Is it worth replacing kitchen countertops?

If you are wondering whether it’s worth replacing your old, worn-out countertops, yes, it’s worth it. the benefits you get from replacing your kitchen countertops include:

Improve the appearance of the kitchen

When you replace your old or worn countertops with new ones, you give the kitchen a fresh and updated look, new countertops also bring a cohesive design to the kitchen and can be used to complement the other features and finishes in the space.

For the perfect look, choose countertops that match the kitchen appliances. For example, if your kitchen has stainless steel appliances, you may want to choose a countertop material that complements the finish, such as a quartz or granite countertop.

We have different tastes and preferences so always consider this when choosing the countertop color, pattern, and style.

Improve the kitchen functionality

New countertops provide a more durable and functional workspace in the kitchen, which can be especially important in high-traffic areas or for people who enjoy cooking and entertaining.

For example, when you replace your kitchen counters with quartz or granite, your counters are more durable and resistant to stains and scratches.

During the addition, you can add functional features such as built-in cutting boards or integrated drain boards, which can make food preparation and clean-up more convenient.

Improves the value of a home

A well-designed and attractive kitchen is an important selling point for many homebuyers. New countertops can be crucial in creating a cohesive and appealing design in the space.

If you want to sell your house in the future, materials that are highly durable and easy to maintain are attractive to potential buyers. For example, you can go for materials such as quartz and granite, known for their durability and resistance to stains and scratches.

You should note that when you are remodeling your kitchen for sale, you can easily fail to recoup your investment, so always be strategic about the materials you use. To stay safe, consult an experienced professional to guide you through the materials you can use and those you can’t.

What to consider when replacing kitchen countertops

When replacing kitchen countertops, there are several things to consider

Material: Kitchen countertops are available in various materials, each with unique characteristics and benefits. Some common countertop options include granite, marble, quartz, and laminate. Consider each material’s pros and cons to determine which is right for your kitchen.

You should also consider the reason you are replacing the countertops. As mentioned, you should avoid premium countertop materials when replacing your countertops mainly to make the kitchen and house attractive to buyers.

Cost: Kitchen countertops can be a significant investment, so it’s essential to consider the price when doing the renovation work. Granite and marble are generally more expensive than quartz or laminate, but they offer higher durability and a more luxurious look.

Before starting your project, you need to budget and consider not only the cost of the countertops but that of installation as well.

Durability: Kitchen countertops have a lot of use, so choosing a material that can withstand daily wear and tear is essential. Granite and quartz are known for their durability and resistance to scratches, stains, and heat, making them a popular choice for kitchen countertops.

Marble countertops are soft, but they have a luxurious look making them the perfect option for those who don’t spend much time in the kitchen. If you love cooking or have a young family, you should avoid marble countertops.

Ease of maintenance: The maintenance required for different kitchen countertops can vary. Some materials, like quartz and granite, are low-maintenance and only require occasional cleaning with a damp cloth and a mild detergent. Other materials, like marble and laminate, may require more frequent sealing and cleaning to keep them looking their best.

It’s up to you to decide on the ones that fit your lifestyle.

Appearance: The appearance of your kitchen countertops is an important factor to consider, as they can greatly impact the overall look of your kitchen. Consider the material’s color, pattern, and texture, and always choose a style that complements the rest of your kitchen.

If you aren’t sure about the best material, consult a kitchen designer or contractor to help determine the best countertop replacement NC option for your space.

How to Redo Countertops without Replacing

If you have had your countertops for a long time, they must have lost their original look, right? Those with resources usually replace the countertops, but if you don’t have a large budget or don’t want to replace them, you can still do several things to redo the surfaces without replacing them.

How do you redo the kitchen countertops without replacing them? There are several ways to go about it. These ways include:

Paint the countertops

When done right, painting the countertops is not only economical but also gives your countertops an elegant look.

