9 Benefits Of Marble Countertops

marble countertops

Are you thinking about updating your kitchen? One of the best materials you should go for is marble. While not as popular as granite, marble countertops not only transform the look of your kitchen, but that of the entire house. The countertops come with plenty of benefits that include:

They are easy to find

While granite and quartz countertops are trendy, they don’t easily come by. Due to this, they delay installation and you have increased overhead costs.

Marble on the other hand is easy to find. You can easily find it on most stony yards and fabricators. This means when you are looking to install the countertops in your home, you won’t have to wait for days or even weeks for them to be delivered.

You can walk into a yard and drive home with the marble slab, install it, and enjoy a hot meal on it that evening. Convenient, right?

Marble is extremely durable

Although marble requires more maintenance than granite, it doesn’t mean that it’s not lasting. Due to its combination of strength and beauty, marble has been used as a building material for centuries.

Some monuments were constructed from it hundreds of years ago, and they are still standing. If the stone was fragile, these buildings won’t be standing.

The countertops don’t require a lot of care

As mentioned above, compared to quartz and granite countertops, marble requires more care. This is because it’s porous, which makes it more prone to staining and etching. While this is the case, it doesn’t mean you have to go out of your way to keep the countertops looking great.

First of all, you don’t need any specialty cleaner. To clean marble countertops, use dish soap or any other mild cleanser and a soft cloth. Stay away from harsh cleansers such as bleach and vinegar.

When spills happen, especially those resulting from wine and deep-colored liquids, wipe them immediately. You don’t want your countertops getting stained, do you?

When you notice a stain, use hydrogen peroxide to rub it away. Remember that hydrogen peroxide can etch the surfaces, so rinse it thoroughly once you are done.

Marble is cool to the touch

This is a unique quality that makes it a staple in a chef’s kitchen. The cool stone surface makes it ideal for rolling out the pastry, so the butter doesn’t heat up and compromise the integrity of the dough. The cool nature of the countertop also makes it easy to prepare other foods.

They are affordable

Due to its beautiful nature, marble looks extremely high end and unaffordable. When you are on a budget, you can’t imagine it in your house.

You will be shocked to learn that the countertop costs less than granite, quartz, and other natural stone countertop materials. Although, costs vary depending on the type of countertop and thickness, marble is more affordable than you can imagine.

You should note that some sellers might try to rip you off. When doing your research, take time to visit different stores and see what they have in stock. Settle at a store selling top quality countertops at an affordable price.

They come in more design options

Are you looking for a worktop that requires more than basic fabrication? Marble is your best bet. Marble is soft hence easy to work with. This means you can easily create countertops with fancy edges or give your countertops extra fabrication.

Marble is aesthetically beautiful

This is the major selling point for the countertop. The bright white color of the countertop dramatically improves the look of any home. The white color also makes a room appear larger, which contributes to its elegance.

Marble is heat resistant

Unlike other countertop materials, you can place hot pans and pots on the marble surfaces and not worry about the surfaces staining or getting damaged.

While this is the case, you should note constant exposure of the countertops to heat puts them at the risk of cracking. Even if the countertops can withstand a lot of heat, always have trivets and pads in place where you place the hot pots and pans.

The countertops are bright

The countertops have a natural glow that reflects light in a room. This makes it an ideal countertop replacement Durham option if you have a small kitchen or bathroom that you would like to make appear larger and brighter.

4 Factors To Consider When Buying Kitchen Countertops

If you are remodeling your current kitchen or constructing a new one, you need kitchen countertops. For you to buy the right countertops for your kitchen, you need to consider several factors that include:

Your activities

While the look of the countertops is vital as it’s what makes or breaks the kitchen, if you choose a countertop material that doesn’t blend properly with your activities, the material will wear out fast forcing you to keep on replacing it after every few uses which will be equivalent to throwing money down the toilet.

If you cook, entertain a lot or have kids in the house, you can’t buy the same countertops as someone who doesn’t cook often and lives alone.

