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Guide to Removing Stains From Your Kitchen Countertops

Countertops are not only utilitarian but also serve as the kitchen’s piece de resistance. Keeping them clean and bright is not only necessary for hygiene, but also to maintain the aesthetic value of your kitchen.

Due to their regular use, they tend to develop stains that are unsightly and give your kitchen a cheap, ugly look.

To keep your kitchen and countertops looking great, you need to remove the stains. How do you do it? Here is a guide on how to go about it:

Quartz countertops

Because of the nonporous nature, quartz countertops are relatively easy to keep stain-free. They are also scratch-resistant, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.

As time passes, stains on your quartz countertops may develop and become difficult to remove. Don’t panic if you have a big stain on your quartz kitchen countertop.

When you know what to do, eliminating it isn’t that tough. There are a few simple methods you can follow to remove even the most tenacious stains from your quartz surfaces.

You should start with blotting the stain. After this, mix a mild detergent (such as shampoo or dish soap) with warm water. Don’t use heavier detergents as they can damage the surface.

You should then dip a soft cloth in the mixture and apply it to the stain. Gently wipe the cloth over the stain in a circular motion for several minutes before rinsing it with warm water.

If the harsher stains remain on your countertop, you may need to repeat the technique several times.

If you have a difficult stain on your quartz countertop that won’t come out with mild detergent, try baking soda.

Making a paste of baking soda and water is an effective approach to remove persistent stains off quartz surfaces. Simply combine a few tablespoons of baking soda and equal parts water to make a paste.

You should then apply it to the stain and allow it to settle for a few minutes. After this, wipe it off with a gentle towel.

If you have tougher stains that baking soda won’t remove, use poultice as is a stronger, easier, and safer approach. To produce a poultice, use baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.

Apply the paste to the stain with a moist cloth and then wrap it in plastic. Allow the poultice to stay for a few hours before wiping it clean with a moist cloth.

Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide work together to remove the stain from the quartz countertop, allowing you to restore its natural brilliance. With a little effort, you can remove even the most stubborn stains from your quartz countertops.

Marble countertops

Marble is among the most porous natural stone materials available. With that in mind, any spills on the stone can easily get to the inner layers. To avoid this, you must clean them up quickly and within the shortest time possible.

If you leave the spills on the surface, your marble may be permanently damaged and you don’t want this, do you?

If removing the spill does not work and you wind up with a stain, don’t worry. You can remove most of the marble stains with poultice. A poultice will pull the discoloration from your marble and leave it clean and attractive.

Don’t worry if the poultice doesn’t work the first time. Reapply it and wait. If it still does not remove the stain, contact an expert to determine the best course of action.

The last thing you want to do when attempting to remove a stain from your marble is cause additional damage to it.

To avoid this, never attempt to remove a stain with bleach or other aggressive cleansers. Harsh cleaners include any acidic materials. Using these cleaners can wear down the marble’s surface and you don’t want this.

While marble is one of the most porous materials available, there is one important step you can take to reduce the likelihood of stains: sealing.

Sealing your marble countertop or other surfaces will stop the pores, preventing liquids and stains from passing through. Keep in mind that this seal won’t last forever. You will need to re-seal your countertops every several months.

Sealing the countertops is easy. Start by clearing and cleaning the surface. Next, apply the sealant. Depending on the product, you may need to apply the sealer with a brush or a spray bottle.

Apply the sealant to the marble and ensure that you cover the entire surface. After that, wait 15 minutes to observe the sealer.

If all of the sealer has been absorbed within 15 minutes, apply another coat. After you’ve finished waiting, wipe off any excess sealant and let your marble surface sit for 24 hours.

You can do the sealing by yourself but for the best outcome, let a professional help you out.

Concrete Countertops

Like marble, concrete countertops are highly porous. Due to this, applying a sealant to make the surface more resistant to stains and scratches is an important step toward preventing damage.

If you have stains on your concrete countertop, all is not lost. The staining could be the result of a poorly performing sealer failing to protect the concrete, temporary surface stains on a coating sealer, or staining agents getting into scratches on a high-performance coating sealer.

Before you start working on stains, first evaluate the situation.

Does the sealer appear to be unharmed, implying that this is most likely a surface stain on the sealer? 

If it does not, the sealer is most likely still intact, and you will only need to bleach out the surface stains.

Does the sealant appear to be destroyed, and the stain is in the concrete? Is the concrete simply discolored, or has it been etched away by an acidic substance (rough or pitted)? If the former, you can use bleach to remove the discoloration.

