By Alicia Garceau
Searching for the perfect surface doesn't have to be difficult. Here are some pointers about the most popular countertop materials.
Tempting though it is to choose a countertop based on looks alone, a material's durability, maintenance and, of course, cost are also important factors to consider when making a selection for a kitchen remodel.
Homeowners have to assess the way they live before settling on a countertop surface, says Jeff Cannata, past president of the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) and president of Designer's Showcase Kitchens & Baths Inc. in Carol Stream, Ill. "If they have three kids and they're making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on the countertops every day, they might not want to go with that white granite."
The good news is if homeowners have their hearts set on a certain look, but the material just doesn't match with their lifestyle, odds are there's another material that does. Granite, the top choice in countertops, is available in a variety of shades such as blacks, whites, greens, corals and beiges, and no two pieces are exactly the same. Granite is available in two finishes. A polished finish results in a shiny look and often darkens the appearance of the stone, while honing is soft and matte. Costs for granite depend on many variables, including color, finish and origin of the stone.
Square edges are standard on most countertops, but decorative edges like radius, bullnose, bevel, egg and ogee - while a bit more expensive - are another way to customize a kitchen. Availability of edges varies based on countertop materials.
Can't decide on just one material? Then mix and match surfaces. In her designs, Sarah Ann Busby, owner of Sarah Busby Designs in Elk Rapids, Mich., often uses a different material on islands than the rest of the countertops to differentiate the space. Another option is to inset another material into a countertop for specific tasks. Butcher block is common for chopping as is marble for baking. Before making a decision on countertop material, see the surface in person, whether that means visiting a showroom or viewing samples in-home.
The use of granite countertops in kitchens and bathrooms have increased manifold during the past several years due to the impeccable qualities of this unique natural stone. The incomparable beauty of these kitchen countertops compels consumers to install them in their kitchens. In addition to their aesthetic beauty, this natural stone is ingrained with a number of other qualities which are mentioned below.
Even though this natural stone has been in use since millions of years, its use as kitchen countertops began recently. Due to its immense beauty and durability, it is now increasingly used to enhance the appearance of kitchens and bathrooms. There are many reasons why most of the people prefer to use granite countertops in kitchens and some of them are as follows:
- Increased strength and durability: granite is next only to diamonds in strength and it lasts for a life time.
- Unique and distinctive: no two stones are alike in granite. Each stone is a unique piece with different designs and color.
- Easy to clean: granite countertops are quite easy to clean and maintain.
- Plethora of designs and colors: it is available in different shades and designs including shades of black, red, green, brown and so forth.
- Stain free: these countertops do not retain any stains or bacteria. It is scratch free and does not crack or break easily.
- Resistant to heat: granite is also heat resistant which is quite essential for kitchen countertops..
The granite countertops are available in both shiny and matt finish. Among the different designs include the specks, veins and swirls. Today you can find different shades including lavender, shades of brown, grass green and so forth. As it does not harbour bacteria or germs, it is often used in bathrooms too.
Its ability to compliment any type of decor is another reason why it is so widely preferred by most of the people. Installation of granite countertops enhances the value of a home.
If you are considering renewing or renovating your home and want to use some stone work, then including travertine is an excellent option. Contrary to what most people believe, for most of the structures of ancient Rome travertine was the selected building material. In actual fact, the Colosseum in Rome is the largest structure in the world mostly composed of travertine stone. Using travertine as accents and tiling in the home is becoming very popular once again from bathrooms to pool patios.
A travertine tile will generally have some fairly brown tint which matches with many color schemes. The colors usually vary from dark beige to light brown and soft reds. A good number of people are actually imagining a travertine tile when they visualize a classic Mediterranean setting. These tiles can be used for a range of applications from decoration and accents to complete counter tops and bathrooms.
