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Ways to Redo Your Kitchen Countertops

Are you staring at your old, outdated kitchen countertops and wondering how you can redo them without replacing them? Well, you can do many things to make them appear like new or simply give them a great polish.

Some of the things you can do include:

Spray the countertops with spray stone

Granite is a timeless element to add to your countertops, but installation may not always be within your budget. Furthermore, demolishing your present counters might be inconvenient and messy.

If you really want to give your worktops a natural stone appearance but don’t want to undergo demolition or pay the exorbitant price for custom-cut stone, spray stone is a perfect alternative.

Spray stone is available in various colors and finishes, including matte and gloss. The spray stone product range has demonstrated longevity, lasting 15 years with proper care and maintenance.

Remember that you need a polyurethane topcoat to attain the desired level of durability. Failure to do so may result in the coating failing prematurely, causing it to flake and wear unevenly over time.

Spray stone’s application extends beyond countertops. It is also suitable for use on shower and bath enclosures, as well as vanities.

Tile over the countertops

Another strategy is to cover them in tile. First, install a waterproof film on the laminate counters to achieve this. Before beginning this process, plan the tile to ensure proper fitting and appeal.

Also, to avoid unscrewing and replacing plumbing, consider creating an under-mount sink look with sink corners and tile edging trim.

After all tiles have been set and affixed to the counter, you can apply grout. Configuring, cutting, and placing tiles can be time-consuming. To make it easier, hire a professional to help you out.

Redo the countertops with decorative vinyl.

Decorative vinyl is another excellent way to update the kitchen countertop without replacing it. It’s quick and easy, and there is no noise, dust, or odor. This is a great way to go about it if you want to refurbish countertops quickly and affordably.

Refinishing with film involves covering existing surfaces with new material. The sole criterion is that the surface be smooth and clean. Additionally, no water damage or warps should be present. The steps for film application are as follows.

  • Make a flat surface with putty and gentle sanding.
  • Prime the surface where you need more adhesion, such as corners and edges. You may also need to apply a primer.
  • Measure and cut the material.
  • Peel and stick the film onto the surface.
  • In a fan-shaped sweeping motion, apply the film with a squeegee from top to bottom.

And by doing this, the countertop is ready. Its refurbishing takes only a few hours.

In addition, the vinyl layer replicates the original texture (whether it is wood, metal, or something else), so refinished worktops will be as appealing as natural ones. Furthermore, we guarantee that countertops will maintain their appearance for at least ten years.

Use craft paper

Another innovative way to remake your countertops without replacing them is to use craft paper. This procedure can take the longest to complete, so bear this in mind before beginning.

To cover the countertops using craft paper:

  • Remove the border from Formica countertops. If the edges are rounded, you must paper them over and smooth them to the bottom edge.
  • Soak craft paper with two parts water and one part glue, then smooth it onto the counters and over the edges.
  • If necessary, cut the paper around the wall and bottom edges. Keep adding until you achieve the desired effect.
  • Once it has dried, add the color.
  • Apply a few polyurethane coatings, smooth it out, and attach a one-inch stained edge piece.
  • Add more layers of polyurethane.
  • Due to the drying period of polyurethane coats, it will be ready to use in approximately 2-3 days.

Paint the countertops marble.

If new counters are not within your budget, we have found another option: a paint makeover. You should note that this is not your typical simple paint color. This is a new, exciting way to paint your countertops like marble.

You should start with sanding, priming, and painting the surface white.

Once the countertops are ready, you can begin to create veins using craft paint. You should practice veining on a tiny piece of wood before moving on to the counter.

You should then whitewash the surface before sealing to soften the veins. Once you are done, seal your artificial marble.

You should note that when doing this, you’ll also need primer, eggshell or satin-finish white paint, three colors of gray craft paint, a foam roller and a roller tray, a feather, a sea sponge, a soft paintbrush, paper towels, a toothbrush, small mixing bowls, sandpaper, paste wax or a water-based polyurethane for the topcoat, and other supplies.

You can also buy a paint kit to change the appearance of your countertops. If painting artificial marble sounds too demanding, consider using a marble interior film.

Refinish the countertops with terrazzo.

Terrazzo countertops are resilient and resistant to scratches, stains, and chipping, making them ideal for high-traffic areas. They are also bacteria-resistant and simple to clean, making them ideal for kitchens where hygiene is a priority.

While terrazzo is a good option, it takes a lot of time, and some people report that their countertops look like their floors, which they don’t like.

How wise is it to redo the countertops on your own?

Remember that getting your countertops professionally redone is always the best way out. Industrial coatings require knowledge and high-end equipment, such as an HVLP sprayer, respiratory protection equipment, and a fume exhaust system.