For the best outcome, use paint best suited for your countertops. For example, if you have laminate counters, go for specialist paint. You can also go for acrylic interior paint if you can access it.

For the paint to stick and give you a beautiful look you are after, you must prepare the surfaces properly. This calls for you to thoroughly clean the surfaces with a detergent and water. You should rinse the surfaces and give them time to dry before lightly sanding.

Depending on the paint you use, you might need a primer. For example, if you are using specialist paint, you need a primer, but when you are using acrylic paint, you don’t need it.

After priming the surfaces, apply the paint with a roller and use the right number of coats. Sometimes you might need to seal the paint with a resin.

Cover the countertops with contact paper

If you want to cover the countertops for the short term as you save money to improve them permanently, you can go the contact paper route.

Start with ordering contact papers from your local store. To account for mistakes, order more papers than you need. If you have never cut the papers before, you might need to practice cutting before you begin the covering.

As you practice cutting the papers, pay close attention to the corner cuts, as they often go wrong in most cases.

You should note that contact paper won’t simply stick to your old countertops. To attach the paper, you need to use waterproof glue.

As much as contact paper will cover your countertops, you should know that it’s not the most durable material, so be ultra cautious when handling it. As a rule of thumb, avoid placing hot pots and pans directly on it as it will start to peel up.

Place tiles over your countertops

If your countertops are still in good shape and you don’t like how they look, you should consider placing tiles over them.

For the tiles to stick on the countertops, ensure that the countertops are smooth and level.

When choosing the tiles, go for stain and heat-resistant ceramic tiles or porcelain that will look good and last for a long time.

You can place the tiles directly on the countertops, but you must ensure that the surfaces are clean and smooth. This calls for you to sand the surfaces and then use a special adhesive to stick the tiles on the surfaces.

If you are a dab hand at DIY projects, you can place the tiles on the countertops by yourself but if you aren’t a handy person, hire a professional to help you out.

Cover the countertops with a peel-and-stick product

If you aim to give your surfaces a new look, you can cover them with a pick-and-stick product. Like when applying the other materials, ensure that the countertops are clean.

You should then peel and stick your product of choice on the surfaces. You should note that the product sticks better on smooth surfaces, so don’t place it on damaged countertops.

Like the paper covers, peel-and-stick products aren’t meant as a permanent solution, so don’t place them on your laminate or granite countertops Durham and think that your work is done. If you want a permanent solution, you should replace the countertops.

Can You Set Hot Things On Quartz Countertops?

The short and sweet answer is no. It’s unwise to place hot things directly on the countertops. This is because the resin on the countertops isn’t as heat resistant as natural stone. Due to this, placing a hot item such as a hot pan will scorch the surfaces, leaving a permanent spot of discoloration, and you don’t want this, do you?

To ensure that your quartz countertops don’t have any damage, you should protect them from harm. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to go about it. These ways include:

Always use potholders and trivets

Potholders are made from cloth or silicon squares, allowing you to grab the hot handles of your pots, so you have an easy time moving your pots from the stove. You can also slip the potholders underneath your hot pot, which comes in handy to protect the counter or table surface.

On the other hand, a trivet is designed for the countertop or table. Trivets are usually thicker or more rigid than potholders and can be quite decorative.

To ensure that you never place the hot pot directly on the countertop, keep the trivets or potholders strategically in an area you can easily reach.

Whether you are interested in trivets or potholders, ensure that you go for high-quality ones that will withstand the test of time.

Lay out the heat mats and towels

Heat mats are similar to trivets but are made from materials such as bamboo rolls, wood blocks, hand towels, and even silicon mats.

When handling hot pans, heat mats create a safe counter space where you can set the pans without worrying about damaged countertops.

Again, like the trivets, get high-quality thick heat mats that protect your surfaces.

Protect your curling iron

Have you installed quartz countertops in your bathroom? You should be cautious of the curling irons and straightening plates as, like hot pans, they can damage your countertops.

