Tag Archives: Kitchen Countertops

Granite Countertop Alternatives

If you ask many people about the countertops they want to install in their homes, they will tell you they like granite countertops. While there is nothing wrong with the countertops, it’s not the only countertop option. There are plenty of other options available in the market you can go for. These include:

Quartz

Quartz countertops are constructed of engineered stone. They comprise 90-95% natural quartz crystals, one of the hardest minerals found in the Earth’s crust. Quartz crystals are mixed with resins, polymers, and colors to form a solid surface.

Quartz countertops are available in various colors, patterns, and finishes, allowing you to pick the perfect style to complement your design preferences.

Depending on the manufacturing method, they can resemble natural stones such as granite or marble or have a more uniform and consistent appearance.

The beauty of Quartz countertops is that they are incredibly resilient to scratches, stains, and damage. The quartz crystals give the surface toughness and strength.

While this is the case, you should note that the countertops are not heat-resistant. Thus, trivets or hot pads should shield the surface from direct heat.

To get the most from the countertops, ensure professionals install them. This is because the countertop installation involves taking precision measurements, cutting the slabs to fit the pattern, and adhesively connecting them to the cabinets. The contractor then polishes the edges to complete the aesthetic.

You also should take good care of the countertops. The good thing about the countertops is their ease of upkeep. They are non-porous, which means they do not absorb liquids and are stain resistant.

Because bacteria and mold are less prone to form on the surface, they are also more hygienic. You must clean them with mild soap and water regularly to keep them looking great.

Stainless steel

Stainless steel countertops are composed of iron, chromium, and other metals. Chromium, the major component, provides corrosion resistance and gives stainless steel its distinctive shine.

Different grades of stainless steel may contain different concentrations of chromium and other metals to improve specific qualities.

Stainless steel counters have a clean, modern appearance that compliments a wide range of kitchen designs, from industrial to minimalist.

They have a reflective surface that can give the kitchen a sense of spaciousness.

If you don’t like the common look, you can always go for custom stainless steel countertops that can be made to meet the exact dimensions and layout of your kitchen.

Stainless steel is well-known for its strength and durability. It is extremely heat, stain, corrosion, and impact resistant.

It is a long-lasting solution because it does not crack or chip like other tabletop materials. It is, however, prone to scratches, so use cutting boards and prevent dragging heavy or sharp things across the surface.

Since stainless steel is non-porous, it does not harbor bacteria, making it a sanitary choice for food preparation facilities.

It is simple to clean and maintain because you can wipe it down with water and detergent. Use abrasive cleansers or steel wool to avoid scratching the surface.

Wood countertops

Wood countertops are popular for home and business areas because of their inherent beauty, warmth, and durability. This is because they bring beauty and personality to any kitchen, bathroom, or workstation you install them.

The countertops are made from soft or hardwood.

A single piece of wood is used to make solid wood countertops. While butcher block countertops are made from multiple wood strips laminated together to create a sturdy and visually appealing surface.

Wood countertops are frequently used in kitchens for food preparation because of their resilience and ability to withstand knife cuts.

Wood counters treat the surfaces with a food-safe finish to protect the countertops against moisture, stains, and bacteria. Some of the materials you can use include Mineral oil, beeswax, and specialty wood sealants.

When it comes to cleaning the surfaces, clean them with a light soap and water solution. To protect the finish, avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleansers.

You should note that wood countertops may only be appropriate for some situations. To keep their beauty and functionality, you should properly maintain the surfaces.

Before you install the surfaces, consult with a woodworking professional or specialist who will provide additional suggestions based on your individual needs and preferences.

Recycled glass countertops

Recycled glass countertops are an environmentally friendly and visually appealing solution for kitchen and bathroom surfaces.

Crushed recycled glass is combined with a binder ingredient, such as resin or cement, to form a long-lasting, environmentally friendly countertop material.

The cost of recycled glass countertops varies based on criteria such as the type and quality of glass used, the binder material used, and the complexity of the pattern. Compared to other countertop materials, they are often in the mid to high price range.

When installing the countertops, ensure a professional installs them.

Recycled paper

Recycled paper countertops, also known as paper composite countertops, are a type of surface material manufactured from recycled paper and a binding resin.

These countertops are intended to be a greener alternative to granite.

While these countertops are long-lasting, they are prone to scratches and dents. On the other hand, many minor flaws can be sanded down and repaired.

The countertops are heat resistant to some extent, but directly placing extremely hot things on the surface may cause damage, so be ultra-cautious when using them.

It’s always a good idea to research different manufacturers, read product reviews, and talk with professionals before making a purchase or installation decision to verify that the recycled paper matches your needs and expectations.

Parting shot

As you have seen, there are many countertop options you can go for other than granite. Regardless of the kitchen countertops Raleigh you settle on, ensure that an expert installs them. Of course, ensure that the contractor you hire is certified and experienced to install the surfaces expertly.

