Which Marble Is Best For Kitchen Countertops?

Did you know that you do not have to stick to the old boring and monotonous kitchen countertops? Most homeowners choose marble as their preferred countertops because of its beauty. 

They add a touch of sophistication and luxury to any kitchen; hence it is no surprise why they are a top choice.

While it is a top choice, it is best to select the best marble fit for your kitchen. They come in different varieties and colors, so you need to make the right decision. So, which marble is best for kitchen countertops?

Keep reading to find out which type of marble goes best with your kitchen countertops.

Carrara

This is the most popular of all types of marble and with good reason. It originates from Italy and some from Tuscany. 

It is available in white, gray, and blue-gray finishes. If you are going for a minimalist kitchen with neutral colors, you should install this type of marble for your kitchen countertops.

Some slabs may have a hint of drama if you feel a bit adventurous but still want to stay safe.

Statuary

This marble has some similarities to Carrara and comes from the Carrara region. It also comes in white to give your countertops a pristine and clean look. The only difference is that it has a semi-translucent look that adds drama to the veiny patterns.

It is also glossier and much brighter, so if your kitchen has a lot of light, this will be a great addition to bounce the light into the room.

Calacatta

Another popular type of marble but rare. Since it is hard to find, it is more expensive than Carrara and Statuary. It has a striking resemblance to Carrara that the two are often confused.

It originates from Italy and mostly comes in white with gray veins. If you look closely, you will see that its background is in pure white, the dark grey veins that set it apart from other types of marble.

Its grey or gold veins make it more dramatic than the other types of marbles. If you are going for a top-notch luxury look for your countertops, this is the type of marble you should invest in.

Nero Marquina marble

Most people do not believe that black marble exists since marble typically comes in white color. They may think that any black marble is an imitation and shy away from installing it on their kitchen countertops because of quality issues.

The Nero Marquina is real marble and comes in color black. It comes from Spain and is one of the types of marble with the highest quality. It has a deep black color with white veins. In some slabs, the white veins tend to be so rich they overwhelm the black color.

It is widely available, so you don’t have to worry about denting your pockets if this is the type of marble you wish to install in your kitchen countertops. 

Black is a rich and elegant color that will go with any theme in your kitchen.

Crema Marfil marble

This type of marble is best suited for people who are not afraid of colors. This is because it’s colored and has irregular vein patterns. 

It complements a dark-toned kitchen and allows homeowners to play around with colors.

Bottom Line

Marble comes in different colors, so consider the theme of your kitchen before settling on one. You can go for neutral colors and play around with your kitchen cabinets to contrast the colors. If you are bold, you can go for the Crema Marfil marble countertops NC and step out of your comfort zone.

How to Pick Countertops for Your Kitchen

Is this the first time you are looking to buy kitchen countertops? You must be wondering how to buy them, right? To help you out, here is how to pick countertops for your kitchen:

Think about how you are going to use the countertops

What kind of a homeowner are you? This will significantly affect the type of countertops you go for. If you are a heavy cook and spend a lot of time in the kitchen, you should get tough, easy-to-maintain countertops such as quartz.

On the other hand, if you rarely cook or spend time in the kitchen, you can get away with high-end, luxurious countertops such as limestone, granite, or marble.

If you are in the middle homeowner, you can mix and match the countertops. For example, you can install the easy-to-maintain countertops on the kitchen island then place the other countertops in the adjacent counter spaces.

Your budget

This is another important factor that significantly determines your choice of countertops. Of course, you want to go with countertops that are within your budget.

Many homeowners don’t know the right amount they should set aside for countertops. If you are in such a predicament, a good rule of thumb is to never spend more than 15-30 percent of your budget on the countertops.

To avoid buying extraordinarily cheap and low-quality countertops, never go below 15% of your budget. At the same time, don’t spend more than 30% of your budget on kitchen countertops as you will be overdoing it.

The look you want to create

We all have different tastes that significantly affect the pick of countertops that we go for. Before you head to the countertops store, you need to think about how you want your countertops to look like.

What color do you want for your kitchen? What about the appliances? Which ones do you want? All of this will influence your choice.

To be on the safe side, you want to choose a kitchen countertop with a versatile color. This way, you don’t have to change the countertops every time you change the kitchen appliances and colors.