When any hot part of the hair tools comes in contact with your countertops, it’s bound to leave unsightly scorch marks, and you don’t want this on your surfaces, do you?

Have spoon rests to ensure that your countertops never get damaged by the hot hair straightening tools. You can also have a stylish trivet-like mat in your bathroom where you place your curling iron.

Make use of coasters.

Rarely will tea and coffee mugs burn through your quartz countertops, but you shouldn’t take the risk as there have been cases where the countertops have been damaged by the repeated placement of hot tea cups on the countertops.

To protect your countertops, always place coasters on the surfaces that will protect the countertops from burning.

Use serving dishes

When serving food, always use serving dishes. While the bottoms of these dishes will get warm, they won’t be dangerously hot that they damage the countertops.

Other tricks to protect your countertops

Besides preventing hot items from landing on your countertops, you can do plenty of other things to keep your countertops looking great. Some of these things include:

Don’t let spills dry on the countertops

You can’t stay away from spills on your kitchen and bathroom countertops, but you should always ensure that they don’t dry on your counters.

When you are tired, it’s tempting to want to finish your meal and wipe the spills later, but you shouldn’t do this as the spills usually dry on surfaces that are hard to remove.

To avoid this, always move with haste and get rid of the spills as soon as they happen.

To prevent spills from coming about in the first place, be cautious of the liquids you handle around your countertops. Keep soda, coffee, wine, and even cooking oils from your counters as a rule of thumb.

Clean the countertops properly

How you clean the countertops comes in handy in determining how your countertops look. To maintain a clean look of your quartz kitchen countertops Durham, clean your surfaces using warm, soapy water.

You should avoid highly alkaline products such as acidic cleaners, degreasers, and glass cleaners, as they are too tough and tend to harm your counters.

Why You Should Consider Granite Kitchen Countertops

Are you looking for countertops to install in your kitchen? You should highly consider giving granite countertops a try. Why is this so? Well, because the countertops come with several attractive features that include:

They add value to the kitchen

There is no denying that well-installed granite counters are elegant to look at. As you can guess, this means that when you install them, they significantly increase the value of your house as people want to have them.

If you consider selling your house later, granite countertops make a lot of sense as they significantly increase the house’s value, so you sell at a high price.

You should note that when you are remodeling your house solely for sale, you should avoid the premium granite trim counters as chances are high you won’t recoup your investment. To make money from the remodel, go with medium-priced countertops.

Granite countertops are beautiful.

Since they are natural, granite countertops are naturally beautiful. The natural nature of the countertops also means that the pieces are unique. This means that no two slabs are the same.

Even if you have several almost identical slabs in your kitchen, they aren’t exactly similar. This gives you a sense of uniqueness, as you are sure that no one in the world has a countertop identical to yours.

The unique and beautiful nature of the countertops also means that you have a comfortable house to live in.

The countertops are durable.

Granite is naturally strong, meaning that it’s bound to last for a long time when you take good care of it. When well maintained, granite slabs can last up to 50 years, which is more than most other (even artificial) countertop options, such as quartz.

Of course, for the countertops to last this long, you must take good care of them. While tough, don’t sit on them, especially on the edges, as you will crack them. Instead, have a stool in your kitchen to sit on as you prepare the food.

You also should avoid cutting directly on the countertops, as you will scratch them, giving them an ugly look. Even if the countertops can stand the abuse, you should always have a chopping board in place to maintain a clean look. Use this board to chop tomatoes, onions, meat, and anything else you might be preparing.

How you clean the countertops also plays a massive role in their life, so always be cautious about how you go about it. As a rule, don’t use harsh chemicals to clean your surfaces. This calls for you to avoid vinegar-containing products at all costs.

The countertops are versatile.

Whether you want to give your kitchen a minimalistic or traditional look, there are granite counters you can use for this.

