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.

Which Granite Is Best For Kitchen Countertop?

If you have been searching for granite kitchen countertops, you must have realized that there are many granite countertops in the market you can go for.

Which granite is best for kitchen countertops? If you are asking this question, you should know that there are many granite types you can go for, with the common ones being:

Black granite counters

Have you always dreamt of a sleek and elegant kitchen? Black granite counters are the way to go. Besides the countertops giving your kitchen an exquisite look, they are dark; hence any stains won’t be too apparent.

For a great look, pair the countertops with wooden cabinets. Going for a modern, sleek look? Match the countertops with gray or white cabinets.

Since the countertops are dark, they will darken your kitchen and give it a smaller look. To counter this, install them in a large kitchen. You also should be having large windows in your kitchen that will bring in as much natural light as possible.

If your kitchen is small and doesn’t get as much natural light, but you still want to install black countertops, pair them with white or light wood cabinets to keep the room feeling open and bright.

White granite countertops

White is known to give any room a fresh, clean, and open look, so white countertops are the way to go if this is the look you have always wanted.

The countertops look their best when you pair them with stainless steel appliances and sleek white cabinets. For a classic vibe, pair them with vintage appliances.

When buying the countertops, you should note that they come in different shades that can give your kitchen different looks. For this reason, you should be ultra-cautious of the shade you go with.

Most homeowners want to install pure white granite, but it’s hard to find as most slabs come with colored flecks.

To avoid investing in an expensive slab you don’t like, take a few samples of the slab with you to your home and see how they look under different lighting environments.

Red granite countertops

Although, you won’t find them in most homes, red granite countertops have been around since time immemorial. A clear indication of how far back they date is their presence in Egyptian pyramids.

Like other granite counters, red granite countertops come in many shades and patterns ranging from bright pinkish-red to deep burgundy. It’s also not uncommon to find red granites with blue, white, or even silver highlights.

Although red seems like an interesting color, it’s not wise to install it on the entire of your countertops. Instead, install it at the focal points of your kitchen.

To avoid overwhelming your kitchen, keep all the other finishes neutral. For example, go with wood cabinetry in warm tones, then use red accents such as in the backsplash tile to tie your space together.

Green granite countertops

Due to their close association with nature, green granite countertops bring a natural and calming feel to your kitchen. Like the other granite countertops in the market, you will rarely find pure green countertops—most of them come with brown and gray undertones. Most of them will also have interesting flecks, patterns, and swirls.

For the best look, pair green countertops with white cabinets and shiny hardware. The countertops will also look great if you pair them with wood cabinetry, especially if the wood color has cooler tones that complement the green shade.

To know what you are committing to, take a sample slab to your home before making a large purchase.

Blue granite countertops

Did you know there are blue granite countertops? Yes, they are there, and they are valued for their beauty, and as long as you install the right shade, they won’t disappoint.

Green granite countertops work excellently with white cabinets and shiny hardware. They also look exquisite when you pair them with wood cabinetry, especially when the wood color has some cooler tones that complement the countertop’s green color.

Have the countertops professionally installed

Choosing the right granite countertops for your kitchen isn’t enough—you have to ensure they are professionally installed by expert granite contractors Raleigh.

What Is The Best Way To Care For Granite Countertops?

If you recently installed granite countertops, you are aware that the countertops don’t come cheap, so as a responsible homeowner, you would want your countertops to last for as long as possible. And to do this, you need to take care of the countertops.

Are you wondering what is the best way to care for granite countertops? There are many of them, with the common ones being:

Have the countertops professionally installed

Everything begins here, as no amount of care will keep your improperly installed countertops in good shape.

Countertop installation begins from the countertop store. When you are in the store, take care when buying the granite slabs. As a rule of thumb, carefully inspect every slab and ensure it doesn’t have glaring flaws such as large fissures and cracks.

When hiring an installation contractor, ensure that the contractor is experienced and has handled similar before.

Seal the countertops

After the countertops have been professionally installed, the next move should be to seal the countertops. Most countertop installers will seal the countertops immediately after installation, which is vital as it prevents the liquids from getting into the deeper countertop layers and staining them.

To get the most from the sealer, ensure its high quality and specially designed for granite surfaces.

Protect the surfaces from heat

As much as granite is a tough stone, regularly exposing it to a lot of heat puts it at the risk of getting damaged, and you don’t want this, do you?

So, you should keep the hot cooking pots and pans off your countertop surfaces. After cooking, let the pots and pans stay on the stove. If you want to use the stove, hang the pots and pans on the shelves.

