Granite kitchen

Kitchen granite countertops are created by nature and fashioned by man are a beautiful, durable and cost effective choice for kitchens and baths. The term granite comes from the Latin root word granum, which means "grain."

Granite is often imported from Europe, Africa, Brazil and other regions of the world rich in natural stone. Granite is an attractive natural stone that will add color and warmth to your kitchen. Granite is an extremely hard material that will not blister, scratch or crack.

The hardness of granite is rivaled only be the hardness of diamonds. In fact diamonds are used to cut and polish granite.

Over the last 10 years kitchen granite countertops have become popular with homeowners, after first being popular with designers for decades. Granite is available in hundreds of colors, from various shades of white to browns, reds, greens, blues, and black. The most popular tones are brown and beige.

As well as being hard kitchen granite countertops can take hot items, like pots and pans, and is very stain resistant to hot grease and oil if it is sealed with a silicone-based impregnator. It can easily be cleaned and cut for a basin. Granite has a cool polished surface that makes it an excellent surface for rolling out pastry dough. The polished finish of granite will not wear off.

Kitchen granite countertops are unique because no two pieces of granite are exactly the same, therefore granite provides an interesting design element and adds certain richness and texture to your kitchen not found in other surfaces. Kitchen granite countertops can create a brilliance and elegance that is only found in nature. Granite adds a personality and character to kitchen countertops that is unsurpassed. Kitchen granite countertops have a natural beauty that is capable of complementing any tone of wood or style of cabinets.

It doesn't matter if you are planning a new home or remodeling an existing kitchen, with granite kitchen countertops you can be sure that you will add to value of your home.

Kitchen remodelers and home builders have experienced a boom in the demand for kitchen granite countertops. Although it can be more expensive to put in granite countertops, they remain the odds on favorite choice for more upscale homes, since they keep their value better than most home improvements

The investment you make in kitchen granite countertops should pay you back at least three times what you invested. If you are selling your home you will find that home buyers wanting kitchen granite countertops will be willing to pay more for your home than if you have ceramic tile or plastic laminate.

Planning out your kitchen granite countertop first involves selecting the right granite color. You should concentrate on the most popular colors. Even though granite tones are usually neutral, you may find that a certain color goes well for your kitchen design.

Countertops

Today, countertops are no longer considered extravagant and exclusive only used by the rich and famous to showcase their wealth and aesthetic tastes but even normal middle class people can afford them. People usually want to decorate their kitchen and bathroom tops to match the color, theme and environment of their residences. But there are so many options available in the market that more often than not homeowners get confused while choosing the best counters that suit their demand. So how do you choose the most suitable countertop to make your kitchen or bathroom look more glamorous?

Things to consider before choosing:

We use countertops almost all the time - while assembling our meals, using the toilet and hence they get a lot of beating. So, the most important thing one should consider while choosing is the durability and resistance power of the material that has perfect edges. The material should have smooth surface, be easy to clean, resistant to stain, scratches chemical, heat and water.

One should also look at the material and how it is manufactured. Some counters need simple processing and some require lengthy processing. Naturally, the one with simple processing will take less impact and remain strong during customization.

Installation is another important aspect while choosing the perfect countertop for you home. While most of the materials can be customized and installed, one should still consider which material is best suitable for which part of the house.

You must choose a renowned company that has the best qualified crew and good track record of customer service not to mention good bargaining offers.

Most importantly you want choose a unique surface that will set you apart from your peers and make them envy of your prized possessions.

So which Material?

Countertop materials can be divided into two broad groups and almost all have their respective advantages and disadvantages.

Kitchen counter tops

Kitchen counter tops are one of the most used items in your kitchen. Whether you are preparing the evening meal, storing appliances, or just enjoying that first cup of coffee in the morning, kitchen countertops serve many uses. Aside from multi-uses, kitchen countertops are an important aesthetic element of the kitchen. There are a plethora of styles, types, edges, and materials for countertops. Selecting the one that is right for you can prove to be a challenge. An excellent starting point is to research online as well visit home improvement stores to determine what style, cost, and material fit your budget.

Kitchen counter tops are available in a wide selection of materials and finishes. One of the most popular materials is Formica counter tops. These are easy to clean and maintain, not to mention easy to install and even easier on the wallet. With a wide selection of color, Formica counter tops are available to match nearly all color schemes that a kitchen may have.

Granite counter tops are another popular type of kitchen counter top. Be prepared that granite counter tops cost significantly more than the Formica counter tops. Granite counter tops are more durable and even scratch resistant than Formica. Slabs of granite are used for the counter

top. They are polished and generally available in a variety of edges, such as bull nose, blunt cut, or even knife edge. As you can see, granite countertops can offer more variety in the form of looks than compared to a Formica counter top.