Without adequate safety equipment, resurfacing your countertops alone can be extremely dangerous to your health.

If you need assistance or have questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with a local countertop refinishing professional experienced in giving faux granite countertops Raleigh or any other look.

Do not attempt this technique alone unless you are qualified to do so.

Tricks to Get the Most Value from Your Kitchen Renovation

With images of stunning kitchens filling Instagram and Pinterest by the hour, it’s easy to fantasize about a high-end renovation. 

As much as you want a beautiful kitchen, a pricey remodel with cutting-edge appliances and luxurious finishes would not always increase resale value in the long run.

The best return on investment will be a minor remodel. This could include repainting cabinets, updating the backsplash, and upgrading the appliances. 

Would you like to get the most from your kitchen renovation? Here’s how to go about it:

Go with marble countertops.

Homeowners’ desire for the opulent beauty of creamy Calacatta or Carrara marble isn’t going away anytime soon. 

To give your kitchen an elegant appeal, install marble countertops. The countertops are great, but they require more upkeep and come at a higher cost.

Still, considering investing in natural stone? Include Dry-Treat’s Stain-Proof, a unique sealant that prevents discoloration for up to 15 years.

If you don’t want marble or can’t afford it, there are other less expensive options you can go for. For example, you can go for engineered stone, such as quartz, which resembles marble and is stain-resistant and antimicrobial. 

If you’re looking for a quick bang for your buck and want the look of marble, you can get a realistic-looking porcelain slab at a fraction of the price.

Add an island

While adding an island is a significant undertaking, it is worthwhile if you want to stay in your home for a long time because this hardworking feature offers functionality and has long been on many buyers’ wish lists. 

When someone walks into a kitchen with an island, they immediately notice more countertop prep space, storage, and seating.

While you should consider installing a kitchen island, it doesn’t imply you should pack one into a cramped quarter. You should only consider installing an island if you have at least 36 inches of clearance on all sides. It will even be better if you have 42 to 48 inches.

Go with simple neutral cabinets.

Cabinets typically consume around 30% of a restoration budget and should last 20 to 25 years. As a result, you should be strategic how you go about it. It’s best to adhere to classic styles like Shaker and widely appealing colors.

Your warmer neutral colors are more pleasing and safe. While white kitchens are popular, consider installing soft taupes, dark blues, linens, and grays.

Install the right cabinet grade.

Cabinets are classified into four quality levels: bespoke, semi-custom, stock, and ready-to-assemble. With custom or semi-custom cabinets, cabinet sizes can vary, and numerous finish options exist.

Custom cabinets are great, but you shouldn’t go for them. This is because they aren’t appealing to many who might be looking to buy your unit. 

Instead of custom cabinets, use inexpensive options with adjustable modifications for renovators on a tighter budget.

You could save a lot by going for a simple kitchen, but it depends on the bells and whistles you choose.

You can deck out your kitchen with semi-handmade doors and find yourself cost-wise in the semi-custom category, or you could do semi-custom cabinetry without as many bells and whistles and find it relatively inexpensive.

If replacing the cabinetry isn’t within budget, install a fresh coat of paint, which is a faster and less expensive solution.

Go with subway tiles.

This classic option remains your best bet due to its broad appeal, versatility, and affordability. You can install the tiles in a herringbone or brick pattern or straight stack for a more modern look, which lets you customize a space without a ton of cost.

While this is the case, remember that the more detailed the pattern, the more money you’ll spend on labor, so you may want to reconsider that beautiful chevron design.

When hiring contractors, take your time and hire the best in the industry. Don’t hire the cheapest, as they will most likely become too expensive in the long run as they will fail to install the tiles properly, and you have to reinstall them, which will be an additional expense.

Install layered lighting

Plan for general and task lighting so you can see when you’re cutting celery. As an easy improvement, install under-cabinet lighting and select statement-making lighting over the island.

When done well, the light fixtures can add that pop of personality, and you can easily change them when you opt to sell the house.

When choosing the fixtures, go with those that complement the space’s decor and purpose. Depending on their form and placement, pendant lights, chandeliers, wall sconces, and track lighting can all serve as ambient or accent lighting.

For the best results, always consult experienced contractors on the best ones.

Replace the hardware

Changing the hardware is another simple technique to refresh worn-out cabinetry. Though cabinet knobs and handles vary in price, you don’t have to spend a lot to make a big difference – there are many possibilities for less you can go for.

Plus, you don’t have to worry about being too trendy because it’s so simple to replace if it goes out of style.

Again, work with experienced contractors who guide you and help you make the right choices.

Coordinate appliances

Try to match appliance finishes, such as going entirely stainless steel or selecting panel-ready models. All new appliances can cost between 10% and 20% of the total renovation expense.

