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Which
Countertop?
Remodeling a kitchen will always add
tremendous value to your home. But it can be stressful with so many
choices. One of your major decisions will be the countertops. You
may think you only need to choose between laminate and solid
surface. Yes and no! There are many different possibilities and only
you can decide what works best for your decor, needs and purse
strings.
Laminate is chosen by many for its wonderful combination of
durability and price. There is an endless variety of colors and
style. It is made by bonding together the top resin-impregnated
paper layer with particleboard. A clear, melamine plastic coats the
top layer and makes it virtually impervious to stains.
A do-it-yourselfer can install laminate countertops. But if the
countertop needs to be seamed, it's best left to the pros. They have
the expertise to make the seams disappear. Laminate is easy care.
But if you take a pan hot off the stove and place it on the
countertop, it could cause damage. And using it as a cutting board
is not a good idea.
One of the most popular do-it-yourself countertops is ceramic tile.
Homeowners can get very creative with the large variety of styles
and colors. Mix and match, if you like, for a totally unique look.
When installed correctly, it is heat and scratch proof and very long
lasting. The downside is the grout, which can stain. Smaller grout
lines and sealing helps with this problem. You may also choose to
use grout in a darker color.
Concrete has become the new darling of many designers. It is very
long lasting and gives your kitchen a textural and natural feel. But
it is expensive, heavy, time consuming to install and requires a
very sturdy base. If this is your choice, be sure to properly seal.
You'll probably want the professionals on this one.
Another designer darling is solid surface countertops. They are made
from acrylic resins and mineral fillers. For a truly seamless look,
you can get your countertop and sink bonded into one surface. They
are easy to clean and you can even sand out small blemishes. For
good results, count on the professionals here.
Granite is a solid, naturally non-porous stone. Clean-up is easy
with a mild, non-abrasive cleaner such as an oil soap. With a
professional installation, granite will last forever, unless it is
damaged by a heavy blow. There are granite tiles that will give you
the look for less and it's a good choice if you want to try
installation yourself.
Stone and natural quartz are gorgeous materials at the high end.
Their natural beauty lends a gourmet touch to your kitchen. Their
cool surfaces are quite often favored for baking preparation. They
are excellent for working with dough. However, stone will easily
stain and is very heavy. You can get the look by using it in a small
area. Quartz, on the other hand, does not usually need to be sealed
or polished. Both of these surfaces are a professionals-only
installation.
Copyright 2007 PropertySource Network |
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Jeannie Hamilton
ABR, CRS, e-PRO, GREEN, GRI, SRES
Broker/Owner
Hamilton Properties
1100 Deer Trail Road
Boulder, CO 80302-9437
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Office: |
303-443-9221 |
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Cell: |
303-817-9988 |
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Fax: |
888-449-3611 |
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Toll Free: |
800-443-9212 |
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Email: |
jeannie@jeannierealtor.com |
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Email
webmaster@jeannierealtor.com with
questions or comments about this website.
Copyright © 2012 Jeannie Hamilton, Inc
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Last Updated:
January 24, 2012
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