Countertops And Cabinets

Taking proper care of the granite countertop you purchased for your kitchen or bathroom is prudent since it is  more than just a surface it is also an investment, one that will give you decades of beautiful service. Granite or stone is a natural product and simple care and maintenance will keep it looking luxurious. Here are some tips for basic granite counter top care and cleaning:

Clean granite counter surfaces with a few drops of neutral cleaner (non acidic), stone soap  or a mild liquid dish washing detergent and warm water. For best results use a clean cloth or rag. Don’t over apply cleaners, too much cleaner or soap may leave a film and cause streaks. Remember non-acidic products, do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar or other acids on the granite the high acid content may etch the surface. Rinse the granite counter surface thoroughly after washing with the soap solution and dry with a soft cloth. Changing the rinse water frequently. Do not use scouring powders or creams; these products contain abrasives that may scratch the surface finish.

Bath and Other Wet Areas In the bathroom or other wet areas, soap scum can be minimized by using a squeegee after each use. To remove soap scum, use a non-acidic soap scum remover. Frequent or over use of an ammonia solution may eventually dull the surface of the stone.

Things to do:  Do dust surfaces frequently  Do clean surfaces with mild detergent or stone soap  Do thoroughly rinse and dry the surface after washing. Do blot up spills immediately. Don’ts:  Do not use vinegar, lemon juice or other cleaners containing acids.  Do not use cleaners that contain acid such as bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners or tub & tile cleaners. Do not use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleansers or soft cleansers. Do not mix bleach and ammonia; this combination creates a toxic and lethal gas.

Simply using these granite care and cleaning tips will ensure that your granite kitchen counter top or granite bathroom vanity countertop looks good for as long as it lasts.

Tile kitchen countertops offer a lot of design flexibility at a low cost, however there are also some drawbacks. Tile is available in a huge variety of colors, patterns, textures, sizes and prices, from mass-produced 4-in. sq. field tile to hand-painted works of art Installed prices start at about $15 per sq. ft. for a basic countertop and go up from there. Loose field tile starts at less than $2 per sq. ft

Porcelain tile, ceramic tile and glazed tiles have a outer layer like glass this makes them long wearing, highly heat resistant and non-absorbent. Tile can be set on a mortar bed or over cement backerboard with thin set mortar. Tiles can be formed into kitchen countertops of almost any size or shape since it is easy to cut. The replacement of damaged tiles is as easy as chiseling out the damaged area and replacing the tile.

However, there are some drawbacks to installing tile for your counters top. Tile is very hard and china or glassware that falls on it are not, the result, the tile will be ok. Since tile kitchen countertops are made of many pieces, the counter surface will most likely not be completely flat, requiring a cutting board be placed on it.

Probably the biggest downfall to using tile is the grout between the tile. Cement based grout stains easily and can be difficult to clean if left untreated. Epoxy grout is a good option. It’s good at resisting stains. But over time epoxy grout yellows, especially when exposed to sunlight.

Installing tile for your kitchen countertop will offer you design versatility, durability. It will be pretty much stain resistant and impervious to heat. One of the biggest pluses is that the option of tile kitchen countertops can be done inexpensively.

The bathroom can be the room with the best return on investment for a homeowner. There are several steps homeowners should consider when renovating their bathrooms, the first being to hire the right contractor, which is somebody who has good references.

When putting up wallpaper, it should be eye-catching and strategically hung. Before buying a new toilet, it is important to choose one that is environmentally-friendly, fully operational, and attractive in appearance, such as the Aquia Dual Flush High-Efficiency Toilet, which offers a heated seat, a bidet, and a sensor to close the seat. The Foot Flush–a pedal that sends everything down the toilet with a single press of the foot–reduces the amount of bacteria in the bathroom.

When thinking about your bathooms vanity space, built-ins and baskets can help, especially if they are constructed into the bathroom vanity. It is important to invest money in the sink, countertops, shower, and floor of the bathroom. Substances such as marble and granite come in a variety of colors, and their longevity surpasses their expense.

Built-in cutting boards
At a time when ‘green’ is the trend, butcher block is one of your few completely natural kitchen countertop materials. Typically made from strips of hard maple, 1 1/2-in. thick
butcher block counters are glued up to expose wear resistant edge grain. They can be ordered in sizes up to 12 ft. long and 4 ft. wide for about $30 to $35 per sq. ft.

Easy to find butcher block countertop material can be found and purchased through your local home center or lumberyard and there are some large manufacturers that you can order from also.One of them, John Boos & Company, also makes end-grain tops
4 in. thick in sizes up to 60 in. by 38 in. for about $85 per sq. ft.

A butcher block countertop also offers several inherent benefits, besides being natural, for instance; it is relatively easy to work and install, butcher block also has a visual warmth and pleasing resilience, and can be used can act as a built in cutting board.

Even the blemishes of a butcher block countertop add to its appeal and charm. Scratches, scorch marks and other signs of wear and tear can be counted as character, or scraped and sanded away. One drawback is that wood is susceptible to water damage, so
butcher block used around the sink should be carefully sealed. While many are turning to natural stone like granite for their counter top material the warmth and character offered by butcher block kitchen countertops can not be beat. Besides offering you good looking natural alternative a butcher block countertop can be expected to last for decades.