As much as you should try to match the appliances, be cautious and don’t go overboard: If you remodel a kitchen with state-of-the-art appliances but a future buyer doesn’t cook, they won’t be willing to pay.

Be conservative and majorly focus on functionality.

You will benefit more by fixing the appliances instead of installing new ones. For example, instead of undertaking countertop replacement NC, repair the ones available.

Things to Consider When Hiring a Kitchen Countertop Company

Hiring kitchen countertops installers for the first time? Here are things to look out for to hire the right ones:

Online reviews

Online reviews have become an important part of any business, and customers base their buying decisions on them. 

Is the company’s reputation based on independently verifiable reviews? If so, how many do they have, does management respond to them, and how highly regarded are they?

Take a look at Google, Yelp, Facebook, and other online review sites. Read the reviews thoroughly to determine what to expect, how well the organization addressed problems, and how satisfied the consumer was.

Installing kitchen countertops is a big investment, so researching ahead of time could save you a lot of headaches later.

While hiring a company with many positive reviews, you shouldn’t go for one with a perfect score. This is because it’s rare for a company to have all the reviews positive regardless of how good they are.

While true, you shouldn’t work with a company with many negative reviews. If a company has many negative reviews, you should avoid it as it’s most likely an awful company and will give you a bad experience.

To stay on the safe side, work with a company that has at least four stars.

Price Transparency

Before you start working with any company, you should ask for price quotes. Of course, you should ask for quotes from at least five companies to compare them.

When you receive the quotes, take your time going over them. Don’t be fooled by the price alone and fall for the typical bait and switch. Some businesses will quote a lower-quality product to get you in the door, only to upsell you to a much more expensive product. You don’t want this, do you?

Companies may, for example, quote a thinner or less expensive countertop material with a standard edge to make the price appear lower. One of the things you will hear in such a scenario is the expected costs after installation.

As you can tell, you end up paying more than you planned.

To avoid this and have a better idea about the amount you should expect to pay, you should work with a company that is transparent about its price.

When asking for a quotation, don’t ask for the ballpark. Instead, ask for the price of each item.

Before you decide to work with a company, review every item they will use and confirm that they won’t increase the price later.

To protect yourself, it would be better if you have the company sign an agreement that the amount they quote will remain unchanged.

Communication

A lack of communication is one of the most common concerns about any home renovation project. Look for a company with customer support and scheduling teams to which you may turn for project updates.

When interacting with a company, ask yourself whether you will have a dedicated team to answer all your questions. If you have been trying to contact the company without success, chances are you won’t reach it when you start working together.

Many businesses are concerned with completing as many jobs as possible but don’t place communication at the top. Choose a company committed to keeping you informed about what is happening, and you can easily reach them when needed.

Besides communication, you must ensure that the company maintains the highest quality standards. The quality assurance department is the first thing you should check before working with a company.

You want a company with such a department that gives you peace of mind and will provide you with the best service possible.

Professionalism

How long has the company been in operation? Will they still be there in a year if you encounter problems on the job? What is the size of the operation?

You’d be shocked at how unskilled and small many enterprises are, frequently failing to meet demand and, as a result, delaying your installation. Choose a business with extensive experience in their field.

Ask if the measurement and installation teams are outsourced when getting an estimate. You also should ask about the technology they use during the installation.

You want a company that uses cutting-edge technology to ensure accurate measurements the first time. Nothing is more frustrating than going through the entire process only to have a poor installation with uneven seams and gaps that don’t look correct.

Protection Plan

Make sure that the company will stand behind their work. Be aware of companies that do not provide a warranty. The plan should cover everything from countertop installation to sinks, faucets, and backsplash for at least five years.

When you work with a company with a protection plan, you have peace of mind as you know they will give you excellent service.

Physical location

Can you visit a convenient location, look at kitchen ideas, and speak with a representative? There’s no substitute for seeing Quartz, Quartzite, Granite, and Marble countertops Durham in person.

Feeling the stone and observing the beautiful, unique patterns and veining is much better than seeing the stone in pictures or videos.

To better understand how your property will look once the countertops have been installed, work with a company with a physical office. This way, you can visit the location and experience the stone, which helps you make a better decision.

A wide range of services and products

Ideally, your remodel partner should provide multiple services to eliminate the need to shop around.

The last thing you want is someone that only provides one service. As much as they will do the task better, you will have to work with multiple contractors, which might be too much for you.

For example, you don’t want to hire a contractor to install the countertop stone, and they can’t install the cabinets. To be safe, work with a contractor that is all around and provides all the services in-house.  

7 Ways to Decorate your Kitchen Countertops

Knowing how to decorate kitchen counters is all about striking the right mix between aesthetics and functionality.