If you are eating or drinking on the countertops, make a habit of using coasters to protect the surfaces from the heat. Coasters also prevent juice and tea stains from getting on the countertops and staining them.

Clean the countertops regularly

Cleaning the countertops regularly is vital as it prevents dirt and debris from adhering to the countertop surfaces and staining them. Cleaning the surfaces also keeps your countertops looking great, which comes in handy at improving the countertops’ aesthetic appeal.

Due to the high-end nature of granite, many people feel they need to use special products to clean their countertops. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. All you need is a simple piece of cloth and water.

As a rule of thumb, don’t use any materials that can damage the countertops. For example, don’t use bleach, glass cleaners, and other degreasers that might be containing alkalis, acids, and other chemicals as they will degrade the granite sealer exposing your countertops to harmful liquids that can stain them.

Protect your countertops from scratches

As long as you are using the countertops in your day-to-day activities, they will develop scratches here and there, but they shouldn’t be too big that they deface your countertops.

The best way to avoid having large scratches is to protect the countertops from any items that can damage them. As a rule of thumb, protect the countertops from knives and other materials that can scratch them.

When you are cutting anything on the countertops, ensure that you do it on a cutting board. Never cut directly on the countertop as the stone will dull and damage the knives’ edges.

You also should avoid placing cooking pots and pans with dirty bottoms on the countertops as they will scratch the surfaces, and you don’t want this.

Protect the countertops from excessive pressure

Make no mistake about it. Granite is tough, and it can withstand a lot of abuse, but when you go overboard, you are bound to cause excessive damage to the countertops. As a rule of thumb, don’t put a lot of pressure on the countertops.

This calls for you to avoid placing heavy pots on the countertops. You also should avoid sitting or standing on the kitchen countertops Durham.

Some homeowners with large kitchens and sinks use them for bathing their kids. Don’t do it, as it’s a matter of time before the countertops get damaged.

If you have to reach the top shelf or change the kitchen bulb, don’t stand on the countertops. Instead, step on a ladder.

Does Painting Kitchen Countertops Work?

If your countertops are old or washed out and you don’t have the money to replace them, one way to improve their look is by painting them.

Most homeowners don’t paint their countertops so you will hear them asking, does painting kitchen countertops work?

The good news is that it works but you have to consider several tips to get ideal results. These tips include:

Prepare the surfaces properly

The paint won’t adhere properly to the surface so you need to ensure that you properly prepare it. How do you go about it?

After removing all the items from your countertop, get out the sanding block and sand your countertop surfaces. Avoid using the electric sander as it creates so much dust that you have a problem clearing it and getting the smooth finish you are looking for.

Although the hand sander takes a longer time to give you the results you are looking for, you are able to get the smooth finish you are looking for.

Remember that if you don’t properly sand your countertops, it’s a matter of time before the paint begins to peel.

Use the right painting tools

There is no way you are going to achieve ideal results if you use the wrong tools. As a rule of thumb, ensure that you use paint designed for countertops. This calls for you to avoid wall paints, as they aren’t made to withstand a lot of abuse, heat and spills.

When you are in the stores making the purchase, let the sellers know that you want countertop paint.

When it comes to painting, use a paint roller instead of a brush. The reason for this is because the brush will leave brush strokes on your counters regardless of how good of a painter you are. And you don’t want brush strokes on your surfaces, do you?

To avoid a bumpy counter., use smooth-textured rollers. You should only use a brush when you are applying paint on the edges or other delicate areas. When applying the paint, use the same brush to ensure that the brush strokes don’t show.

If your kitchen is large, you have a large countertop space and you will be too tired painting it with a roller. To save time, hire or buy a paint sprayer.

The cool thing is that besides the sprayer making it possible to complete your work fast, it also gives you a seamless finish and you can paint even the corners and edges even better than with a brush.

Take your time

Like any other project, there is no way you will achieve ideal results if you are in a hurry to get things done. When you are in a hurry painting the countertops, you won’t sand the surfaces properly so the paint will start peeling after a few weeks.

When you are in a hurry, you won’t give the paint enough time to dry which increases its chances of peeling off later on.

To avoid this, have enough time to dedicate as much time to the painting project as much as possible.

As mentioned above, you need to thoroughly sand the surfaces for the paint to properly adhere to the surfaces so you need to have enough time to do it in no hurry.

Each coat of paint requires at least 24-48 hours to dry before you apply another and for the best outcome, apply at least three coats. You need to have this time to see your project to fruition.

