Kitchen Countertops - Material and Color Choices

After the cabinets in your kitchen, the countertops are the most prominent aspect of any kitchen remodel, and as such, deserve careful consideration when you choose the countertops for your kitchen. You have many choices in countertops, both material and color.

Countertop Material Choices

Traditionally, Formica or laminate countertops were your only choice for countertop material. Today you have many more choices for countertop material, both natural and man made. Natural materials, such as granite, quartz, and hardwoods are very popular, and add a touch of elegance to your kitchen.

Granite, especially, offers visual interest and style to your kitchen, and is one of the most popular countertop materials in use today. It is very durable, easy to maintain, and will last a lifetime.

Quartz is extremely hard, non-porous, and very elegant. Hardwood countertops are very beautiful, do require a little more upkeep, and are more forgiving to dishes if they are dropped on wood countertops, than granite or quartz.

Man made materials include laminates, Corian, tile, and concrete. Laminates are inexpensive and durable, though they can be scratched or burnt relatively easily.

Corian countertops are extremely durable, more costly, and are an attempt to mimic a natural stone look for a more affordable price. Tile has been used for centuries and is popular choice in Europe and South American kitchen designs. If one tile is damaged it can be removed and replaced without having to replace the whole countertop.

Natural materials come in tile form also, and are a great compromise in both style and price. Concrete countertops have been more popular recently, but are losing their appeal, because of higher upkeep involved and change of consumer taste.

For the Eco-conscious consumer, there are more choices of recycled materials being used in countertops. One popular choice is recycled colored glass bits set in a Polynesian matrix producing an Art Deco look that is colorful, durable, and earth-friendly.

Color Choices

Your choices of colors or patterns for your countertops are virtually unlimited. You can create whatever combination you want for your countertops and kitchen.

Natural materials, by their very nature, have a variety of patterns within the natural material. It is this randomness, which makes them so appealing to many consumers. Granites, particularly come in a wide variety of colors, grains, and patterns which can vary greatly, even in the same slab. While this randomness is appealing, it can offer a challenge to the installer to make large countertops appear seamless. One solution to this is using granite tiles to control or accent the randomness, depending on your preference.

Man made materials can be created in any color or pattern that the manufacturer can imagine, and then some. Tiles come in a wide variety of colors and you can create ant pattern that you wish.

In addition to the cost of the materials, you need to consider the cost of installation of the material you choose for your kitchen countertops Maryland. Most countertop installations are best left to the experts, because they require special tools or knowledge for their proper installation. This is especially true for natural stone slab countertops and poured concrete countertops, because of the weight involved. For the do-it-yourselfer, tile countertops can be relatively easy to install, if you have a basic knowledge of tile installation.

For advice on the best countertop material, color, and patterns for your kitchen remodel, it would be worth your time to consult with a kitchen design expert. They help you achieve the exact look that you want for your new kitchen and will be able get you the best value for your money with both the purchase of your new countertops and with the professional installation.

Upgrade and Beautify Your Home with Marble Countertops

When looking to upgrade your home to a more modern look, choosing natural stone offers you a durable and stylish upgrade that you can utilize in numerous rooms in your house. From your kitchen to your bathroom, discover how this single addition can make your space shine in a whole new way.

Unique Beauty

What makes marble stand out is how unique each installation is. No two slabs are exactly alike, which means you will add an intriguing and luxurious appeal that no one else has, even if you choose a popular color or tone. This simple addition can be a huge part of a high-end remodel, and it draws the eye in to compliment new paint or furnishings.

Appraisal Value

One of the best things about installing marble countertops in your residence is the increased worth you can add to your property. This type of install is a minor investment compared to the value it can bring to your residence's overall appeal. If you want to upgrade your dwelling for the sole purpose of increasing value, this style of surface for your kitchen and your bathroom is a smart way to go. Talk with a realtor or contractor to see which designs, styles, and locations are most popular in raising home's values, so you pick the most investment-worthy materials.