The kitchen should be a welcoming location in the home, full of character and charm. It also should be a functional workspace where you can entertain, cook, and store all kitchen appliances and accessories.

The key to decorating kitchen countertops is to think about everyday products you use frequently that could benefit from being on the show and ornamental pieces that make kitchen ideas feel distinct and special to you.

To help you out, here are ways to decorate your kitchen counters:

Keep the countertops clean and decluttered

When designing countertops, you should keep them clean and decluttered. Unlike other areas of the home, countertops do not benefit from a heavier touch.

Always leave enough space on your counters and kitchen islands for people to sit and dine, so never overcrowd the surfaces.

Whenever you are done preparing the meals, clean the surfaces.

Use flowers and plants.

Decorating with plants and flowers in the home will always produce a peaceful and tranquil feeling, even in a kitchen, which is frequently a busy and frantic hub.

You can place tiny cachepots of potted herbs next to a window for cooking and for the peaceful, heady scents they weave throughout a kitchen.

Decorating kitchen counters creates a welcoming atmosphere rich with color and natural beauty, whether you have lovely blooms in a vase on a kitchen island or pots of herbs and plants alongside a window or near preparation areas.

When selecting, choose small, compact plants that flourish indoors and require little care. Popular alternatives include succulents, herbs, miniature potted flowers like orchids or African violets, and even air plants that don’t require soil. Choose plants that will thrive in your kitchen’s lighting circumstances, whether bright and sunny or with limited natural light.

If you don’t have a lot of space, you should use hanging planters or macramé plant holders from the ceiling or wall if you have limited countertop space. Hanging pothos, spider plants, or ivy creates a cascade effect in your kitchen, adding vertical appeal while saving important counter space.

Use appealing pots, planters, or vases that complement your kitchen’s style and color scheme when using containers.

Choose from ceramic pots, glass vases, or reuse old containers such as mason jars or teacups. To prevent water from accumulating, make sure the containers have drainage holes or use a layer of pebbles at the bottom.

Extend the shelving

Extending a shelving design allows extra shelf styling options and produces a sleek, tiered impression.

The countertop in this kitchen is treated as an extra shelf, with an eclectic mix of goods that echo your desired design.

This shelf and countertop design creates a visually appealing focal point in the kitchen and a central, zoned space where ornamental objects and functional accessories are housed.

Group items in small zones

You should plan to group objects in zones when deciding where to place them to adorn kitchen counters. When done right, it will result in a well-styled space.

Start with a blank slate and construct little depth and vertical height clusters.

Kitchen countertops’ corners allow you to tuck away from the main countertop surface area.

You should consider marking or graphically identifying each zone to make it plain and intuitive for all family members.

To indicate the purpose of each zone, use labels, stickers, or even ornamental features such as chalkboard signs or miniature drawings. This will aid in organization and ensuring that items are returned to their proper locations.

Once you’ve established the zones, develop a routine of regularly arranging and clearing the stuff in each zone. Return items to their designated locations after usage, and reassess whether any adjustments are required depending on your changing needs.

Use decorative trays

You can use decorative trays to curate and display your favorite items and accessories; they are a fashionable and functional way to decorate kitchen surfaces.

A tray collects items such as vases of flowers, coasters, and other small kitchen accessories, leaving more room for cooking and meal preparations. Depending on your use, you can pick up a tray and move it around the kitchen.

To add visual interest, vary the height and texture of the items in the tray. To raise some items, use small pedestals or stack books or coasters. Using different textures such as glass, ceramic, or woven materials to create depth and perspective to the display.

Display items with sentimental value or represent your interests to provide a personal touch. A piece of artwork, a special cooking utensil, or a family relic could be used. Personal touches like this make your countertop design one-of-a-kind and special.

Besides the tray, you also should take note of the area around the tray. Ascertain that there is sufficient space for food preparation or other kitchen tasks without the tray becoming an impediment. You want the tray to improve rather than inhibit the operation of your countertop.

Layer items

Adding layers of objects to your kitchen counters will help the space feel more welcoming and warm.

Layering art or cutting boards against the backsplash – with a few smaller items in front – adds depth. You can also use a tray topped with three items of different heights to draw the eye vertically.

The layered, warming wooden chopping boards in the kitchen effortlessly give character to the area while also nicely matching the earthy terracotta paint color on the walls.

For example, flowers and a woven basket provide texture and dimension to a slick, modern kitchen space.

Bring colorful accents

Having colorful trinkets strewn about the kitchen provides lovely highlights and eye-catching contrast.

Simple accents like the fruit dish and wooden cutting boards gracefully contrast with the paint in the kitchen, bringing an additional element of contrast and color to the space. Regardless of whether you have granite countertops Durham or any other countertops, the accents are bound to improve the look of the countertops.