To ensure that you aren’t in a hurry, ensure that you have at least a week for painting and a week or two for the sealant to cure. This calls for you to do the project during your holidays or on your job leave.

To ensure that the paint doesn’t take too long to dry and the sealant to cure, do the project in the summer.

Seal the countertops

Once you are done with the painting, apply a sealant to prevent the paint from chipping. Granite countertop installers NC advise that the sealer can make or damage your countertops so splurge on the best sealer in the market.

As a rule of thumb, avoid a cheap sealer, as it will ruin your project.

What To Put On Kitchen Counters To Decorate?

Whether you have installed granite kitchen countertops or any other countertop material, you will agree that the countertops don’t reflect your personality, and they can be boring to look at.

Luckily, you can place several items on the countertops to give them your personal touch, express your taste, and improve their look.

Wondering what to put on kitchen counters to decorate? Here are some of the best ones:

Fresh fruits

Since fruits don’t need refrigeration and you can leave them at room temperature, you can definitely use them to decorate your counters. All you need to do is place the fruits in a beautiful bowl and place them strategically on your countertops.

To get the most from the fruits, go for fruits with bright colors such as bright yellow, green, or orange. Some of the excellent fruits to use for decoration include: lemon, lime, orange, and apples.

Fruits dry out with time so remember to replace them with fresh ones every few days.

Cookbooks

Cookbooks are an excellent way to polish your cooking skills and improve the look of the countertops. To decorate your counters, stack a couple of hardboard cookbooks on your counters. You can also lay them flat, vertically, or horizontally, depending on the look you want to achieve and the style of your countertops.

To amp up your presentation, display books with a bit of color and keep them color-coordinated with the rest of the kitchen theme.

You can use any cookbooks, but it’s best you use books of your favorite cuisines. For example, if you love Asian Cuisine, use books with an oriental touch.

Plants

Plants are easy to carry, and they give life to your kitchen. You can use a single plant if you have a small kitchen or several plants if your kitchen is large.

The beauty is there are many types of plants you can choose from, and you can display them in different ways. For example, you can display them in a stylish pot or planter.

As you choose the plants, choose low-maintenance plants, as they will survive even if you aren’t in the house for days or don’t expose them to sunlight.

If you aren’t sure about the right plants to go for, get the input of a professional.

Cutting boards

Many homeowners use cutting boards as places to chop their vegetables and meat, but did you know that you can also use them as decoration surfaces?

To decorate your countertops using the boards, you should collect a few boards of different shapes and types and stack them together on your counter. If you don’t like the look, lean them against your kitchen’s backsplash to transform the look of your kitchen.

To make the boards even more exciting, mix boards are made from different materials such as marble and wood as they will create a significant visual contrast with the rest of the kitchen surface.

The boards also come in handy at improving the kitchen texture and adding a warm touch to the countertops.

You should be cautious about the type of boards you go for as some might make your kitchen look tacky, and you don’t want this, do you? So, if you aren’t sure about the boards you should go for, get the input of a professional.

Fresh flowers

A colorful bouquet of fresh flowers can transform boring basic countertops into beautiful surfaces you can’t get your eyes from. The beauty of fresh flowers is they are soft and give your surfaces a subtle touch.

To decorate your surfaces, put the flowers in a vase and place them in strategic areas of the kitchen counters.

To make your counters even more interesting, place several flower bouquets in different areas of the kitchen, then switch them up every week to give your counters a brand new look. If you have the budget, granite contractors NC recommend that you get different vases and switch them regularly.

You should note that flowers tend to wither with time, so to prevent your kitchen from looking dead, get fresh flowers at least once every two to three days.

What Should You Avoid With Granite Countertops?

If you recently installed granite counters, you know the price they come at—they are not cheap, and you wouldn’t want to reinstall them after a few days or months, would you?

To ensure that the countertops last for as long as possible, avoid doing things that can harm them. Are you wondering what should you avoid with granite countertops? Well, there are plenty of things you should avoid, with the common ones being:

Sitting on the countertops.

The countertops appear tough and solid that when you are in the kitchen preparing the meals or having a friend over, you sit on the countertops. Others step on the countertops when reaching the top shelf or replacing the bulb. This is wrong.

While the countertops look strong, they have small fissures that can crack when you place a lot of weight on them, so you should avoid sitting or stepping on your countertops. You also should avoid placing heavy items such as large water bottles on the countertops as these too can lead to the countertops cracking.

To avoid sitting on the countertops, always have a chair in the kitchen to sit on. You also should have a stool or small ladder to step on when you are looking to replace the bulb or reach the top shelf.