When it comes to the countertop material, choose a material with veins or splashes of color that will help you keep your options open.

The size of your kitchen

Some countertop colors will be unideal for your kitchen, so you will have to avoid them depending on the size of your kitchen. For example, if you have a small kitchen, you should avoid dark colors as they make your kitchen look too small.

In such an instance, you are better off with brighter colors that will make the kitchen look much bigger.

What countertops are available in the market?

Well, there are many types of countertops you can buy for your kitchen. They include:

Natural stone countertops

They have been around for a long time, and they are loved by many as they provide interesting veining and unique patterns. One of the most popular natural countertops is granite, and it comes in different colors ranging from pinks, reds, browns, greens, and blacks.

When you are buying natural countertops, you should note that not all are made equal. This calls for you to be cautious when making the purchase. As a rule of thumb, pay attention to the porosity and hardness rating of the stone.

Man-made quartz countertops.

Quartz countertops have recently risen in popularity majorly due to their durability and stain resistance. They also come in different designs, colors, and veining styles.

Paper composite countertops

Paper composite countertops are comprised of recycled paper and/or cardboard that is resin soaked and heat pressurized.

The beauty of composite countertops is they are environmentally friendly and easy to work with and customize.

Their major flaw is they have limited colors to choose from and are easily damaged by scratches and hot pans, as they aren’t heatproof.

Parting shot

It’s good, but buying the right countertop isn’t enough—you need to ensure that it’s properly installed.

So, regardless of whether you have settled on marble or granite countertops NC, you should take your time and find an expert that knows what they are doing.

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.

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.

Do Black Countertops Make A Kitchen Look Smaller?

People love black kitchen countertops for different reasons. If you love black, you must be wondering, do black countertops make a kitchen look smaller? Yes, they do, but it doesn’t have to be the case with you as there are plenty of ways to pair the black countertops so that they look beautiful and elegant. Some of these ways include:

Use cream color

When it comes to pairing the countertops, most homeowners have the impression that they can only pair them with white, but this isn’t the case. A great color you can go with is cream. Use cream and pair it with the softened versions of your favorite color to create a warm, inviting space.

Create a rustic industrial look

Are you one of the lucky homeowners, and you have got high ceilings and large windows? You can give your home an attractive rustic industrial look. To do it, pair the solid black countertops, light tiles, flat cabinets, and thin industrial fixtures to get the exclusive look.

Create an ultra-modern look

If you have been searching for ways to remodel your house, you must have come across the ultra-modern style. As much as the style is great, don’t stop here—go a step further and combine stainless steel appliances with a backsplash with solid black countertops. For an exciting look, pair the countertops with white custom cabinets.

Create a country kitchen

To create a country kitchen, you need to use red floor tiles and a white subway tile backsplash with chef-grade appliances with white cabinets and black countertops to create a warm, country-style kitchen that you will enjoy cooking in.

Build an ornate luxury kitchen

An ornate style kitchen is elegant, and you must have seen it on TV. Due to its high-end nature, you must have thought it’s only a reserve for the ultra-rich and celebrities, but this isn’t the case. You can also have the star kitchen by combining your black countertops with white inset cabinets, ogee edging, and a white farmhouse sink.

Have a Paris apartment look

Many homeowners are scared of installing black countertops in small kitchens, as they make the spaces look too small. If you have a small kitchen and love black countertops, you shouldn’t fear them as you can combine them with white cabinets and white and stainless steel appliances. While at it, paint the wall white with clean detailing that will leave your kitchen bright and stylish regardless of its size.

Take advantage of the light.

Is your kitchen in an area that receives a lot of sunlight? You can take advantage of it and be bold with your kitchen design. One way to go about it is to pair the black countertops with black flooring and cabinets.

While at it, throw in stainless steel appliances and mirrored backsplash so that the sunlight can work to your advantage.

Build a country kitchen

If you lived in the countryside in your formative years, the chances are high that you have always wanted to have a county kitchen in your home. And you can do it. All you need to do is pair red floor tiles with white subway tile backsplash with white cabinets, chef-grade appliances, and black countertops. The result is a warm, country-style kitchen that will start conversations and be warm and fun for everyone to cook in.

Add a fireplace in your kitchen.

Most modern kitchens won’t have a fireplace, so that you will be going against the norms, and your kitchen will stand out.

