Tag Archives: countertop care

Tips for a Great Experience with Tile Countertops

If you can’t afford marble or granite countertops or don’t like their look, you can always go for tile countertops.

Tile countertops were trendy in the 1970s and 1980s, and now they’re making a big comeback. They add color, pattern, and style to kitchens and bathrooms worldwide.

The beauty of the countertops is that you can install them by yourself without involving a contractor.

Would you love to install these countertops? Here are tips for having a great time with them:

Have a firm base

Even though you can tile over old countertops, starting from scratch is always better. When doing it, ensure that the surface you are installing the countertops is solid, properly primed and you use the right tile adhesive for the material.

Remember that it will be hard to tile over existing countertops with curved edges. You also will most likely have problems with the height.

For a great experience, replace any existing countertops with marine-grade plywood board, followed by a layer of 6mm tile backer board. Ensure that the board is firmly attached to the surface and clean, dry, and free of dust.

Use the right tiles

As you can guess, there is no way you will have a great time with your tile countertops if you are using the wrong tiles.

If this is the first time you install the countertops, you might have the impression that all of them are the same, but this isn’t the case. Two of the most popular tile countertops are ceramic and porcelain.

Porcelain tiles are highly resistant to water and can last for a long time. Most porcelain tiles are nano-sealed when made, keeping their surface protected for longer.

If you can’t find porcelain, ceramic tiles are also a good choice, but you should avoid those that need to be sealed, like natural stone or encaustic, unless you are very careful to seal and reseal them often. ‘

When buying the tiles, go with larger format tiles to cut down on the number of tile joints and cuts.

Work on achieving tidy edges.

Putting tiles on countertops is mostly a matter of using a notched trowel to spread tile adhesive and then pushing each tile down firmly, over and over again.

Usually, the hardest part is making the edges look beautiful and neat.

Once you’ve put down your tiles, you’ll need to finish your countertop’s front and back edges. There are a few ways to do this.

One of the ways is using a silicone sealant is the cheapest solution. You should put a thin layer on the edges to make a clean, waterproof seal.

While you can go with silicone, you should note that it’s not always a great choice, especially if the front edge of the tile is rough.

For a clean look, make a mitered edge by cutting the same tiles into smaller pieces. While this is good, it often takes a long time. The good thing is that it makes clean lines, protects the edges of your tiles, and gives your countertop a smooth, professional look.

Use the right grout

On tiled countertops, you should use a resin-based grout that doesn’t soak up stains and doesn’t let them in. This will help keep bacteria, stains, and water from getting on your countertops.

For the best outcome, ensure the grout is level with the tiles and doesn’t go down in any spots. No matter what, you should never let air bubbles form. Use a grout float to help push the grout deep into the spaces.

The goal is to keep spills and germs from getting stuck in the grout lines as much as possible.

Remember that you might need to re-grout at some point, especially if the grout starts to wear down from all your cleaning.

Stains will appear less on colored grout than on white grout, so if your surfaces are busy, you are better off with colored grout.

Apply grout sealant to your tile kitchen countertops NC to prevent the grout from getting dirty.

Best Practices When Living With Marble Countertops

Marble countertops are not only beautiful and give your home a high-end look, but they also can last for a long time when you take good care of them. And the good thing is that you can do several things to ensure that they last for as long as possible. Which are these things you should do? Here they are:

Keep acidic substances away from your countertops

Acidic substances can etch into your countertop surfaces and leave your surfaces dull and lackluster. To be on the safe side, don’t use an abrasive or acidic cleaner such as bleach or vinegar on your surfaces. You also should never use harsh scrubbing pads on the surfaces.

Certain fruits such as tomatoes, citrus, and others have been found to contain high acid levels, so you should keep them off your countertops.

To keep your countertops in top shape for a long time, have specialized bowls to store the acidic fruits.

Don’t cut on the countertops.

Marble looks tough and damage-proof, but it isn’t. This means that when you cut directly on it, you are bound to damage it. To ensure this doesn’t happen, have a cutting board where you cut your vegetables, and chop meat, among many other tasks.

Clean the countertops with a gentle soap

You might have the impression that you need abrasive cleaners to clean your countertops, but this isn’t the case. You should know that marble is one of the easiest materials to clean, and you can achieve almost perfect clean surfaces using gentle soap and warm water.

All you need to do is to wash the surfaces with a solution of soap and water, then wipe them with a wet, hot dish towel. Once done, dry the surfaces with an absorbent towel.