Durability

Marble countertops are known for their ability to last. If you want a surface that is resistant to scratching, fading, and staining, then this is the type of material you should consider. High-traffic areas, such as your bathroom and kitchen, can benefit greatly from this addition. Natural stone is easy to clean and is not prone to cracking or chipping, unlike tile, linoleum, or ceramic and porcelain mediums. All this type of stone needs is a polishing a few times a year to keep it looking fresh and new.

Easy Upgrade

This type of renovation is perfect for homes that suffer from outdated furnishings and design. If you plan to sell your house, or you want to make your living space appear more modern, marble countertops Maryland are an excellent choice. Any color scheme you choose, such as gray, beige, pink, or even charcoal, remains in fashion and make your other entire decor look more contemporary. If you just want to renovate one aspect of your residence, this is a look that stands out.

Talk to a contractor to see the best options for your budget, needs, and style, so you have beautiful pieces that will impress everyone who walks into the room. Durable, long lasting, and an easy upgrade, this material is sure to add a lot of value to your property. If your kitchen, bathroom, breakfast bar, or another area in your house needs a refreshing look, this is a great choice for an upgrade.

Supreme Beauty of Granite Countertops – The Paradise Stone

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.

The Choice of Granite Countertops

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 Baltimore 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 harbor bacteria or germs, it is often used in bathrooms too.

Its ability to compliment any type of décor is another reason why it is so widely preferred by most of the people. Installation of granite countertops enhances the value of a home.

An Elegant Piece of Art

These countertops are undoubtedly considered beautiful pieces of art by many people because of its aesthetic appeal. The price range of these countertops varies by different ranges. You can find expensive as well as affordable countertops made of granite. The most expensive countertop weighs much more than the cheaper countertop.

The granite kitchen countertops also include granite tile countertop which is quite lighter and less expensive. But nonetheless, it is strong and durable. Compared to the ordinary ceramic tiles, it is durable and beautiful in addition to being quite easy to install.

The countertops used in modular kitchens are thinner as thin slabs are used as countertops which make it appear ultra-modern and elegant.

It is important to maintain the granite countertops efficiently so that it lasts for many years together. These kitchen countertops should never be cleaned with the use of acid or bleaching agents. Today a hundred varieties of these countertops in different colors and shades can be bought from the online dealers at reasonable rates.

Tips for Removing Rust Stains from Marble Countertops

Do you have a stubborn rust stain on your marble countertops that just will not come up? Any sort of mark on this material needs to be treated with special care, but rust can be especially tricky. Fortunately, there are some things you can try yourself to lift up the rust and restore your counters to their former glory. Here are some tips to get them back into shape:

Take the Source of the Rust Stain into Account

Before you try to clean your marble countertops Maryland, you need to take into account what caused the stain in the first place. Is it due to a metal object being left out for too long? This is important to know because some spots are more easily cleaned than others. Marks left from an object, for example, are easier to clean, as they are just on the surface. However, those left from water being around for too long are more set into the stone and will be harder to lift.

Use the Right Type of Cleaning Product

When you are cleaning your porous counters, it is important to get the right type of cleaning product. You cannot simply go to the grocery store and buy just any type of surface cleaner; you will need a special cleaner meant to remove stains from marble. This style of cleaner is essentially a thick, acidic, paste-like material mixed with an exfoliant that's designed to remove spots. You will have to either order the cleaner online or get it from the company who did your installation. The key is leaving this cleaning substance on the area for a long time-even up to a few days! Once it is fully dried, you can wipe it up. If the area is still noticeable, you may need to treat it a second time.

Be Prepared to Fix the Area after Cleaning

Since the solution has such a gritty texture and marble is so porous, you will probably notice that the area will seem less shiny that the rest of the counters. This is because the acid and grit in the product will cause the rusty spot to be etched and scratched, giving off a dull appearance. You can purchase special polishing products that will restore the shine and color as much as possible.

Getting rusty stains on your marble countertops can be frustrating. Fortunately, they can be cleaned, but it takes quite a bit of time and patience. If you cannot get the rust out yourself, call a stone professional to see what else can be done. Keep in mind that if the spot is really deep into the stone, it may never come up completely.

