Kitchen Countertops

Once you have a plan for kitchen remodel; there are lots of choices to make. You need to choose your cabinetry, appliances, paint colors, lighting fixtures, kitchen countertops and backsplashes. In years past people has Formica countertops or tile countertops. The choices today are endless.

If money is not an object, granite countertops are beautiful and durable. Granite countertops come in a range of almost 3000 colors. They hold up well to heat and once sealed, are very nearly maintenance free. They will last forever and add significant value to your home. The biggest drawback is the price and they can crack if not properly installed.

Engineered stone is composed of 93% quartz particles. It is scratch resistant and comes in a rainbow of colors. The surface is non-porous so it does not require yearly sealing as does natural stone.

Solid surface countertops are solid. Any scratches can be easily sanded out. You may know them as Corian, Avonite, or Swanstone. They come in lots of color and patterns. Unfortunately they can be damaged or stained by hot pots and pans. These are custom made to your specifications and can be moderately expensive.

Ceramic tile is durable, easy to clean, and inexpensive. Because it is installed in sections, some homeowners are able to do it themselves. It resists heat damage, but tile is easily chipped or cracked and cleaning the grout is not always easy. The grout is a bit more porous and will stain. Ceramic tile that is custom designed can be significantly more expensive.

Laminate countertops like Formica or Wilsonart come in lots of colors. They are plastic coated synthetics that are smooth and easy to clean. The draw backs are that the seams show, chips and cracks are almost impossible to repair, and end finishing and front edge choices can be expensive.

Wood or butcher black counter have a warm look. They need to be sanded and sealed and can stain over time. There are many choices in finishes and they are easy to clean. Any scratches need to be oiled and sealed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Stainless steel kitchen counters give a modern look to the kitchen. They are heat resistant and durable and because they are custom made, you can have a seamless finish. They can be dented, you cannot cut on it, and fabrication is very expensive.

Soapstone is usually dark gray and has a very smooth feel. It is often used in historic homes, but can look very nice in a contemporary kitchen. It does require regular maintenance with applications of mineral oil and the color may darken over time.

Are you confused yet? Think about the style of kitchen you want and choose kitchen countertops to compliment your overall design. It is a significant investment that will pay off in the long run.

 

 

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Kitchen Remodel News:

 

Williams column: The ol' kitchen cabinet cupboard - Salisbury Post

Williams column: The ol' kitchen cabinet cupboard
Salisbury Post
On those current cable channels devoted solely to the marketing of houses, kitchens are shown with abundant built-in cabinet space, above and below, sometimes wrapped around the entire kitchen's inner circumference. When I was growing up, .

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Renovate your kitchen, but don't expect a windfall when you sell
Be warned: Remodeling projects will not always fill your pockets with cash when your home sells. In fact, you might not recoup the entire cost of the project...

Kitchen Addition & Kitchen Remodel 90028 | Earthquake Inspection
We make finding a qualified, expert Kitchen remodeling specialists easy! Allow us to help you with your project. Our experts in Hollywood can design, renovate, and put in a Kitchen for your residence! CA Kitchen Remodeling ...

Tasty cupboards
Roger gives us a mock-up design of what his kitchen should look like when completed...

Kitchen design for multi-generational living - Reading Eagle

Kitchen design for multi-generational living
Reading Eagle
Pull-out shelves that fully extend reduce bending injuries. Color contrast cabinets and countertop maximize visual acuity. Wider pathways ease movement around islands and cabinets. Kitchens of Generation Y (born 1978-1995) are the hub of the home.

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Avalon Hills kitchen updated with sleek decor, room to entertain
Homeowner: Dawn Wagenknecht. Her husband, John McIntyre, who died in January, helped plan the kitchen remodel. The home: John became the third owner of the Avalon Hills home when he purchased it in 1986. The five-bedroom, three-bathroom home was built in the late 1960s. The couple decided to remodel the kitchen to accommodate dinner parties and casual gatherings. Summertime gatherings are spent ...

Small space solutions for the kitchen - Las Vegas Review-Journal

Small space solutions for the kitchen
Las Vegas Review-Journal
By ARAcontent Crowded cabinets, cluttered counters and nonexistent prep space. Sound familiar? For many homeowners, small kitchen spaces make everyday use and entertaining a source of frustration. While a small kitchen can pose many challenges, .

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