For that bold look, use black countertops, add a fireplace, flooring, and tile work.

Black countertops aren’t too bad.

As much as black countertops will make your kitchen look smaller, they do so when you use black materials throughout the kitchen. When you are strategic about it and use the right colors, you will have your favorite countertops and, at the same time, give your kitchen an elegant look.

When buying the countertops, ensure that you buy them from a reputable store. You also should have them professionally installed, so they look the part. Finally, remember to take good care of the countertops. You wouldn’t want to undertake countertop replacement Raleigh after a few months of installing them, would you?

Do Kitchen Countertops Need To Match The Floor?

When you install countertops in your kitchen, you not only want them to look good, but also for the entire kitchen to look spectacular. One of the ways homeowners do this is by matching their countertops with the floor.

Do kitchen countertops need to match the floor? Although the color combination gives your kitchen a cozy, home-like feel, they don’t have to. If you feel that the two should match, go with contrasting colors for spaces between the two, such as the backsplash or cabinetry.

What are the other options available?

If you don’t want your countertops to match the floor, there are plenty of other options you can go with. They include:

Dark countertops with light flooring

Pairing dark counters with light floors comes in handy at contrasting your countertops. To break up the light color, so your kitchen feels warm, use dark colors in the middle of the light color scheme.

Great ideas you can go with are to contrast light natural colored wooden floors with black countertops. This creates an unmatched look and makes the countertops the focal point of the house.

Dark countertops with contrasting dark-colored flooring

Dark countertops give your kitchen space a cozy feel. For the perfect look, pair the black countertops with dark wood floors and create a deep warm color covering the bottom half of the room.

To balance the dark palette, paint the upper part of the room white with light accents to create the illusion of higher ceiling space, making the entire room look bigger.

Neutral countertops with light flooring

Light floors and cabinets with neutral-colored countertops give your countertops a clean, modern look with some added warmth. You should complement the look by installing dark-colored walls creating a balance that keeps the light color from overwhelming the room.

To create a cohesive look, add small accents of the neutral counter color within the cabinetry.

Light countertops with neutral flooring

The light countertops and neutral wood flooring come together to create a light, airy feel to your kitchen. To give the space some contrast, break up the light colors using dark colors for the walls and accent pieces.

Stainless steel countertop with dark flooring

This look gives your kitchen a modern and sleek look. The perfect combination is sleek black cabinets at the bottom and deep brown wood floors.

The lighter materials on the top and the darker on the bottom draw the eye upward.

Monochromatic color scheme with light countertops and dark flooring

The monochromatic color schemes comprise both black and white shades. Due to the many color combinations, there are plenty of ways to combine the black and white shades to give different looks.

The beauty of monochromatic color schemes is they give your kitchen a sleek and modern look.

For the perfect look, use simple cabinets that are beautiful to look at but easy to clean.

What is the best color for kitchen countertops?

There is no right color for kitchen countertops—it all depends on your preferences. When choosing the best color, remember that countertops should complement the overall color scheme of your room.

To avoid having to replace the countertops now and then, go with neutral colors. When making the purchase, always picture multiple color schemes and ensure that your countertops can complement each of them.

Avoid light-colored countertops, as they will show stains. On the other hand, dark-colored countertops will reveal scratches, so you should stay away from them.

When it comes to the best countertop material, like the countertop color, there is no right countertop material. It all depends on your preferences and the look you want to create.

To have an easier time with the material, go with an easy-to-maintain material such as quartz. You can install marble and granite countertops Raleigh, but you will need to put more effort into keeping them in top shape.

So, should you match your countertops with the floor?

No, you shouldn’t, but if you feel you love the look, nothing prevents you from matching them. The only thing you need to do is ensure that you don’t overwhelm your kitchen with one look.

5 Things You Should Know When Living With Marble Countertops

kitchen countertop replacement

Is this the first time you are using marble in your kitchen or bathroom? There are several things you should know. To help you out, here are 5 things you should know when living with marble countertops:

They won’t retain their pristine condition unless you maintain them

One of the things that draw people to marble is its elegant appeal. While the countertops are beautiful to look at, they don’t retain their look for long, unless you protect them from damage.