How to Choose a Luxury Countertop for Your Kitchen Renovation - The Paradise Stone

The epitome of luxury, granite countertops add a touch of class to any kitchen, no matter what style or feel you are trying to achieve for the rest of your kitchen. Granite offers a hard, durable, and easy to care for countertop that makes a statement in any kitchen.

Granite countertops come in a wide variety of grains, patterns, and colors. Granite slabs are imported from all over the world, each having its own unique characteristics. The best way to pick out the granite countertops for your new kitchen is to visit a granite importer and sift through their inventory to select the piece, or pieces, that will make your kitchen pop. Once you have the granite slab selected, a granite fabricator will cut the slab to the exact dimensions needed for your kitchen, shape and polish the edges to your specifications, and install the countertops into your kitchen. Because of the nature of any natural stone and the weight involved, the installation is best left to the experts.

You can also buy prefabricated slab granite countertops Howard County which offer a wide choice of patterns and colors, but are more limited in length and edge details. You trade less customization for a lower price, and this option may offer you the best value for the elegant look that you want in your new kitchen.

A less expensive choice is using granite tiles for your kitchen. Handy homeowners can install granite tile countertops themselves, and have the look and feel of real granite at a much lower cost than slab granite. The edges can be polished with common tile laying tools or can be trimmed with wood counter edges which match the cabinets, both of which give an excellent finished look to the countertops.

The cost of granite countertops can vary as widely as the look of the granite itself. Granite tiles (12"x12") can be purchased for $4 to $25 per piece, depending on quality and rarity of the granite. Granite slabs are also sold by the square foot and can run from $25 for common granite slabs to well over $300 per square foot for more exotic granites. In addition to the cost of slab granite there are fabricating and installation charges, which can also be pricey if you desire elaborate edges or contours in your granite countertops.

No matter which type of granite you select for your new kitchen, taking care of it is relatively easy. Granite is very hard and durable, making it hard to chip or crack, but you still need to be cautious not to drop heavy cookware on the surface. Because granite is very hard, items dropped on it are more susceptible to breakage, especially china and glassware. Granite is a natural substance and it is susceptible to staining and needs to be sealed periodically to minimize stains. With minimal maintenance your granite countertops will give you a lifetime of service while retaining its look of luxury.

It is important not to lose sight of the overall look and feel that you are trying to achieve for your new kitchen. You may fall in love with a particular color or pattern of a granite piece, but if the piece doesn't compliment your cabinet choice or the style of kitchen that you want, you will need to look for something else. The coordination of all of the components is the key to a successful kitchen remodel. Granite can fit this requirement for any kitchen; just take the time to find the right granite countertops for your new kitchen.

Straight Talk about First Home Loans in New Zealand

For average working New Zealand, the largest financial transaction of their lives will most likely be a home loan. Home ownership is one of the major components of what we call "the American dream," but as experience has shown, simply dreaming won't get you there. It takes a little planning, a good dose of discipline and a lot of hard work.

There are probably as many ways to handle (and mishandle) personal finances as there are people in the world, as it is a very individualized thing. Some people just seem to grow up as savers, socking away every extra quarter from the Tooth Fairy from an early age. They save their money, get married, make a down payment on a home, get their first home loan and, on average, trade up to bigger houses two or three times as the family grows.

On the other hand, some people are late bloomers. They stay single, try a few different career paths and don't settle down into a middle-class existence until later in life. Once they get established, they realize that they need to catch up quickly in savings and credit rating if they hope to get a home loan and make the transition to the "American dream" lifestyle.

It takes all kinds

Fortunately, we live in a free country where second chances are part of the cultural identity. Lenders understand this better than ever now, and there is more flexibility and creativity in the first home loan nz market than ever before. No matter how you grew up or when you started saving your money, it is never too late to position yourself for home ownership.

One of the main considerations for any lender, especially ones that are going to invest a few hundred thousand dollars in a 15- or 30-year home loan, is the ability of the borrower to make their payments. The focus is also primarily on the future, since many more borrowers would qualify if down payment amount or total income were the only considerations.

