Home Improvement Materials - Building out the Kitchen

Home Improvement Materials - Building out the Kitchen

New countertops always seem to top the wish list when it's time to remodel the kitchen. This update is always on the mind of homeowners that spend a great deal of time in the kitchen. If you want to make the most out of your kitchen update, take the time to choose the materials carefully. With such a wide selection you should easily be able to find the ones that fit your style:

Kitchen Home Improvement Materials - Ceramic Tile

In terms of cost and design, ceramic tile is an ideal choice. As it's made from fired clay it offers great options for customization at a competitive price when compared to other materials. It's also durable and can range from a natural stone look to smooth polished porcelain making it a fit for almost any kitchen. Whether you're going for a custom backsplash or a complete countertop redo, ceramic tiles are a perfect fit.

Tile is also scratch resistant and can withstand a great deal of heat - even from a hot pan placed on the surface. While it's easy to install and relatively cheap ($10-$30 per square foot) the grout lines can sometimes be difficult to clean which can harbor mold and bacteria.

Kitchen Home Improvement Materials - Plastic Laminate

Laminate is a popular choice because of the sheer variety available in color and style. While the cost is higher than tile in some cases ($25-$35 per sq foot) the material is extremely easy to clean and has a natural resistance to mold and bacteria.

An unfortunate downside is that this fabricated material is easily damaged, especially from knives. It burns easily if hot objects are placed on the surface and it can be easily stained. Homeowners must take extra measures to protect the surface once the install is complete, using placemats and cutting boards at all times.

Kitchen Home Improvement Materials - Stone Tiles

If you love the look of natural stone but you can't quite afford a custom cat pad of quartz, then stone tiles are a great option. You can get the substantial look of an expensive piece of granite without all that investment on the front end. Natural stone tiles typically cost in a range of $20 to $40 per sq ft, with the price variance dependent on the type of stone. Most homeowners opt for slate or granite, with slate topping out because of the rich color and soft texture.

The natural polish of the stone makes it easy to clean and sanitize but it requires a good strong sealant once installed. Without a good seal, the naturally porous stone will easily absorb liquids, which makes it stain much easier while harboring bacteria and germs.

Kitchen Home Improvement Materials - Wood

Wood is a great option for countertops in the home and homeowners love the rustic ambience it lends to the kitchen in a home improvement project. If you like the farmhouse appeal of wood then this material is a great choice. Butcher blocks lead the interest for countertops, mainly for the look and durability. Cost can vary from $20-$50 per sq foot depending on the type of wood chosen. Wood is forgiving, more so than other materials. Bang it up and it seems to gain character rather than turn ugly. The only downside with wood is that it needs to be sealed and oiled regularly to sustain it's look and strength.

Kitchen Home Improvement Materials - Natural Stone (Quartz and Granite)

While different in style, granite and quartz are gifts of Mother Nature that add a great deal of appeal to a kitchen during home improvement projects. Granite comes in a variety of colors and patterns giving opportunity for customization even with natural stone work while Quartz is the granddaddy of toughness. Quartz is also highly appreciated for its resistance to bacteria. The cost for solid stone countertops is approximately $45 to $80 per square foot. Just make sure your cabinets can stand the weight of the countertop.

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