To pull off the look, you need to install the countertops properly. This calls for you to work with experienced contractors that know what they are doing. The last thing you should do is work with cheap contractors that ruin your project.

Before installing the countertops, sit down with your contractor and explain to them the look you are after. For peace of mind that they will properly install the countertops, ask them to show other kitchens they have done with the same design. Of course, avoid the contractors that don’t have samples.

They are perfect for the kitchen.

The kitchen is one of the busiest rooms in the house, and it’s often a highly demanding place that requires robust materials.

Thankfully, granite can withstand water, stains, oils, hot pans, and other risks.

As mentioned above, while granite is tough, you must protect it from these elements. Besides removing water and oils before they form stains, you should regularly seal your granite kitchen countertops Durham.

A good way to go about it is to seal the surfaces at the time of installation and then at least once a year after that.

Kitchen Countertops Best Practices

Is this the first time you are installing kitchen countertops in your home? Here are some tips you should put into consideration:

Choose the right material

There are many countertop materials you can install in your home. You will be spoilt for choice from granite to quartz, as you have an entire gamut of countertops.

As you can tell, not all countertops are ideal for your home. To choose the right ones, you need to consider your preferred look. If you like a plain kitchen, you should go for countertops with a plain design and vice versa.

Your lifestyle will influence your choice. If you are at home most of the time, you can get away with countertops that need a lot of care as you have the time to care for them, but if you are out most of the time, get those that are easy to maintain and don’t need a lot of attention.

If you aren’t sure about the right countertops that will look good for your home, get the input of a professional.

Buy from a reputable store.

In the same way, there are many countertop materials to choose from is the same way there are many stores you can buy countertops from.

Many new homeowners buy countertops from the first countertop store they find. This is wrong.

The right way to go about it is to take your time and visit a couple of stores and see what they offer. While in these stores, compare the prices of the different countertop materials and settle on the store selling the materials at the least cost.

Due to their popularity, you might think big box stores are the best places to buy countertop materials, right? Well, wrong. In fact, you will be wise if you can ignore them as much as possible.

This is because they usually don’t have many countertop options to choose from. They also tend to sell their materials at extremely high prices.

Buy your materials from small stores to access a wide range of materials to choose from and at affordable prices. These stores might not be as popular, but they provide excellent services.

Since they specialize in countertop materials only, they tend to stock a wide range of these materials, so you have plenty of options.

These stores also work together with expert installers, so when you buy from them, you don’t need to worry about where to find an expert to install the countertops for you. When you purchase plenty of materials from some of the stores, you get free installation, which, as you can guess, means more money in your pocket.

Think about the functionality of the kitchen

How will you be using the kitchen? You need to think about this before you buy the countertops. This is because the different countertop materials have different applications.

If you love cooking, chances are you will make your kitchen dirty more often. To have an easy time maintaining a clean kitchen, go with easy-to-maintain countertops such as quartz.

If, on the other hand, you don’t cook too often but love having a clean and elegant-looking kitchen, you can go with granite or marble countertops.

Remember that even if you aren’t using your kitchen often, you must seal these countertops at least once a year. This prevents them from developing ugly stains that are hard to remove.

Besides sealing the surfaces, you also need to clean them daily to remove dirt and other materials that might ruin the original look of the surfaces.

Work with experts

When installing the countertops, be cautious of the person that installs them, as having them installed by the wrong person can lead to problems.

As mentioned above, you are more likely to find a reputable installation professional when you buy your materials from a reputable small store.

Whether you are looking to install marble, quartz, or granite kitchen countertops, Durham ensures that experienced professionals install them. Some homeowners try to cut costs by hiring a cheap contractor. Don’t do this, as you often end up damaging the countertops.

Guide to Taking Care of The Various Countertop Materials

You have to take good care of your countertops to last for a long time. Since different countertops have different features, you take care of them differently. How do you take care of your countertops? There are plenty of ways to go about it. Here is how to do it:

Quartz countertops

Quartz countertops are loved by many for their heat, stain, and scratch-resistant nature. The countertops are also non-porous, so you don’t need to seal them.

