{If you're a homeowner that loves to spend a great deal of time in the kitchen then there's a good chance new countertops are at the peak of your wish list in preparation for your next home improvement. The materials and designs are extremely diverse, so if you want to get the best look and performance for your money then follow these countertop material tips from home improvement contractors:|
New countertops always seem to top the wish list when it's time to remodel the kitchen. This update is always on the mind of homeowners that spend a great deal of time in the kitchen. If you want to make the most out of your kitchen update, take the time to choose the materials carefully. With such a wide selection you should easily be able to find the ones that fit your style:|Do you spend a lot of time in the kitchen? Is it your preferred place to hang out, cut loose and relax after a long day? Many homeowners love the kitchen space, and they love it even more when they have beautiful countertops to work on. Like many, new countertops are probably at the top of your home improvement list. If you're gearing up for a remodel on your favorite room in the home, then consider these popular material choices for a counter top upgrade:}
Kitchen Home Improvement Materials - Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile is popular in home improvement projects, especially in the kitchen, because it mimics natural stonework in most environments. It's made from fired clay and can be custom designed to look like rough stone or even smooth porcelain. Smaller tiles tend to be used for a backsplash while larger tiles are used on countertops for easy cleaning.
Tile is also scratch resistant and can withstand a great deal of heat - even from a hot pan placed on the surface. While it's easy to install and relatively cheap ($10-$30 per square foot) the grout lines can sometimes be difficult to clean which can harbor mold and bacteria.
Kitchen Home Improvement Materials - Plastic Laminate
Laminate offers the most range in terms of style and design when you're doing home improvement in your kitchen. You can certainly find the right style and color to fit your kitchen and the price is comparative to ceramic tiles ($20 - $35 per sq ft). The greatest benefit of laminate is that it's highly resistant to mold and bacteria making it easy to clean and sanitize.
An unfortunate downside is that this fabricated material is easily damaged, especially from knives. It burns easily if hot objects are placed on the surface and it can be easily stained. Homeowners must take extra measures to protect the surface once the install is complete, using placemats and cutting boards at all times.
Kitchen Home Improvement Materials - Stone Tiles
When you work a general contractor to install tiles cut from natural stone, you gain the substantial look of an expensive countertop (like granite) for a bit less on the price. Natural tiles run about $20-$40 per square foot and vary depending mainly on the material. Common choices are slate, travertine and granite, where slate tends to be the popular choice because of the rich, deep color and soft surface texture.
The natural polish of the stone makes it easy to clean and sanitize but it requires a good strong sealant once installed. Without a good seal, the naturally porous stone will easily absorb liquids, which makes it stain much easier while harboring bacteria and germs.
Kitchen Home Improvement Materials - Wood
Wood is a great option for countertops in the home and homeowners love the rustic ambience it lends to the kitchen in a home improvement project. If you like the farmhouse appeal of wood then this material is a great choice. Butcher blocks lead the interest for countertops, mainly for the look and durability. Cost can vary from $20-$50 per sq foot depending on the type of wood chosen. Wood is forgiving, more so than other materials. Bang it up and it seems to gain character rather than turn ugly. The only downside with wood is that it needs to be sealed and oiled regularly to sustain it's look and strength.
Kitchen Home Improvement Materials - Natural Stone (Quartz and Granite)
Natural stone is the perfect gift for you kitchen straight from mother nature. Rather than trying to piece together individual sections or materials you can work with natural cut stone like granite or quartz, custom designed to the exact fit for your cabinets. Granite is popular for the color and pattern variety while Quartz takes the cake for sheer durability and toughness and resistance to bacteria. The cost ($40-$80 per sq ft) is worth it, because these counter tops will last the life of your home (and then some). Just make sure your cabinets can stand the weight of the countertop.
Author Resource:
Don't let your next Virginia Home Improvement project break the bank. Learn how any project can be achieved on a small budget, including getting quality countertops for your Virginia Kitchen . Contact a general contractor that can help you get your remodel done right. Paragon Remodeling - 8000 Towers Crescent Drive - Vienna VA 22182
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