The fact is, your employment status, your financial habits and budget, your record of discharging your debts in a timely fashion - these are key points for any home loan lender. Those of you who have been good stewards of your finances since grade school have a sizable down payment and earn a sufficient salary will have fewer problems than the late bloomers.

What's your plan?

In another article on our site, entitled "Home Loans," you will find a discussion of interest rates, market conditions, loan terminology and the rest. This article, on the other hand, is about attitude, mindset and personal habits. All of these topics, in both articles, are important to your understanding of real estate, and its place in your overall financial plan (and life), but your character is also part of the home loan equation.

Even if you have a shorter history of debt repayment, a good record can help you a lot. If you have made a turnaround in life, bouncing back from financial adversity without having to declare bankruptcy, a good credit history of several years' length will show that you have established a different set of financial habits. This always works to your advantage in negotiating a home loan. Those of you who have solid, long-term credit histories won't face the same set of obstacles, but you still need to keep your wits about you to get the best deal.

Finally, whatever kind of borrower you are - established with a great credit score, or rebuilding - be careful not to act or appear desperate. Do not grab at the first home loan opportunity, but shop around and take your time. Regardless if it comes easily or takes a lot of time and troubleshooting, buying a home is a big responsibility. If you are honest with yourself (and everyone else) about your finances, your career prospects and your overall plan, you may just be surprised at how many home loan options there really are for you.

Ways to Appeal Customers for Granite Kitchen Countertops?

Kitchen countertops are worthy additions to a property. These countertops are not only functional, but add to the contemporary kitchen designs with their beautiful appeal. Granite, because of its numerous advantages, has long been an ideal choice for kitchen countertops. Installing these countertops is fast becoming a fashion for home improvement.

Granite kitchen countertops can help you to make good profits as a dealer or contractor in your region. However, there might be other dealers who will compete with you to offer the best in granite countertops. Here are some useful tips that you can utilize to attract more number of granite countertop buyers.

Offer them Variety

To begin with, you must offer a variety of granite kitchen countertops to your customers to gain their attention. With a lot of varieties in terms of colors, hues, shades, patterns and textures available in this category, you can't restrict the options you want the customers to explore. Every homeowner visiting your store should be able to find something exclusive for his or her kitchen. For this, you can contact the countertop manufacturers and suppliers in different regions and countries. Online business directories, websites and catalogues can make it possible for you.

Offer them Quality Services

Apart from dealing in granite kitchen countertops, you can offer quality installation services to your customers. Remember that installation of these countertops is an important step to achieve an attractive kitchen. Sealing and other countertop safety standards must be a part of your services. Help them to make all required preparations and offer time-bound installation services to further make your customers interested.

Offer the Best Quotes

Granite kitchen countertops are among the most economical choices and your customers must be able to realize it while dealing with your store. Offer them the best industry quotes for countertops and their installation. Different customers may visit your store with different budgets in hand. You should be ready with customizable and negotiable prices while keeping your own profit in mind.

Offer Guidance

The first-time buyers of granite kitchen countertops may seek advice and guidance from experts to support their decision. You must be ready with loads of information in this direction that you can share on your website or in person. For example, you can help them choose among the best countertops that will match the existing arrangements in their kitchens.

At the same time, you can guide them on how to take care of granite kitchen countertops in some easy and efficient ways. Guide them on how to remove different types of stains caused by oil, grease, liquids and other sources. You can also share expert information on how to prevent the countertops from bearing scratches and marks. Finally, you can teach them the cleaning products and solutions that must be used and that must not be.

Providing them further information on kitchen improvement by changing sinks and faucets to match the new granite countertops will also be appreciated by your customers. All these things will make your customers happy and content about the decision of choosing granite kitchen countertops from your store.

Cultured Marble Countertops - Everything You Need To Know

A viable alternative to real and expensive Marble for use in countertops for the bathroom is called Cultured Marble. This is a man-made substance that is nothing more than a resin that gives the look and feel of natural Marble stone when used.