To avoid deep stains that are hard to remove, make it a habit to spot clean any spills immediately. Remember that the longer you leave substances on marble, the more they are likely to stain, so keep them off the countertops as much as possible.

Always thoroughly wipe your counters.

Here you need to spray the counters, then use a cloth dipped in soap and water to wipe down the surfaces, focusing on any dried food or debris.

To ensure that your counters really shine, dry them thoroughly with a clean, dry cloth. Some of the best clothes for this are microfiber clothes. In some cases, you have to repeat the polishing to achieve ideal results.

For perfect-looking countertops, clean the surfaces daily, especially if you have a high-traffic kitchen. For the bathrooms, wipe them once a week.

Buff out impurities

In the event your countertops develop stains, you can try and get rid of them by buffing them out. One of the best products to use for the work is #0000 steel wool.

If the nicks, gouges, or dull spots are large, don’t try to remove them, as you will most likely damage your surfaces. In such a case, hire a professional to sand them out. If you aren’t sure whether you can remove the scratches, check with your manufacturer or the company you bought the countertops from.

Seal the countertops

Like granite, marble is highly porous, meaning that when you go for a long time without sealing it, water and other impurities can easily get into the countertops and stain them.

To prevent the stains from coming about, make it a habit to seal your countertops at the time of installation then once every year.

You can seal the surfaces by yourself or hire a professional to help. Regardless of how you go about it, ensure that you use a high-quality sealer. Using a sealant specially formulated for marble surfaces will be better.

Parting shot

Like granite countertops Raleigh, marble surfaces are porous, so they need to be properly maintained to prevent them from getting damaged. As a rule of thumb, don’t treat your counters as chopping boards. Always have a chopping board in place.

Also, don’t clean the surfaces using abrasive materials regardless of how dirty they look. Remember that marble is one of the easiest materials to clean, so don’t put so much effort into it. Warm water and gentle soap are enough.

5 Things You Avoid With Granite Countertops

Granite countertops don’t come cheap; when you install them, you want them to last for as long as possible. The good news is that it’s possible to have your countertops for a long time—you only need to avoid doing harmful things to your surfaces. Which are these things? Here they are:

Don’t chop on the countertops

Due to their natural and tough nature, cutting your onions, tomatoes, and other items on the surfaces might seem harmless, but you shouldn’t as they aren’t immune to cuts, scratches, and chips.

When you cut on the surfaces, you dull the countertops and the knives, so you have to keep sharpening them, not to mention having to replace the countertops later down the line.

Avoid chopping vegetables and butchering meat directly on your countertops to last for long. Instead, use a large and quality cutting board.

Keep them inside a protective knife block when you aren’t using the knives.

If you live with other family members, teach them how to use and store the knives properly.

Avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners.

If you are like other homeowners, you want your countertops clean and spotless. To achieve this, some homeowners clean their surfaces aggressively, while others use abrasive cleaners.

While there is nothing wrong with keeping your surfaces clean, be cautious of the cleaning agents you use. As a rule of thumb, avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners as they have been shown to cause plenty of problems.

Besides discoloring the surfaces, the abrasive cleaners dissolve the protective sealants and even scratch the countertop surfaces.

To stay safe and keep your countertops in tiptop shape, avoid all cleaners containing bleach, ammonia, acetic acid, and abrasives.

Soap and a soft piece of cloth are usually enough to keep your countertops clean, but if you want to go the extra mile, use cleaning products that have been specially formulated for granite.

Don’t climb on the countertops.

At first glance, granite surfaces look tough and indestructible, but this is not the case. Like other natural materials, granite surfaces have fault lines that can crack when applying too much pressure on them. The situation worsens when you apply pressure on areas without enough support, such as overhangs and kitchen islands.

When preparing the meals, don’t sit on the countertops as you risk damaging them. You also should avoid standing on them to reach the top shelf or replace the bulb.

If you are always tempted to sit on the countertops, have a stool in the kitchen that you can use when the itch comes about.

If you have children or adults living with you, let them know that they can’t sit on the countertops as they can easily damage them.

Don’t place highly-pigmented liquids on the countertops

The most common highly pigmented liquids are juices. If you have children, you will often spill the juices on the countertops where they stain them, giving them an ugly look.

To prevent the discoloration and keep your countertops in top shape, keep the juices and other highly pigmented liquids away from the counters.