Countertop Colors Options and What They Mean

When you are looking to install countertops, besides considering the layout of the cabinets, the other important thing you should consider is the color of the kitchen countertops, as they come in handy in determining the look and feel of the kitchen.

Are you wondering which is the best color that you should go with for your countertops? Well, here are what the different colors mean and the ideal place to use them.

White

White countertops, whether laminate, composite or a very light natural stone like marble, are popular since they will brighten any kitchen.

Because your work surface takes up a lot of area in the kitchen, it’s usually a good idea to use a light reflective material.

White and light natural stone counters reflect light and offer a sense of space in small kitchens, making them the ideal choice for a small house.

White countertops are popular for various reasons, including their ability to increase the sense of light and space in a compact kitchen.

When using white kitchen countertops, you should note that they tend to get dirty easily, so you should always be ready to clean them to keep your kitchen looking clean.

When installing them, it’s always wise to go with a shiny finish that is easy to clean.

Dark countertops

Dark countertops are the perfect choice for a sophisticated and dramatic effect.

Dark countertops provide a touch of subtle luxury and are considerably more versatile. For example, you can easily pair them with grey finishes, natural wood, and white cabinets to create a sophisticated monochromatic design.

If you think that dark counters are your thing, you should note that they show dirt and streaks more easily than lighter hues, so you need to clean them regularly.

When cleaning, avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage the surface. For a great experience, always use a gentle, non-abrasive cleaning product.

Lighting may significantly impact how black countertops appear in your kitchen, so ensure enough illumination to keep the space from looking too dark and cramped.

Light tones with texture

Light counters with a delicate grain or texture, such as natural stone, porcelain, or quartz, are becoming more popular. While pure white worktops keep interiors bright, grey, beige, or off-white designs, and veined kitchen counters add depth and intrigue.

If you want to give your counters a unique look, you should consider white worktops with subtle marble-like veins that provide interest or larger veins that transform the worktop into a work of art.

The veins can be different colors, notably deep reds, browns, and gold.

Mix light and dark countertops.

Why not combine two designs if you can’t settle on a kitchen countertop color? For a great look, choose complementary colors. For example, you should combine light gray with dark gray or white with black to give a sophisticated look.

You also should pair light countertops with dark cabinets and walls to create balance and contrast. You can also pair dark countertops with light cabinets and walls to generate contrast. By doing this, you have a visually pleasing space.

Remember to incorporate an accent color that helps you achieve a unified design as you do the pairing. This could be the color of a backsplash or decorative items.

When mixing the colors, you can easily be carried away and go with many colors, but you shouldn’tshouldn’t do this as you will most likely end up with an ugly kitchen.

For an elegant kitchen, it’s crucial not to go overboard when mixing the counter colors. Always keep the rest of the area modest and let the countertops take center stage.

Wood

You can’t go wrong with earthy colors or the honeyed tones of a wood countertop, as they add warmth to the kitchen.

While wood requires more maintenance than other materials, each piece is unique and appears to have a personality, which always makes a room feel special and welcoming.

When choosing wooden countertops, selecting a wood that is sturdy and resistant to moisture and stains is critical. Maple, oak, cherry, and walnut are the best choices.

The finish of the wood you go with will affect how the countertop looks and how long it lasts, so be cautious of the finish you choose.

Some of your finish options include: sealed, oiled, and unfinished. For a great experience, go with sealed or oiled finishes, as they give a protective coating that can assist in preventing stains and moisture damage.

As much as wood is an excellent countertop material, you should note that it’s prone to water damage, so make an effort to clean spills as soon as they happen. When wiping them, do it using a moist cloth?

As much as you want your countertops clean, avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage the wood.

Grey concrete

Grey is a classic and versatile color for a countertop. Grey polished concrete worktops are an excellent choice if seeking an industrial look.

When installing grey countertops, consider adding pops of color to the space with accessories like rugs, curtains, and decorative items. This is because grey tends to be neutral, which can be unpleasant for some people, especially those that love having some colors in their kitchen.

To prevent discoloration and moisture damage, remember to seal your concrete countertops. When choosing the sealant, use a high-quality sealer exclusively for concrete countertops.

Parting shot

These are some of the countertop color options that you can choose from. At this moment, you must be asking which is the best color to go for. Well, there is no right or wrong color—it all depends on your taste and preferences.

Whether you want white granite or marble countertops Raleigh, it’s up to you. You only need to ensure that the countertops match your property’s theme and lifestyle. You want to spend your money on countertops that will give you the service you want and appeal to you for years.

What Makes a Good Kitchen Countertop?

When building or remodeling your kitchen, one of the most significant decisions you’ll make is the countertop material to install. 

This is because they influence the place’s visual and general mood and may also be the catalyst for developing a good cooking plan. 

