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Tips to Consider When upgrading Your Kitchen Countertops

Your Kitchen countertops can make or break your kitchen. Unfortunately, any well-used kitchen surface experiences regular wear and tear over time.

If your countertops have seen better days and you feel trapped in a kitchen design rut, you may need to upgrade them.

Countertops play an important role in the aesthetic and functionality of a kitchen. This means that a quick update instantly modernizes the kitchen’s look and changes how you cook and enjoy the space.

To get the most from your kitchen, here are some of the tips you should consider to upgrade it properly:

Aim for low-maintenance countertops.

To have an easy time keeping your countertops in tip-top shape, you should go for those that require minimal maintenance.

While there are many countertops in the market you can go for, the best ones to consider are engineered stone worktops that are resistant to damage and stains. This makes them ideal for red wine and coffee aficionados, as well as home chefs who routinely cook with olive oil (which can wreak havoc on real stone).

Of course, you should ensure that the countertop is installed by a professional who knows what they are doing.

As much as the countertops are tough and long-lasting, you should note that this doesn’t mean they are indestructible. To avoid scratches, avoid dumping heavy objects on the surfaces and utilize cutting boards.

You also should protect the countertops from heat damage. This calls for you to use trivets or hot pads under hot cookware to avoid damage.

When cleaning, clean your countertops with gentle, non-abrasive cleansers. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers as they can cause finish damage, and you don’t want this, do you?

While most engineered stone worktops are non-porous and do not require sealing, if your manufacturer advises it, adhere to the sealing schedule.

If you don’t like the look of engineered stone countertops in your kitchen, you can always go with granite countertops.

The countertops are tough, but you must take more care of them to last for a long time. Besides protecting them from heat and abrasive cleaners, you will need to regularly seal them to prevent water and other liquids from easily seeping through and damaging them.

Consider mixing and matching the countertops.

Countertop mixing and matching can create a visually appealing and dynamic effect in your kitchen or other rooms. If this is the first time you are doing it, here are some pointers on how to mix and match countertops effectively:

If you’re using various patterns on different materials, make sure that the patterns complement one another rather than conflict. Patterns can be scaled similarly or contain complementing features.

You should select a secondary countertop material that contrasts in color or pattern with the dominant material. This is appropriate for specific locations such as an island, a baking station, or a wet bar.

If you choose a statement-making or one-of-a-kind material for the secondary countertop, pair it with a more subdued and neutral material for the prominent countertop. This keeps the space from becoming too crowded.

While mixing materials, it is critical to maintain some amount of consistency. This could be done through the space’s color palette, design style, or overall attitude.

When mixing the countertops, consider including design components that provide cohesiveness between the various materials. These include cabinet hardware, lighting fixtures, and decorative embellishments.

You should always consult a kitchen or interior designer if you need help mixing and matching the countertops efficiently.

Consider the countertop trends.

Trends come and go, so never clutter your kitchen with design decisions that will age poorly. While this is the case, several contemporary countertop trends will last.

A great example is when the countertop material matches the backsplash material. When properly installed, the countertop creates an immaculate European style appealing to many people.

If you have the space, a waterfall-edge kitchen island is a great option to go with. Such an island is full of drama and instantly pulls your eye into the space.

You should also consider the thickness of the countertop that you are purchasing and go for smaller styles. A thinner countertop is typically less expensive and easier to install.

While keeping up with countertop trends is vital, keep in mind that your personal preferences and the overall style of your kitchen should drive your decision.

As mentioned above, trends come and go, but a countertop that complements your lifestyle and aesthetic choices will last.

If you aren’t sure about the best countertop design or trend to go with, consult a professional, and they will assist you in making informed decisions that are consistent with your vision and the functionality of your kitchen.

Go green

As time passes, more homeowners are emphasizing eco-friendly materials with lower carbon footprints. If you feel that you should follow this trend, you are in luck, as there are numerous options available for you to choose from. The common ones are:

Bamboo countertops: Bamboo countertops are made from a rapidly growing renewable resource. They have a distinct appearance and can last as long as hardwood. When purchasing, look for bamboo countertops verified for sustainable sourcing by groups such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

Recycled glass: Recycled glass countertops blend broken glass with a binder to create a vibrant, unique surface. They are eco-friendly because they reuse materials that would otherwise wind up in landfills.

Recycled paper: Paper-based countertops are made from recycled paper and resin to form a solid surface. They are lightweight, long-lasting, and available in various colors and patterns. These counters are frequently sealed with low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) coatings for further sustainability.