If you like the look of a given countertop and still want the surfaces to be functional, consider getting more than one type of countertop surfaces. For example, if you love chopping things when cooking, install butcher’s block in one area of the kitchen and you will have a built-in cutting board.

If you often bake, install marble countertops in half of your countertops and you will have a surface to work with dough.

Mixing more than one countertop material also helps you to spend less. This is because you can install one less expensive material in one area and another that costs a little money in another area, and you will have an excellent looking kitchen.

Your budget

How much money are you looking to spend on the countertops? This is an essential factor to consider as it dramatically determines everything from the surfaces you will get to the countertop contractors you hire.

If you are like other homeowners, the look of the countertops is the most critical factor you consider. In such a case, buy countertops that closely resemble the ones you can’t afford.

For example, if you can’t afford marble countertops, go with Quartz countertops that have a similar look like marble but cost a little less.

Before you buy the countertops, consider the consistency of the countertops to the other parts of the kitchen. Ask yourself whether the cost is consistent with the other materials you have used.

This is because you can buy premium marble countertops, and when you install them in a kitchen with vinyl flooring, you create a quality imbalance.

A good rule is to spend 15-30% of your budget on kitchen countertops. If you find yourself spending less than 15% of your budget on countertops, the quality of the countertops is most likely inferior to the other kitchen materials.

On the other hand, if you find yourself spending more than 30% of the budget on countertops, you will most likely be overdoing it.

You need to find a sweet spot where the countertops you are looking to install match the quality of the other materials you have used in your kitchen.

Ease of maintenance

Different countertops require different maintenance methods. Before you fall in love with a given countertop material, think about the amount of work that goes into maintaining it.

Porous materials such as limestone, granite, and marble need to be oiled and sealed once a year.

While the butcher’s block is durable, it requires regular sealing to protect it from excessive damage.

Other materials such as quartz require you to wipe them with a cloth, and you have excellent looking surfaces.

If you aren’t sure of the right surfaces to go for, ask an expert to help you out.

Color of the countertops

The color of the countertops not only affects the look of the pieces in the kitchen, but it also affects the ease of maintaining the countertops.

For a great look, choose a tone that coordinates or contrasts with your cabinets. You should note that the tone doesn’t have to be a close match. For example, install brown countertops on natural which oak cabinets.

Choose countertops with a versatile color. This is because the paints and accessories change with time, so by choosing a versatile color, you are sure that your granite countertops Raleigh will match most of the kitchen accessories.

Countertop experts recommend that you keep your options open by picking materials with veins or splashes of color as they blend in with many accessories.

5 Kitchen Countertops Options

best kitchen countertop contractor

Are you looking for kitchen countertops? There are plenty of options you can go with. From stainless steel to granite, limestone, wood, and quartz, you can be confused about the right countertop surfaces to choose from. For you to make the right choice, you need to consider three factors:

Your budget: How much money do you have? If you are on a budget, lean towards laminate, stainless steel, and tile.  On the other hand, if you have a larger budget, gravitate towards natural stone, granite, and glass.

Your lifestyle: How do you lead your life? If you have a large family with children, go for more durable countertops. If you love cooking, go for a tough material that can withstand heavy usage.

If you are a single person and you are more interested in how the countertops look than their functionality, go for the most beautiful countertops in the stores.

Color and texture preferences: Countertops come in all types of colors and textures. When you visit a countertop store, carefully go through the countertop materials and choose the ones that accentuate the look of your house.

As mentioned above, there are plenty of countertop materials to choose from. The most popular ones being:

Granite

It’s the most popular countertop material in the market, and every new homeowner wants to install it. The good side is that when you take good care of it, it can last for a long time. It’s also heat resistant, so you don’t have to worry about it getting burnt.

It comes in an array of colors such as white, green, pink, black, and beige. This gives you peace of mind you will find the color of your liking.

You have two choices when choosing granite: polished or honed. Polished granite has a shiny finish while the honed finish has a matte look to it. If you aren’t sure of the one to go for, consult your countertop contractor, and he/she will recommend the best one.

While the countertop is an excellent kitchen and bathroom countertop, it’s expensive, so you need to have a large budget. You also have to re-seal granite at least once a year to prevent it from staining.