If you choose the wrong kitchen countertops, you’ll most certainly wind up with culinary nightmares, and you don’t want this, do you?

To ensure that you choose the right material, you need to consider several tips: 

Ease of maintenance

Maintenance is one of the most crucial factors when selecting a worktop material for your kitchen.

If you prefer a pristine environment, you want a surface you can easily wipe.

One of the best materials to go for is Quartz. This is because it’s easy to care for and highly durable.

Quartz is made out of quartz stone particles mixed with resin. Since quartz surfaces are resilient and non-porous, they are less prone to discoloration, so cleaning oil, coffee, or juice is as simple as one swipe.

Quartz is also available in many nature-inspired patterns and gorgeous colors.

If you don’t like Quartz, you can always go for porcelain countertops highly resistant to heat and chemicals. They are also resistant to acidic or alkaline materials and will not fade or discolor over time. 

The surfaces are also easy to clean, saving you a lot of time and effort.

If you cook a lot at home, go for solid surface countertops.

These countertops are non-porous and resistant to stains and bacteria since they are made of hard polyester, acrylic, and resin. 

Solid surfaces are also highly durable and do not need to be regularly sealed.

And, if they develop dents, you can easily buff out most of the scratches. 

Cleaning up spills is a breeze, as most solid surfaces can be cleaned with a bit of soap or simple home cleaning.

Because a solid surface is not heat resistant, you should be ultra-cautious of hot pots and dishes and use a trivet to protect them.

Heat resistance

The kitchen has high temperatures, so the ideal kitchen countertop should be heat-resistant unless you are looking for a countertop that you must keep replacing. 

One of the countertop materials you can go for is porcelain. Porcelain can tolerate extremely high temperatures since it is comprised of clay and burned at high temperatures. 

Other heat-resistant countertops you can consider include Quartz, granite, and marble. 

While they are less likely to be harmed by hot pans and trays than other surfaces, it is wise to be ultra cautious and use trivets or cooling racks.

Some surfaces, even virtually shatterproof, can crack unexpectedly when subjected to severe heat, so always protect them. 

Hygiene

Many people rarely think about their countertops’ hygiene status, which is wrong. You should always consider how your chosen countertops will impact your food upon installation. 

Few materials outperform copper in hygiene, so always consider it during installation. Copper and its alloys, such as bronze, brass, and copper-nickel, are naturally antibacterial, so bacteria and viruses that settle on their surface are quickly killed. 

When you undertake regular surface cleaning, brass and copper kitchen counters make an excellent choice and provide you with the extra infection protection you are after. 

Because brass and copper have living finishes, their appearance will vary and develop with time, yielding amazing effects. 

Although these kitchen counters can be sealed with lacquer to preserve a uniform appearance and avoid discoloration, it’s important to note that doing so will counteract the material’s natural antibacterial characteristics, so it’s good to leave them in their original look. 

If you don’t like brass and copper, a reasonable rule of thumb to follow when choosing countertops is that the less porous the material is, the more hygienic it is. 

A non-porous texture prohibits the growth of bacteria, mold, or mildew, ensuring optimum cleanliness.

Ease of kneading on them

If you enjoy baking or preparing pizza and pasta, you’ll want a smooth, non-porous countertop that keeps a low temperature even when things get hot. 

Quartz is one of the best materials to consider. We already know it is non-porous, stain-resistant, low-maintenance, and easy to clean – all unquestionably important when dealing with a lot of flour.

But what makes Quartz particularly appealing is its ability to sustain a low temperature, and as all pastry cooks know, temperature counts. 

Quartz countertops keep their cool, so you can, too, since there will be no melting butter, sticky dough, or collapsed flaky crusts.

Ease of cleaning

Cleaning the countertops is part of maintaining them, and ensuring you can easily clean your surfaces is important. 

How easily you clean these surfaces depends on the material you have installed. 

If you have Quartz countertops, the non-porous, sealed surface requires less upkeep than other stone surfaces. To clean it, dampen a towel with mild dish soap and warm water or use a quartz cleaner, then dry it with a clean microfiber cloth. 

For granite countertops Raleigh, avoid leaving spills on them for extended periods, as they may develop stains or discoloration due to their porous nature. 

To clean the granite surfaces, use a moist cloth dampened with mild dish soap and warm water or a granite cleaner, then dry with a clean microfiber towel. Resealing your countertops once or twice a year is also wise to prevent watermarks and stains.

When it comes to marble countertops, you should know that it is susceptible to stains and scratches. You should reseal these countertops at least once or twice a year.

 If you like the look of marble but do a lot of cooking or baking, or drink coffee or red wine, avoid going for natural marble, as it will make it hard to keep it clean. Instead, it would be best to go for marble-looking Quartz that will give you the same look, but you have less chance of harming or staining your counters.

                                                                                                                                 

Guide to Decorating Your Kitchen Countertops

Guide to decorating your counters while leaving them looking beautiful and functional.