Things You Should Know About Kitchen Countertops

Is this the first time you own kitchen countertops? There are several things you should know about them. These things include:

Some countertops need sealing

If you recently moved to a house with already installed countertops or newly installed units, you should know that some countertops might require you to seal them once a year. As you can guess, this is an additional expense on your part.

The countertops need sealing because they are porous, and the sealant prevents liquids from seeping through and staining the surfaces.

Two of the countertops that require sealing are granite and marble. You also should regularly seal any porous countertops that you might install.

If you aren’t sure whether to seal the units, enquire from a reputable countertop company. You should also research the countertops you have installed in your home.

For peace of mind that your countertops won’t stain the next time you place items on them, please make an effort to seal them at least once a year. When applying the sealant, ensure that its high quality.

You can apply the sealant yourself or hire a professional to help you.

Even if you have already sealed granite countertops, you should note that you still need to take care of your counters. This calls for you to watch what you place on them. As a rule of thumb, don’t place liquids on the surfaces, as they will leak to the inner layers.

It would be best if you also always cleaned the spills that happen as soon as they do. This is because even if you have already sealed your surfaces, the falls will still get to the inner layers when you go for a long time without removing them.

Even with thoroughly sealed counters, always get rid of the spills as soon as they happen.

The countertops aren’t as tough as they look.

When you touch granite, quartz, marble, and other countertops, you might have the impression that they are destructible, but this isn’t the case. Just because the countertops appear challenging doesn’t mean that they are.

To protect your surfaces from damage, avoid cutting directly on them. Please don’t do it now on the countertops when cutting vegetables or chopping meat. Instead, always have a chopping board that prevents you from making marks on the surfaces and simultaneously prevents the spread of bacteria from the meat to the counters.

When you regularly place the hot pots on, most countertops will also be damaged by fire. For your countertops to look good for long and last for as long as possible, avoid placing the hot pots directly on your countertops.

Instead, have hot pads and mats on the counters. When you place your pots, you get them from the stove.

If you don’t have these units, don’t take the pots from the stove. Instead, leave it there until it has completely cooled down.

Besides heat, you also look out for weight, as placing too much weight on the counters will damage this. Many homeowners have the propensity to bathe their young ones on their kitchen sinks. Don’t do this, as you will place too much pressure on the counters.

You also should avoid placing an oversized cooking pot on the counters.

Other homeowners tend to sit on the counters while waiting for the food to cook or when reaching for the top shelf or replacing the bulbs. When you bathe your child in the sink, you place too much pressure on the countertops when you sit or step on them, which expands even the tiniest fissures leading to cracks you didn’t want in the first place.

Countertops need care

Whether you have granite, marble, or quartz countertops Raleigh, you need to give them the best care they deserve. This means that you should regularly clean them.

You might have the impression that you need harsh cleaning products, but this isn’t the case. Simple soap and water are enough to leave your countertops sparkling. You should always avoid harsh chemicals as they cause more harm than good.

How Do You Protect A Countertop From Heat?

As much as they appear tough, most countertop materials will get damaged by heat. You don’t want to replace your countertops as it’s too expensive regularly, do you? To ensure this doesn’t happen, you should protect the countertops from heat.

How do you do this? Here is how to go about it:

Use silicone mats

They are large, thick, and highly effective at protecting your kitchen countertops from heat. The mats work by blocking the heat emitted by your appliances, and to protect your countertops, you should place the mats under your stove, coffee maker, toaster, microwave, or any other appliance you might be having.

The cool thing is that besides the mats protecting your countertops from heat, they also protect the surfaces from spills, scratches, and grease.

Silicone is non-slip, which means that your appliances will stay in place, without moving around, which comes in handy in ensuring that the appliances remain where you want them.

The mats effectively take heat ranging from 40 degrees to 446 degrees Celsius, keeping your countertops as safe as possible.

Heating pads

You place heating pads beneath hot dishes and pans where they block the heat from getting to your precious countertops. Most of the pads are made from cloth, but they can also be made from other materials such as cotton, rattan, cork, or even silicone.

Some people use towels for heating pads. While they work, you should be ultra cautious when using them as the loose ends can be a hazard for accidents that could lead to a serious injury.

The condensation from the pad can get trapped beneath, damaging the surfaces.

For peace of mind when preparing your meals, use silicone pads or thicker cloth pads specially designed for hot pots and pans. These will keep your food accessible and your counters safe from heat damage.

Ceramic countertop protectors

These protectors are highly effective when looking to protect your surfaces against high temperatures. Some manufacturers make higher-grade protectors that can withstand as high as 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

While the protectors are highly effective at taking high temperatures, the downside is that they sometimes get hot, putting your countertops at the risk of getting damaged.