As a rule of thumb, never cut onions, tomatoes, or any materials directly on the surfaces. This is because the surfaces are prone to staining and scratching. To avoid damaging your countertops, always have a chopping board on the surfaces that you use instead of cutting them directly.

The other thing you should do is be cautious of the materials you place on the countertops. Some people will chop their vegetables on the countertops then leave them on the chopping board. After some time, the juices from the vegetables flow down the board and get on the countertops. If you don’t remove the juices soon enough, they leave a permanent stain.

To avoid this, place the chopped vegetables on a surface where the juices won’t get onto the countertops and stain them.

They don’t hold too well to a lot of pressure.

On a casual look, marble looks like one of the toughest countertop materials out there. While they are tough and easily withstand the common kitchen and bathroom uses, they can’t withstand a lot of abuse. For example, the countertops can’t withstand the pressure from standing or sitting on them.

Many homeowners sit on the countertops when they are making their meals. This is wrong. It is equally wrong to stand on the countertops to replace the bulb or reach the top shelf.

In the same way you shouldn’t stand or sit on the countertops, you shouldn’t place hot pots or pans on the surfaces as you risk burning the surfaces and leaving a serious permanent scar on the surfaces.

They can be tricky to clean.

Every homeowner wants to maintain their countertops in perfect shape.  To do this, some homeowners opt to use tough cleaning products such as water and vinegar. Others go for organic citrus-based cleaners.

At first glance, these products seem ideal for use, but they aren’t as they ruin the marble. Over extended periods of time, these products reduce the shine, so your surfaces don’t look as perfect as they used to.

To avoid damaging your countertops and maintain the shine, avoid any acidic cleaning products, as they will leave deep and narrow scratches on the surfaces. The solutions can also eat away at the protective coating, increasing the countertop’s risk of staining.

For perfect countertops, use cleaners specifically meant for marble. If you can’t find the cleaner, stick to the good old water and soap.

You need to reseal the countertops.

While marble appears tough, you should note that it’s one of the most porous countertop materials in the market. This means that you need to seal it at least once a year. If your kitchen or bathroom is too busy, you may have to reseal the surfaces twice or more a year.

Besides sealing the surfaces preventing them from staining, it also maintains the shine and ensures that the countertops last for a long time.

When you are sealing the countertops, and you notice that the surfaces have mild etching, use marble polishing powder approved for use and ensure that you follow the necessary directions.

If there are stains, try getting rid of them using baking soda. To make the poultice, mix the baking soda using little water and spread it on the stain, then cover it. Wait for 12-24 hours, then gently remove the paste and wipe the surfaces with a damp cloth.

Will marble be a headache to own?

If you haven’t already installed marble kitchen countertops Durham, you must be wondering whether marble is a great choice. The truth is that marble is a high maintenance stone, so if you are a heavy kitchen user, you are better off with another countertop. You also should avoid marble if you have young kids or don’t like home maintenance.

How Do You Paint Countertops?

Whether you have wooden, laminate, or any other countertop materials, painting the countertops will save you a lot of money, as you don’t have to undertake countertop replacement.

Painting the countertops also goes a long way towards improving their look and that of the entire kitchen, not to mention making the kitchen appear hygienic.

How do you paint countertops? Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Find the right colors

Begin with choosing the right paint colors for your countertops. Of course, this will be heavily influenced by your taste and desired look. If you love granite, find a color that matches your desired granite color.

If you have never painted before, this is the time to practice how to paint. Thankfully, painting is easy, and you can get a handle on it within a short time. You simply need to buy extra paint and find a blank canvas, and practice.

Step 2: Prep the surface

If you have been using your countertops, they are definitely dirty, and you need to clean and degrease them. Besides doing this, you have to sand the surfaces to provide a larger surface area for the paint to adhere to. First, use 150-grit sandpaper, then go over it with a 220-grit paper.

Once you have done this, tape off the walls, around the sink, and under the counters to prevent the paint from getting there.

To ensure that your countertops are immaculate, wipe down the surfaces with paint thinner.