Leaving spills on the surfaces

Since you regularly seal granite counters, you don’t have to worry about spills as the water can’t get into the deeper granite layers, right? Wrong!

Even with sealing, the water and other liquid spills can penetrate deeper granite layers when you allow them to sit on the countertops for too long.

So regardless of how often or the quality of sealer you use, ensure that you remove the spills as soon as they happen. Never leave them on the surface for too long.

Cutting materials directly on the surfaces

The same way people stand or sit on the countertops as they appear strong and tough, they cut materials directly on the surfaces, which, as you can tell, is wrong. Although, they are made from stone, chopping your meat or vegetables directly on the surfaces puts the surfaces at the risk of cuts, chips, and scratches that can dull them.

There is also the risk of dulling the knives, which increases the risk of lacerations.

To keep your countertops in top shape for a long time, avoid chopping directly on them.

Whether chopping meat or vegetables, ensure that you use a cutting board.

Remember that knives can cause damage even when you leave them laying on the surfaces, so don’t simply leave them on the countertop surface—keep them inside a protective knife block.

Cleaning the countertops using acidic cleaners

When you have stains, it’s only logical to clean them using vinegar and other tough solutions, right? Wrong.

While you might be having clean intentions, your execution is wrong, and it can lead to countertop damage.

Regardless of the stains on your surfaces, steer clear of acidic materials such as vinegar, citrus fruits, ammonia, and others.

The best way to clean the surfaces is to use basic dish soap. If the stains don’t come off, get in touch with an expert to clean the surfaces professionally. The professionals often use cleaners that are tough on the stains but kind on the countertops, so they don’t cause any damage to the countertops.

If the countertop experts attempt to eliminate the stains, but they won’t come off, consider removing the countertops and replacing them with new, stain-free counters.

Storing liquids and toiletries on the counters

In the kitchen, it’s common for homeowners to place cooking oils and other kitchen liquids on the granite kitchen countertops NC. You will find homeowners placing perfumes, lotions, creams, and other products on the bathroom surfaces in the bathroom.

While this might seem harmless, the creams, oils, and lotions can leak from their bottles and spill on the countertops. These products often contain ammonia, mercury, and other materials that can harm your surfaces, so they end up damaging the countertops when they spill.

The situation is even worse if you don’t use the spilling bottle and the harmful chemical stays on the countertops for weeks.

To protect your bathroom and kitchen countertops, don’t place the liquids and toiletries on the countertops. Instead, place them on shelves or decorative trays.

4 Excellent Kitchen Countertop Options

Kitchen countertops set the tone for the kitchen, so you need to be cautious and ensure that you buy the right material that reflects your style and stays in line with how you use your kitchen.

Thankfully, there are plenty of kitchen countertop materials in the market you can choose from, with the most popular ones being:

Granite countertops

Granite countertops are one of the most popular countertop materials in the market. The material is quarried into blocks and then sliced into slabs. Granite is obtained from different countries, including Italy, China, and South America.

Good quality granite doesn’t come cheap, so you should have a large budget to install the countertops of your dreams. You should have an even deeper pocket if looking to install countertops of unique colors such as red.

While anyone can install these countertops in their kitchen, they are best suited for those that love countertops with unmatched natural beauty and at the same time don’t mind occasional maintenance to keep the countertops in top shape.

You should note that while the countertops are tough, they are highly porous which makes them highly risky to own as the kitchen liquids can easily seep into the deeper layers in the event of a spill.

To protect your investment, ensure that you seal the countertops at the time of installation. You also should seal them at least once a year to maintain the sealant.

Quartz countertops

Quartz is one of the hardest materials on earth, mined and formed with binders and pigments. Quartz quality varies depending on the source so take your time when purchasing and ensure that you buy quartz with a National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) rating. For a durable surface resistant to marking and staining, go for a countertop with 93% natural quartz and 7% binders/pigments.

You should highly consider quartz countertops if you are looking to give your countertops a high-class look without having to do a lot of maintenance.

Quartz also makes a great countertop material if you have a high traffic kitchen with plenty of young children, therefore, looking for a surface that is less susceptible to staining and marking.

Although quartz requires little maintenance, you still need to keep an eye on it especially if you have installed lighter colored surfaces.

Marble countertops

The first thing that comes to most people’s minds when they hear the term marble is the luxurious pillars and breathtaking sculptures. In short, elegance comes into the minds of most people.

If you want to give your low traffic kitchen a classic luxury look, marble is the way to go.