Eco-friendly concrete: Some concrete countertops are created from environmentally friendly resources such as recycled aggregates or fly ash, a byproduct of coal combustion. These countertops are long-lasting, and you can personalize them in color and pattern.

Engineered quartz: While not fully natural, engineered quartz countertops Durham frequently contain recycled components, giving them a more environmentally friendly option to real stone.

When considering eco-friendly countertop options, consider the source of the material, manufacturing procedures, transportation distance, and end-of-life disposal.

In addition, seek certifications from reputable organizations that verify the material’s long-term viability. Ensure the countertop matches your values, budget, and general style choices.

Upgrade Your Kitchen: How to Select Everything

kitchen countertop replacement

The kitchen is the most important room of your home. It is also the most complicated area when you try to upgrade or remodel. Thanks to seemingly limitless options you have for kitchen countertops, cabinets, and flooring materials, kitchen remodelling task becomes even more difficult. There are so many items available on the market. Choosing the best item as per the needs, requirements, budget and decor of the kitchen is so confusing.

Kitchen remodelling

Homeowners opt for kitchen remodelling when they want to improve the look, comfort and value of their kitchen. It is not possible to achieve this by selecting the wrong item. The homeowners need to be very precise with their requirements. Instead of rushing for shopping, they should first analyze their requirements, gather information about kitchen trends, and then choose the kitchen items.

Kitchen cabinets

Kitchen cabinets are integrated part of the modern kitchens. They have more functional value than aesthetic value. There are plenty of things that you need to consider while choosing the kitchen cabinets, some of them are:

Kitchen cabinets should be installed at the right place
Kitchen cabinets should be easily accessible
Kitchen cabinets should neither be too small nor too large
Kitchen cabinets should match with the kitchen decoration theme
Kitchen cabinets should be made from the durable material
Kitchen cabinets should be easy to clean
Kitchen cabinets should not be too expensive

Kitchen flooring

Generally, homeowners plan for the kitchen remodelling or renovation because of slippery kitchen flooring. Kitchen flooring consumes a lot of kitchen remodelling budget. It is essential to look for following features while selecting the kitchen flooring:

Kitchen flooring surface should not be slippery, even when the floor is wet
Kitchen flooring material should not get stained easily
Kitchen flooring material should be easy to clean
Kitchen flooring material should look good
Kitchen flooring should match with the rest of kitchen decor
Kitchen flooring material should not be too expensive

Kitchen countertops

Kitchen countertop replacement one of the important tasks of kitchen renovation. You need to look for below mentioned features, while choosing the kitchen countertop:

Kitchen countertop should look good
Kitchen countertop should be heat, germ and stain resistant
Kitchen countertop should be easy to clean
Kitchen countertop should be durable
Kitchen countertop should low-maintenance

Benefits And Care Of Marble Countertops

best kitchen countertop contractor

Marble countertops are common in kitchens. They are one of the most expensive countertops in the market, but at the same time they are one of the most durable. According to experts, when you take good care of them they can last for up to 100 years.

They come in different colors and hues where the color of the stone is determined by the area it was mined. If you are undertaking kitchen remodeling these are the countertops to go for.

Benefits of marble countertops

There are many benefits that come with the countertops. Some of these benefits include:

Beauty: as mentioned, the countertops come in different natural colors that you can choose from. In addition to this, these countertops have the ability of blending with different textures such as natural wood finishes.

Heat resistance: since they are made from stone, the countertops can’t burn or catch fire. While this is the case, they can be easily damaged by hot items placed directly on them. To protect your countertops it’s highly recommended that you place a mat on their surface.

In addition to being heat and fire resistant, the units are also resistant to cracks, breakage, and scratches.

Guide on how to take care of the countertops

For the countertops to last for a long time you should take good care of them. There are many ways in which you can do it:

Installation: care should start at the installation phase. You should ensure that they are installed by an experienced professional. The kitchen contractor you hire should not only be a kitchen professional, he/she should also be a marble countertop expert. This way you will have confidence that the units have been installed properly.

Cleaning: for the units to retain their elegant look you need to clean them often. When cleaning you should note that dirt materials tend to scour the surfaces; therefore, you should take a lot of care. To remove the dirt you should softly wipe the surface using a damp cloth. Remember that a lot of pressure will scratch the surface instead of removing dirt.

Sealing: while marble countertops NC are tough and withstand heat, they tend to stain easily. You should protect them from stains by applying a sealant on a regular basis.