If the latter, you will need to repair the concrete before resealing, unless you want a rough patch to stay on your countertop.

Has oil penetrated through a scratch and blackened the concrete kitchen countertops Raleigh? You will need to apply a poultice to remove the oil.

How to Remove Stains From Your Kitchen Countertops

Countertops are the foundational feature of a busy kitchen, and keeping them in a condition where they’re as beautiful and bright as when you first got them is crucial not only for maintenance purposes but also because they bring character to your cooking space.

Unfortunately, due to the busy nature of the kitchen, most countertops tend to develop stains. Thankfully, you can remove these stains.

To help you out, here are some of the best tips to resort to, depending on the type of countertop you have, to guarantee that your kitchen looks great with no stains or markings that could depreciate its value.

Laminate countertops

Laminate countertops are made of plastic resins and are extremely stain-resistant. If you have a stain or mark from a spill or slip, spray a baking soda and water solution over the area before wiping with a clean cloth.

The most common cause of laminate damage is laying hot pots or pans on the surface, which can cause stains.

Coffee, wine, ink, and food stains are the most common on laminate counters. Depending on the type of stain, the procedure you employ to remove it may differ.

Begin by blotting the stain with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel if it is still new. Rubbing the discoloration will only push it deeper into the laminate, so don’t do it.

After blotting the stain, prepare a cleaning solution. The solution you prepare depends on the type of stain you have.

Combine warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap to remove general stains.

For grease stains, use warm water mixed with a few drops of dish soap or a grease-cutting cleanser.

To remove stubborn stains, prepare a baking soda and water paste.

Rub rubbing alcohol or acetone (nail polish remover) on ink stains. Apply a small amount on a cloth and dab the stain gently.

To avoid stains in the future and protect your countertops, wipe up spills immediately, protect the surface with cutting boards and hot pads, and avoid using harsh abrasives or scouring pads.

You also should make it a habit to use coasters or trivets at all times before placing anything down.

Quartz countertops

Because of their non-porous nature, quartz countertops are easy to maintain in terms of stain resistance. Since they are scratch-resistant, you can put almost anything on them.

Although quartz worktops are durable and stain-resistant, they can become damaged if spills are allowed to rest for an extended period of time. Thankfully, there are several ways of getting off the stains when they happen.

Start by preparing a cleaning solution. The solution you prepare depends on the type of stain you have.

Combine warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap to remove general stains. This solution will remove most of the stains on your countertops.

To remove stubborn stains, make a paste by combining baking soda and a tiny amount of water.

For oil-based stains such as grease or frying oil, use a 70% isopropyl alcohol and 30% water solution.

A 1:1 mixture of hydrogen peroxide (3-10%) and water is ideal for organic stains such as coffee, tea, or wine.

You can also use rubbing alcohol or acetone to remove ink stains.

To avoid future stains, wipe up spills as soon as they happen, protect the surface with cutting boards and hot pads, and avoid harsh abrasives or scouring pads.

Marble countertops

Because marble is porous, it is considered a ‘soft’ stone. The stone’s porous nature means it is easily damaged and stained.

You should start by blotting the stain with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel if the stain is new. Avoid touching the discoloration because it will spread.

To remove stubborn or deep stains, make a poultice. A poultice is a material that draws stains from the stone’s pores. The poultice you prepare depends on the stain you want to remove.

For organic stains (such as coffee, tea, and wine), make a thick paste by combining baking soda and water.

For oil-based stains (for example, grease), make a paste by combining baking soda and acetone or mineral spirits.

You can use acetone or hydrogen peroxide to remove ink stains.

Spread the poultice over the stained area, allowing it to spread slightly beyond the stain’s margins. To establish an airtight seal, wrap it in plastic wrap and glue the edges down. Allow it to sit for 24 to 48 hours, depending on the degree of the stain.

To avoid future stains, seal your marble countertop regularly (every 6-12 months, depending on use), and use cutting boards and hot pads to protect the surface. You also should make it a habit to wipe up any spills as soon as they happen.

Concrete Countertops

Since concrete is a porous material, it’s highly susceptible to staining.

You should create a cleaning solution appropriate for the stain you want to remove.

Combine warm water and a few drops of dish soap to remove general stains.

To remove stubborn stains, make a paste by combining baking soda and a tiny amount of water.

For oil-based stains, combine warm water with a few drops of dish soap, or use a 3-part water/1 part ammonia solution.

