Looking for Countertop ideas to remodel or update the kitchen ? This is the inside guide to countertops and more. Do you know what type of countertops you want, or what color goes best ? Have you selected your sink ? Maybe you have your faucet choices narrowed down but, not sure what one to go with. These are just some of the questions that come up and we will cover them and more in this blog.
Don't let the elegance of granite fool you: This natural stone is hard-working and durable, making it a great choice for countertops. It is becoming an increasingly popular material for counters in both new and remodeled houses. Granite countertops is a great investment in your home, and will provide many years of enjoyment.
There are many reasons to choose granite as your countertop surface. Among the best are:
Natural
Crystallized under tremendous pressure deep underground, granite is a naturally formed stone composed mainly of quartz and feldspars that is mined from quarries around the world. Every granite countertop can be considered a limited edition because there is a finite supply of granite in any given quarry.
Complex
Granite is a tangled labyrinth full of Mother Nature's unique intricacies. The complex swirls and veining in our exotics series can add a great deal of character to any countertop. Solid surface and quartz materials lack the non-uniform flow of sophisticated patterns and highly detailed grain structures.
Strong
Granite is hard and highly scratch resistant. Due to its composition of quartz and feldspars (7 and 6 on the Hardness Scale, respectively), it is more durable than softer stones such as marble or travertine and man-made materials such as acrylics, polyesters or laminates. The glossy finish will endure years of use in even the busiest kitchens without being refinished.
Affordable
Granite may be more affordable than you think. Find a fabricator with a stocked program not only keeps turnaround times shorter but allows them to charge for just the material actually used to produce your countertop. This means you won't end up spending money on material that is not part of your design.
Warranty
Naturally resistant to both acids and alkalis, granite will not etch from common foods, beverages or household cleaners like other types of stones. And, with the industry’s first and only comprehensiveResidential Limited Lifetime Warranty, your Artisan™ countertop will be protected, promoting a clean, safe, and worry-free kitchen.
If you're looking to purchase granite countertops for your kitchen or bathroom.I would start with the set of slabs below and see if they are appealing in your kitchen, this will also let you see what is out there on the market. Most people can find a granite they like with the set of slabs below. I tried to put together a palette has a great mixture of lights and darks.
Do you prefer dark or light countertops ? If it was my kitchen I prefer dark cabinets with light granite tops.
Farm Sinks can evoke period-style kitchens. These sinks have a stylish panel in front and are available in both tile-in and undercounter models. Because of their unique installation, it is recommended that you have the sink on hand during cabinet construction. Most sink cabinets need to modified so that the cabinet can accept the farm sink. Here are some of the top options on the market today.
Cast Iron Farm Sinks
This is the most common sink you find on the market. This is a great sink and very durable.
Pros:
Long lasting durability - Cast iron isn't going to crack or dent like a solid surface or stainless steel sink. They're heavy and massive and barring any problems with their finish, they should last for a long time.
Appealing finish - The porcelain enamel coating provides a glossy finish that adds a beautiful visual appeal and is available in a range of colors that varies with manufacturer. The glossy shine adds sparkle to the kitchen and enhances the surrounding countertops.
Surface less prone to water spots - It's glossy surface combined with white and other lighter colors tends to hide water spots and streaks better than other types of sinks like stainless steel. Wiping it clean after each use will keep it clean too but that can be inconvenient and impractical. Black sinks on the other hand may show more streaking than lighter colors.
Easy to clean - The porcelain surface is non-porous and smooth making it resistant to staining and easy to keep clean. It's not totally immune to stains.
Cons: Porcelain can chip or wear - The porcelain enamel is a brittle structure and it can chip if it's knocked hard enough. It can also scratch and wear if you use abrasive cleaners and aggressive cleaning methods.
Not compatible with aggressive cleaners - Abrasive cleaners that are typically found in the kitchen can scratch and wear away at a cast iron sink's porcelain finish. You'll need to use the right cleaning methods and materials to maintain the sink's finish.
Stainless Steel Farm Sinks
Make a striking statement with stainless steel.
Pros: Durability and longevity - Quality sinks with reasonable care should last forever. They're made from a corrosion resistant steel that's harder and tougher than other types of materials and won't chip, crack or wear out.
Affordability - Yes, you can pay over a thousand dollars for some high-end stainless triple bowl kitchen sinks but there are plenty of very affordable models that provide the benefits stainless sinks have to offer.
Timeless look consistent with many appliances - depending on your perspective and taste, stainless steel sinks provide a consistent look in a kitchen with stainless appliances. Even without these types of appliances, stainless steel sinks have consistently been in fashion and immune from fluctuating style trends.
Cons: Not immune to scratching - Even though they're metal you can still put scratches in a stainless steel sink. They also have a "grain direction" and any rubbing with an abrasive material in the direction opposite of the grain will result in visible scratches and/or a blotchy appearance inconsistent with he rest of the sink.
There's maintenance involved in keeping it looking good - Stainless sinks are relatively easy to clean as they don't really stain but keeping them looking new and fresh takes effort. Dried mineral deposits from standing water and drips can make a stainless steel sink look dingy pretty quickly. You'll need to wipe out the sink frequently to avoid the drab filmy look.
Copper Farm Sinks
Copper is one of the most elegant choices where kitchen copper sinks are concerned. Large, bold farm sinks add an element of charm and character.
