restore the 200-year-old houses, soapstone simply do not have something to offer other materials in the family stone to make it the first choice for most buyers. It is also a soft stone scratches and stains easily. And must be treated with mineral oil intermittently.
Kitchen is all about function. Marble and stone lighter than granite, resistant to heat, but in an attempt to remove stains from almost impossible. Have more the quality of its luxury bathroom, and we will do what is better in this area of the house. The other members of the family of the stone, it needs regular coats of sealer to maintain its beauty.
If you want to work, not every search you in your kitchen, you may consider a list of candidates. Stone cheap, and is used in kitchen countertop construction. Stone tends to be uneven surface, making cleaning a little more difficult. After repeated use, can become a list of chalky countertop. Have a tendency to scratch, chip, and that the porous stone, it can absorb bacteria.
Engineered Stone
Corian and Zodiaq engineered stone examples. Is a combination of particles of quartz with resin and pigments to create a beautiful look of stone with more durability. Engineered stone is not easily scratched or stained, making it more attractive. It's lighter and easier to work with and gives a smooth appearance to the countertop.
Ceramic tiles
Ceramic tile can be uniquely beautiful choice due to hand painting the tiles with whatever pleases you. Resistant to heat and daily maintenance makes it easy to ceramic tile a popular option. Are you paying less for ceramic tiles from many of the materials used in production of stone countertop. The downside? Must be sealed and cracks easily, plaster and when installed, and it's a good idea to seal them from time to time, which can be messy.
Plastic Laminate
There is a very inexpensive way to go, plastic laminate has come a long way. There are a lot of new techniques that mimic the stones without the bother or cost. A color palette and wide gives you plenty of options. Clean the surface is covered in sheet plastic requires more than just a wet soapy cloth. Just remember, plastic laminate burns and scratches, and if it is damaged, repair is next to impossible.
Butcher block
Look at the invitation of wood countertops brings warmth to the kitchen. If you bake or worry too much about making the cut marks on other materials, and to consider the butcher block counter. It's an inexpensive alternative that looks great with many different styles of cabinets. Keep in mind that bacteria can penetrate wood, keeping it clean as possible will be important. And must be treated as a butcher block countertop with linseed or mineral oil every 2-3 months to keep it in top shape for the tip.
Stainless steel
If you are a serious cook and a kitchen style business appeals to you, consider the countertop stainless steel. You do not have nothing to worry about hot skillets being placed on the table, and the water is not a problem. It does not crack and stains just can not happen. Stainless steel offers the most healthy answer for those cooks a lot. Just as the butcher block global warming in the kitchen, stainless steel gives the cold, austere feel do not fit well with more traditional kitchens designed.
Concrete
Have you thought about the use of concrete as material for your countertop? It is a way too expensive to travel, but became significant in the direction of the kitchen countertop surfaces. Lots of color options and the ability to rocks, sea shells and sea glass or any interesting things embedded in the concrete countertop gives a very personal touch. Concrete countertops can be formed in various shapes, add a specific value to them. Now comes the bad news: they are very expensive, and stain easily, to be sealed to eliminate over time, and they needed intermittently. As the reality of fashion from "here today, gone tomorrow" might make it obsolete in a short time.
Edges
Do not forget the edges! Talk with the designer about various options for different surface materials. May be able to choose from and rounded bullnose or beveled edges or a waterfall. Can be in the form of most of the stone surfaces to your specifications. Wood is malleable and manipulated easily to the angles required and ogees. Keep in mind that if it was wood or edges are not very complicated, it can become trapped food and bacteria port. Keep it easy to clean. Can be higher than the edges of the laminate on the edge of the construction of dams that will not allow the liquid drip off the countertop and on the ground. If you choose the countertop, tile, be sure to ask for specially made tile edges that will match the roof tiles.
As you're shopping around, keep in mind these important aspects of countertops: durability and resistance to staining, and the ability to handle hot cookware, ease in cleaning and maintenance, and of course pleasing to the eye. You do not have to select each one variety of surface materials - a combination of several may be more functional. Stone or solid surfaces work best around the stove and ovens. Space butcher block allows for chopping, and plastic laminate around sinks works great. The solution lies in getting the most functionality for the money spent and be happy with the end result being an informed consumer.
by: umar
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