To prevent your counters, go for protectors with a protective base to ground them. These bases can be made out of rubber or silicone.

Ceramic protectors come in all colors and designs, which gives your surfaces a splash of color.

The cool thing is that they always come with a cork backing that ensures that scratches and other possible accidental surface damages don’t happen.

As you are buying ceramic protectors, you should note that they aren’t the most durable materials on the market. This means that after some time you will have to replace them. The good thing about this is that they are easy to replace when they chip or crack.

Peel and stick countertop covers

From their name, these are covers that you can easily stick to your countertop, and in the process, you not only alter their look, but also protect them from damage.

The covers are sold by the roll, making it easy to cut and tailor them to the exact dimensions of your countertops.

To install them, you need to measure the size of your countertops, cut your desired countertop, peel off the backing, and get ready to go.

Should they get damaged or change your mind about their design, they are easy to remove as all you need is to peel them off without worrying about damaging the countertop beneath or leaving residues behind.

Wooden countertop protectors

Besides being highly decorative and improving the appeal of your kitchen, they protect your counters from excessive heat.

The only downside of the protectors is they aren’t as heat resistant so if you aren’t cautious in the kitchen, you can easily damage your granite kitchen countertops NC or any other countertop surfaces you might be having.

To get maximum protection and stability, go for countertop protectors with rubber feet and a rubber base.

4 Kitchen Countertop Mistakes You Should Avoid Making

Countertops are one of the most vital parts of your kitchen, as they affect the look of the kitchen and its functionality.

Most homeowners installing kitchen countertops for the first time make plenty of costly mistakes. Which are these mistakes? Here they are:

Choosing the wrong material

Due to the many countertop materials in the market, most first-time installers buy the wrong ones often because they don’t know the right ones to go for.

If this is your first time, you should know that the material you choose depends on the look you want for your kitchen, and your lifestyle, among many other factors.

For example, if you love cooking and have small children in the house, it would be unwise to install marble countertops, as they are highly porous and stain easily.

These countertops would be perfect if you live alone and rarely use your kitchen.

The best way to avoid buying the wrong materials is to work closely with an experienced professional who knows what they are doing.

The professional will first understand the look you want, and your cooking patterns and then recommend the suitable material to go for.

Buying from big box stores

The best place to buy the countertop materials is from the big box stores. After all, they are popular, and this is where most people buy from, right? While they are popular, they are the wrong places to buy your countertop materials.

This is because they often don’t stock a wide range of countertop materials. This means you are always stuck with what is in the store, which is usually extremely limited.

The big stores also sell their materials at extremely high prices, and you can’t haggle the prices.

The best places to buy your kitchen countertop materials are from small stores. While they are small and often unpopular, they tend to stock a wide range of materials, so you have many options to choose from.

Since these stores specifically deal with countertop materials, they have experts that will help you decide on the best materials to go for if you aren’t sure.

The small size of the stores also means that you can negotiate the prices to buy the countertops at a much lower price.

Besides the above benefits, these stores will install the countertops often for free or at a meager price.

While this is the case, you should note that no two stores are the same. This means that you should take your time and find a reputable store to buy from.

As a rule of thumb, buy from a store with many countertop materials. The store should also have experts that will guide you make the right decision.

Before you decide to buy from a given store, scout around and see what is available.

Avoid buying from a highly cheap store as they might be selling cheap, low-quality materials. You also should avoid a costly store as they might be trying to rip you off.

Buy from a store selling high-quality countertop materials at a standard price.

Ignoring countertop cost factors

Besides the cost of the countertops, you need to factor in the price of installing the countertops. Different countertops have different installation costs that vary depending on the material and contractor.

Of course, you can cut the installation costs by finding a countertop store that will install the countertops for free.

The other cost factor to consider is the maintenance cost of the countertops. Some countertops, such as marble and granite, are porous, requiring resealing at least once a year. As you can guess, this significantly contributes to the total cost of the countertops.

If you aren’t ready for these costs, find a cheaper countertop that will be cheaper to maintain in the long run.

Hiring the wrong contractors

This is a major mistake as you can buy the best marble, granite, quartz, or any other countertops but fail to get the results you deserve and waste money.

As a rule of thumb, take your time and find highly experienced granite contractors Raleigh or any other professionals to install your countertops.

Before settling on a contractor, do a thorough interview and background checks and ensure you are working with the right person.

How Do I Choose A Kitchen Countertop? Here Are 5 Things To Consider

Are you thinking about revamping your kitchen and wondering how do I choose a kitchen countertop? There are plenty of factors you should look out for. These factors include:

Your lifestyle

How you lead your life will influence the type of countertop you should go for. If you are in the house most of the time and love cooking, you need tough countertops such as granite countertops that will take up the abuse and give your kitchen an exciting look.