Are you wondering how to decorate your kitchen countertops without compromising functionality? There are plenty of ways to go about it. These ways include: 

Avoid clutter

When decorating your kitchen, it’s easy to be carried away and have as many decorative elements as possible, but you should contain yourself. The last thing you want is to have too many things that you don’t have enough space to cook. 

To avoid clutter, you should only have what is necessary. This calls for you to purge any items that aren’t necessary. If there are decorative items you feel don’t belong there, consider donating or selling them if they are still in good shape. 

You also should remove duplicates and those that are broken or no longer serve a purpose.

Make use of flowers

Flowers are a fun and great way to bring natural beauty and freshness into your environment.

When choosing flowers, ensure that they have a pleasant smell. This calls for you to use fragrant flowers like lavender, roses, or lilies.

The size of your countertops should also inform your choice. Go for larger floral arrangements or potted plants if you have a large kitchen with plenty of counter space. 

Smaller bouquets or potted plants are ideal for smaller kitchens with limited counter space.

Try to match the flowers with your kitchen counters as much as possible. Choose flowers that complement or contrast the colors in your counters to create a harmonious or eye-catching effect. 

For example, if you have neutral-colored kitchen counters, add a splash of color with colorful flowers like daisies or tulips. Flowers like roses or hydrangeas may be a suitable complement for more classic or rustic kitchen counters. 

Finally, think about your lifestyle. If you are regularly away from home or have a hectic schedule, consider more durable flowers that can withstand occasional neglect, such as cacti or ZZ plants.

You should strategically place the flowers on your counters in such a way that they add beauty to your kitchen without getting in the way.

Add class with China.

Did you know you can use China to add elegance and charm to your countertops? 

One way to do it is to display your china on a plate stand: On your kitchen counters, use a plate stand to display your favorite china plates or saucers. 

The best pieces are plates with appealing patterns or motifs that complement your kitchen decor. Arrange the plates in a row or stack them to make a visually appealing presentation.

Another way to use China is to create a gorgeous vignette as the focal point. Arrange a few pieces of china, such as teacups, saucers, or bowls, besides other decor items, such as a flower vase, a candle, or a tiny figurine. 

Experiment with different heights, textures, and colors to make an eye-catching display.

You can also get creative and use China on your countertops as useful and ornamental items. Use a set of matching teacups or coffee mugs, such as a fashionable utensil holder or a pretty china bowl or platter to hold fruit or other kitchen necessities.

By doing this, you enjoy the beauty of your china while also using it for utilitarian purposes.

Be smart in your choice of storage containers.

Storage containers can help you stay organized while adding a fashionable and functional touch to your kitchen.

When buying the containers, go for those that are both functional and visually appealing. Choose containers with appealing patterns, colors, and materials that complement your kitchen decor. 

You can add a touch of elegance or contemporary to your counters using glass, ceramic, or stainless steel containers.

While the containers help you kill two birds with one stone, take care that you don’t go overboard with them. When placing the storage containers on your countertops, be cautious not to crowd the space. 

Keep things simple and avoid clogging up your counters with too many containers. The best way to do it is to choose a few crucial storage containers and strategically place them on the counters. 

Choosing the best-looking containers isn’t enough. Remember to clean and organize your containers regularly to keep your countertops tidy and visually appealing.

Make the countertops appealing using your cooked food

Sometimes you don’t need to do much—you need to use what you already have. If you have already prepared your food, you can use it to decorate your counters. 

Choose appealing dishes or platters that suit your kitchen decor when serving your food. For a great look, choose dishes with unique forms, colors, or patterns. To provide visual interest, utilize varying sizes and heights.

If you have prepared a lot of food, use unique containers or bowls to store the cooked food on your counters. Look for containers or bowls that complement your kitchen decor while adding a unique touch to your countertops.

You also should arrange the cooked food on your countertops artistically. You can make a visually pleasing display by arranging a vibrant salad with fresh ingredients or a tastefully presented main entrée. Experiment with different materials, colors, and heights to make an eye-catching arrangement.

Remember to clean up after using cooked food to decorate your counters. The reason for this is that food spills or crumbs can easily ruin the appearance of your countertops. 

You should wipe up any spills or crumbs and swiftly store any remaining food in proper containers to keep your countertops clean and tidy.

Parting shot

These are some of the ways you can decorate your countertops. Whether you have marble, quartz, or granite countertops Durham doesn’t matter. The tips above will work on any countertops. 

Remember that decorating the countertops isn’t enough. You still need to take good care of the surfaces. As a rule of thumb, don’t place hot materials on the surfaces, as they will burn. You also should avoid letting spills stay on the counters for too long as they will form stains. 

If your countertops need sealing, seal them at least once a year. 

Butcher Block Kitchen Countertops Myths

If you want to redo your kitchen, there are a lot of different countertop materials to consider. Most people think about granite, quartz, and marble countertops. 