Some of the other things you should do to prepare the surfaces include:

  • Remove any caulking around the countertops. One of the best tools to use for the job is an Exacto knife and screwdriver. When removing caulking, take care not to gauge your drywall.
  • Plug the faucet holes with proper towels or something that will prevent the paint from going down the openings.
  • Remove the drain and faucet.
  • Keep the kitchen area well ventilated by keeping the windows open and, if possible, place a box fan in the window pointing the outside to suck the fumes out. When painting, wear a respirator to avoid inhaling the fumes.
  • Place a baggie over the drain pipes and secure it with a rubber band to prevent the sewer gas from coming into the room.

Step 3: Prime the surface

Priming the surface simply means applying the primer on the surface. This prepares the surfaces for the paint, so you are more likely to get ideal results.  For the best outcome, you might have to apply at least two coats of the primer.

Step 4: Paint the countertops.

Once the surfaces are properly primed, now it’s time to paint them. How do you do it? If you had practiced earlier, you will have an easier time painting the surfaces.

Begin with dipping a sponge in the paint and apply it on the countertops.  Start painting from the smallish section of the countertops, then step back and look at it. Do you like how it looks? If you do, proceed and cover the entire countertop surface. For the best outcome, you might have to apply two paint coats on the countertops.

Step 5: Seal the countertops.

To lock the paint in place, you might have to seal it. There are plenty of sealing products you can use, and all you need to do is choose the most appropriate for your surfaces. The sealer you choose should be tough such that you can’t easily remove it by water. It also shouldn’t have an off-putting smell.

Step 6: Re-caulk

It’s always recommended that you wait at least 24 hours before doing anything with your countertops.

After 24 hours, re-caulk around the edges to prevent water from settling into the spaces between the counter and wall. Use bath and kitchen waterproof caulk for the best outcome and the caulking to last for a long time.

When applying the caulk, you should note that it’s not only about the caulk doing its work—it also needs to look good. Some of the tips to make this possible include:

  • Wear a latex glove
  • Caulk the edges
  • Dip a gloved finger in the water and run it over the wet caulking. The purpose of doing this is to give the caulk a smooth finish.
  • If you find it hard to properly caulk the kitchen countertops NC, hire a professional to help you out.

How Do You Clean Kitchen Countertops

To get rid of bacteria and keep your kitchen countertops looking spectacular, you have to clean them. Wondering how do you clean kitchen countertops? There is no one way to do it as different countertop materials have different cleaning methods. Some of the ways to clean these materials include:

Cleaning granite and marble countertops

Besides being one of the most popular countertop materials, they also share the same cleaning regimen. You need water, baking soda, tape, dish soap, hydrogen peroxide, and plastic wrap to clean the countertops.

You need to use warm water and mild dish soap, then follow up with a microfiber towel to shine the countertops. As a rule of thumb, avoid abrasive or acidic cleaners that will strip the sealer and etch the stone, exposing the countertop to stains.

Are there stains on the countertops? Use a baking soda and water paste to remove the oil-based stains. If the stains are water-based, remove them using hydrogen peroxide paste.

Apply the paste on the countertop, then cover it with plastic wrap. Tape down the edges, then let the paste sit on the stained area overnight.

The following morning, rinse off the paste. If the stain is still there, repeat the process until it goes away.

You should note that the paste can sometimes affect the color or the finish of the stone. To ensure this doesn’t happen to your countertops, spot test the paste before applying it to a large area.

To protect the countertops from stains, seal them regularly. As a bare minimum, seal them at least once every year.

How to clean wood countertops

To clean wood countertops, you need: distilled white vinegar, warm water, lemon, salt, spatula, nonabrasive cleaner, spatula, and microfiber cloths.

For spectacular-looking wooden countertops, clean them daily with a homemade mix of warm water with a splay of distilled white vinegar or a non-abrasive cleaner.

Before cleaning, always get rid of any food residues using a scraper or metal pastry. Once the countertops are clean, wipe them, so they are completely dry.

If there are any stains on the countertops, remove them using a lemon. Cut a lemon in half, then sprinkle salt directly on the stain. You should then use the lemon half to rub in the salt then once you are done, clean off the salt and lemon juice with water and vinegar.

While it might sound weird, you need to seal your solid wood countertops with food-grade oil or wax. This is to prevent the countertops from warping and cracking.

Cleaning laminate countertops

To effectively clean laminate countertops, you need: baking soda, water, mild household cleaner, and microfiber cloths. Cleaning the countertops is easy as all you need to do is clean the surfaces with a clean cotton cloth with water and a mild liquid detergent.