Marble

Marble countertops are the go-to pieces for bakers as they provide a soft, cold surface for rolling dough. Just like granite, they come in an array of colors. Since they are natural, no two marble slabs are the same, which gives them a unique look.

They are also heat resistant and won’t mark even when you put a hot pan or pot on it.

While bakers love marble, it quickly develops knife scratches, so if you love chopping things on the countertops instead of using a cutting board, this isn’t the best option for you.

The cool thing is you can prevent the scratches from coming about by covering the surfaces when working.

Since it’s soft, marble easily scratches and chips. This calls for you to be ultra-cautious when using it.

While it’s tough, marble is super porous. This means oil, wine, and other spills easily seep into the countertops, making them harder to remove.

Engineered stone

Termed as the hardest countertop material, engineered stone is mainly composed of quartz, which is a known hard material that doesn’t require any sealing. Quartz comes in a wide range of colors and patterns.

Upon installation, it’s hard to find the seams, the material is extremely durable, and stains aren’t too prominent.

While the stone is excellent, its main flaw is its expensive (almost as expensive as granite).

Concrete countertops

While not as popular as the others, concrete countertops are extremely tough and durable. They also come with plenty of finishes such as ground, trowel, and pressed. To give the surfaces a unique look, embed a glass into them.

While the countertop is tough, you need to seal it regularly. Sealing concrete countertops is highly expensive as temperature changes and acidic spills alter the shape of the surfaces.

Since the surfaces are made by the same materials used to build sidewalks, the countertops can crack. Countertop replacement Durham professionals recommend you add fiber reinforcement or wire mesh to the countertops to prevent them from breaking.

Wooden surfaces

They are also not popular, but they are excellent additions to your home, especially if you are operating on a budget. You have plenty of wooden surface options to choose from, such as oak, teak, walnut, and cherry.

6 Ways You Are Destroying Your Kitchen Countertops

kitchen counter

Since most kitchen countertops are made from tough materials, many homeowners think they can’t get damaged. There is nothing as further from the truth as this.

Just like any other product, if you don’t take good care of your countertops, they will get damaged. To help you out, here are six things (you are doing) that are destroying your countertops:

You place hot pots and pans directly on the countertops

One of the prime reasons homeowners install granite, quartz, and other high-compact countertops is because they can tolerate high temperatures. This makes them highly convenient when cooking and baking as you don’t have to keep on worrying about them getting damaged.

While the countertops can withstand high temperatures, they crack and get discolored when you repeatedly expose them to hot materials such as hot pots and pans.

Regardless of how tough your countertops are, always protect them from heat resulting from the cooking utensils. When you remove a hot pot or pan from the fire, don’t place it directly on the countertops.

Use a towel, hot pad, potholder, or trivet as a barrier and prevent the heat from getting onto the countertops.

You place acidic foods on the countertops

Many homeowners don’t pay much attention to the nature of the foods they are preparing. Did you know some foods are acidic, and when you place them on the countertops, you damage the surfaces?

For example, marble countertops are highly sensitive to acidic substances. Splashing vinegar, lemon juice, wine, or tomato sauce on them causes dull spots.

To keep the surfaces in top shape, clean the acidic substances as soon as they happen. Cleaning the spill with water isn’t enough. Also, consider neutralizing the stain. One of the most effective ways of doing it is sprinkling baking soda on it.

You chop directly on the countertops

After investing in durable countertops, some homeowners think they can abuse the countertops as much as they want. They dice, cut, slice, and chop directly on their quartz and granite countertops. Don’t do this.

While the countertops are tough, they aren’t scratch resistant. This means as you continually chop and cut on the counters, you increase the chances of damaging the countertops. The tough nature of the countertops also damages the knives.

Just like with the hot pots and pans, take measures to protect the countertops from damage. When cutting anything, always use a cutting board.

You allow water to stay on the countertops for a long time

When you seal granite countertops or any other countertop surfaces, you make the surfaces waterproof, right? Wrong!

