For all, their kitchen is the main room in their house. And most real estate experts agree that the best method to improve or raise the property value of a house is to redesign the kitchen. The four major elements of a kitchen remodel generally involve replacing the significant appliances, installing new flooring, replacing or re-facing the kitchen cabinets, and installing a new countertop. Let us focus on this last part – replacing your current kitchen countertop material using a new one.
Naturally, it involves more than just running off into the shop to pick out a brand new countertop for your kitchen. You will first have to think about how much you would like to invest. In addition, you must consider just how much time and effort you will need to spend to keep your countertop. Eventually, they’ll want to seriously consider the design and look you desire in your kitchen. Whatever type of countertop you install, it’ll be the focal point of the whole room.
The very first kind of countertop which pops into the brain of every anxious kitchen renovator is granite. But, there are lots of countertop materials to select from granite and – is only one of these. These days, a kitchen remodeling optimistic can select a tile, acrylic, stone, concrete, stainless steel, and laminate, wood!
GRANITE
Let us start with the most popular: granite. Granite countertops would be the most popular but also the priciest. Why? Besides the gorgeous surface, granite is extremely scratch and heat resistant. A granite countertop is extremely durable and will last quite a long time. A granite countertop will never go out of style and granite slab installment will greatly boost the value of the home. The downsides? Other than the cost, granite is a natural rock and it is porous. A sealer is going to be required to prevent staining. 1 choice is to use granite tiles in place of a huge slab. The cost savings onto the tiles is high. It is important not to utilize the granite as a cutting board as it will dull the end (and ruin a knife or 2.) Visit Legacy Kitchens here.
OTHER NATURAL STONES
Besides granite, there are other various stone surfaces that may be used on kitchen counters. Quartz, marble, limestone, soapstone, and slate surfaces are very popular today. Granite is cool and smooth, ideal for food preparations directly on the surface. It’s not as durable as granite and requires more sealing maintenance to protect from staining. Slate is quite durable and has such a exceptional surface it can definitely stick out in a kitchen. As slate was used as a roofing material, it doesn’t demand as much sealing protection, but some maintenance remains needed. Limestone is very porous and spills have to be treated quickly to prevent staining. It has a natural, weathered look that may deepen and darken over time. Organic quartz look much like slate but doesn’t stain or scratch as easily. Engineered quartz has been gaining popularity too, but the prices are considerably more (engineered materials are a granite composite merchandise blended with epoxy, polymers, and tiny stones or pebbles for a unique look and feel.)
TILE
Glazed ceramic and ceramic tile has been widely popular in kitchens for decades. It is available in a huge selection of colours, shapes, and designs. The tiles can be a small as a square inch and as large as six square inches. The tiles are durable and have some of the exact same warmth and scratch resistance qualities as granite. The porcelain tiles are usually pricier than the ceramic tiles, but the ceramic tiles are somewhat more durable and the toughest fired type of tiles. Drawbacks of tile? It may chip easily, more costly than laminate options, along with the grout may be a problem. When placing the tiles there are grout lines between each of these and grout may stain quite easily. It will require much more maintenance to keep it looking good. Due to the grout difficulties, the ability for the tiles to break and chip easily, and the overall cost, it is ideal to leave the setup work to an expert. Check out kitchen designs calgary here.
CONCRETE
Concrete is not just for drives or sidewalks. A concrete countertop is light and may be polished into a smooth and shiny surface that can resemble any natural stone. The counters could be molded into a factory or cast on site. Concrete is quite porous and has to be routinely sealed, similar to granite, to resist stains. Additionally, it can be made into almost any shape and possess any depth. Concrete can also be heat and scratch resistant. The counters can be reached in a variety of colors and textures. Drawbacks on tangible? The sealer that is required is only one coverage needed. The sealer has to be retrieved every one to three weeks to prevent stain and water damage, so maintenance can be extensive. You cannot cut the concrete surface without leaving marks. Concrete is also very expensive.
STAINLESS STEEL
A restaurant will most likely be the first thing you would think of when it comes to a stainless steel kitchen counter. However, there’s a reason most restaurants use this material. Durability, water and stain resistance, low maintenance, a myriad of size and shape choices are only a couple of those reasons. It’s also very easy to clean and you may place a hot plate or pan on the surface without the hassle of damaging it. Drawback – many do not like the”industrial” look of it. It may be somewhat expensive to have made. Cutting on it may leave marks and it can be simple to dent. It is vital to be certain that the surface is at least 18 gauge and has eight to ten percent nickel in it.
WOOD
Sometimes called Butcher Block Countertops, a timber counter is usually made from strips of maple or oak that have been glued together. But any hardwood can be made into countertops. Bamboo countertops are the current trend! Wood counter stuff has a warm, amazing look that can come in a variety of colors and textures. It is ideal for people that wish to cut directly on the face of the counter. It may be sanded and resealed in the event of any heavy cuts, stains or scratches. It can be easy to install and also the rates are fair. Drawbacks? Wood isn’t really difficult and can readily burn, scratch, or dent. The wood can turn or twist black near sinks out of routine water contact. Plus it needs regular sealing.
LAMINATE
Formica is the most common name for laminate counters. It’s made of a thin coating of plastic glued to particleboard or timber. Vinyl laminate counters are extremely cheap, lightweight, and accessible in an endless supply of shades and patterns. It’s quite stain-resistant and, as a plastic material, it is not hard to wash. Since in regards pre-formed, it can be simple to get a do-it-yourselfer to install. Drawbacks into Formica? When these counters are somewhat durable, they do not last forever. Laminates aren’t heated or scratch resistant but they’re stain resistant. Abrasive cleaners can dull and scrape the surface. Warping or water stains happen with excessive exposure to moisture. The color or pattern may fade with time. See: Calgary Kitchen Renovations | Remodeling & Renos Calgary
ACRYLIC/SOLID SURFACE
Solid surface counters are manufactured tops that are custom-made for any application. Popular companies include Corian, Avonite, and Swanstone. These surfaces are durable, water resistant, and simple to wash, non-porous, and are even resistant to mold and bacteria. And nicks or scratches can be sanded off. Drawbacks include problems handling hot pans on the surface, high cost, and the excess weight calls for a fantastic strong cabinet base (similar to natural rock.) Some don’t like the plastic or”imitation” appearance of the substance, but the substance does have a broad assortment of colors to choose from.
Replacing the kitchen countertops is only 1 step in your wish to revive the kitchen, however, it’s considered the largest step by most. You can definitely make a statement about your own kitchen and your home with the ideal selection of countertop material. Obviously, as soon as you take care of those worn outside counters which came with the house, it will truly make those old cabinets, flooring, and appliances stick out! It is all just a part of this practice of increasing the value of your property.