Travertine wall tiles are very light in weight and thus very easy to use. During the formation of the stone from which these tiles are cut, small cavities and pockets of air are entrapped making the tile light. When compared with a marble tile, which is very thick and heavy, travertine tiles are much easier to apply to a wall. Travertine tiles are also very common for floor tiles, but they need to have the face cavities filled up and they have to be sealed very well. The untreated tile is quite simple to soil since any fluid that is dropped on the surface will infiltrate through the small cracks and voids in the surface and then it can not be eliminated. A good quality sealant can protect the tile floor in the coming years when applied properly, giving you a very remarkable entrance or kitchen floor.
Travertine is also very common in the backyard or patio. For centuries travertine stepping stones and pavers have been used and they have nowadays become well-liked in North America too. Once more, they should be covered to exclude the factors because when sealed they will last for a long period of time.
The best way to maintain marble tiles is to keep a vigilant attitude about the minor irritants that could create damage over long periods of time without attracting immediate attention until it's too late. Dust mopping and sweeping daily helps keep small particulates and dust away, then carefully wiping it clean with a soft cloth and lukewarm water, or using a very mild, non-abrasive, non-acidic cleaner. The surface should then be thoroughly rinsed and buffed to dry to prevent speckling, uneven wear or any other damage the water could have on the porous surface.
Because of the fragile nature of marble, it is also a very good idea to start thinking about soft area rugs beneath the feet of furniture or just outside of the area where the marble is installed; this will prevent fine dirt and particles to be tracked into the area and possibly ground into the stone, cutting and scratching it with fine markings until the marble seems cloudy or dirty, even after a thorough cleaning. Other pieces of furniture should be set on soft coasters to prevent gouging, and if they need to be moved, please remember to properly lift the item, walk across the room, then carefully set it down, since dragging it across the floor could leave catastrophic looking marks in the natural stone. Hopefully by adhering to these rather simple tips, you can properly understand the needs of this beautiful stone, and just how to keep is dazzling for many years to come.
Natural stones are available in diverse colors, designs and styles. It all depends on the specific taste of the client. Granite countertops will help show the natural beauty and originality of the natural stones in diverse colors and designs. Granite countertops are a normal go-to for homeowners and builders because of the beautiful aesthetic. Granite is a durable material, which makes it preferable for installation purposes. Another advantage of granite countertops is that they are highly resistant to heat, moisture, scratch, stain, and spills. Granite countertops will add long lasting beauty to your homes with effortless removal of scratches. Please take a look at our selection of Granite or call 1-800-90-AVANTI
Now that you know how granite countertops can increase your home's resale value, consider the following tips before starting the countertop replacement process.
- If you're replacing countertops in preparation to sell your home, stick with a neutral color. Buyers want to be able to imagine themselves in your home. Although a bright surface might fit your taste, a neutral color is more likely to be a fit for a larger number of people.
- If you don't already have one, consider having a granite island countertop installed in your kitchen. The extra space is great for food preparation and storage, and serves as a focal point for your room.
- For smaller rooms, granite that is lighter in color can help make areas feel more open and spacious.
- Finding the right contractor to install new granite kitchen countertops is important for getting the job done right, and making sure your investment pays off.
In general, granite is nature's most perfect countertop. It's been created over millions of years and as a consequence has a hard, generally impervious surface. You can drop things on it, spill stuff on it, set hot pans and cut on granite without damaging it.
Some of these activities are not recommended because in extreme circumstance you could cause damage, but the risk is low. Granite is very tough and durable. However, many stones with similar qualities are sold as granite, but are not true geological granite.
They are not "fake" granite. Scientifically speaking, they simply are not classified as granite, however in your kitchen they perform very similar to granite... some are even better than granite. So, it's important to remember that performance can vary with different colors or species of granite.
For instance, some granite countertops should be sealed to retard staining, but many granite varieties are naturally non-porous, nearly impossible to stain and don't need sealing at all. Of course, these dense varieties are the best countertop for your kitchen.
Unfortunately, many designers, sales people and industry professionals fail to provide the complete information you need to make the best choice. Either they assume all granite is the same or just don't know how to tell the difference.
You can perform simple tests to determine if the granite you like is a good choice.
Please visit www.avantistones.com or call (800) 90-Avanti Today!
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