Sealing the countertops only prevents water from seeping through and creating stains. When you allow water to stay on the countertops for a long time, you increase the chances of water seeping through and staining the surfaces.

While you don’t have to be in great hurry to wipe out the spills, you shouldn’t let them sit on the countertops for a long time. For example, until they evaporate.

A good rule of thumb is to never allow water to sit on the surfaces for more than five minutes. After wiping the surfaces, dry them to prevent future problems.

You place a lot of weight on the countertop edges

Placing heavy items and objects near or on unsupported sides increases the chances of the countertops developing cracks, ruptures, and fractures that are difficult and expensive to repair.

One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is placing a microwave directly on the countertop overhang.

For you to avoid damaging the countertops, always think twice when placing a heavy object on the surfaces. If you have to put the object on the countertop, place it at the center.

You allow a lot of sunlight on the countertops

Sunshine is good as it lights up the kitchen and makes it appear spacious. Unfortunately, a lot of direct sunlight causes laminate countertops to fade. The sunlight also fades the sealants on the countertops. This leads to a cheap-looking kitchen.

During the peak daylight hours, pull down the shade. This is to minimize the amount of sunlight getting into the kitchen hence reducing sunlight effect on granite kitchen countertops Raleigh.

6 Ways To Ensure Your Kitchen Countertops Last Long

When you install kitchen countertops, you want them to last for as long as possible. This calls for you to take good care of them. The cool thing is that there are plenty of ways of going about it:

Ensure proper installation

Everything begins here. There is no way your countertops will last for a long time if they aren’t properly installed.

Many people try to cut costs, by going for the cheapest contractor they can afford. Don’t do this.

While you will save a few coins here and there, you will end up spending too much money on repairs as cheap contractors often don’t have the right skills to install the countertops properly.

In some cases, they improperly install the countertops such that you have to remove all the countertops and install new ones. This is extremely expensive!

To avoid this, don’t be cheap. Hire an experienced contractor. While the professional will be a little bit expensive, the extra cost will be worth it as he/she will install countertops that will last for decades.

To protect yourself in the event of an accident during countertop installation, work with an insured contractor. Take a closer look at the insurance certificate and confirm that it even covers countertop damage.

Stone countertops

The most popular stone countertops are granite and quartz. Regardless of the type of countertop you have, you should take good care of it for it to last for long.

The first thing you should do is to seal the countertops. During installation, ensure the contractor seals the surfaces with a high-quality sealing agent. The frequency of sealing depends on the quality, color, and use of the countertops.

When it comes to lighter colors, seal them every 1-3 years. Seal darker colors 3-5 years.

In addition to sealing the countertops, you also should avoid sitting or standing on them. This is to prevent the countertops from cracking after placing too much weight on them.

Slate countertops

Slate countertops are known for their brittleness. They also stain from cooking oil spills and are easily damaged by abrasive cleaners. To prevent them from cracking, avoid placing too much weight on them. You also should always protect the surfaces when cooking to prevent stains.

When cleaning the surfaces, use a pH-neutral stone cleaner when necessary.

Laminate countertops

These are susceptible to water damage. To keep them in top shape, be cautious that you don’t let water seep into the seam. This is because they tend to swell up and buckle.

When it comes to cleaning, use mild dish detergent and microfiber cloths. Only use baking soda for tough stains.

Solid surface

Stay away from abrasive cleaners, especially if you have a shiny finish instead of matte. For the tough spots, use mild soap, baking soda, and microfiber cloths. After removing the stains, rinse the surfaces with a clean cloth.

All countertop materials

Regardless of the countertop material you have in your kitchen, there are some basic practices you should do to keep the material in top shape. Some of the things you should do include:

Protect the surfaces from scratching or etching by cleaning the countertops using damp microfiber cleaning cloths and mild dish detergent. To lift tough stains, use baking soda paste.

Since countertops are susceptible to damage from acidic juices, oil spills, and harsh abrasive cleansers, clean the spills as soon as they happen to prevent the damage and stains.

Protect the surfaces from heat damage by ensuring that you don’t place hot pans directly on the countertop surfaces. The hot surfaces tend to disfigure the countertops and even crack others.

