Maryland Home Remodeling by BT Martin Contractors

7 Types Of Kitchen Counter Tops

January 21st, 2009

It is very important that you place lots of thought when choosing the surface material for your counter top. This is because the counter top has to undergo lots of punishment over time. Today, there are many materials with both beauty and practicality embedded in them.
Butcher block counter tops are made from hardwoods like maple, red oak and teak and are easy to install and repair. These counter tops get scratched, burned and stained easily and can be sanded and resealed when required. Butcher block has to be treated with mineral oil or beeswax regularly but is not suggested over dishwashers or near a sink as its wood is sensitive to humidity fluctuations.

Concrete can be tinted any color and include stone chips with varying qualities as they can be custom formed using local fabricators. As concrete cuts and chips easily, it has to be sealed. Though topical sealers can resist stains, they are prone to damage from hot pots. Comparatively, concrete counter tops are expensive too.

Ceramic tile counter tops are found in many colors, styles and patterns which can be easily installed by adept do-it-yourselfers. These glazed tiles are resistant to stains, burns and scratches, while repair to these counter tops is easy and cheap. It is possible to tint grouts to match or contrast tiles; however joints may trap crumbs and soak up stains. This is why it is difficult to clean it, even if the grout is sealed. Moreover, tiles get scratched by sharp objects and may chip if hit hard.

Laminates are popular counter top materials as they are available in hundreds of colors and patterns and are reasonable in choice. They are lightweight and easy to install; but has additional edge treatment costs to be borne.

Natural stones like granite and marble are popular counter top materials that resist all forms of physical abuse, nicks, scratches and scorching of hot pans. Of the two, granite is the tougher material while marble is softer and more prone to staining and etching from the acid in cleaners and foods. This is why they both have to be sealed with a protective sealer periodically.

Quartz resembles granite, but is more uniform in appearance. It is a combination of pigments, stone chips and resins and is resistant to heat, abrasion, stains and does not need any sealing. However it cannot withstand impacts.

There are many solid surface materials available today for use on counter tops which are durable but expensive. They are made from polyester and acrylic resins with mineral fillers and are available in various thicknesses. Scratches and nicks cannot be seen easily here while prolonged heat on it can change its color.

The latest trend in counter top materials is stainless steel and is chosen by those looking for integration of counters with pro-style and other stainless steel appliances. They are heat and stain resistant but tend to dent and scratch easily, shows fingerprints and are expensive.

Looking at all these counter top materials, it is left to you to choose the best material for your counter top, based on your budget, other kitchen appliances and the amount of wear and tear it goes through.

An article from Toronto Home Improvement

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Maryland Home Remodeling

Without question, remodeling your kitchen is a daunting task. With the unlimited options in materials and styles, even those who are just starting to think about a remodel can begin to feel overwhelmed. The first step to putting such a project into perspective is doing your research.

The Internet is full of resources that can prepare any homeowner, even before they visit a showroom or speak with a contractor. These resources guide consumers on the search for their perfect kitchen by helping them find their style and showing them what is available.

From Maryland Custom Painting

Find a Style
With so many design choices available, it may be hard to know what you like until you actually see it. Web videos, like Merillat’s “Kitchen Chronicles” series can help you get an idea of what your dream kitchen might look like. The videos highlight four people with varying needs and demonstrate how their kitchens fit their lifestyles – whether they are using their kitchens for entertaining, family use, organization or to help sell their homes.

Each video highlights solutions specific to the way the kitchen is used. If you’re drawn to a particular kitchen in the videos, you can explore it further by getting detailed information about the products and design ideas used in the space. You’ll find the Web videos and a style quiz at www.merillat.com.

Lay it Out
Many Web sites feature layout tools to help you design your dream kitchen down to the last inch. Look around to find the tool that works best for you as the tools have varying degrees of difficulty and detail.

Go with the Pros
Don’t overlook professional and trade-only Web sites. They often feature the cutting edge in kitchen design. While you may not be able to purchase products directly, if you fall in love with a specific decor element or an entire look, a professional kitchen and bath designer can help make the dream a reality.

Ask a Friend
There are plenty of kitchen and remodeling forums online so feel free to make some new friends. Your fellow forum users can post inspiring photos, offer ideas and, more importantly, give advice on what not to do or which products to avoid.

Do Your Homework
Once you find a product, appliance or brand you like, check out consumer safety and satisfaction Web sites. You may love the look of a certain refrigerator, but if the brand has numerous recalls or other consumers have been dissatisfied with the appliance, you can save yourself time and money by avoiding it.

Courtesy of ARAcontent