Marble comes in various textures and colors such as black, creamy white, slate gray, beige and many others. Your color of choice should be influenced by your likes and the color of the cabinets. For example, if you have white cabinets and a white backsplash, go with gray toned marble to create a unique premium look.

Like granite, the cost of marble varies depending on the marble species. If you don’t have a large budget but still want the high-end marble look, go for Carrara marble. Although the material has a high end look, it’s not as pricey as the other marble countertops in the market.

Carrara marble has also been shown to be highly effective at disguising unsightly chips and stains, so your countertops retain the spectacular look for a long time.

Before installing marble countertops, you should note that they are porous, so you will need to seal them at least once a year. You also should regularly clean the countertops to prevent dirt and other forms of debris from penetrating the deeper layers.

Solid surface countertops

Do you prefer your kitchen countertop surface warm to the touch, with a modern matte look that gives you seamless molding options for the sink and other technology integrations? Solid surface countertops are your answer.

Popularly known as Corian, solid surface countertops are made from a synthetic product formed from mineral derivatives and binders.

Unlike marble countertops NC, the countertops are nonporous, so you don’t need to seal them. While this is the case, the countertops aren’t resistant to stains and can scratch so you need to handle them with care and keep a keen eye on what you place on them.

How to use granite countertops for small kitchen

Small kitchens are cute and cozy, but they can be a challenge to remodel.

One of the best materials to use in remodeling is granite. This is because granite countertops come with plenty of perks such as:

Easy to maintain
Heat resistant
Easy to install
The countertops increase the home’s value
They are beautiful to look at

Besides using granite as it’s the best material for the countertops, there are plenty of other tips you can use as you are doing the remodeling, so you give your small kitchen an inviting look and at the same time make the kitchen appear large. Some of these tips include:

Embrace minimalism

Since the kitchen is small, the last thing you want is to have clutter all over. For your kitchen to appear organized, neat, and spacious, have a minimalistic theme. Here you need to have as little as possible on the countertop.

Being a minimalist also means you have as basic accessories as possible. For example, have basic lights, colors, appliances, and so on. Don’t keep huge and fancy appliances in your small kitchen.

Play around with the utensils

You can use the utensils to create the illusion of space and, at the same time, use them to make your kitchen appear stylish and practical. Some of the excellent ideas you can use to your advantage include: using compact containers or magnetic wall strips to mount your knives.

When choosing utensils, choose matching sets in light colors such as stainless steel and colorful ceramic. You should then arrange the kitchen space so that you can easily stack everything and have easy access to it.

Be strategic in your shelving and storage.

Your shelves and storage impact not only the look of the kitchen but also its practicality. Thankfully, you can use plenty of shelving and storage tips to give your kitchen the look you want. Some of these tips include:

Install floating shelves in your kitchen
Use storage helpers such as fixing racks to the inside of the cabinet doors
Install pull out workspaces
Find a new area for your washing machine
Install smart storage spaces in the awkward corners of the kitchen
If your kitchen is U-shaped, install a kitchen island. Since your kitchen is small, install the island smartly and uniquely to complement the look of the kitchen.

Lighten up and declutter the kitchen

If you have been researching small kitchens and small spaces, in particular, you must have learned that you need to keep the spaces neat and bright to give the impression of space. And you need to do the same for your kitchen.

Get rid of any clutter that can make your kitchen look disorganized and small. This includes getting rid of the storage cans, appliances, cleaning supplies, and any other thing you aren’t using.

Besides installing bright lights that brighten up the area, also remember to paint the kitchen a brighter color to lighten up the kitchen.

Choose the right countertop color.

Granite is one of the best materials you can install in your kitchen, but you shouldn’t install any color you come across—you need to be strategic about how you go about it. Some of the best granite colors to install in your home include:

Steel grey
Pure white
Absolute black
Santa Cecilia
Andromeda white
Black pearl
Crema Caramel
And many others

Black is an excellent color, but it works best for large kitchens. While this is the case, it doesn’t mean you can’t install it in your small kitchen. All you have to do is work with your granite countertop installers Raleigh and pair it with a brighter color. For example, you can install black granite and pair it with white cabinets.

If you aren’t sure about the right color you should go for, get the input of a professional to guide you through.

How much should you expect to pay for granite countertops for small kitchens?

The cost of the countertops depends on several factors, such as the type of granite you are installing. For example, it will cost you less installing tile granite than solid slab granite. It will also cost you less if you install a lower-grade granite.

You should work closely with your contractor and find the ideal granite for your kitchen and budget.