To allow air-flow underneath the countertops, set pans and even low cookers on trivets.

You also should protect the surfaces from knife damage. This calls for you to avoid slicing or chopping the food directly on the countertops. When cutting, always use cutting boards.

Use common sense when handling your countertops. Don’t do anything that would damage the surfaces. For example, don’t use abrasive cleaning materials on granite countertops as they will lose their shine.

If you aren’t sure about how to keep the surfaces in top shape, ask granite companies Durham or any other professionals to help you out.

10 Reasons You Should Give Marble Countertops A Shot

Whether looking to upgrade the look of your kitchen or bathroom countertops, some of the best countertop materials you can go with are marble countertops. Here are 10 of the top reasons you should consider the pieces:

Sophisticated look

Marble has a classic look that sets it apart from plenty of other natural stones. When properly installed, the countertops add elegance and warmth to the house, making it fun and comfortable to live in.

Rich history

The use of marble dates back to ancient Egypt. The Athenian treasury, built in the 6th century, was the first building to be constructed entirely from marble, and it’s still standing up to date. This is a clear proof of the durability and resilience of the material.

Plenty of color choices

Marble slabs come in a wide range of colors that include white, green, brown, red, and deep black. The varying colors and veining come from mineral impurities within the stone. The many colors give you plenty of choices and assurance that you will get a color that will fit your house.

Unique designs

Since the slabs are natural, they are un-replicable. No two slabs are the same; therefore, when you install them in your home, you can be confident that no other person in the world has a similar piece. For you to get the most from the unique designs, try out different slabs to find the most fitting.

Easy to clean

While the countertop materials give your home a high end look, they don’t require special cleaning materials. Mild dish soap and warm water are enough to give the surfaces a sparkling look. Don’t use harsh chemicals to clean the countertops as you will damage them.

Some specialized stones require experts to clean them, but that’s not the case with marble. You can easily clean marble by yourself with simple materials. When the surfaces get a stain, you can easily remove it using an alkaline product that will pull the stain from the stone and dry it out.

Heat resilience

While marble is soft and porous and tends to stain and etch easily, it’s exceptionally resistant to heat. The marble surfaces don’t burn even when you place hot items on them. The naturally cool temperature makes the countertops the top choice for pastry chefs and other professionals that deal with hot items.

Durable

As mentioned above, there are plenty of buildings built in ancient times, and they are still in good condition. While marble will require some maintenance, it tends to last for a long time when you take good care of it.

Easy to fabricate

Although it’s sturdy and resistant to heat, marble is soft hence easy to fabricate. This feature makes it easy for fabricators to create decorative edges and fancy details that improve the overall look of the stone.

Don’t settle on the cheapest contractors as they often don’t understand their craft. Marble slabs don’t come cheap; therefore, when you hire cheap contractors, you end up losing a lot.

Readily available

Unlike other stones that you have to order from a unique area, marble is readily available in most countertop stores. While you can easily find the stone, many people end up buying the wrong pieces as they are often in a hurry when making the purchase.

For you to get the most from the stone, take time to research and find a store selling high-quality stones at affordable prices. This might require you to visit a number of stores and make comparisons.

Even when you find a good store, don’t proceed to place a large order. Take a few marble samples and go with them to your home. Place them on the countertops and see how they look. Only consider buying pieces that perfectly fit your home.

Increase in home value

The high-end look of the countertops dramatically improves the home value. If you are remodeling the house for sale, you end up selling the house twice or thrice the price you would have sold it had you not installed the countertops.

While this is the case, you don’t have to install ultra-premium pieces as you might not recoup your investment. Work with expert kitchen countertops Raleigh experts who will professionally install moderately priced countertops giving your home a classic look.

7 Tips To Consider When Installing Kitchen Countertops

best quartz countertop

Thinking about installing new kitchen countertops? Good for you as you are on your way to creating countertop surfaces that you will be proud of. Countertop installation is an intricate process, and you need to have plenty of things in place for the project to be a success. To give your kitchen a great look, pay attention to these tips:

Don’t be in a hurry

When they get money, many homeowners rush to get new countertop surfaces. Don’t do this as you end up buying the wrong stones. You also often end up working with the wrong contractor.