Conclusion

Marble countertops are a great choice in your kitchen remodeling projects. For ideal results you should have them installed by a professional kitchen remodeler. You should also buy them from a reputable store.

The best countertops for busy kitchens

Kitchen countertop replacement is an affordable way of giving a fresh look to kitchen. It is somewhat like mini kitchen remodeling. A new countertop can bring new colors to your kitchen. However, choosing the new kitchen countertop material is not an easy task. There are plenty of countertops available on the market. Each material has its own pros and cons.

Buying new kitchen countertops

Who does not want to buy a countertop that looks beautiful, easy to maintain, withstand daily wear and tear, endure parties, and lasts for years. Many countertops look good, but you should invest in a countertop which can bear the load of busy kitchen. Below mentioned are the pros and cons of the three most popular kitchen countertop materials:

Quartz

Quartz is one of the most beautiful countertop materials available these days. This countertop displays a wonderful unison of colors, minerals and resin. Quartz countertops offer the look and feel of stone countertops, and yet they do not require sealing. This material is heat resistant, scratch resistant and stain resistant.

On the other side, the corners of quartz countertops may get chipped over time. And quartz countertops are quite expensive as compared to other countertop materials.

Granite

Granite is the most popular choice for kitchen countertop replacement. Granite is a natural stone and each slab of granite countertop is different from other. These countertops are available in beautiful display of colors. You can put hot pan, use sharp knife and spill oils and acids on your granite countertop. This countertop can provide you years of trouble free services.

On the other hand, granite countertops require annual sealing, and they can get chipped from corners. Also, granite countertops are quite expensive.

Marble

Marble can give you a beautiful kitchen countertop surface. Marble countertop can provide you with a stunning working surface. They are resistant to heat. Although marble countertops are not fully resistant to scratches, small scratches can be easily repaired.

On the other hand, marble countertops get stained easily. They are expensive and their maintenance cost is high. Also, there are many replicas of marble countertops available on the market, so consumers have to be very cautious while purchasing the marble countertops.

Why Quartz Countertops Are the Hottest Kitchen Trend

When it comes to aesthetics, every homeowner wants to make their space unique. Kitchen is a focal point of the home. It is a place where family gathers for meals and other social activities. This is the reason why homeowners do not hesitate in splurging money on kitchen remodeling. Kitchen countertop is one of the important parts of the kitchen. The countertop has to be functional as well as beautiful. It should provide practical benefits and look good.

Importance of the right kitchen countertop material

There are many countertop materials available on the market. Choosing a countertop material from the crowd of hi-tech and natural-stone countertop materials is not an easy task. Every kitchen countertop material has something different to offer. Among all, granite, marble, soap stone, quartz, bamboo and tile are trending these days.

Know about Quartz Countertops

Marble and granite have been ruling as the kitchen countertop material since a longtime. These countertops have been found in all types of kitchens. However, if you have noticed the recent kitchen countertop trends, you might have come across quartz countertops.

Unlike high-maintenance marble and granite countertops, quartz countertops are stain repellent and invulnerable to acidic foods. This material is resistant to chips and scratches. Also, quartz does not require any sealing. It looks stunning for a long period of time.

One of the biggest reasons behind increasing popularity of quartz countertops is aesthetics of man-made stone. Quartz countertops have unnaturally uniform patterns that create the variations and swirls of natural stone. This stone is way cheaper than granite and marble. Also installation of quartz is really very easy.

Quartz countertops are available in variety of colors and textures. It means you can have countertop complementing your kitchen décor. Quartz countertops look scintillating in the kitchen. With this countertop, you can give rich and royal look to your kitchen without spending a lot of money.

Since quartz is a man-made material. It is important to buy the quartz countertop from a reputable quartz countertop company. You can get all the benefits of quartz countertops only if you purchase it from the right source.

The Kitchen Countertop Selection Guide

The countertop acts as workbench for kitchen. It is more functional than decorative. Along with beauty, you should consider durability, maintainability, heat resistant capacity, scratch resistant capacity and strength of the countertop material. A wide range of kitchen countertop material choices are available on the market. You will find many countertop materials to choose from that suit your taste and style. The best material is one that fulfills performance standards, available within budget and looks beautiful.