For the grease stains, remove them using ammonia.

Soak a cloth or sponge in 3 percent hydrogen peroxide to remove ink stains and lay it over the spot. To keep it moist, cover it in plastic wrap. Allow it to sit for a couple of hours or overnight.

After preparation, apply the cleaning solution to the stained area.

Clean and reseal the countertop regularly to prevent future stains from your kitchen countertops Durham. Use cutting boards and hot pads to protect the surface, and mop up spills immediately afterward.

Does Heat Damage Laminate Countertops?

best kitchen countertop contractor

Laminate countertops are known to be tough, and they have been shown to withstand temperatures of up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Due to this, you might be wondering whether you can damage the countertops by placing hot items on them, right?

Well, the unfortunate thing is that you can damage them. You might get away with it for the first time, but you are bound to damage the surfaces when you repeatedly do it.

So, even if the countertops are known to be tough and highly resistant to heat, you should always protect them from damage. Some of the things you can do to protect the surfaces include:

Don’t place hot items on the countertops

This is the first thing to do. Since you don’t want the countertops damaged, you shouldn’t place hot items on them. This means you shouldn’t get the hot pot from the stove and place it directly on the countertops surfaces as you will damage them.

You should be especially cautious when placing the hot items on the countertop edges, as they aren’t as heat resistant as the rest of the countertops.

If you haven’t covered the countertops, you should always let the pot cool before placing it on them.

Use trivets and hot pads

These are meant to protect the countertops from heat from the cooking pots and pans, and you place them under the hot pans, pots, and other hot items that might damage your surfaces.

Both hot pads and trivets are made from different materials, such as metal, silicone, and wood. If you are wondering which is the best material to go for, there is no right or wrong material—it all depends on you choosing the material that makes the most sense.

If you are looking for a flexible material that you can easily store away when not using it, go with silicone trivets. Metal trivets are best suited for decorative tough products and add some style to your kitchen.

Wood trivets, on the other hand, are a classic addition to your kitchen.

Regardless of the trivet or hot pad, ensure that it provides enough surfaces for the hot items to rest on. You don’t want to use one that is too small as it damages the surfaces.

Be cautious when using the heat generating appliances

Your stove, toaster, or electric skillet can easily damage your surfaces if you aren’t keen, so be cautious when using them around your countertops.

As a rule, don’t place them too close to the countertops, as they will damage them. You also should be cautious when handling heating oils and fats as they get to ultra-high temperatures that can be dangerous not only to you and other people in the kitchen but also to the countertops.

When preparing the meals, ensure no oils splash onto the countertops as they can damage them.

Even if you have set them at ultra-low temperatures, never leave your appliances unattended, as they can easily get out of control. For example, they can get ultra hot, and the heat spreads to the countertops. Since the appliances aren’t monitored, this can lead to expensive surface damage.

To stay on the safe side, never leave your appliances unattended.

Besides worrying about your countertops, also think about your safety. As a rule, never handle hot appliances with your bare hands. Instead, always use mitts and potholders.

Don’t leave hot items on the countertops for a long time

Sometimes you might forget the hot plate of food on the countertops. While this might not have an issue at first, when you let the hot item stay on the countertops for a long time, there is the risk of the heat reaching the countertop, which might not only discolor the surfaces but also sometimes leave a permanent damage on the countertops.

Even if you have placed a trivet or hot pad beneath a hot pot, don’t leave it there for a long time, as there is the risk of heat getting to the deeper layers and damaging the counters.

Parting shot

Yes, it’s possible for the laminate kitchen countertops Raleigh to get damaged by heat, so be cautious when using heat around your counters. As a rule of thumb, take measures to protect your surfaces from any damage.

How Do You Keep Your Countertops Looking Like New?

Every homeowner’s dream is to keep their kitchen countertops looking new for as long as possible. After all, the countertops don’t come cheap, do they?

If you are one of these homeowners, you should know that there are plenty of ways to do it. How you keep your countertops in top shape depends on the nature of your countertops. To help you out, here are some of the ways to keep the various countertops looking new.

Marble

Marble is one of the hardest materials to maintain. Since it’s naturally porous and highly susceptible to etching, you should be cautious when preparing your meals. As a rule of thumb, don’t cut directly on the countertops.

You also should make it a habit to seal the countertops at least once a year.