Regardless of how unsatisfied you are with the current surfaces, don’t be in a hurry to replace them. Take time to research and find out your options. Visit several stores and see what they have to offer. Also, take the time to interview several countertop contractors to find the right one for your project.

Color shouldn’t be, end-all, be-all

Color is crucial as it defines the look of your kitchen and choosing the wrong one can break the design of your surface. While this is the case, it shouldn’t be the end-all, be-all.

Pay close attention to the quality of the stone you are buying as quality is everything. You can have a stone with the most beautiful color, but if it cracks or stains easily, you are as good as not having installed the stone in the first place.

Always get samples

An average homeowner will visit countertop stores, and when they like the look and design of the stones on sale, they will go ahead and make huge orders. This is wrong as most of them end up hating the look of the countertops after installation.

Instead of doing this, take samples with you and see how they look in your kitchen. While you might like the color, design, or countertop material, you might not like how the countertop looks in your kitchen as it might not go well with your floor tiles or cabinets. It also might not go well with the design of the house.

The right thing to do is to order the countertops only after you have tried out the samples in your kitchen.

Have the right budget

Many people underestimate the amount of money they need to complete the countertop project. As a homeowner, the last thing you want is running out of money in the middle of the project and being forced to put the project on hold or borrow more money.

For you to avoid the inconveniences, take the time to undertake thorough research and come up with a budget before you begin the project. The key is being pessimistic with the amount of money you will need. When doing your budget, factor in hidden expenses such as clean up costs after installation, transport costs, and others.

Think about the everyday use of the countertops

It’s common to visit stores selling countertop surfaces and be wowed by the various stones on display. Don’t rush to buy them as they might not be ideal for your kitchen. What do you use your kitchen most for? This is the first question you should ask yourself.

If you are baker, you want countertop surfaces that can withstand high heat. If you are a culinary master, you want a stone that can tolerate acidic spills without staining.

Thicker isn’t always better

Just like color, a thick countertop doesn’t mean that the stone is excellent. Sometimes the thick surface is simply two stones that have been bonded together, which often leads to plenty of problems.

If this is the first time buying the stones, go to the stores with an experienced professional who has been in the industry for a long time to guide you.

Don’t outclass the other parts of the room

There is nothing wrong with installing the best and highest quality countertops, but when you install extremely high-quality countertops, then don’t touch the other parts of the kitchen, you give your kitchen a cheap look.

To give your kitchen a high end look, don’t just install high-quality countertops, work with granite contractors Durham and other professionals and revamp the entire kitchen.

5 Inexpensive Ways To Update Granite Kitchen Countertops

kitchen countertop

Old granite kitchen countertops not only give your home a cheap look, but they also look dirty and are hard to clean. Many homeowners have the impression that you need to have ultra-deep pockets for you to update your countertops. This is further from the truth. Here are inexpensive ways to give your countertops a makeover:

Paint them up

Save yourself money and the trouble of getting new countertops by simply painting the countertops. Before you get the paint, decide on the look you want. Painting is easy, and with minimal skills, you can effectively paint the surfaces by yourself.

Choose a paint that is specifically designed for laminate countertops. These paints are cheaper than the others in the market and don’t need priming. Buy enough paint for the job. You can do this by taking the measurements of the surface area to be covered. The paint should be enough for two coats.

Before you begin the painting, protect your surfaces. Line all the walls and cabinets with painter’s tape at the areas where they meet. Also, consider removing or covering your appliances such as stoves and sinks to prevent them from getting the paint.

Paints are toxic; therefore, you should protect yourself. You can do this by minimizing the amount of paint you get in contact with. Also consider wearing protective gear such as gloves, long pants, respirators, and even foam collars.

You can sand the surfaces using a pad sander but if you don’t have one, use your hands. Avoid sandpapers with a rough grit as they will damage the surfaces. Smoothen the surfaces using fine sanding block and scrape away any substances that might have congealed, dried, or stuck on the surface. Aim to create a smooth surface as much as possible.