To maintain their elegant look, prevent the stains from coming about as much as possible. One of the ways to go about this is to never place hot pans on them. You should note that while the countertops are heat resistant, they aren’t heatproof. This means that when you place hot items on them, they will get damaged.

To protect the units, always have hot pads or trivets on them.

If stains develop on the countertops, apply a paste of hydrogen peroxide and flour on them. A good rule of thumb is to apply the paste on the surfaces and then let it sit for up to 24 hours.

In most cases, the paste will lift the spot right out within this time.

Wooden countertops

To keep your butcher block wooden countertops in top shape, apply mineral oil to them at least once a month. If your countertops aren’t butcher block, apply marine oil that will prevent the countertops from fading.

You should prevent burns and other marks from your countertops as much as possible, but if they come about, sand them out. For the stains, remove them using hydrogen peroxide or lemon juice.

Soapstone

Since it’s naturally non-porous, soapstone doesn’t require any sealing. Unfortunately, it’s soft and prone to nicks and scratches. Due to this, you should be ultra-cautious when preparing your meals or working around surfaces.

The countertops are also prone to discoloration, but luckily, you can easily get rid of them when you catch them early on. To remove slight discoloration, rub it out using mineral oil.

Marble countertops

Marble countertops usually require high maintenance than other countertop materials. Since they are naturally porous, they require regular sealing to prevent stains.

The porous nature of the countertops also makes them susceptible to etching, so you should be ultra-cautious when interacting with them.

Chemical corrosion is common with these countertops, but you can buff it with marble polish. For the oil stains, remove them using hydrogen peroxide, ammonia, or mineral spirits.

In the event food stains develop, lift them with water-based paste or dish soap and baking soda.

Laminate countertops

The most common problem with laminate countertops are stains. Luckily, you can get rid of the stains using a paste of baking soda and water. Leaving the paste on the countertops for 3-5 minutes will remove most surface stains.

If you have hard-to-remove stains, remove them using household bleach. For the best outcome, rub the bleach gently on the surfaces with a cotton ball.

Stainless steel countertops

The major issue with stainless steel countertops is the never-ending scratches on the surface that give the surfaces an ugly look.

Luckily, you can buff the scratches out with an abrasive pad.

Stainless is also prone to rust, but you can prevent it by avoiding the surfaces from coming into contact with a cast iron pan.

If the surfaces develop rust stains, remove them using baking soda and lemon juice paste.

Solid surface countertops

If there are fine scratches or stains on the surfaces, buff them out using a mild abrasive. Even with the best care, it’s common for countertops to develop a plastic-like patina. When this develops, move with haste and have it removed by an experienced professional.

Granite countertops

Like marble countertops, granite countertops Durham are porous, so you have to seal them regularly to prevent stains from developing. To tell whether your surfaces are ripe for sealing, you should splash water on them and seal them.

If the water gets absorbed, it’s time to seal them.

Besides sealing the surfaces, also take care of the items you place on the surfaces, as you don’t want to ruin them.

What Countertop Do I Have?

When you install countertops in your home, you know what you are working with, but when you move to a new house, you don’t know the countertops installed there. If this is your current situation, you must be asking, what countertops do I have, right?

Well, there are several ways you can tell the kind of kitchen countertops you currently have. Some of these ways include:

Check the uniformity of the countertops

You can tell the nature of your countertops by inspecting their uniformity. If your units have a uniform color and consistency throughout, you are probably looking at quartz countertops.

Since quartz slabs are manufactured, they tend to be uniform, with little variations in patterns and textures.

To make quartz slabs, manufacturers mix ground stones with resins and polymers. Some quartz countertops blend ground marble, granite, and other natural stones.