Butcher block is often forgotten because many people have myths about it. Which are these myths? Here they are. 

The butcher block is high maintenance.

Many people must know that taking care of and maintaining a butcher block countertop takes a lot of time. But this isn’t true. 

Butcher block countertops do need to be cared for, but they won’t take up much of your time and aren’t that different from caring for other materials. 

To keep your butcher block countertop looking and working its best, reseal the surface. You should do this once or twice a year, depending on how often you use your counter.

Butcher block countertops are easier to keep clean and fix than other materials. If your countertops get dents or scratches, you can sand them down and put a new coat of sealant on them. 

The countertops scratch easily.

People also worry that butcher block countertops will get scratched easily, which is another reason they don’t use them. People worry that their countertops won’t look good and will be an eyesore in their kitchens instead of a beautiful focal point. 

Even though they are softer than stone and will get nicks more easily, the same is true of slate and other hard stones. 

If you slide something unfinished over a butcher block countertop, you are about as likely to scratch it as you are to scratch a countertop made of a different material. 

No matter what material you use, you need to be careful with this.

To protect your surfaces, use a food-safe coating. This will protect the natural wood from scratches. And, as was said above, if your countertops get scratched over time, you can sand down the finish and reapply the sealant to make them look new again.

The countertops aren’t durable.

Some people decide not to put butcher block countertops in their kitchens because they are worried about how long they will last. In reality, butcher blocks last about the same amount of time as a number of other materials. 

When well maintained, they can last about 20 years, the same as laminate and cultured marble.

To extend the life of your countertops, seal the surfaces at least once or twice a year with a sealant that is safe for food and water. You also should smoothen the scratches and stains with sandpaper.

The countertops hold a lot of germs and bacteria.

Everyone has heard it. Butcher block countertops are dirty and dangerous because they hold germs. But this is just a story. Yes, wood is porous, but if you take care of your countertops, you should be able to use them to prepare food and do other cooking-related tasks in a clean way.

To keep your countertops clean, make it a habit to clean them after each use, just like any other material. 

Remember that you can’t place a raw steak on any countertop and expect the spot where it was, free of germs or bacteria. 

Ensure the butcher block countertop you choose doesn’t have a coating that lets water through. 

By doing this, bacteria won’t get into the wood itself. After using the counter, always clean it with either soap and warm water or vinegar and water.

The countertops aren’t water resistant.

Many rumors also say that butcher block countertops can’t stand up to water or heat, but this is untrue. 

Yes, water can get into wood countertops that aren’t sealed. The trick is to give your countertops a finish that doesn’t let water in. This will make it less porous. 

Several mineral oil products that are safe for food will protect the wood from anything you put on the countertop. Then, all you have to do to protect your countertop is put on a new coat of sealant about twice a year. 

It’s not too hard. Even though it’s true that you can’t let water sit on butcher block countertops or they’ll warp, the same is true for stone. 

Marble kitchen countertops NC can get permanent stains from water. Like marble, butcher blocks need to be cleaned of any standing water to keep them from getting damaged.

Tips to Consider When Installing Granite Countertops

For the best outcome when installing granite countertops, you need to consider a number of tips. These tips include:

Go with high-quality granite

The first thing you need to do is decide what kind of granite you want. If this is your first time, the granite shop you visit will have a lot of samples and slabs so you can get a good look at all the different colors and grain patterns.

You’llYou’ll also see the different edges to choose from, like square, bevel, bullnose, miter, ogee, and many more.

Besides the main surface of the countertop, you’ll need to choose the length of the overhang and the type and size of the backsplash, if you decide to have one.

To increase the chances of buying high-quality granite, avoid buying it from big box stores. Instead, buy your granite from small stores. Besides these small shops stocking high-quality countertops, they also tend to be cheaper.

These stores even have experts who help you with the installation at no extra charge.

Be ultra cautious when transporting the countertops

After your countertops have been cut to size, it can be hard to get them home safely. You will have to pick up the countertops from the fabricator unless they are being sent to you.

Don’tDon’t forget that granite is heavy—a 6-foot countertop can weigh more than 400 pounds—so get some help to move and transport the countertops safely.

To avoid cracking or breaking the stone, carry it vertically instead of flat. One excellent way to do this is to carry the slabs on edge in an A-frame rack, the same way glass is carried.

You can use 2x4s to make a simple rack if you need to. Cover the edges with wide painter’spainter’s tape to keep them safe.

Take the right cabinet measurements.

Once you’ve picked out the granite and taken it off the old countertops, measure your base cabinets accurately to give to the fabricator. To get an accurate measurement of the top of the base cabinets, measure the distance from the wall to the fronts along the wall.

If you aren’taren’t a dab hand at DIY projects, you should avoid taking the measurements yourself. Instead, have an experienced contractor come with you. Besides taking accurate measurements, they will also see if there are any bumps in the walls or exposed pipes that might affect the installation of the countertops. 