To avoid brush marks on the surfaces, use spray paint, and sealer. After applying the paint, seal the surfaces with three or four coats to protect the finish.

Finish the countertops with cement

Begin with sanding the countertops using coarse sandpaper. Don’t worry about making the countertops smooth as cement sticks better at irregular surfaces. After the surfaces have air-dried, lather them with cement. Give the cement 24 hours to dry.

If there are noticeably uneven surfaces, sand, and clean them. Concentrate on getting rid of as much rough cement as much as possible. Once you are done, seal the cement using a liquid sealer. When buying the sealer, go for one that is food safe. If you don’t find a food-safe sealer, take care that your food never gets into contact with the countertop.

Cover the countertops

If you don’t want the look of cement, you can use other materials such as wood, fabric, veneer, paper, or even metal. Identify the material you want to use then get the right measurements for it. If you have the skills, you can apply the materials on the surfaces but if you have never done it before, hire an experienced contractor to help you out.

Tile the countertops

Did you know tiles aren’t only ideal for floors? You can also use them on your countertops. The beauty of it is that they aren’t expensive. Measure the dimensions of your countertops then get tiles that will fit the surface.

Depending on the design of your countertops, you may have to remove your stoves, disposal units, sinks, and other kitchen appliances before you install the tiles. If you have the skills, you can install the tiles by yourself but if you have never done it before, hire an expert to help you out.

Replace the countertops

If your current countertops are too old or you can’t stand them, consider replacing them. There are many cheap replacement options you can go with, the most common ones being:

Laminate: Laminate countertops are the most affordable countertops options in the market. When installing them, choose a textured surface instead of a flat one. This is to have an easy time concealing scratches and other signs of wear and tear.

Wood: Wooden surfaces are perfect when you are looking for a natural look. When undertaking countertop replacement Raleigh, choose wood that is durable and easy to manage. Some of the options you have include teak, walnut, cherry, maple, and many others.

 

Kitchen Countertops: 6 Kitchen Renovation Tips To Remember

If your kitchen is old or you want a different look, you need to consider these tips for the project to be a success:

Begin with the countertops

Kitchen countertops have the most significant impact on the design of the kitchen. They also cost a lot, especially if the kitchen is large. For you to avoid wasting money and create a look you love, begin your project by thinking about the type of countertops you will install.

Visit the local stores and find out what is in stock. For you to be content with your project, you need to be happy with the countertops first; therefore, ensure that you choose the right ones. Countertops vary in material, quality, size, among many other things. Choose the ones that fit your project.

Aim for quality

Kitchen renovations are costly, and you can’t be doing them after every few months. To do them once and properly, go for the best quality materials possible. In addition to the high-quality cabinets and appliances lasting for longer, they also have a high resale value.

You don’t have to buy new materials. If you don’t have deep pockets, consider going for used materials. They might be used, but still in good condition and of high quality. Some of the best materials are those bought from a business selling reused building materials.

If you are unlucky in these stores, try your luck online. Find individual sellers selling high-end items at affordable prices.

Pay attention to the layout of the kitchen

The kitchen needs to be practical and functional. How you lay it out depends on your priorities and needs. Think about the look you want to create and the people that will be using it. If it’s more than one person, incorporate more than one workstation.

If you have a large kitchen, add a kitchen island or get a wheeled cart that you can move around and put away when you aren’t using it.

If you aren’t sure of what will work with your household, make use of the classic work triangle; arrange the sink, stove, and refrigerator in a triangular pattern.

Have a realistic budget

Most large renovation projects end up taking more time and money than you anticipated; therefore, it’s wise to have extra cash on the side in the event the project goes over. A good rule of thumb is to have 10-20% more money for unplanned expenses.

The last thing you want is going to the bank to get another loan in the mid of the project. Even worse is ending up with a half-finished kitchen because you ran out of cash.

When coming up with a budget, remember to factor in the hidden costs. These include labor, materials, taxes, shipping, and delivery costs. These add up fast; therefore, it’s paramount that you put them into consideration when coming up with an approximation of the amount of money you need for the project.

