Kitchen Remodeling Blog

How are marble countertops maintained?

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 15:48:00 GMT

Although not best for frequently used countertops, marble is a unique choice that adds a sophisticated look. When in doubt of marble’s strength, it is safe to use it on an island or inset at a baking center.

Marble countertops and tabletops are easily stained by acidic foods like fruit, tomato sauce, coffee, and wine. Blot, do not wipe, any spills up immediately, and then clean with mild soap and hot water. Do not set hot pans directly onto marble. And place a mat or pad between marble and anything which might scratch it, like a pan or utensils.

Use coasters between marble and any glasses, especially ones containing acidic compounds like fruit juices, wine, or coffee.

On marble countertops, avoid harsh cleaners and acidic cleaners, including vinegar. Marble is a sensitive stone, but with proper care, these surfaces can last a lifetime.

Source: Express Countertops, http://www.expresscountertops.com/

Why choose engineered stone countertops?

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 15:48:00 GMT

Engineered stone countertops have gained much popularity in recent years due to its strength, variety of choices, and exceptionally low maintenance needs. These are the most durable surfaces, are resistant to stains and heat damage, and have no need for sealing.

Source: Express Countertops, http://www.expresscountertops.com/

Why choose solid surface countertops?

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:48:00 GMT

Solid surface countertops have a clean and uniform appearance. These surfaces are very durable and most scratches can be sanded out. Solid surfaces can also be custom fit to a unique countertop shape.

Source: Express Countertops, http://www.expresscountertops.com/

What is the price of granite?

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 15:48:00 GMT

Lower-end granite countertops are very affordable in the scheme of countertop material pricing.

Concrete: $75-200 per square foot
Soapstone: $50-200 per square foot
Solid Surface: $40-150 per square foot
Engineered Stone: $40-125 per square foot
Granite: $30-200 per square foot
Marble: $30-100 per square foot
Laminate: $5-20 per square foot

On a tight budget? Don’t count granite countertops out yet. There are many strategies you should consider if you want granite but think you may not be able to afford it.

Have granite installed in square pieces, not as one solid piece. This gives you the same natural beauty but for a much lower cost than solid stone. This also makes for easier repairs.
Granite varies in quality. Factors such as country of origin, color, veins or patterns, thickness of slab, amount of soft minerals in the stone and current fashion trends can impact prices of granite.
Paying attention to the number of seams and cuts that will have to be made in stone slabs can keep the price to a minimum.
Ask professionals about wasted material as you may be charged for it.
Hire professionals. Failing to properly install a granite countertop can result in an extremely expensive mistake to fix.

Source: Express Countertops, http://www.expresscountertops.com/

How do I install granite countertops?

Sat, 15 Aug 2009 15:48:00 GMT

Granite countertops should be installed by a professional. Although hiring someone to install your countertops adds to the cost of the project, in the end, it is worth it to have the job done right. Installing granite countertops incorrectly can lead to serious problems and possibly the need for replacement.

Source: Express Countertops, http://www.expresscountertops.com/

Kitchen Cabinet Types and Styles

Sun, 09 Aug 2009 15:48:00 GMT

Cabinets usually come in one of three types: stock, semi-custom and custom. Stock Cabinets are available in standard sizes and shapes. Stock cabinets are the least expensive but your choices are limited when it comes to cabinet design and function. Since these cabinets do not come in special sizes, they may require filler strips to close gaps between a cabinet and a wall.

Semi-Custom Cabinets are the middle-of-the-road choice. They come in a wider variety of sizes and shapes than stock cabinets and offer more colors, including a wider variety of wood types and staining.

Custom Cabinets give you endless choices and flexibility when choosing kitchen cabinets in design, style, color, wood type, etc. Although they are more expensive than the other two types, they are well made to fit your individual kitchen and give you a unique look.

Cabinets do not only come in a variety of colors and materials, they also come in a variety of styles to match your kitchen. Since cabinets are a major part of your kitchen’s look, carefully consider the overall look you are trying to create before choosing a cabinet style. You can even mix styles to create a unique look. Here are some options when choosing a style for your kitchen cabinets:

Country

Modern

Southwestern

Victorian

Source: Express Countertops, http://www.expresscountertops.com/

What are the variations in thickness of granite slabs?