Make a template out of cardboard.

You can give your fabricator even more accurate measurements by making a template out of cardboard, lauan plywood, or even Mylar plastic.

Use a scribing tool to make the template fit tightly against the wall along the whole row of cabinets. Then, trace the front edge of the cabinets onto the template.

Sinks, cooktops, faucets, and soap dispensers must be cut out of your template in the right places.

When doing it, be careful not to let more than 2 feet of space between cabinets, like over a dishwasher, and don’t let more than 6 inches of unsupported overhang with 2 cm stone or 9 inches with 3 cm stone.

If you want an undermount kitchen sink, write that on the template so that the fabricator can cut the sinkhole to hold the sink clips.

Also, ensure your fabricator “rods” the cutouts with steel or fiberglass reinforcements to strengthen the narrow areas around the cutouts.

Set a date to pick up or have your finished countertops delivered once you have clearly stated your needs and given your measurements.

Ensure that the base cabinets are level.

Make sure that your base cabinets are level along their length. If not, take the base units apart and use shims under the baseboard to level them.

Ensure the countertops fit.

There are two ways to make the countertop fit better if it doesn’tdoesn’t sit flush against the wall as it should. You can make changes to either the wall or the granite.

 If the wall is made of drywall, the easiest and safest way to make the countertop fit is to mark the spot where it hits and then cut away the drywall with a utility knife or jab saw.

If the wall is made of something harder, like tile or brick, you may need to change the granite. To do this, mark the part where the granite kitchen countertops Raleigh hit the cabinets, then carefully remove the granite.

You should then carefully shave the edge to the level you want using a dry-cut diamond blade on an electric grinder.

How Not To Clean Your Kitchen Countertops

As a responsible homeowner, you want to keep your kitchen countertops, don’t you? As much as this is a great move, you should note that some things might not work to your advantage, and you shouldn’t do them. Which are these things? Here they are:

Using vinegar And Baking Soda On Grout

You might think using vinegar and baking powder to clean grout can benefit your surfaces, but this isn’t the case. In fact, it often ends up being more harmful.

This is because vinegar and baking soda have been shown to make the grout harder to clean.

Another trick that doesn’t work is using abrasive scrubbers or steel wool on tile surfaces because they can scratch and damage the tile.

The solution is to stop using cleaning hacks that don’t work and use a pH-neutral cleaner made for tile and grout. This is a great way to eliminate dirt and grime without damaging the surfaces.

Cleaning kitchen counters with bleach

Many homeowners will use bleach after handling raw meat, poultry, or fish. While this might seem like a great idea, it isn’t. the reason is that bleach is dangerous for people, pets, wild animals, aquatic life, and the environment.

The harmful nature of bleach comes from the volatile organic compounds made by bleach fumes which can cause asthma, COPD, chronic lung problems, allergic reactions, and headaches.

Instead of using bleach to clean your counters, use 3% hydrogen peroxide to kill germs on a surface after you’ve cleaned it.

Using lemon juice

Using lemon juice to clean might seem like a cheap way to keep things shiny, but lemon juice is acidic and can damage many surfaces, like marble and granite countertops.”

Instead of using lemon juice, which could make things worse, try using natural ingredients like baking soda and vinegar to clean and scrub in the kitchen and bathroom.

Putting baking soda and vinegar together on countertops

Many homemade cleaning products use vinegar and baking soda together, but you shouldn’t do this because these ingredients have been shown to work much better when used separately.

When you mix the two, you get nothing but water and salt after a fizzy show that promises shiny counters. You might be wondering how this happens, but it’s basic chemistry. Baking soda is a base, and vinegar is an acid. As a result, they cancel each other out when they’re together.

The best way to use them is to use an equal amount of vinegar and water in a spray bottle to clean the kitchen and bathroom.

Vinegar is a great disinfectant. Ensure not to use it on natural stone, as the acid can damage your surfaces. If you have stains, baking soda is a great way to eliminate them.

Tricks to make it easy to clean your countertops

The first step to making your kitchen easier to clean is to get rid of things that don’t belong there. Once you’ve removed things you no longer use and rearranged your cabinets to make things easier to find, find a way to clean your surfaces daily.

The cool thing is that you don’t need any special things—all you need are the right habits, like wiping down surfaces everyday and washing and putting away dishes as soon as you have used them.

Some homeowners have the impression they need different cleaners, but this isn’t the case. All you need is one good quality surfactant or soap to clean everything. As you can tell, you keep your kitchen clean and have an easier time as you don’t need to think about different products.

Getting a kitchen organized in a way that works well will also help. For example, store the cups, bowls, and plates in cabinets within arm’s reach of the dishwasher. This makes it easy to unload because everything is right there.