Make use of all areas

You don’t want to spend a lot of money giving your kitchen a makeover and be left with unutilized areas. Make use of all areas in the kitchen. Use the toe-kick storage beneath the cabinet doors to store items that you don’t use daily. These include linens, serveware, and step ladder.

Using all the spaces gives you the satisfaction that you spent your money wisely. At the same time, it keeps your kitchen counters clutter-free.

Work with the right contractor

Not every countertop contractor you come across is right for your project. You can buy premium materials then end up with ugly countertops after hiring the wrong contractor. Many people end up with the wrong contractor as they are in a hurry to hire

To find the right professional, take your time. Approach several granite contractors Durham and ask for their current license and insurance. Also, ask about their past customers. Don’t just get the names of the customers. Call them and ask about their experience with the contractor.

If the professional checks out in every area, go ahead and draft a contract detailing the starting date, completion date, and any other details of the project.

Beyond Granite Countertops: Other Ways You Can Use Granite

Many people use granite countertops exclusively on kitchen and bathroom counters. What most of them don’t realize is that granite is a highly versatile material and you can use it on a wide range of areas. Are you ready to go against the grain and use granite in innovative ways? Here are unique ways you can use granite:

Place granite on the basin or sink

A granite basin is not only elegant to look at, it’s also durable as granite is tough. Thanks to the many designs and options available, you can have basins of any design.

Have a chat with your contractor to install the countertop in your desired design depending on the size of the sinks and look you want to create.

Dining table

How many times have you visited a home and found a granite table? I bet rarely. The tough nature of granite makes it possible to design a sophisticated and low-maintenance dining area. You can make the table completely from granite or with just a granite slab counter.

Since granite comes in many colors, you can have a dining table with tuba or Santa Cecelia colors. It’s up to you to choose the one that is ideal for you.

Floor

A granite floor creates a beautiful, seamless look. You can install the floor with tiles of the same shade and pattern or one with contrasting colors to create a pattern. If you have an open floor plan, use stripes of a complementary color to mark the boundaries.

Since the floor is an integral part of the house, ensure that the installation is done by an expert who is highly experienced at it.

For you to maintain a great look, keep the floor clean. Sweep or vacuum the floor then follow up with a cleaner or hot water. Then mop the floor with a mop or towel. When the water gets soiled, change it.

Granite mosaic

Do you have small pieces of granite lying around? They are perfect for creating a mosaic. You can place the mosaic on the wall or floor. For quick and easy installation, glue it to a larger tile.

Desktop

A desktop made from stone creates a feeling of stability and wealth. In addition to the surface giving your house a high-end look, it’s also highly resistant to wear; therefore, you are guaranteed it will retain its color and look for years.

You can install the desk in the sitting room, bedroom, office, sitting room, or any other area you work on.

Accent shelves

If you have granite remnants that are large to make a mosaic, you can use them to make shelves that you can use to hold toiletries in the bathroom, add more storage space in the kitchen, or serve as mail station at the door.

For a great look, carefully cut the remnants and polish the edges. You should then work with a granite contractor to help you with the installation.

Create a lazy Susan

You can still use the granite remnants to create a matching countertop lazy Susan. A properly installed natural stone combines function with beauty where it improves the look of your house and at the same time makes it easy to access the important kitchen items. You can even use it as a serving station when having a party.

For you to create a perfect lazy Susan, ask a fabricator to cut the remnant into a circle then attach it to your desired area. The unit is easy to attach even with minimal skills, but for a perfect installation, have it attached by an expert.

Make kitchen accessories

Not everyone likes having a lazy Susan in their homes. If you are one of these people, you can use the remnants to make a wide range of kitchen accessories. One of the accessories you can go with is a granite trivet.

In addition to the trivet protecting the kitchen countertops from damage, it’s also beautiful to look at hence improving the look of the house.

Granite countertop installers Durham also advise that you consider making a cheese or cutting board with the remnants. When hiring the installers, ensure they have handled plenty of similar projects in the past.