If you love wine, juices, and sports drinks and regularly have them in the house, and you aren’t sure that you will be able to keep them off your surfaces, choose dark-colored countertops that will easily disguise any accidental spillages that might come about.

How quickly you get rid of the spills when they happen is vital for preventing the staining. To be on the safe side, make it a habit to remove them as soon as they happen.

Investing in quality and annual professional sealing is also wise to prevent stains from becoming a problem.

Mind the heat

As much as granite is tough and can withstand some heat, it’s not harm proof. This means it’s bound to get damaged when you place extremely hot items on it.

You can get away with placing hot pans and other items on the kitchen countertops NC occasionally, but when you repeatedly do it, the countertops get damaged.

To protect your surfaces, have tablemats, coasters, or other protective items to protect your countertops from damage.

What Shouldn’t You Do To Your Kitchen Countertops?

To keep your countertops in top shape and have them last for as long as possible, you need to be cautious of what you do to them. What shouldn’t you do to your kitchen countertops? There are plenty of things, with the common ones being:

Don’t use knives on your countertops

As much as your countertops look tough, they can easily get damaged by knives and other sharp objects, so you need to be cautious about how you go about it.

When you cut directly on your surfaces, you leave surfaces with slice marks that are not only unpleasing to look at, but are also unhygienic as harmful bacteria and other microbes can hide inside.

To avoid damaging the countertops or even your knives sometimes, make it a habit to use a cutting board. Of course, get a high-quality cutting board that will last for a long time.

Don’t use bleach when cleaning the countertops.

When used properly, bleach is one of the most effective cleaning tools you can use to clean the various parts of the house. While this is the case, you shouldn’t use it in every situation. As a rule of thumb, keep it out of your countertops as it will discolor the countertops, making them look too old than they are.

You shouldn’t use bleach the same way you shouldn’t use harsh cleaning pads such as steel wool or Brillo pad.

Most of the countertop dirt can be removed with a soft piece of cloth, soap, and water. If you have tried cleaning the surfaces, but things aren’t getting better, chances are the countertops are stained, and you need to hire a professional to use specialized products to clean them.

Don’t store cleaning supplies on your countertops.

The cleaning supplies are safe to place on the countertops. After all, you clean the surfaces using them, right?

Well, as much as you clean the surfaces using the products, you shouldn’t place them on the countertops. This is because the products contain plenty of chemicals that can stain the surfaces, especially when you let them sit on the countertops for a long time.

The chemicals can also get to the food, putting your life and that of your loved ones at risk.

The best way to go about it is to store the products under your sink, or any other place far away from where you prepare the food.

Don’t let the dishes dry on your wooden countertops

Wooden countertops give the kitchen a character. They can also look as excellent places to place your dishes, waiting for them to dry, but they aren’t.

This is because, with time, the seal on the surfaces wears out, meaning that the water from the drying dishes seeps through, creating mold spots.

Some people place a towel across their counter to prevent water from seeping through, but this also isn’t enough as with time, the towel too gets moist, and water starts passing through. The wet towel is also a huge source of germs in the kitchen, putting you at risk of food poisoning.

Never place dishes on your wood countertops to be on the safe side. Instead, use a drying rack at all times.

Don’t sit or stand on the countertops.

If you visit most homes, you will find the homeowners sitting on the countertops while waiting for food to get ready. Others will stand on the surfaces as they reach for the top shelf or replacing the bulbs. This is wrong as it puts too much pressure on the countertops, increasing their chances of cracking.

To keep your countertops in top shape, don’t sit or stand on them. If you want to sit while in the kitchen, get a chair. Do you want to reach for the top shelf or replace the bulb? Get a ladder or step on a stool.

Parting shot

These are some of the things you shouldn’t do to your countertops to prevent them from getting damaged and being forced to undertake countertop replacement Durham.

If you notice even a minor issue with your surfaces, get in touch with a professional to have the issue looked at and fixed before it worsens.

Do Kitchen Countertops Need To Match The Floor?

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

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

What are the other options available?

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

Dark countertops with light flooring

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

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

Dark countertops with contrasting dark-colored flooring

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

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

Neutral countertops with light flooring

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

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

Light countertops with neutral flooring

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

Stainless steel countertop with dark flooring

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

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

Monochromatic color scheme with light countertops and dark flooring

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

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

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

What is the best color for kitchen countertops?

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

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

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

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

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

So, should you match your countertops with the floor?

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

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.

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.

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.