If you have a lot of work to do in the kitchen, like mopping, wiping down surfaces, or scrubbing tile grout lines, break up the work into smaller pieces and do it over several days if you need to. This will not only prevent you from getting too tired, but it also helps you to stay motivated.

Parting shot

These are some ways you shouldn’t clean your granite kitchen countertops Raleigh or any other ones you might have installed in your kitchen. The key to keeping your countertops clean is to keep it simple. When dirt happens, move fast and get rid of it. While at it, ensure that you are using the right cleaning products.

 

Things You Should Know About Kitchen Countertops

Is this the first time you own kitchen countertops? There are several things you should know about them. These things include:

Some countertops need sealing

If you recently moved to a house with already installed countertops or newly installed units, you should know that some countertops might require you to seal them once a year. As you can guess, this is an additional expense on your part.

The countertops need sealing because they are porous, and the sealant prevents liquids from seeping through and staining the surfaces.

Two of the countertops that require sealing are granite and marble. You also should regularly seal any porous countertops that you might install.

If you aren’t sure whether to seal the units, enquire from a reputable countertop company. You should also research the countertops you have installed in your home.

For peace of mind that your countertops won’t stain the next time you place items on them, please make an effort to seal them at least once a year. When applying the sealant, ensure that its high quality.

You can apply the sealant yourself or hire a professional to help you.

Even if you have already sealed granite countertops, you should note that you still need to take care of your counters. This calls for you to watch what you place on them. As a rule of thumb, don’t place liquids on the surfaces, as they will leak to the inner layers.

It would be best if you also always cleaned the spills that happen as soon as they do. This is because even if you have already sealed your surfaces, the falls will still get to the inner layers when you go for a long time without removing them.

Even with thoroughly sealed counters, always get rid of the spills as soon as they happen.

The countertops aren’t as tough as they look.

When you touch granite, quartz, marble, and other countertops, you might have the impression that they are destructible, but this isn’t the case. Just because the countertops appear challenging doesn’t mean that they are.

To protect your surfaces from damage, avoid cutting directly on them. Please don’t do it now on the countertops when cutting vegetables or chopping meat. Instead, always have a chopping board that prevents you from making marks on the surfaces and simultaneously prevents the spread of bacteria from the meat to the counters.

When you regularly place the hot pots on, most countertops will also be damaged by fire. For your countertops to look good for long and last for as long as possible, avoid placing the hot pots directly on your countertops.

Instead, have hot pads and mats on the counters. When you place your pots, you get them from the stove.

If you don’t have these units, don’t take the pots from the stove. Instead, leave it there until it has completely cooled down.

Besides heat, you also look out for weight, as placing too much weight on the counters will damage this. Many homeowners have the propensity to bathe their young ones on their kitchen sinks. Don’t do this, as you will place too much pressure on the counters.

You also should avoid placing an oversized cooking pot on the counters.

Other homeowners tend to sit on the counters while waiting for the food to cook or when reaching for the top shelf or replacing the bulbs. When you bathe your child in the sink, you place too much pressure on the countertops when you sit or step on them, which expands even the tiniest fissures leading to cracks you didn’t want in the first place.

Countertops need care

Whether you have granite, marble, or quartz countertops Raleigh, you need to give them the best care they deserve. This means that you should regularly clean them.

You might have the impression that you need harsh cleaning products, but this isn’t the case. Simple soap and water are enough to leave your countertops sparkling. You should always avoid harsh chemicals as they cause more harm than good.

Tricks To Make Your Countertops Look Better

Are you wondering how you can make your kitchen countertops look better than they do? Well, there are a number of things you can do. These things include:

Clean the countertops regularly

You should make it a habit to clean your countertops as regularly as possible. A good rule of thumb is to ensure that you don’t get out of the kitchen and leave your countertops dirty.

Some people think that you have to be fancy about how you do the cleaning, but this isn’t the case. All you need is a wet piece of cloth, soap, and you are good to go. You shouldn’t use tough cleaning products such as ammonia as they won’t make any difference. In fact, they often end up ruining your countertops.

Seal your countertops correctly.

If you have installed porous countertops such as granite and marble, you will need to seal them regularly to prevent them from staining and getting damaged. You should always seal the surfaces at the installation time and once a year after that.

When doing the sealing, always use the right sealant. Some people try to cut corners by using low-quality products, but you shouldn’t go this route as the cheap sealant wears out fast, leaving you exposed countertops. You don’t want this, do you?

After you have confirmed that your countertops need sealing, you should get high-quality ones that will withstand the test of time. If you have the skills, you can apply the sealant yourself, but if you have never done it before, let an expert do it.

Always protect your countertops with coasters and trivets

Even the toughest countertops, such as granite and quartz, will get damaged when you expose them to a lot of heat, so you should protect them from damage using coasters and trivets.

When placing hot items such as drinks and food, don’t place them on the naked countertops. Instead, always place them on a hot pad or any other material that will prevent the heat from reaching the countertops.