On the other hand, if you are a busy person and are rarely in the house, so you don’t have time to clean and maintain your countertops, you should go for easy-to-maintain units such as quartz and others.

Young children

Do you have children? This will also significantly influence the countertops you install. If you have young children, it means they will be jumping and sitting on the countertops. They also most likely will be drawing and even hitting the counters.

To keep your counters in top shape, you need tough and easy-to-maintain surfaces. This calls for you to avoid granite, marble, and other porous countertops as they easily stain.

In such an instance, you should go for tough, easy-to-maintain countertops that won’t stain easily.

Your budget

The other factor to consider when buying kitchen countertops is your budget. How much are you looking to spend on your counters?

If you have a large budget, there is no wrong countertop to go for, but if your budget restricts you, you should go for cheaper counters.

As you are shopping, you should note that different stores sell their counters at different prices. This means that you will need to take your time and enter different stores, and compare the prices they charge for their counters.

If you can’t afford premium counters such as marble and granite, there are cheaper options such as quartz and others.

If you are looking for counters for small areas such as Kitchen Island and don’t have a lot of money, consider countertop remnants that go at extremely low prices. Some countertop companies even give them out free.

Your desired look

We all have a look we want to give our kitchen, and to achieve this, one of the things to do is install the right kitchen countertops.

You have to install countertops of the right color, texture, and any other feature that aligns with the look you want.

If you aren’t sure about the countertops that will give you a look you want, get the input of a professional.

As you are choosing a countertop color, choose one that is versatile. This way, you can easily change the kitchen paint and accessories without changing the countertops.

To keep your options open in the future, install countertop materials with veins and splashes of color.

Before you buy large countertop pieces, take samples with you at home, place them in your kitchen, and see how they blend with the rest of the room. Get a second or even a third opinion if you aren’t sure about the look.

Of course, you should only buy the countertops that match your desired look.

The amount of care you are willing to give the countertops

Although, this goes hand in hand with your lifestyle, it’s common to have a lot of time, but you don’t like cleaning or taking any care of your countertops.

If you love showing love to your countertops, install porous countertops such as marble, granite, and limestone. If taking care of countertops isn’t your thing, go with easier-to-maintain materials such as quartz that only need you to wipe them down.

Professionally install the countertops.

Regardless of the type of countertops you install, ensure that you professionally install them. If you are a dab hand at DIY projects, you can install the countertops by yourself, but let experienced granite companies Raleigh help you out if you have never done it before.

For the best outcome, take time to hire a countertop installation company and ensure that you are hiring a reputable company that knows what they are doing. The last thing you want is to hire a contractor that damages the precious countertops you have spent your fortune on. You don’t want this, do you?

What Is The Best Wood For Kitchen Countertops?

kitchen countertops

Wooden countertops have been around for years. While other countertops have come and gone, wood has remained a classic.

Are you looking to install a wooden countertop and wondering what is the best wood for kitchen countertops? Well, there are many woods you can go for, with the best ones being:

Maple

Maple is the most common type of wood used in countertops. Its light hues blend well with any color and give your kitchen an open feeling.

The wood is moderately priced, which gives many homeowners a nice balance between quality and cost.

Two of the popular maples are curly maple and hard maple. Curly maple shows the whorls, while the hard maple shows the grain in the same way as the other woods.

Oak

Oak gives any space a fresh, clean feel. It’s often the most inexpensive option, so if you require wood countertops but don’t have a large enough budget, these are countertops to go for.

Like other inexpensive items, oak isn’t durable, so you should be cautious of the amount of abuse you put it through after installing it.

Cherry wood

Although popularly used in furniture construction, plenty of homeowners use it for their countertops. Cherry gives a characteristic-rich red hue that gives your countertops an elegant look.

Choosing this wood gives your kitchen a light, airy feel. Although, it perfectly complements bright colors, the countertop beautifully contrasts a darker design.

Cherry wood is highly durable, and coincidentally it’s also one of the most expensive options, so this isn’t the one to go for when working on a tight budget.

Black walnut

As one of the most revered woods in the market for its toughness and beautiful grain, the dark shades are compatible with any kitchen, and when properly installed, it gives any kitchen a unique aesthetic look.

While they are great, their major flaw is they don’t last as long as the other woods, so you should be ready to replace them regularly.

Zebrawood

Named for its striking stripes, zebrawood is one of the toughest woods you can install in your kitchen. When installing it, you don’t have to worry about it getting damaged as it stands up against almost anything thrown at it.

Bamboo

Bamboo is a popular cutting board material, so it’s no surprise that it makes an excellent kitchen countertop.