A third option for a counter top is the tiled counter top. Similar to tiled floor, it is laid as individual tile and arranged in a number of patterns and color schemes. Installation of this type is more time consuming and difficult than the previously mentioned counter tops. Aside from installation, tiled counter tops can easily show dirt within the grout. It is important to seal the grout and tile after installation to help prevent the visibility of dirt and to allow for easier cleaning.

New kitchen counter tops are a great way to make a statement in your kitchen. With a wide range of pricing, materials, finishes, patterns, and more, rest assured you will be able to find a new counter top that is not only functional, but also practical. Be sure to shop around and compare prices when you are looking to make a purchase for a new kitchen counter top. In the end you will not only save money on your purchase, but you will have a new kitchen counter top to complete your kitchen.

Stainless steel kitchen

Work space, it is essential in the cooking process because if you run out of room to do your thing, then it ends up throwing the whole process off not to mention getting you frustrated. So, if your kitchen seems to be a bit on the small side from time to time, turn to fabulous stainless steel kitchen carts to add some more cooking space.

Stainless steel kitchen carts are extremely practical and provide that extra work space that you have always been looking for. Generally, one will feature a very large counter top that is perfect for slicing, dicing, chopping, mixing, and doing whatever else that you might need to do in the kitchen. Some will even come with drop down leafs to give you even more space to work on. Another practical feature about this furnishing is that it is easily moved from place to place because it has wills and it also will provide you with a lot of extra storage space since they come with shelves and cabinets where you can stow away anything that you want including pots and pans, cook books, and even canned goods if you want. Some other additional features that one could have include towel racks, spice caddies, knife and utensil racks, wine racks, and you can even get ones with drawers.

Now, practicality is not the only reason why stainless steel kitchen carts are such a nice furniture option because they are also a nice way to add a decorative element to your space. How so? Well, it is because they are crafted from beautiful stainless steel and can be finished off in a number of different ways, like brushed or polished, that are all very pleasing to the eye. This steel is then paired up with different stunning materials, like granite or wood, to create eye-catching pieces of furniture that are sure to please. Like, you can get one that has the stainless steel base with a wood or granite countertop.

If you are not into stainless steel, but still like the idea of having a kitchen cart in your space, no problem because there are actually a lot of other nice options available. For example, you can get ones that are crafted out of wood that are hand painted beautiful colors including yellow or red. There are also lovely vintage options that feature distressed finished and hand painted designs

and others that are more on the modern side that is painted a bold, black color. When it comes down to it, there are just a lot of wonderful options and for a stress free way to check them all out, just hit the world wide web for some comparison shopping. Just by the slide and click of the mouse you can browse the different online stores.

Solid surface kitchen countertops

Solid surface kitchen countertops have come a long way since the days when laminate was king. The combination of usability and design set a tone and a standard. Be it the classic elegance of granite or wood, a colorful solid surface or laminate, or the sleek feel of stainless steel, solid surface kitchen countertops abound with options.

With hundreds of options for solid surface countertops and kitchen surfaces, there are four main points to focus on:

- how long the kitchen countertops should last
- how durable they will be
- difficulty of the install
- how costly

Durable solid surface kitchen countertops typically carry a ten year limited warranty. If you plan to be in your current house for years to come, solid surface countertops may be your best choice.

Damage and stain resistance features insure your countertops will remain beautiful for many years. Elaborate edge treatments, unique inlays, coved backsplashes and integral sinks provide an infinite array of custom touches

The difficulty level to install will be determined by yourself and the countertops installer. A professional kitchen or bathroom countertops installer will provide all the details for you to make an informed decision for your remodeling project.
Cost, though not necessarily the most important factor, always plays a part in your final decision.

OK I WANT SOLID SURFACE, SO NOW WHAT?

Once you’ve determined that solid surface countertops are the best choice for you, you’ll want to pick the best type for your kitchen. This can be a difficult task with so many options to choose from. To help with these decisions, I always recommend following this pattern:

-Pick your material
-Pick your colors
-Pick your features

First, select the material to use. Obviously, the material will determine limitations on the colors and features you can select. (I haven’t seen many purple colored stainless steel kitchens lately).

Once you have your material, now select your color scheme. The most important factor color will have on your kitchen is the mood. Research on line how colors affect a persons mood. Using this information, and your personal preferences, you’ll be able to select the right color for your countertops.

Finally, select your features. Think about what is necessary for the functionality of the kitchen, and what are desires. Perhaps you need a large backsplash,, or a cutout for a drain, etc.