If you don’t have the protective materials, don’t place a hot pot on the countertops. Instead, let the pot cool completely before placing it on the surface.

In the same way, many homeowners have the impression that kitchen countertops are tough and can take heat abuse is the same way they think they can cut directly on them. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case.

The countertops appear tough, but they will get damaged when you cut directly on them. Always use a cutting board when cutting or chopping food to protect your surfaces and keep them from scratching.

Add a backsplash

Many homeowners add backsplashes to their countertops to protect their walls from moisture and food splashes, but this isn’t the only benefit of adding a backsplash to your countertops. Adding a backsplash can also be an excellent way to update your countertops and make not only the countertops but the entire kitchen look better.

To get the most from the backsplash, use high-quality tiles that complement the design of the kitchen. You also should ensure that the countertops are installed by a professional that knows what they are doing. You don’t want someone that doesn’t know what they are doing to botch your project, do you?

Resurface your countertops

If you want to improve the look of your countertops but are strapped for money, resurfacing them is an excellent and cost-effective way to improve the look of your surfaces.

If you have done a similar thing before, you can resurface the surfaces but if you have never done it before, let an expert help you.

You should prepare the surfaces by cleaning them thoroughly, then sand them with coarse sandpaper.

If there are any damages to the countertops, such as chips and cracks, fill them with epoxy filler. Once the filler has dried, apply a primer coat and resurface the surfaces.

After the resurfacing material has dried, apply a sealer on your marble or granite kitchen countertops NC. As mentioned above, always use high-quality sealing materials that protect your surfaces.

How Do You Revive Dull Marble?

One of the primary reasons many homeowners install marble countertops in their homes is because they love their shiny, polished look. Unfortunately, the countertops lose their shiny look due to constant use and poor care.

When the countertops lose their original shine, many homeowners have the impression that the only way they can have shiny countertops again is to replace the dull ones with new ones.

Fortunately, this isn’t the case. This is because there are ways you can revive dull countertops. Some of the things you can do to achieve this include:

Clean the countertops

Sometimes all you need to do is to clean the countertops. And the good thing is that it doesn’t have to be complicated.

Start spraying the countertops with a mild stone cleaner, then wipe it off with a soft dry cloth. If you don’t have the budget or can’t find a commercial stone cleaner, you can always use mild dishwashing soap on a damp piece of cloth.

You should apply the soap on the cloth, then use the cloth to wipe and clean the marble.

When cleaning the surfaces, do not let the soap stay on them for too long, as it can cause stains. The best way to go about it is to rinse the soap off with water as soon as you are done cleaning, then wipe the surfaces dry after that.

If the above cleaning method doesn’t work, use one part of hydrogen peroxide and two parts of water. Take care not to use too much hydrogen peroxide, as you can easily damage the surfaces.

Sand the surfaces

Cleaning the countertops will eliminate minor stains, but if the surface damage is severe and the debris, soot, and dirt have seeped into the countertop surfaces, cleaning the surfaces won’t cut—you need a tougher way to go about it.

One of these ways is to sand the surfaces. Start with cleaning the surfaces until they are thoroughly clean and free of dirt or debris. You should then choose the right sandpaper depending on the nature of the surfaces.

If the surfaces are heavily scratched or damaged, start with a grit of 60, but if they are a little smoother, you can start with a grit of 120.

You should then wet the surface with a damp cloth to reduce the dust created by sanding.

Once wet, sand the surface in a circular motion while applying light pressure. To prevent the surface from clogging with marble dust, keep the sandpaper wet while you do the sanding.

You should continue sanding until you can no longer see the scratches and damage.

Once you are done, wipe the surface with a damp cloth to remove any remaining dust and debris.

Finally, dry the surface with a soft, dry cloth. If necessary, polish the surface using a marble polishing compound and a soft cloth.

Use an etch remover

If you have tried sanding the countertops but still don’t look as polished as they should, consider using an etch remover to remove the etch marks.

The etches on your countertops can be brought about by several factors, such as using acidic substances on your countertops.

An etch remover is designed to remove these etch marks leaving your countertops looking clean and shiny.

To remove the etches and polish your countertops, you should start by cleaning the surfaces to remove all the dirt and debris.

Following the instructions given on the etch remover, use the right amount of product. Using a clean cloth, you should apply the product on all the etch marks on the countertops.

For the best outcome, rub the etch remover gently on the etch marks in a circular motion. As you do it, take care not to use too much pressure that can lead to damage to the counters.

You should let the etch remover sit on the countertops for the recommended time, then rinse it with clean water. Finally, dry the countertops with a soft, dry cloth and if necessary, apply countertop polish.

Parting shot

These are some of the ways in which you can restore the dull on your marble kitchen countertops NC. You can do the polishing yourself, but let an expert do the work for the best outcome.