Choose the Right kitchen Countertop Material

Whether you are building a new kitchen or refreshing your current one, your choice of countertop will make a huge impact in the look of the finished room. However, this doesn’t mean you should just choose the countertop that looks the most beautiful to you. You actually need to start with some more practical considerations regarding how your countertop will perform. This might take your favorite materials off the table, but in the long run you will be happier because you will not have to deal with the heartbreak of having your beautiful countertop ruined by daily life.

Natural Stone Countertops

Granite is the most popular choice for Stone countertops. It comes in a variety of colours and a choice of either polished on matte finish.  The price of granite can vary depending on its availability.

Other natural stones such as limestone, soapstone and marble are also available, however these are softer materials and require a greater degree of care.

Engineered Stone Countertops

If you’re looking for something that is even more durable and easy to maintain, engineered stone countertops are an excellent choice. They come in more colour variations than natural stone and cost roughly the same of granite.

Concrete Countertops

Quickly gaining in popularity, concrete countertops are completely customizable. Pigments can be used to add a variety of colours and it is available in three different finishes including trowel (which is smooth), ground (a sandy finish) and pressed (which will cause veining similar to that in marble).  Concrete does however require a greater degree of care and it is recommended that you seal it four times a year and wax every two to three months.

Wood Countertops

Wood countertops such as butcher block give a warm and charming look to a kitchen. It is easy to clean, and although it will scratch, the scratches can be sanded out. Again however, care must be taken with this type of countertop as it can be easily damaged by water.

Laminate Countertops

The most affordable of all countertop materials is laminate which comes in a whole array of colours and styles. Laminate is easy to clean and requires little maintenance however it can be scorched if it comes in contact with hot pans.

As discussed in our previous article, another way to customize your kitchen countertops is through the use of various types of edges which can add another element of design to your kitchen.

Still not sure what type of material will be best for your kitchen countertop? Our experienced design staff will work with you to help you find a countertop that will look great and suit your lifestyle.

Limestone Kitchen Countertops Ideas

The kitchen is perhaps the most important room in the house, and one that draws the most attention when you are trying to market your home. That is why it has consistently been one of the most advantageous renovation projects you can undertake as a homeowner, garnering one of the highest rates of return per investment.

Whether you are undertaking a major kitchen overall or simply looking for a way to freshen it up a little, replacing the countertopping is an affective place to begin with. There are many materials you can choose for countertopping, and one such material is limestone.

Sturdiness

Limestone countertops are fragile. They will chip and crack beneath hefty use. Countertops corners are also vulnerable to breakage. Chips can usually be sanded out to help restore the surface appear. Irrespective of being a good deal much more lower-value than granite, the upkeep worth of limestone countertops is greater and they could need to be replaced in time, because of damages to the surface.

Upkeep

The porous nature of limestone countertops can make it reasonably straightforward to clean and remove stains. Only cleansers that are specified for limestone countertops call for to be utilized. Limestone countertops do require to have far much more maintenance than other organic stone surfaces. The widespread use of a penetrating sealer to avert damage is quite advised.

The Expense of Limestone

Limestone, like other all-organic stone products, does value far much more than manmade elements, but the rewards are significant. The total cost of limestone installation, no matter regardless of whether or not for a floor or a countertop will vary largely based on the dimension of the kitchen, or flooring spot. The best estimate can assortment amongst $ a single hundred and $ 300 per square foot set up. Functioning with a trusted retailer of limestone and other stone objects can help to make assured you are obtaining the very ideal deal.

Sealing

Limestone absorbs liquids and incredibly effortlessly stains, specially when acidic meals objects, come into talk to with the stone. When you set up your limestone countertops, they have to be professionally sealed.

Right proper following that, limestone countertops ought to be sealed at least as speedily as a yr to maintain away from staining. Even although no sealer is a hundred-% powerful at retaining stains from seeping into your limestone countertops, water-largely based mostly mostly sealants provide the most security. Particular cleaning sprays that have sealing properties may be utilised on a weekly or month-to-month basis for added safety.

Cleaning Limestone

When cleaning limestone, there are products which people can buy that are made specifically for cleaning it. There are also products that can be used that will “seal” the limestone. This will offer protective seal on the limestone and make cleaning up other messes a lot easier. The sealer only needs to be applied once time, but it may need several coats. Regular cleaning is still required to make sure that the seal will last as long as the countertop.