The beauty of quartz countertops is they are tough and take a lot of abuse. They also require little maintenance, so you don’t need to worry about them getting easily stained.

Look out for grainy and blurry color patches.

If your countertops have grainer and blurry color patches instead of distinct patches, you are most likely looking at granite countertops.

Granite stone is naturally available and has been around for thousands of years, and over the years, it has been heavily used in the construction of monuments, bridges, and buildings.

Granite countertops come in different colors as a result of an assortment of different minerals available in the stone. These minerals include: mica, feldspar, quartz, and many others.

Besides identifying granite by its grainier and blurry look, you can also identify it by the many crystals and clumps of minerals that it contains. When you look at the granite slab, you see veracious pieces in speckled patterns that come together to form a stone.

Look at translucency

Can you see a few millimeters past the surface? You have marble countertops in your kitchen. Marble is one of the most elegant natural stones in the world, and for centuries, it has been used to construct palaces fit for kings and statues dedicated to various gods.

Marble free of impurities is solid white, but this is not always the case. In most cases, it contains impurities that make it pink, bluish, gray, yellow, or black.

The colors appear as swirls or veins throughout the stone, with no repeating or symmetrical patterns and varying dimensions and depths.

True marble has unparalleled glossiness that lasts for a long time.

Most people are confused about whether they are looking at marble or granite countertops. If you aren’t sure about what you have on your surfaces, undertake the cut test.

Here you cut the countertop with a sharp object such as a knife. Real marble will show scratches and etching over time. The countertop is most likely granite or manufactured stone if you scratch the surface but don’t see any damage.

Which is the best countertop to have?

Well, there is no right or wrong countertop—it depends on your preferences. If you like the current look of your countertops, you need to take good care of them to retain the elegant look.

Regardless of the countertops on your surfaces, one of the things you shouldn’t do is expose them to heat. As much as the countertops are tough and can withstand high temperatures, you should note that they aren’t heatproof.

You might get away with placing the hot pots and pans on the surfaces a few times, but when you repeatedly do it, you stand to ruin your surfaces.

To protect your quartz, marble, or granite kitchen countertops Durham, have trivets and other heat-insulating materials that will prevent the heat from getting to the countertops.

For your marble and granite counters, you will need to seal them at least once a year to keep off stains.

How to Keep Your Countertops Looking Like New

When you install your kitchen countertops, you want them to look good for a long time, don’t you? The good news is that it’s possible to do it. How do you go about it? Here is what you need to do:

Don’t cut directly on the countertops

As much as the countertops look tough and indestructible, they aren’t. When you repeatedly cut directly on them, you are bound to damage them permanently.

You can get away with it the first few times, but when you continuously do it, you leave permanent knife marks on the surfaces, which are not only unsightly to look at but also give your counters a cheap look.

The best way to go about it is always to have a chopping board where you do all your chopping. Here is where you chop your vegetables, tomatoes, onions, meat, and other items you might be interested in.

Of course, ensure that the chopping board is in good shape and doesn’t scratch your counters.

Be ultra cautious when doing the cleaning.

Cleaning your counters removes dust and other materials from the surfaces, but you should be cautious about how you go about it. This is because you can easily cause more problems than were originally there.

As much as you want your countertops to look good and new, don’t use harsh cleaning products, as you will damage the surfaces. As a rule of thumb, don’t use products containing strong acidic ingredients as they will remove the sealant or coating.

To be safe, use mild cleaners to clean your surfaces. If you aren’t sure about the right ones to get, consult a professional. Your manufacturer will also guide you pick the right cleaner for your surfaces.

Keep the counters away from heat.

The same way, some people have the impression that they can safely cut directly on their countertops in the same way they have the impression that they can place hot pots and other hot items on their counters without causing any damage.

Unfortunately, this isn’t the case.

As much as granite surfaces are tough, they aren’t heatproof. This means that when you place hot items on them, they will get damaged, and you don’t want this, do you?