Clean, sturdy, and modern, bamboo is one of the best countertop materials you can install in your home. It comes with plenty of options to choose from. From sumptuous whole grains to edgier parquet design, you will be spoilt of choice.

Mahogany

It’s the most preferred wood of luxury, and it’s loved by many for its brown-red color that gives any kitchen an aesthetic look. Although, you won’t find it in most kitchens due to its soft nature, there is no reason you shouldn’t install it, especially if you like its unique luxurious look.

When installing it, be cautious of the nature of your kitchen. If you are there all the time, it will be good to avoid installing this wood. The ideal candidate for the wood is someone that doesn’t use their kitchen too often.

Are wood countertops sanity?

Most people used to granite, marble, quartz, and other countertop materials are concerned that wooden countertops aren’t sanitary. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. As long as you have properly sealed the countertops, they are one of the sanitary countertop materials you can have.

Once you have sealed the countertops, you can chop meat, place hot pans and pots on it without worrying about damaging them.

How do you seal wood countertops?

Like marble and granite countertops Durham, you need to seal your wooden countertops.  Begin with applying two coats of polyurethane to the countertop surface.

Polyurethane installs a liquid coating that dries up into a plastic film that places a layer of plastic between you and the newly installed wood.

For the best outcome, use FDA-approved urethane. This way, you are sure that the urethane is safe to come in contact with your food.

To get a good, solid coating, apply at least 3 coats of urethane.

For your countertops to last for long, ensure that you seal the countertop entirely, leaving no wood exposed.

4 Problems with Quartz Countertops

Although quartz has its perks, such as beautiful appearance and durability, it also has its unpleasant side. To help you out, here are 4 of the most common problems with quartz countertops:

They discolor

When you visit many countertop stores, the salespeople move with haste to point out that quartz doesn’t stain so you don’t need to give a lot of care to it. While this is true, it’s not the entire truth.

Quartz is ground down into a fine powder and then mixed with resins before it’s reformed into a countertop. Even though the stone itself is resistant to stains, the resins used to make the countertop vary in stain resistance from one manufacturer to another.

This means that if you buy the wrong type of countertop, you will have to deal with stains hence the countertops requiring almost the same care as granite.

Most countertop stains result from spills, but these aren’t the only things you need to worry about. Quartz counters change their color when exposed to direct sunlight so if your house has large windows allowing a lot of sunlight in, you have to keep closing and opening the drapes to keep the sun out.

Also, the color changes mean you can’t use the countertops outdoors or in grilling spaces.

The countertops have also been shown to stain due to hard water exposure. The iron, magnesium, and calcium in the water leave unsightly deposits on quartz that sometimes come off but sometimes they don’t.

They are expensive to install

Quartz surfaces don’t come cheap so if you are operating on a tight budget, you should look for other options. The reason for the high cost is due to the process involved in their installation. The process involves:

Fabrication: The contractors cut and smooth the slab to the needed shape and size. The larger and more complicated the shape is, the more expensive it’s going to be so if you are looking to save money, you should go for a simple design.

Support addition: If there are areas on the countertops that don’t have cabinets or appear weak, the contractors install extra support on them. The purpose of the extra support is to reduce the risk of the countertops breaking or cracking.

The contractors can install the supports in different ways. They can add extra wooden beams to the wall or secure them close to the cabinets.

Leveling: The purpose of leveling is to reduce the risk of the countertops cracking. The contractors can raise or lower the countertops or cabinets depending on the needs.

They are not resistant to heat

Quartz itself is highly resistant to heat, but the resins used in making the countertops aren’t. This means that placing a hot pan or baking dish directly on the countertops will cause them to have a white discoloration or a cloudy appearance.

To keep your countertops in top shape and avoid damaging them, avoid exposing the countertops to temperatures exceeding 300 degrees Fahrenheit. To ensure that you don’t damage the countertops, always use a hot pad or trivet instead of placing the hot items directly on the surfaces.

When it comes to cutting on the countertops, don’t cut directly on the surfaces. Instead, have a cutting board in place, as the countertops are prone to scratches.

They tend to have ugly seams

When you hire inexperienced contractors to install the countertops for you, they don’t put the slabs together as well as they should and as a result, you have ugly seams that ruin the appearance of the countertops.

Installing the countertops isn’t DIY friendly

Installing quartz countertops is complex thus not fun especially if you love engaging in DIY projects. Although there are easier to install slabs in the market that you can go for, they too require specialized tools to properly install them.

Moving the countertops is also a problem as they are too heavy. Due to this, you have no way out other than to hire professional contractors to install your quartz kitchen countertops Durham.

When hiring the professionals, ensure they are experienced enough. They also should be authorized to practice in your local area. It also doesn’t hurt hiring insured contractors.