If there is any surface damage or stains, move with haste and fix them as soon as possible. If there are oil stains on the surfaces, remove them using ammonia, mineral spirits, or hydrogen peroxide. For the food stains, lift them using water-based dish soap and baking soda paste.

Do your surfaces have chemical corrosion? Buff it out with marble polish.

Wood countertops

For elegant-looking butcher block countertops, apply mineral oil at least once a month. If your countertops aren’t butcher block, apply marine oil to keep the stain fade resistant.

Are there marks and burns on the countertops? Sand them out, then remove the stains using lemon juice or hydrogen peroxide.

Stainless steel

If you have stainless steel countertops, you know that scratches are inevitable on the surfaces. Thankfully, you can buff them out with an abrasive pad.

To protect your surfaces from rusting, prevent cast iron pans from contacting the countertops. If there are already rust stains, remove them using lemon juice and baking soda.

Quartz countertops

Quartz countertops are known to be heat, stain, and scratch-resistant. They are also nonporous and don’t need sealing. If your surfaces develop stains, apply a paste of hydrogen peroxide and flour, then let it sit for at least 24 hours.

Soapstone

Soapstone is also naturally nonporous, so it doesn’t require sealing. Unfortunately, nicks and scratches are common, so you should be cautious when working around them. Like marble, don’t cut directly on it. Also, avoid placing hard items on it.

If your countertops have slight discoloration from oil or any other material, rub out the discoloration using mineral oil.

Laminate countertops

The most common problem with laminate countertops is stains. Thankfully, you can remove them using baking soda paste. Leave the paste on the countertops for 3-5 minutes, and the paste will lift the stains out, leaving your countertops spotless.

If you have difficult stains that are hard to remove, get rid of them using bleach.

Concrete

You should start thinking about concrete countertops before you even install them. As a rule of thumb, seal the countertops before you install them. This is to prevent them from staining.

Besides this, make it a habit of applying tung oil a few times a year to keep the surfaces stain resistant. For a glossier look, apply wax regularly.

Solid surface

If there are stains or fine scratches on the surfaces, you can buff them out using a mild abrasive. The most common problem with the countertops is a plastic-like patina developing on the countertops. This patina is difficult to remove as you rarely have the right materials.

To avoid damaging your countertops while trying to remove the patina, let a professional handle it.

Ceramic tile

It’s easy to keep your ceramic tile countertops in top condition. Clean the surfaces regularly with a toothbrush and mildew fighting solution and fight occasional stains with diluted household bleach.

Granite countertops

The most important thing to do to your granite countertops NC is seal them. To prevent the countertops from stains, make it a habit to seal them once a year.

To find out whether your surfaces are properly sealed, splash some water on the surface, and if the water isn’t absorbed, the surfaces are properly sealed, but if the water absorbs fast, you need to apply another layer of sealant.

Thankfully, you can professionally seal the countertops without the input of a professional.

How Do You Cover Old Countertops?

If you don’t like the current look of your old bathroom or kitchen countertops and you don’t want to replace them, one of the ways to improve their look is by covering them.

How do you cover old countertops? Well, there are plenty of ways to go about it. Some of these ways include:

Place tiles over the countertops

Tiles are popular with covering floors, walls, and showers, but there is no reason you can’t use them to cover your old countertops.

While there are many types of tiles you can use, the best ones to go with are grazed ceramic and porcelain tiles. They are stain and heat-resistant. They also come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors, so you have plenty of options to choose from.

Install the tiles directly on top of the old counters, provided they are flat and stable enough to not crack. If you have strong counters that can accommodate thicker tiles, start with a layer of ¼-inch cement board glued to the countertop, then lay the tile over it.

While tiles are extremely durable and easy to clean, they have grout joints prone to staining and collecting grime.

Thankfully, you can prevent them from coming about. One of the things to do is to seal the grout as soon as possible after installing the tile then reapply the sealer every few years.

Lay laminate over the countertop

If you have old laminate countertops with square edges, you can cover them with a layer of new laminate sold in sheets of up to 12 feet long and 5 feet wide.

If your laminate countertops have a waterfall edge, don’t cover them with laminate as it’s hard to get the new material to conform to the edge contours.

Covering the old countertops with laminate involves cutting the laminate sheets a little oversize and then gluing them with contact cement. You then trim the edges flush to the old counter with a laminate trimmer or router, and you have your new countertops.

Install modular granite

Sometimes known as granite or stone overlay, modular granite is a system of small, thin slabs of stone specially designed to cover old, beat-up countertops.