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:48:00 GMT

Granite comes in a variety of thicknesses. The most popular is a 3 cm thickness (1-1/4”) but it is also available in a 2 cm thickness (3/4”). The weight of a slab is approximately 12-13 lbs per square foot in 2 cm thickness and 18-19 lbs per square foot in 3 cm thickness. An 8-foot countertop slab 3 cm in thickness weighs between 144-152 lbs. The thicknesses can vary throughout the slab as much as +/- 3 mm. Because granite is not a uniform thickness throughout the entire slab, installers compensate for the variations with additional support. Laminate is normally 1/8” thick panels attached to typically a ¾” thick wood product. Solid surface material comes in three standard sizes ¼”, ½”, or ¾” thickness. Soapstone is typically 1-1/4” in thickness, marble 1-3/4” to 2”, concrete 1-1/2” to 2”, and engineered stone comes in 1-1/4” thickness.

Source: Express Countertops, http://www.expresscountertops.com/

Can granite be repaired and what is its approximate life expectancy?

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 15:48:00 GMT

In most cases, if granite is cracked, it will need to be completely removed and replaced.

When granite enters your home, not only is it already thousands of years old, but it will probably last another thousand years. To begin with, granite is tough. It is stain, scratch and heat resistant, just to name a few of its impressive features.

Experts say that using your granite countertops as a cutting board won’t hurt the countertops only dull your knives, and unless you try cutting granite with a diamond or smashing it with a sledge hammer, it won’t crack or break. Furthermore, it can withstand temperatures up to 900 degrees Fahrenheit (482.22 degrees Celcius ) without causing damage. These are just a few of the reasons why granite countertops can last a lifetime.

Source: Express Countertops, http://www.expresscountertops.com/

What factors determine the price of countertops?

Tue, 19 May 2009 15:48:00 GMT

Quality and type of material
Difficulty of installation
Edge treatment material and design
Backsplash material and design

Source: Express Countertops, http://www.expresscountertops.com/

Do granite countertops add value to my home?

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 15:48:00 GMT

Countertops made of natural stone, especially granite, add more resale value to your home than any other material. Second, granite countertops will last you a lifetime, which means that after the cost of the initial installation (with proper maintenance and care) they never need to be replaced.

If you are set on granite countertops, but still have concerns about the costs there are several ways to lower the expense. One possibility is choosing granite based on the place from which it was imported. For example, some experts say that buying granite imported from Italy tends to be the most expensive option, while choosing granite imported from China can save you money.

Even if granite countertops remain out of your price range, there is still hope for the future. As with any product, as its popularity rises and it becomes widely used, the price often lowers. Also, with new quarries being discovered each year, the growing choices keep prices down.

Source: Express Countertops, http://www.expresscountertops.com/

Hiring a Contractor for a Kitchen Remodeling Job

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 15:48:00 GMT

Remodeling a kitchen is no small task. This type of project can be complicated and time consuming, so hiring the right contractor is essential to creating the kitchen of your dreams. Hiring a professional contractor can save you time and money in the long-run by saving you from making mistakes which may require pricey repairs. Also, kitchen remodeling requires a lot of specialized work that only a professional should do. If you are unqualified, performing these tasks can be dangerous and detrimental to your project goals.

Here are some helpful tips on how to find just the right contractor for your kitchen remodeling project:

Ask friends, family, and neighbors for recommendations.
Make sure contractors have the proper license.
Ask contractors for references, and check with those references for feedback.
Talk to multiple contractors and get at least 3 estimates.
Get a written contract that states all details and expenses.
Don’t pay the full amount until you are satisfied with the final job.
Make sure you can communicate with the contractor and that he or she will listen to your opinions, concerns, and questions.
Find out if your project will need any permits and ask who is responsible for obtaining them.

Since remodeling a kitchen can be a large project, expect building and renovations to last for several days. Depending on your personal needs and the size of the project, you may have to stay out of your kitchen while it is being remodeled. Talk to your contractor about ways to make the process work for both of you.

Source: Express Countertops, http://www.expresscountertops.com/

Kitchen Flooring: Stone Tile

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 15:48:00 GMT

Stone tile flooring has a natural look and is strong and durable. It comes in several textures and colors and no two pieces are the same. Stone tiles can look traditional and rustic or contemporary and elegant. Although this flooring option can be expensive, stone tiles have the potential to last a lifetime.

Stone tile floors are generally easy to maintain, usually requiring only a mop for cleaning. For extra durability, stone should be periodically sealed. Since kitchens can become busy and messy places, you should choose stone tiles that are resistant to moisture damage and staining.

Granite tile flooring is one of the better options for kitchen flooring because it is denser and more durable than other stone options. Granite is still susceptible to stains so it should be sealed and periodically resealed for regular maintenance.