Things to know before choosing countertop surface

Countertop selection is one of the important parts of the kitchen remodeling. In spite of the wide range of options available, it is important to thoroughly observe every material. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages. It is mandatory to determine your needs, requirements and budget before opting for any countertop material. Spare sometime and check out the following aspects of countertop material before making your decision:

Check both look and feel of the countertop material
Think about practicality and maintainability of the selected material
Analyze the long term durability of the material
Ascertain about the environmental friendliness of the material
Check if material require sealing

Types of kitchen countertops

Laminate Countertops

These are affordable and low-maintenance countertop surfaces. Although they do not offer heat resistance, get scratched and chipped easily, they are available in many colors and textures. If you are not going to use your countertop for heavy duty work, you can think about installing laminate countertops.

Solid Surface countertops

Solid surface countertops are basically plastic. They offer renewable surface. The cuts and scratches can be blended. This surface allows you to use of integrated sinks. Solid surface countertops are non-porous and do not contain any visible seam. You can get fully customized solid surface countertop.

Natural Stone Countertops

90 % homeowners opt for the natural stone countertops for their kitchens and bathrooms. Natural stones such as marble, granite, soapstone and gemstone offer amazing countertop surface. These countertops inherit the beauty of the stone from which they are made. These countertops are scratch and heat tolerant. Natural stone countertops lasts lifetime, if maintained properly. However, you should purchase natural stone countertops from reputable and trustworthy kitchen countertop company to get genuine product.

Kitchen Remodeling – Why Remodel Your Kitchen

Kitchen remodeling will ease your lifestyle and increase value of your property. There are many genuine reasons to remodel your kitchen. As kitchen is the heart of the home and the place which witness maximum activities, it is important that it has everything up to date.

Reasons to Remodel Your Kitchen

Kitchen remodeling can be a major undertaking. A kitchen with all modern appliances, good ventilation, correct lighting, scintillating kitchen countertop, easy to use and beautiful furniture, and right flooring can make your life really very easy. If these reasons are not enough for you to remodel your kitchen, have a quick glance over below mentioned reasons for kitchen remodeling:

Function

Through kitchen remodeling you can improve the functionality of your kitchen. For example you can adjust kitchen island height according to your comfort or create room for two cooks or have a walk-in pantry. Thus, if you are not comfortable in your own kitchen, then kitchen remodeling can work for you.

Deterioration

After some years, the kitchens start deteriorating. If your kitchen has cracked tiles, peeled countertops, broken cabinet doors and outdated kitchen appliances, then you should totally think about kitchen remodeling. Such deteriorated kitchens decrease the usefulness of kitchen.

Safety

Sadly, most household accidents take place in kitchens. Through kitchen remodeling, you can improve the safety of your kitchen to minimize the risks of accidents and make it as safe as much as possible.

Value

Remodeled kitchen can add value to your property. You can attract potential buyers with beautiful kitchen.

Energy Savings

Energy savings can be the inspiration for a kitchen renovation. Think about adding skylights to bring more sunshine, replacing old kitchen appliance with energy-efficient appliances and installing solar water heaters can cut the utility bill. These energy saving modifications will not only cut your utility bills but also put less stress on the environment.

Style

Simply hire a kitchen contractor to remodel your kitchen. An experienced and skilled contractor can style your kitchen in a beautiful manner.

These are some apparent reasons for kitchen remodeling. So, just ask yourself- Is it time to remodel kitchen? If YES, then hire a kitchen remodeling contractor NOW!

A Valuable Guide to kitchen remodeling

Kitchens are one of the most important rooms for house. Every homeowner desires to have a beautiful, comfortable, spacious, ventilated and clean kitchen. If you are one of that homeowner who is not happy with their present kitchen, then kitchen remodeling option is open for you. Through remodeling, you can modify your kitchen according to your needs and requirements.

Kitchen Remodeling Tips

Kitchen remodeling is an effective step for increasing the value of the kitchen but careful planning is needed to get the desired kitchen. Pay attention over planning before beginning your kitchen remodeling project. Check out the home improvement magazines, internet and neighborhood to get knowledge about latest kitchen remodeling trends. The more research you do, the better results you get. The below mentioned kitchen remodeling tips will help you in planning your kitchen remodeling:

Try to utilize entire kitchen space in the efficient manner.
Maximize cabinet area by selecting taller cabinets.
Install a pantry if you already have.
Choose energy efficient kitchen appliances.
Take kitchen ventilation seriously.
Opt for latest furniture design.
Hire a kitchen remodeling contractor
Change kitchen countertop, plumbing fixture, flooring, paint etc.