Instead of the standard 12-inch square stone tiles, and their many grout joints, modular pieces cover the entire front-to-back distance of the countertop.

The modular pieces are usually 16-18 inches wide, which means that they have fewer joints. As you can guess, this reduces the weak lines, reducing the chances of the countertops breaking.

Use a countertop refinishing kit.

Countertop refinishing kits are like paint on steroids. These kits usually include epoxy-like paint and decorative stone chips that look like a natural stones.

Refinishing kits come with everything you need to cover a standard-size countertop completely. From the front edge to the 4-inch backsplash, the countertop kit will help you cover it.

Although the installation process is straightforward and non-technical, it involves plenty of hard work, messy sanding, and careful attention to detail.

For the best outcome, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter.

Cover the countertops with a countertop film

A countertop film is a thicker, tougher version of contact paper with the self-adhesive backing sticking directly to the old countertop surface.

Although installing the countertop film is a little fussy, it’s not as complicated as applying contact paper, so you can easily do it even without the help of a professional.

To undertake the installation, layout the film, then trim it to rough size and align it to the countertop edges. Stick it down incrementally using a squeegee tool to remove all the bubbles that might be present.

Spray paint the countertop

The beauty of spray painting the countertop is that it’s fast and, at the same time, produces a smooth fish that brush or roller painting can’t match.

While spray painting is a highly effective way to cover the countertops, you should note that it doesn’t work on all surfaces—it often works on laminate countertops and other surfaces that can be scuffed down with sandpaper.

When choosing the paint, granite countertop installers Durham recommend you go for matte finish spray paint as glossy paint shows scratches.

Guide On Replacing Kitchen Countertops On Budget

If you are thinking about undertaking countertop replacement, the cost of replacing the countertops might be an issue, especially if you don’t have a lot of money. The cool thing is you don’t need a lot of money to replace the countertop as there are plenty of other options you can use.

To help you out, here is a guide on replacing kitchen countertops on a budget:

Painting the countertops

Are your countertops simply old-looking? You don’t have to replace them as you don’t have the money to do it. Instead, you should simply paint them.

Begin with sanding the countertops with a pad sander to scuff up the surfaces to make it easy for the primer and paint to adhere.

When choosing sandpaper, be cautious of the one you go to. As a rule of thumb, avoid sandpaper with rough grit as it will leave deep scratches that will show through the newly painted surface, and you don’t want this.

When it comes to painting, avoid the brush, especially you are new at it, as you will leave unsightly brush marks. Instead of the brush, use spray paint and sealer.

You can also use a dense sponge roller to apply the primer and paint, then seal the paint with four coats of polyurethane to protect the finish.

Cover the countertops

If the countertops are extremely out of shape, you should consider covering them with different materials. You can use fabric, wood veneer or metal. It all depends on you and the results you are looking for.

If you don’t have money to hire a professional to help with the covering, choose an easy covering method such as using fabric or paper that you can even do by yourself.

When covering the countertops using fabric or paper, ensure that you use a 6-inch dense foam roller instead of a brush, then cover the surface with several coats of polyurethane sealer.

Begin with washing the fabric to preshrink it, remove the sizing, and carefully place it on the countertops.

Use countertop remnants

Using countertop remnants can save you a lot of money, and the beauty is the remnants are easy to find. In fact, all you need to do is to visit the countertop discount shops, and you will find them at a very low price. You will find them free in some cases as some countertop shops are desperate to get rid of them.

Some of the best remnants to go for are quartz, marble or granite. For the best deal, avoid remnants in a bundle, so when you are in the stores, avoid the remnants that are placed together with the slabs they came with.

Install butcher block countertops

Butcher block countertops are cheap, and they give your home a cottage feel. You can also install them by yourself without a lot of specialized skills.

When you are shopping for butcher block countertops, go for butcher block slabs. While the countertops might not be selected for quality, they are easy to install, and with basic skills, you can biscuit the joints together, and you have a beautiful kitchen countertop.

The countertops are also designed to hide imperfections, so even if you make a few mistakes, you are sure that the countertops won’t show these flaws.

To keep the countertops looking spectacular, finish them with food-grade oil or polyurethane.

Install laminate countertops

Laminate countertops have been around for a long time, and they are often the go-to countertop materials for people working with small budgets. Like butcher block, laminate gives your house a good look at a small cost, and they are easy to install even with basic construction skills.

You should note that unlike before when you had to settle for flat edges when you chose laminate countertops, modern advances have made it possible to go for specialty edges that give the countertops an upscale look.