Source: Express Countertops, http://www.expresscountertops.com/

Kitchen Flooring: Vinyl

Sat, 10 Jan 2009 15:48:00 GMT

Vinyl flooring is an affordable and aesthetically pleasing choice for kitchen flooring. Because of its durability and moisture resistance it is primarily used in busy areas of the home such as kitchens and bathrooms. Another reason for its popularity is that it can, much like laminate, be made to imitate other flooring materials such as stone, marble, and wood. Vinyl flooring is often referred to by the popular manufacturers’ trade names Linoleum® and Congoleum®.

Vinyl is made of plastic, or more specifically polyvinyl chloride – abbreviated PVC – to which other compounds are added. It can consist of either multiple layers of material or just one layer.

It is manufactured using one of two processes: inlay or rotovinyl. With inlay vinyl, color and pattern are imbedded into the vinyl layers, while with rotovinyl only a single layer of vinyl is printed with color and pattern. Both manufacturing processes require a protective coating overlay in order to boost durability.

Inlay vinyl flooring, which is only available in tile form, offers great wear resistance since the colors and patterns go all the way through the flooring material. Rotovinyl comes in both sheet and tile form. Resistance to wear is dependent on the type of protective coating used during the manufacturing process.

Vinyl floors are very easy to maintain. Sweeping or using a dust mop is often all that is needed.

Source: Express Countertops, http://www.expresscountertops.com/

What can I do if I like an expensive countertop material, but can’t afford the price tag?

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 14:28:00 GMT

There are many options to overcome this problem. Several less expensive surface materials can be created to imitate more expensive options such as granite and marble. For example, laminate can replicate the look of granite and solid surface while natural stone surfaces can be found in less expensive forms that are less thick or are softer minerals.

Source: Express Countertops, http://www.expresscountertops.com/

How to Care For Your Granite Countertops

Thu, 08 May 2008 14:28:00 GMT

Stone surfaces are some of the easiest to maintain and with proper care, your granite countertop will stay looking new for many years.

A Few Things to Remember:

If a spill should occur, clean up before the stain has a chance to penetrate the surface. Granite is somewhat absorbent, and can absorb stains if spills are left any length of time.
Granite is most prone to staining by oil and acid.
Removing diamond rings before cooking is recommended.
Generally, you can clean your granite countertop with a neutral cleaner and a soft clean cloth. Consider using a disinfectant cleaner made specifically for granite. With the growing popularity of granite countertops, these should be easy to find.
Using regular cleaning chemicals on your countertop will strip the seal and leave the porous surface of the granite exposed.
Don’t be afraid to call your stone dealer for suggestions on maintenance, care, and cleaning.
If stains and scratches do occur, there are many things you can do on your own to remove them. Here are a couple of examples.

Oil-based Stains (e.g. grease, oil, milk)

Mix a cup of flour, 1-2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide with water to make a thick paste. Smear the paste on the stain, cover it with plastic wrap and leave it over night. Scrape away the mixture with a wooden utensil and rinse. You can also remove oil-based stains with acetone, mineral spirits, or bleach or ammonia diluted in water. (NEVER mix ammonia and bleach together!).

Organic Stains (e.g. coffee, tea, fruit)

Food stains like coffee, tea, or fruit juices can usually be removed with hydrogen peroxide, combined with a few drops of ammonia.
Rinse after washing with the solution and dry with a soft, clean cloth.

Non-Oil Stains (e.g. ink, markets, wine)

Use a lacquer thinner or acetone to remove ink or marker stains from darker stone. On light-colored granite, use hydrogen peroxide to these stains. This also works for wine stains. Or, mix molding plaster and pure bleach into a paste and spread over a wine, ink or other non-oil stain. Leave on for 30 minutes, then remove and rinse.

Most people make the mistake of never re-sealing their granite countertops. This needs to be done every year or so in order to ensure a non-porous surface, which will protect the naturally porous granite and help prevent stains and damage. The frequency of applications will depend on the sealer, and the type of stone you have and the extent of your granite countertop use.

Don’t let the fear of maintenance for natural stone scare you into avoiding it. There is no substitute for natural stone when it comes to beauty, practicality, and value.

Source: Express Countertops, http://www.expresscountertops.com/

What manufacturers produce countertops?

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 14:28:00 GMT

Some of the manufacturers involved in producing countertops are Avonite, Cambria Quartz, DuPont Corian, DuPont Zodiaq, Formica, Nevamar, Silestone, Swanstone, Wilsonart, and many more.