Note: When installing under mount copper sink, overhang the countertop opast the rim of the sink. Copper sinks are not square and very hard for the countertop cutout to follow.
Pros:
Copper is stylish - Creates a custom look that matches nearly any decor including traditional or modern decor.
Bacteria Resistant- Copper itself is an antimicrobial surface that is naturally self-renewing. This is partly because of the non-porous nature of copper. It can make it difficult for bacteria to penetrate into the sink.
Doesn’t rust or corrode - long lasting and will not break down
Cons: Can be expensive - If you are in the process of remodeling your kitchen and budget is tight you might consider choosing a cheaper kind
Soft Material - Copper is much softer than stainless steel, so it will scratch much easier than stainless steel and other materials. Because of copper’s low melting point, hot pans can easily damage it. Lower gauges can dent and warp, and washing dishes can be noisy.
High Maintenance - Copper requires much care to keep them clean and bright. To maintain a bright, shiny finish, it must be polished and waxed regularly. You must also ensure you dry the sink after each use.
Bring your design dreams to life with Heritage Wood, fine solid wood countertops expertly crafted to bring elegance, warmth, and durability to any environment. The world's finest domestic, exotic and reclaimed wood is crafted into flawless perfection. Available exclusively through Artisan Group, Heritage Wood countertops add a unique, luminous touch to kitchens and countertops, turning the ordinary into something extraordinary.
Long Lasting Beauty
Showpiece quality with high investment value. Contemporary to traditional, timeless look which adds warmth to your kitchen and never goes out of style.
Heat & Stain Tolerant
Wood countertops are tolerant to heat as well as red wine, mustard, and other substances that usually stain.
Waterproof
Finished with a penetrating waterproof oil. Durable even in areas exposed to moisture.
Food Safe
Wood countertops are safe for food preparation and food contact. Inherent properties prevent bacterial build-up. Heritage Wood is finished with an organic tung oil listed by the FDA as food-safe when dry.
Easy to Maintain
Easily re-oiled every 12 to 48 months, depending on level of use. Simple to clean and disinfect with a vinegar/water solution.
With over 110 colors to choose from, DuPont Corian allows you to create a space as individual as you are. Let your inner designer loose with inlays, seamless backsplashes, and inline sinks.
Trusted & Supported
The original solid surface invented by DuPont over 35 years ago. Ten-year limited warranty when installed by a Certified Fabricator/Installer.
Stylish
Creates a signature look that mixes and matches with other materials.
Colorful
Over 110 colors – more than any other solid surface.
Warm & Inviting
The surface material that feels luxurious to the touch.
Easy to Keep Clean
No grout, no sink lip, no seam gaps.
Heat Resistant
Resists accidental heat exposure for short periods.
Stain Resistant
Stains can’t permeate and are easily removed; never requires sealing.
Durable
Tough and long-lasting so it stands up to heavy use. Superb UV resistance so it won’t fade when exposed to direct sunlight.
Nonporous
Stains and grime can’t penetrate the surface.
Renewable
Since the color runs all the way through, marks and scratches can be removed easily to restore it to its original condition.
Cambria Natural Quartz Surfaces are an ideal choice for homeowners looking for a maintenance free countertop with stunning aesthetics. Composed of 93% natural quartz and 7% pigments and epoxy resin, Cambria is an extremely durable material.
Strength & Durability
Cambria has performed numerous laboratory tests to prove that Cambria natural quartz surfaces are twice as strong as granite. It's a surface that is truly everlasting.
Maintenance Free
No sealing, polishing or reconditioning is needed. Simply wash with warm water. It's that simple. Cambria will resist stains from fruit juices, food coloring, coffee, tea, wine, grape juice, nail polish and felt tip markers.
Food Safe
Cambria has been certified by NSF International for use as a food preparation surface. Cambria is totally non-porous, making cleanup easy and preventing food and moisture from penetrating its surface — the main source of growth for harmful bacteria.
Natural
Cambria is created from natural quartz, an extremely hard stone crystal mined directly from the earth. In fact, quartz is the hardest non-precious stone that can be found in the earth's surface.
Looking to update your kitchen or remodel your bathroom; you're probably asking yourself what are my options. Look no further I am going to touch on the most popular countertops on the market today.
Cambria Natural Quartz Surfaces are an ideal choice for homeowners looking for a maintenance free countertop with stunning aesthetics. Composed of 93% natural quartz and 7% pigments and epoxy resin, Cambria is an extremely durable material.
Granite Countertops makes a great choice for countertops. It is becoming an increasingly popular material for counters in both new and remodeled houses.
Zodiaq combines the strength and beauty of natural quartz with DuPont science to offer exciting new possibilities for your home. Composed of 93% natural quartz and 7% pigments and epoxy resin, Zodiaq resists both heat and scratches and is maintenance free.
Vetrazzo®...the original recycled glass surface. Vetrazzo® has created dazzling surfaces in places where people live, work, and play all across the country.
Bring your design dreams to life with Heritage Wood, fine solid wood countertops expertly crafted to bring elegance, warmth, and durability to any environment. The world's finest domestic, exotic and reclaimed wood is crafted into flawless perfection. Available exclusively through Artisan Group, Heritage Wood countertops add a unique, luminous touch to kitchens and countertops, turning the ordinary into something extraordinary.
With over 110 colors to choose from, DuPont Corian allows you to create a space as individual as you are. Let your inner designer loose with inlays, seamless backsplashes, and inline sinks.
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