Install granite countertops

Many people believe that granite countertops Raleigh are high-end and unreachable, but this isn’t the case. While some granite counters are expensive, it’s not the case across the board.

When you are operating on a tight budget, go for obvious colors such as white and green. As a rule of thumb, avoid rare colors such as red as the countertops will be too expensive.

6 Inexpensive Kitchen Countertops

Everyone wants to install high-end kitchen countertops in their home, but sometimes due to financial constraints, they are unable so they have to think about the next best option. Luckily, there are several inexpensive countertop options you can go with. The most common ones being:

Ceramic tiles

Ceramic tiles are cheap, easy to find, easy to cut, easy to install, and come in different varieties. While they are great, they come with their fair share of flaws: they are difficult to maintain as you have to keep on sealing them, they are hard to clean unless you add a layer of epoxy, and some homeowners feel they are unhygienic.

While this is the case, they are a great alternative if you aren’t in a good financial position.

Laminate

There are two types of laminate countertops: cheap and expensive. The expensive type looks good for a long time, looks better, and handles more heat and height. While some people might frown upon the cheap variety, it isn’t that bad as long as you are cautious about how you use it.

You will find fairly cheap and still in good condition laminate countertops from your local store. The countertops might not be the prettiest or the sturdiest, but they will get the work done.

The most popular option you can go with is Formica. If you don’t like the brand, there are plenty of others such as: Pionite, Bevella, CustomCraft, Wilsonart, Corinthian, Hampton Bay, and many others.

Tiles

Many people know tiles when they are installed to the floor, but they aren’t limited to only here. You can also install tile countertops on the ceiling, swimming pool, balcony, vanities, walls, and of course, on the countertops.

The beauty with tiles is that they are waterproof, elegant to look at, and low maintenance. They are also easy and quick to install, so you can even install them by yourself even with basic skills. While this is the case, it’s always wise to hire a professional as the contractor does the work better.

Granite remnants

If your kitchen isn’t too big, you can give the countertops an elegant appeal using granite remnants. For those that don’t know, granite remnants are bits and pieces that are left over after completing the previous projects.

Visit the local stone store and buy any remnants that might be there. If you know a friend or family member that recently had a granite project, approach them and ask them for the remnants that the contractors left behind.

You can combine the remnants to make a beautiful countertop. While the countertops will have a strange look, they won’t be too bad, especially if an expert does the work. The contractor will fix the pieces together, glue, and seal them, ensuring there is no risk of the liquids seeping into the cracks.

One of the best places to install the remnants is in the kitchen islands. When you install them, you should note that you have to reseal them more often than the traditional countertops, so you should be ready for it. For example, if you reseal the regular countertops once a year, reseal the remnants twice a year.

Wood

Wood is elegant looking, works excellently, lasts for a long time, and its fairly inexpensive. There are plenty of wood varieties you can install in your home. For example, you can install walnut, cherry, mahogany, pinewood, or any other variety that you love.

If you are on a budget, consider balancing a plain wooden countertop with other cool elements. Since you are strapped for cash, you should find the wood variety that is the cheapest in your area and find out whether it will look good for your countertops.

When you find the right wood, install and seal it.

Paint

If you are looking to revamp old wooden countertops, paint makes such an excellent option. You can do the painting by yourself or hire contractors such as granite contractors Raleigh to help you out.

As you are painting the countertops, you should note that they don’t look stylish or expensive, but they sure do look neat. When choosing the paint, go for a high-quality one that blends with your kitchen design.

What Are Laminate Countertops Made Of

Although laminate has been around for a long time, many people still don’t know much about them, so you will often hear them wondering what are laminate countertops made of. If you are one of the people asking this question, here are a few things you should know about the countertops:

What are the countertops made of?

The countertops were invented in the early 1900s by engineers from Westinghouse Company. They invented the product from phenolic resins that serve as an industrial insulator. The engineers later left Westinghouse and created the Formica Company that popularized the material.

The countertops are made by combining layers of resins and paper into a single, semi-rigid plastic sheet. The manufacturers use Brown Kraft paper for the bottom layers. The layers are pressed together while cooked, which forces all of the resins and papers to chemically bond into one plasticized sheet.

The countertops come in different grades, often referred to as “grades.” The most popular grades are: horizontal and vertical. The horizontal grade is the thickest type engineered for heavy use and high impact. Since it’s the thickest, it lasts for a long time. Unfortunately, it’s stiff hence difficult to form.