This is a resin based liquid that is mixed and then poured into a mold which then hardens into the countertop that will be used in a bathroom or kitchen. It is a very non-porous material, so they will not easily stain or mildew and will also cost much less than a traditional Marble slab.

Cultured Marble Countertops are typically polished to a high gloss, although they can be ordered in more of a flat or matte finish if you are looking for that style or presentation. This type of slab will look more like an older type of stone if you desire to have that look.

Another thing that is nice about Cultured Marble Countertops Maryland is that you can actually get them made with the sinks molded right into the top so that there is a seamless look. This is great for bathrooms and will yield a very high-end look at a modest price.

Cultured Marble Countertops are very easy to install and keep clean, making them a great choice for do-it-yourself projects and for people that prefer to spend more time enjoying their home than fixing it up and cleaning it.

Since each top is made individually, there are no two that are alike, so the marble pattern, also called the veining, is going to vary from top to top. You can also order them in a solid color without the traditional veining, so that you will end up with more of an onyx style or two-tone style that might fit better with your decor.

The biggest problem is that they tend to scratch up much more easily than the real thing. As a result, they are generally a bad idea when used in an area like the kitchen where the heavy use of hard items can cause problems. The constant movement of pots and pans that occur on the kitchen, will cause irreparable damage to the countertop and cause premature replacement of the countertop. For this reason, they make a great dress up for a bathroom area because they are inexpensive and truly show off the area.

Most of the Cultured Marble Countertops that you get will come with a three to five year limited warranty. This is a far cry from the life expectancy of a true granite or marble piece, which can easily last beyond your lifetime and still retain the beauty that it had on the day it was installed.

The final use, the needed life expectancy and the overall availability of funds will likely be the determining factors in your final choice of a countertop for your needs.

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Why Remain Granite Kitchen Countertops Unique?

Granite is a natural stone material that comes from the Earth, and appears to have been available as long as any other forms of rock. Granite is made whenever streams of molten magma travel into cooler locations, after which the magma cools directly into a mixed-material slab. Since there are several mineral deposits in the magma, granite has a naturally exclusive design with endless variances of coloring. Granite slabs are available in quite a few locations of the world, and people have been using it in making slab countertops for a long time. Granite slabs can be found in shades of white, browns, red, green, blue and black, with a number of different swirls and patterns that help to make each piece unique. Granite is not only strong as a rock, but it is also a very beautiful stone which adds coloring and ambiance to a room.

Granite counter tops have become one of the most popular options with buyers, in addition to being the top quality choice for designer homes. Home designers and builders have seen a sudden rise in interest in granite countertops both in kitchen areas and bathrooms, but it is by far the most common for kitchen countertops. As a result of its natural Earth tones, granite complements excellently with wood cabinets. One can find granite slabs that could match with virtually any shade of wood, from light oak to dark cherry finished woods.

Granite is also timeless; therefore cabinets could be switched out to keep up with growing fashion while the counter top will continually be in fashion. The most in-demand granite countertop tones are most likely brown and beige tones, which usually work well with countless kitchen shades and permit for many varied redecorating choices in the future. Black and blue granite slabs are more and more popular, with darker woods becoming common once again in bathrooms and kitchens. Granite countertops also have patterns that could be both large and small, which may appear better in different sized kitchens. No two granite countertops look alike. Some house owners choose to coordinate their granite countertops Howard County with their cabinets, yet others prefer a contrast. Light colored granite can warm up dark cabinets, whilst a dark stone can anchor lighter cabinets. There exists a great deal of variation in the color and pattern in different granite slabs stone that it is important to go to a California granite countertops manufacture and look at the slabs firsthand.

The granite slabs should be reserved at the time of decision, or they may not be available later. It's impossible to find a specific match of a color used in a decor magazine, being that they are all unique. The uniqueness of granite countertops is one of the attributes that make them so appealing, though, since it makes every kitchen totally unique. In a land of rugged individuals, it's not surprising that a rugged and unique stone like granite would be your most favored choice in kitchen countertops.

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