Are there stains on the countertops? Remove them using a paste of baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the stain, then let it sit for five minutes, after which you should rinse it off with a soft cloth.

You should note that baking soda is a mild abrasive, so don’t scrub it when cleaning. The stain should go away on the first try, but repeat the process if it doesn’t.

Unlike the other countertop materials, you don’t need to seal the countertops, but this doesn’t mean they are invisible. To protect your surfaces, use cutting boards and trivets to avoid burns and scratches.

Cleaning stainless steel countertops

These countertops are popular in commercial kitchens, but if you are one of the unique people that have them in your home, you still need to keep them in top shape.

Unlike granite kitchen countertops Raleigh, these countertops require the bare minimum to keep them spotless. All you need is to regularly wipe them down with soap and water.

To keep off scratches and eliminate smudges and streaks, use a microfiber towel, and cleaner especially made for stainless steel, to buff them out.

Although the countertops are tough, avoid using steel wool or abrasive scrubbing pads as they can scratch the surface.

You should note that with poor care, stainless steel can develop unsightly stains. To get rid of them, mix a paste of dish soap and baking soda. Use a soft cloth to rub in the direction of the grain.

Can You Replace Just The Countertop?

When undertaking countertop replacement, most homeowners replace both the countertops and cabinets. While this is the way it’s supposed to be, not everyone has the budget to replace both simultaneously.

Can you replace just the countertop? Yes, you can do it, but according to granite contractors, you should be cautious of the risks that it comes with. Some of these risks include:

You can invalidate your warranty.

When you install expensive countertops such as granite and quartz, you are given a warranty which gives you peace of mind that you are protected against any damage and countertop problems that might come up.

While this is the case, you should know that if the countertops develop problems during the warranty period and the countertop company realizes that you installed them on old cabinets, the chances are that they will invalidate the warranty even if the problem has nothing to do with the old cabinets.

You can damage the old cabinets.

If you have had your cabinets for more than ten years, the chances are that the cabinets have seriously worn out, and you will be putting them at great risk by placing heavy countertop materials such as quartz, granite, or marble.

To avoid this, if you don’t have the money to replace the cabinets, opt for lighter countertop materials that are easy to move. This way, in the future, when you have money to make the changes, you will have an easy time changing the cabinets.

One of the best countertop materials to go with is laminate. Besides laminate being light, it’s also cheap, so even if it gets damaged during replacement, you won’t incur huge losses. You can also easily replace it even at a tight budget.

When it comes to maintenance, the laminate surface is easy to clean and wipe down, so you have an easy time keeping it clean. The only thing you should keep an eye on is the hot pans and pots that can easily scald the surfaces. As a rule of thumb, never place hot items directly on the countertops.

You don’t give your kitchen a new look you were looking for

The chances are high that you are replacing the countertops because you have had the same kitchen design for a long time, and you want a different look.

When you replace the countertops, you might change the kitchen’s look, but this isn’t satisfactory as you haven’t changed the kitchen design.

To make meaningful change, you may have to add a kitchen island, a new sink, a butcher block, a peninsula, or any other unit, all of which require you to tamper with cabinets.

If you were looking to give your kitchen a new breath of life, you might find changing only the countertops being unmeaningful, which might leave you feeling like you didn’t make the right investment.

Your new countertops might not look the part.

If your cabinets are old, your new modern countertops might not look the part, and as you can guess, this might create a disconnect that gives your kitchen a confused look.

To eliminate the disconnect, ensure that the countertops you are installing blend properly with the cabinets.

Valuable tips when replacing the countertops

Besides ensuring that there isn’t a large disparity between the new countertops and old cabinets, you need to consider plenty of other tips for your new countertop installation to be flawless. Some of these tips include:

Ensure the cabinets are level: It’s normal for cabinets and houses to settle over time, and as you can guess, this causes the cabinets to be unleveled. Before installing the new countertops, check the cabinets and ensure they are level.

Work with an experienced professional: The worst thing you can do is work with an inexperienced contractor to save money. It’s even worse trying to do the project yourself.

Even if you might think that the project is small as you aren’t changing the cabinets, it can be complex, especially because you are dealing with old cabinets.

For your new countertops to be properly installed, let experienced granite countertop installers Durham handle the project.