The vertical grade is often used for backsplashes and other areas that can’t withstand a lot of abuse as the other countertops.

Why should you buy a laminate?

Laminate comes with plenty of attractive features that make it a great choice. Some of these features include:

It’s affordable: If you are strapped for cash, laminate is one of the most affordable materials in the market that you can go for.

Elegant appeal: While the countertops materials are cheap, they resemble their more expensive, premium competitors such as granite and marble. This means you can give your home a high-end look at a meager price.

They are easy to install: Since the countertops are lightweight, they are easy to install. You can easily install them on your own without requiring the services of a professional.

Easy to clean: When you pour a potentially staining product on the countertops, getting rid of it is easy. You only need a clean, moist material. When cleaning, avoid using chemicals and abrasives as they can dull the surface or even destroy the resin.

Unlike marble and granite countertops, the countertops are practically maintenance-free as you don’t need to seal or oil them.

Stain-resistant: Since the countertops are made from plastic, they are waterproof. This means they easily repel stains, so you don’t have to worry about them getting stained and looking ugly.

Versatile: The countertops come in a wide range of colors, textures, and patterns. It’s all up to you to choose the ones that are ideal for you. The beauty of it is that you can even get the countertops customized to your liking.

Cons of the countertops

While the countertops are excellent for use in your home, they have several setbacks:

Easily get damaged: Since they are made from layers that are glued together, they easily get damaged when you aren’t cautious when handling them. When you place hot pans or a cigarette on them, you can easily melt them.

The top of the countertops is also highly susceptible to scratches from sharp knives and other items. Unfortunately, unlike other materials that you can easily repair, the countertops are difficult, so you have no option, other than to replace them.

Don’t have a huge impact on the resale value of the house: Compared to granite and marble countertops, laminate doesn’t add much resale value to the house. So you can’t invest in the countertops with the hope that you will recoup your money once you sell your house.

How do you take care of the countertops?

For you to prevent the countertops from getting damaged, you should take good care of them. As motioned above, when you are cleaning the countertops, always ensure that you don’t use abrasive cleaners. You also should avoid harsh chemicals such as bleach.

Since you can only hire countertop replacement NC professionals to replace the damaged countertops, you should be ultra-cautious what you place on the surfaces. As a rule of thumb, never place hot pans on the surfaces. You also should never place any hot material on the surfaces.

Thinking About Undertaking Countertop Replacement? 7 Valuable Tips You Should Consider

soild surface countertops

If you have had your countertops for a long time and don’t like the current look, the countertops have worn out, or you are looking to sell the house, it’s time to think about replacing them. For the countertop replacement process to proceed smoothly, you need to understand how to go about it. Here are 7 valuable tips you should follow:

Pay attention to the flooring and cabinets

The nature of the cabinets and floor will not only influence the color of countertops you should install, it also will determine the type of countertops you should go with. Different countertop materials have different weights, and by installing countertops that are too heavy, you will damage the floor or the cabinets.

If you had previously installed plastic laminate countertops and you want to change to stone countertops, pay close attention to the integrity of the floor and cabinets and ensure that it can carry the weight.

If your cabinets aren’t strong enough, you have two options: replace the cabinets or settle for lightweight countertop material.

Know your countertop options

If you installed your countertops over a decade ago, you should know there are plenty of countertop options you can go with. From manmade materials to natural stone, you have a whole array of materials to choose from.

You need to do your research and find the best material to go with. If you aren’t sure how to go about it, consult an expert contractor to help you out.

Change the backsplash

Many people replacing their countertops forget replacing the backsplash, which gives their kitchen a confused look. The backsplash is the kitchen wall material. When the new countertops don’t blend naturally with the backsplash, you give the impression you didn’t think through the kitchen design.

Just like kitchen countertops, backsplashes come in different designs. There are small ones that cover only the sink area, midsized backsplashes, and even large ones that span the entire wall. They also come in different colors and textures.

It doesn’t matter what your dream kitchen should look like, but for a cozy, rustic, and modern look, ensure that the backsplash matches the new countertop material. You can buy a new material that blends flawlessly with the backsplash or replace the backsplash to match the countertop.

Don’t neglect the old appliances

The large kitchen appliances such as the stove, refrigerator, and dishwasher are expensive. If you have the budget, you can replace them, but if they are still in good order, you don’t have to.