Source: Express Countertops, http://www.expresscountertops.com/

Guide to Countertops

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 14:28:00 GMT

Countertop replacement is one of the most exciting projects a homeowner can undertake. You will be faced with endless choices on countertop materials, colors, textures, and edge treatments.

Although this may seem frustrating at times – just think of the rewards. The rewards will be plentiful not only in terms of quality time you will spend around your new countertops with the family but also in terms of return on investment, particularly if your countertop replacement is part of an overall kitchen remodeling project.

Here are some helpful tips on how to select just the right countertop for you.

1. BUDGET

The first thing you need to do is set your budget. This will enable you to better make decisions as to the type of material you can afford. Countertop products tend to be priced per square foot and can range anywhere from $5 to $300. Although there may be materials that do not fit within your budget, consider the fact that many countertops can be imitated with less expensive options.

2. RESEARCH

Take your time shopping around. You will need to consider all the options available. Look at displays and samples to get an idea of color and texture. Compare the samples to your existing cabinets, flooring and painted walls – this will give you a good idea of how the new countertop will match the existing décor of the room you’re remodeling.

Once you decide on color you will need to think about countertop material. The most popular countertop choices include laminate, solid surface, engineered stone, granite, marble, soapstone and concrete countertops

3. SCHEDULE

Assuming that you’ve already selected your colors and materials and know what type of edge treatment and backsplash you want, now it’s time to schedule an appointment with an installer. At the appointment, the installer will take accurate measurements of your countertops. The installer will create a countertop template out of craft paper and custom-build your countertop according to these specifications.

Cutouts for sinks and cook tops are made on-site during installation.

4. INSTALL

After your countertop measurements have been taken, your installer will talk to you about setting up a convenient time for countertop installation. Set aside a whole day for this, because the job will take your kitchen out of commission anywhere from a few hours to a whole day depending on the size and difficulty of installation.

It is a good idea to clean out your base cabinets before the job begins. This way, you will ensure that nothing gets broken or covered in dirt during the time that your countertops are being installed.

After installation, the contractor will clean up all the debris and inspect the countertop for any flaws. Make sure you are there for this process, because your installer will, more than likely, address matters of regular care, maintenance and warranties that accompany your product. Most installers will also take care of disposing of your old countertops.

Make sure this is included in the fee before you hire your contractor.

Source: Express Countertops, www.ExpressCountertops.com

Which countertop product requires the least amount of maintenance?

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 14:28:00 GMT

Engineered stone is currently in the lead for needing the least amount of maintenance. These surfaces are the most durable surface material, are resistant to stains and acid damage, heat resistant, and do not need sealing or resealing. Engineered stone is made up by a majority of quartz which is the fourth hardest material behind diamond, topaz and sapphire.

Source: Express Countertops, http://www.expresscountertops.com/

What is the range of countertop prices?

Sat, 08 Mar 2008 14:28:00 GMT

Countertops are usually priced by the square foot. Prices can range from $5 per square foot for some laminates and $300 per square foot for top of the line granite countertops.

Source: Express Countertops, http://www.expresscountertops.com/

Sealing Your Granite Countertops

Sun, 27 Jan 2008 14:28:00 GMT

Granite is a beautiful and popular choice for your countertops, but knowing how to protect it from damage is important for maintaining its shine and durability. Granite can be rather pricey, so you should make sure to protect your investment. Like all stone, granite is porous. This makes it very susceptible to stains because they can sink into its surface. Also, some granite varieties have small cracks due to natural stresses on the stone during formation.

Without being sealed, granite’s porous surface will easily stain and become dull. While resealing granite annually is ideal, it is recommended that you reseal it at least every three years. Sealers act as a guard that prevents liquids and other harmful products from seeping into granite’s surface in the first place. Sealing and resealing your granite countertops is not hard to do, and is well worth the work.

It is important to reseal granite before its sealing has expired, but if needed, there is a simple way to check if it needs new sealer. You can take a few drops of water and drip them onto the countertop. If they absorb into the surface, you need to reseal it. If the water beads up, then your sealer is working.

When resealing granite, make sure the countertop surface is clean. You can use soapy water or nonabrasive cleaners to ensure its cleanliness. You should make sure to get rid of all dust as well. There are many sealants on the market, so check with your installer for recommendations.

Although sealing your granite countertop is necessary and can protect it from many harmful products, it will not protect it from everything. Liquids should still be cleaned up promptly, especially oil products. In the case of stubborn stains, it is recommended that you call a professional to help remove it. As always with home repairs, if you have any doubts or questions about sealing and/or resealing your granite countertops, contact your installer for help.

Source: Express Countertops, www.ExpressCountertops.com