To protect your surfaces from heat damage, have hot pads, trivets, and other protective materials on the countertop surfaces.

As you protect your surfaces, remember that it’s not only the hot pots from the fire that can damage your surfaces but also, hot plates and cups can cause extensive damage, so always have coasters to place your hot cups and plates on.

If you don’t have these protective materials on your surfaces, don’t risk it. Always let your hot pots cool down completely before you place them on the surfaces.

Don’t sit on the counters.

When you look at your countertops, they look like excellent sitting surfaces, right? While they are, you shouldn’t succumb to sitting or standing on them.

Besides the risk of the countertops breaking, there is also the risk of the metal parts of your jeans and other pieces of clothing scratching the surfaces and giving them a dull look.

You don’t want this, do you?

Avoid sitting or standing on your surfaces at all costs to ensure this doesn’t happen.

To eliminate the temptation, have a chair in your kitchen to sit on as you wait for the food to cook.

Have a ladder in the kitchen to avoid having to stand on the counters to replace the bulb or reach the top shelves.

Seal the countertops

If you have porous countertops such as granite and marble countertops NC, make it an effort to seal them at the time of installation, then at least once every year.

Use high-quality sealing products to get the most from your sealing work. As a rule of thumb, use products specially designed for your countertops.

Besides this, ensure that the sealing work is done by an expert who has been at it for a long time. Don’t hire a noob who will likely cause more problems than were originally there.

4 Things That Will Destroy Your Granite Countertops

Did you know that your granite countertops can be destroyed even by the most mundane things? Here are some of the things that can wreak havoc:

Raw meat

As much as it appears harmless, raw meat can be highly harmful to your countertops. The harm comes when the fluids from the meat seep into the granite layers.

Here bacteria and other microbes grow and not only give your countertops an ugly look, but also easily give you food poisoning.

The situation is even worse when you decide to chop the meat on your countertops. As much as granite appears tough, it’s not immune to knife damage. This means that when you decide to chop the meat directly on the surfaces, you are bound to damage your precious countertops.

Don’t make it a habit to place your raw meat directly on the countertops to protect your surfaces. When you accidentally do it, move with haste to clean and disinfect the surfaces.

As you use disinfectants, be cautious, as you can easily cause more harm than good. As a rule of thumb, don’t use vinegar or bleach solutions as they have been shown to discolor the countertops. In other cases, they have been shown to cause extensive wear and tear.

To protect your surfaces, don’t cut directly on them. Instead, always have a chopping board on hand.

Hot pans

The other thing that will destroy your countertops is a hot pan. As much as granite appears tough, it’s not fireproof.

You might get away with placing hot pans on your countertops a couple of times, but when you repeatedly do it, you stand, causing significant damage to the surfaces.

It’s normal to have accidental slips and place the hot pans on your surfaces, but to stay on the safe side, don’t place hot pans or any other hot item on your surfaces. The right way to go about it is always to have trivets or hot pads on your surfaces.

If you don’t have these, always let the pans and hot pots cool completely before you place them on the countertops.

Food

Yes, you read that right. Food can be harmful to your countertops. A classic example is a red wine. As much as it makes you feel relaxed and happy, red wine is acidic and can be extremely harmful to the countertops when you let them sit for a long time.

The acids in the wine etch the countertop surfaces, degrading the seal and exposing the vulnerable stone underneath. This not only gives your countertops an ugly look but also makes your countertops develop stains that are hard to remove.

To protect your countertops and keep them in perfect shape, ensure that you wipe all the spills as soon as they happen. As mentioned above, don’t use harsh liquids such as vinegar and others as they might cause more problems than were originally there.

Children

You must have visited a friend and found them bathing their child in the kitchen sink. While this looks fun, don’t try it in your kitchen.

This is because doing it puts too much pressure on the countertop sink, putting it at risk of getting damaged.