Hiring a kitchen remodeling contractor

Kitchen remodeling is a big project. Even if you or your friends have knowledge of carpentry or remodeling, you cannot accomplish the entire kitchen remodeling work on your own. The kitchen remodeling contractors have knowledge about the each and every aspect of kitchen remodeling. They are also aware about latest remodeling trends. By analyzing your kitchen they can suggest you the best pattern for remodeling.

When you look for kitchen contractor, you can find many eligible contractors who are agile to work for you. But you will have to opt for the best kitchen contractor to tackle your kitchen remodeling project. In order to find the best kitchen contractor, you should follow below mentioned steps:

Consult several contractors and understand their work as well as working style.
Look for referrals. Ask your friends, relatives and neighbor about the kitchen contractors working in your area.
Check out the previous work done by the contractors. Their previous work will let you know about their capabilities and working style.

Marble Countertops: Yes, they’re great!

Everyone loves the white marble countertops. They look elegant, bright and add character to kitchen decor. Marble can also be one of the cheapest kitchen countertop options available to you if your kitchen makeover or bathroom remodeling budget is limited.

Guide to marble countertops

Marble countertops are considered great for bathrooms, fireplace surrounds and other locations which do not require heavy duty use. However, with proper maintenance, it is possible to use the marble countertops in kitchen as well. Let’s take a look at pros and cons of the marble countertop.

Marble countertops offer spectacular beauty

The main reason why marble countertops always remain in demand is there spectacular beauty. No matter in which corner you install marble countertops in your house, they will always look good. This stone comes with the wonderful display of color, which change the entire look and feel of the space.

Marble countertops can bear heat

The biggest misconception people have regarding marble countertop installation is that they are not apt for kitchen because they cannot bear the heat. But marble posses heat resistant property. It can withstand the hot pan and pot.

Marble countertops are easy to clean

From maintenance point of view, marble countertops are really very good. Marble countertops are very easy to clean. Just wipe it with wet cloth and you will get scintillating countertop surface. No extra effort is required to maintain the white surface of the marble countertop.

Concerns about marble countertops

The very first reason why marble countertop installations are not recommended for kitchen is there porosity. Marble is more porous than granite. It quickly absorbs liquid; it means marble countertop can readily absorb oil, wine, juice and other spills. Thus, if liquid spills are not cleaned on time, they can create permanent stain. Even, you will have to be cautious in bathroom with nail polish, liquid soaps, nail remover etc. Fortunately, sealing is available to homeowners to maintain the long lasting white beauty of the marble countertop.

So, these are the pros and cons to the marble countertops. They are beautiful countertop option available for bathroom vanities and kitchen counter. You should always consider hiring a reputable and trustworthy contractor for marble countertop installation.

How to Plan and Budget for a Kitchen Renovation

A kitchen renovation is daunting as well as exciting project. Deciding what you want in your new kitchen isn’t easy but planning for new kitchen is FUN. Evaluating the scope of kitchen renovation project is the ideal thing to do when you start forming the kitchen remodeling budget.

Budgeting for Your Kitchen Remodel

Setting and staying within kitchen remodeling budget may sound obvious but it is not as simple as you think. Before touching the calculator, do market research. Find out what is available in the market and at which rate. Visit shops, read home improvement magazines, check out trade shows and browse online resources. And then prepare your ideal kitchen wish list with price tags.

It is not possible to confine the kitchen remodeling budget without conducting the market research. Real price of kitchen items may be different from your anticipated price. You may have planned about replacing kitchen appliances, floor, furniture, paint, countertop, lights and plumbing system, but if your budget does not allow you to replace all these things, you either have to increase your budget or compromise over a few things! The more research you do before making the final kitchen remodeling budget, the less likely you will have to change your plan.

Make a list of kitchen renovation priorities

It is important to prioritize your priorities. What is more important? New kitchen appliances or new furniture or new kitchen countertop installation? Note down your priorities. Just in case, if any unexpected expenses eat your budget, you will still get the top things of your list done.

When setting your priorities, think what impact the little renovations will make on your life. You should think about functionality over design. For example- It is more important to get leaky faucets fixed than getting a fully functioning chimney replaced.

Final words-

Kitchen renovation is the big investment. Thus, you should only hire an experienced kitchen contractor for your kitchen renovation work. Smart kitchen contractors know how to renovate the kitchen within limited budget. You can even take recommendations of a kitchen contractor for deciding the best kitchen remodeling budget.

Enjoy Your New Kitchen!