Instead, simply think about their color, and when buying the new countertops, buy countertops that are close to the color of the appliances. This way, the appliances don’t look out of place, so the kitchen has an elegant design.

Think about the lighting

What is the nature of the lighting in your kitchen? Under-cabinet lighting is excellent for dull surfaces, but it creates glare on the polished stone. If you have stone countertops, you may not even need to install under cabinet lighting—overhead lighting is enough.

A modern kitchen needs to be properly lit. To have an easy time doing it, consult a professional who will recommend the best lighting options to go with depending on the size of the kitchen, and installed countertops.

Take note of the sink and other plumbing appliances

Unless you have an under-mount sink, in most cases, when you install a new countertop material, you have to install a new sink. Even if you have an under-mount sink, you may have to change the faucet so that it matches the new countertops.

Work with an experienced countertop contractor

You are bound to make plenty of mistakes when you opt to go at it alone. To have an easy time and ensure you are making the right choices, have reputable granite contractors Durham or any other professionals by your side.

The contractors will help you choose the right material that your cabinets can carry. If the kitchen needs any design changes to match the current countertops, the professionals will also help you come up with the new designs.

The contractors will also help you scout for the new countertop materials that will give your kitchen a look you have always dreamt about.

4 Kitchen Countertops Materials You Should Try Out

Are you looking to revamp your kitchen? There is no way you can improve the look of the room without giving attention to the countertops.

If they are damaged, replace them, but if they are beyond repair, you have no way out other than to replace them. Luckily, there are plenty of materials you can use on your kitchen countertops.

Would you like to know more about these materials? Here are the pros and cons of the most popular ones:

Granite

Centuries later, granite is still the go-to countertop material for most people. According to the national association of realtors, granite is the most preferred countertop material for most home sellers. This is because it’s elegant to look at and easily fits into any kitchen style.

Granite is also tough and quickly resists cracks and chips. Due to this, you don’t have to worry about it getting damaged when you place a hot pot on it. The countertop is also easy to maintain as all you need to do is to clean it regularly.

You also should seal it annually to protect it from stains.

While the material is tough, it’s not indestructible. This means an accidental clunk with a wine bottle can create an ugly chip in the edge.

When it comes to sealing the countertop, you have to be thorough in your work. This is because if you don’t do it, oil can easily seep into the stone, forcing you to have to apply a poultice to get it out.

Since it’s obtained from natural stone, it often results in variations that can look completely different from the sample provided by the countertop company.

To avoid this surprise, always ask to see the slab to ensure that it matches the theme of your home.

Quartz

It’s known for its durability. Quartz is made from a combination of crushed quartz stone and resin. The resulting mixture comes in a variety of colors that almost resemble real granite.

Under normal kitchen working conditions, quartz is entirely indestructible. Of course, unless you hit it with a sledgehammer or any other tool. The material is also stain and bacteria-resistant, so you don’t have to keep on sealing it like it’s the case with granite.

While granite is tough, you often pay a lot for it, yet it’s not as heat resistant as the other less-pricey materials such as crushed glass.

The countertop seams are also easily noticeable, especially if an expert doesn’t correctly install the countertop or you use a lighter color.

Quartz countertops also discolor over time, especially if you place them under a lot of direct sunlight.

Many people have also cited quartz as having an ultra-contemporary and cold look, which isn’t good for a traditional-style kitchen.

Laminate

Popularly known as Formica, laminate countertops are made from paper-plastic and come in plenty of colors and patterns. In addition to having the ability to mimic anything from granite to wood, they don’t require sealing as they are stain-resistant.

Although, often the go-to material for people operating on a tight budget, it cracks and scratches easily.

According to the national association of home builders, many home buyers avoid homes with laminate countertops, so it’s not the ideal material to install in your kitchen when looking to sell the house.

Tile

Tile countertops are beautiful and highly versatile. They also easily resist cuts, stains, and heat, making them extremely easy to clean and maintain.

Tile also comes in an infinite number of colors and styles. You can install tiles of one unique color or mix and match a variety of colors to give your countertops a one of a kind look.

Although, they are easy to replace, tile countertops easily crack, so you should be ultra-cautious in the kitchen as accidentally dropping pots or pans on them will lead to damage.

The counters also have uneven surfaces that make cutting boards, plates, and glasses shaky and unstable. You also can’t roll out dough on them.

The grout lines easily catch dust and grime. For you to prevent bacteria from growing on them, you have to seal them regularly, or you will have to undertake countertop replacement Durham.