Granite makes a great countertop. When reviewing your kitchen countertop options, be sure to consider granite countertops. If you use granite tiles, you will need a granite countertop support system. A one-piece countertop doesn't require a support due to the granite countertop thickness.
A soapstone countertop looks great. However, soapstone kitchen countertops require a lot of care. Here are some of the soapstone countertops pros and cons.
Limestone countertops make an interesting counter top. The various shades of limestone and the embedded fossils look great. Limestone kitchen countertops should be sealed. Sealing limestone countertops will help prevent stains.
Kitchen tile backsplash are great for decorating your home. A tile backsplash is waterproof and is available in a variety of color, styles and textures. You can get a glass tile backsplash or a ceramic tile backsplash. Consider your opinions carefully before purchasing. Backsplashes are a long term decorating product, expensive and takes a significant amount of labor to install.
Stencils are an inexpensive and impressive way to embellish many surfaces. Applying stencils to kitchen countertops and continuing the design onto the backsplash is a creative way to customize your kitchen. Be sure to seal your stenciling with at least 3 coats of clear urethane to protect the design for years to come.
From local craft stores to the Internet, stencil patterns can be found anywhere in a variety of shapes, sizes and designs. Here is a list of some well-known stencil companies.
Call the following manufacturers if you would like to receive some beautiful color literature illustrating all the colors, patterns, styles, etc. of plastic laminate and edge treatments. Be sure to ask for both pieces of literature. In almost all instances, they will tell you the location of their closest dealer.
Do you know someone who hasn't experienced or seen plastic laminate, especially in countertops? I can't think of a soul. Plastic laminate counters dominated the kitchen countertop market for years. They had virtually no competition. They are still immensely popular today, as they offer a durable surface which is quite affordable. Plastic laminate can also offer a huge return on investment. Recent published figures show that a minor kitchen remodeling job offers a 98 percent return on your remodeling dollar. A minor kitchen remodeling job almost always includes a new plastic laminate countertop.
While plastic laminate appears to be the wonder material, it requires care to keep it looking like new. As long as you follow a few easy steps, your laminate will look great for years to come. Pay particular attention to soaps. I was amazed at what I learned while researching this topic!
Following is a list of the major manufacturers of solid surface countertop materials. Look at their web sites and be sure to check the specification sheets. These sheets usually describe the composition and materials used in the product. This is important, as you should try to determine which material has the highest percentage of acrylic plastic.
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