As much as the sink in your kitchen appears tough, it’s not designed to handle too much weight. This means that placing the baby in the sink increases the chances of it getting damaged.

Regardless of how happy you want to make the baby, don’t bathe them in the sink—use your regular bathing area for this.

The same way you shouldn’t use the kitchen sink for bathing your child is the same way you shouldn’t sit or stand on your countertops.

Most homeowners are guilty of this. They will sit on their countertops while waiting for the food to cook. Others will stand on the surfaces as they reach the top shelf or replace the bulbs.

To protect your granite kitchen countertops Durham, don’t sit or stand on them. Have a chair to sit on while in the kitchen. It’s also wise to have a ladder to step on when looking to replace the bulb or reach the top shelf.

Best Kitchen Countertop Colors

Are you thinking about installing kitchen countertops but aren’t sure what color to go for? There are plenty of color options you can go with, with the common ones being:

Rustic wood tone

Wooden countertops give your kitchen a homey and warm atmosphere, so if this is the atmosphere you are after, this is the best countertop color. This choice is also smart when you want to give your kitchen a transitional appeal.

To make your kitchen more interesting, install a wooden island, then pair it with a stone countertop on the sides adjacent to the kitchen wall.

Neutral gray tone

The neutral gray tone is friendly and highly versatile, especially with other accents and fancy colors. When properly installed, the gray tone gives a balance between stark white and dark tone, while lifting the aesthetics of the countertops.

The gray countertops work best when you want different vibrant colors for your kitchen cabinetry. The tone also comes in handy when looking to complement any chrome plated finish in the kitchen area.

White with fine veinings

If you want to install marble countertops in your kitchen, avoid being like everyone else. While the stark white beauty of the white marble is elegant to look out for, it gives a kitchen a cliché look.

To stand out, use a different color of marble. For example, use marble with white background with a grainy or fine veining.

If you have always wanted to have granite countertops instead, go for countertops with white or beige colors that perfectly match the color tone.

Besides a white kitchen countertop looking great, it also makes your small kitchen space look bigger. There is also the illusion of cleanliness and an airy feeling.

Regardless of the white countertop you choose, ensure that you get it from a reputable store. You also should have it professionally installed by an expert that knows what they are doing.

Rich black tone

The beauty of black countertops is that they work extremely well with dark and colorful cabinets.

If you want to draw attention to them, install them in such a way that everything else around them has a light color hue.

Install the countertops with a mirror or backsplash for an interesting look.

Are you a minimalist? Go with a black-and-white tone. Besides giving your house a simple look, it also gives an interesting traditional and contemporary atmosphere.

Stark white countertops

Stark white countertops are the perfect choice for those looking to give their kitchens a minimalist look.

Besides being simple, the countertops can fit with a variety of cabinets. For example, they can fit with wooden grainy cabinets, chrome plate surfaces, etc.

If you have a narrow kitchen, the stark white color cuts the cave-like feeling, making your kitchen more comfortable to live in, not to mention making your kitchen feel airy and look spotlessly clean.

Countertops with bold veinings

You choose these countertops when looking to give your kitchen a dramatic look. Due to the veinings, you make your countertops the center of attention.

To get the most from the veinings, ensure that you install them in a large kitchen. Don’t install them in a smaller kitchen, as they can be overwhelming and even make the kitchen look smaller than it already is.

Parting shot

These are some of the countertop color options you can choose for your countertops. To get the most from them, choose the right color. If you aren’t sure about the right one to go for, get the input of a professional.

Regardless of whether you are installing marble, granite, or quartz kitchen countertops NC, have them professionally installed. Take your time finding an experienced contractor that will properly install the surfaces.

You might argue that you will be late finding the right contractor but remember that you are better late than having a botched kitchen.

Besides the contractor you hire being experienced, they also should be insured. This way, you are sure that in the event an accident happens, you won’t be held liable. The company will also compensate you in the event it damages your surfaces.