Limestone kitchen countertops

There are many different countertop materials on the market today and choosing between them comes down to personal style, needs, and budget. For those who wish to make a statement that answers to both form and function, stone material is often the first choice for kitchen renovation. The limestone countertop, in particular, adds a touch of elegance and beauty to the kitchen while still offering durability and functionality.

The limestone material used to make the limestone countertop in the United States is imported from Canada, one of the largest producers of natural limestone. Like any natural stone, limestone is strong, durable, and uniquely beautiful; it comes in a variety of natural color combinations and textures from which consumers choose those pieces that will best complement their home’s décor.

Any natural stone countertop is likely to be a more expensive choice than a laminate or engineered material. But in many cases, those who have such countertops in their home will tell you that the price is well worth the low maintenance, timeless elegance, and unmatched durability inherent in these stones.

Limestone has a long association with great monuments and architecture; and this same unwavering resilience and beauty is what makes it so popular in private homes. The limestone countertop equals a sophistication and unrivaled quality that is well worth its expense.

The durability of the limestone countertop allows it to withstand humidity, heat, and moisture - common elements in a kitchen environment. It is also relatively resilient against scratches.

However, there are some areas in which the limestone countertop is especially vulnerable. Since limestone is made of a large portion of calcium, a limestone countertop generally does fare well when it comes in contact with acidic or corrosive substances. Should the limestone come into contact with anything of this nature it can be easily corroded or marred.

That is why it is so vitally important to address any spills immediately so as to maintain the integrity of this beautiful stone. Additionally, limestone is easily stained so spills of any kind should be addressed with mild, natural cleansers.

As with any stone material, installing the limestone countertop can be something of a challenge. Experts recommend that do-it-yourselfers stay away from this particular project unless they’ve had experience in handling limestone and installing this particular countertop. This installation job is something that is best left to the professionals.

A professional contractor can be found through the retailer where you purchased your countertop or through independent resources. Just be sure that you are dealing with someone who is knowledgeable about limestone and has the experience to expertly install your countertop.

Kitchen remodel countertops

If you’re considering remodeling your kitchen and you want “to make the room both comfortable and practical,” “picking a durable and good-looking countertop” is a key ingredient. So said the Associated Press in a recent article titled “Countertops speak for the kitchen.”

“Durability, ease of maintenance and appearance are important aspects to keep in mind when choosing a countertop. And the nicer and more expensive countertops … can also add value to your home.” Indeed, countertops have an enormous impact on the look and feel of your kitchen. The many choices available offer varying cost, weight, durability, upkeep and aesthetics. So which types of countertop materials best fill the bill? The right countertop choice for your kitchen remodel project depends on what’s most important to you as a homeowner. Here are some of the most popular countertop options, with their pros and cons outlined:

• Laminate – “Still the most affordable countertop surface,” laminate is easy to install, simple to maintain and comes in a wide range of color choices. DuPont™ Surfaces come in hundreds of patterns and colors and can be custom cut and installed for limitless design possibilities. What’s more, the durable, seamless surface resists heat, stains and scratches.

• Granite – The National Association of Home Builders says that granite is fast becoming the most popular countertop material in new homes. Because it adds value to your home and can last a lifetime, granite is a good option for kitchen remodelers who can afford it. Granite Certified by DuPont offers you the beauty of natural stone, is carefully selected and comes backed with the DuPont limited warranty. The caveats: “Granite can cost in the hundreds of dollars per square foot, including installation. It is porous, so it must be treated with a sealant to resist stains; if not, stains can be very difficult to remove.”

• Solid surface countertops – Corian an acrylic solid surface made by DuPont, is the standard for style and can be customized to create unique and seamless surfaces, intricate inlays and trivets. It is nonporous and easy to clean, but may not stand up well to heat.

• Quartz ¬– Gaining in coutertop popularity, quartz is a natural stone that is as sturdy as granite. Zodiaq® by DuPont incorporates pure quartz crystal, making it exceptionally durable and scratch resistant as well as beautiful. And because it is non-porous, it does not require sealing.

• Butcher block wood – “Handy for chefs and their knives,” this material can be hard to keep clean.

• Ceramic tile – “Easy to clean and stands up well to heat,” ceramic tile’s downsides are that it “is uneven and can chip or crack.”

When deciding which countertop surface is best for your kitchen remodel project, look for an online resource that provides kitchen remodeling ideas and links to top manufacturers. Browse through its gallery showcase of kitchen countertop selections before making a final decision. The ideas, inspiration, choice, assistance and advice, such a resource affords you can help ensure that your kitchen remodel is the one of your dreams.