Granite countertops look great in the kitchen, but if you are choosing granite for your kitchen remake beware that not all granite is created equal.
Granite is a blend of micah feldspar and quartz and is found all over the world. It’s not as porous as marble but by nature includes fizzures and tiny pits which will need regular sealing. Some grainte pieces have more pits and are more porous than others - something to keep in mind when choosing a slab for your counters.
Granite comes in a wide variety of colors. You can get your basic black or a tan-ish color and even a variety that has gorgeous blue crystals embedded into it. Along with the colors, there is an array of patterns some granite is flecked, some fairly solid and color and some swirly.
While granite is a rather expensive countertop material, it’s very easy to work with, easy to keep clean and maintains its beautiful appearance for many years. There are different grades or qualities of granite and therefore are different prices can be paid for your granite countertop. If you want a basic color you’ll pay less than if you get something more exotic and rare. In addition, the thicker you countertop the more you will pay and also if you’re getting curvy edges that will add to the cost.
When choosing granite countertops you want to consider the source you’re buying it from. Are they experts in the installing granite countertops? You don’t want someone doing a substandard job with your expensive counters. Also you must beware of the quality of the Granite. Some less scrupulous suppliers have been known to die and oil the granite so that it appears darker. The problem is that this dark color will wear over time and leave you with dull looking counters. Always test your granite by rubbing it with a clean rag that has a little bit of nail polish remover on it - if color comes off, the granite is probably died and it’s best to avoid it. You also want to test your Granite to see how porous It is. You can do this by dropping a few drops of lemon juice on it and seeing how long it takes to soak in and if it leaves a stain.
Installing granite countertops is certainly a decision you will not regret if the granite is chosen carefully. Just remember to be sure to get instructions from the supplier as to how to maintain the beauty of your granite. These countertops are virtually indestructible and add beauty to almost any room. Granite is timeless and not likely to go out of style so you won’t have to worry that you’ll want to change out your counters in five years because the granite makes it look dated. Just be sure to get a color that is somewhat neutral so that It will always look good no matter what style of kitchen decor you might choose to redo your kitchen in.
9/28/2011
How Kitchen Counter Tops Can Improve The Look Of Your Kitchen
Your kitchen counter tops are a major element of your kitchen and just making the simple change of replacing your counter tops can make a huge difference in the way you kitchen looks.
Take a good look at you kitchen one of the major things that pop out at you? The cabinets - the appliances - and the counter tops. Making changes to all three will certainly change the look of the kitchen, but even changing as the counters can make a big difference.
Kitchen counter tops can be made out of a variety of materials. On the lower end is Formica and up on the higher-end is granite. Somewhere in between is Crain, concrete, stainless steel, tile, and even marble. These days with counters your imagination is the only limit and I recently even saw counters made out of the beautiful on ex-that will let from underneath it was sensational!
If you like the look of granite (and who doesn’t?), but you lack the funds you might try Corian which is a man-made material that mimics the look of granite but is a lot less expensive. You can get Corian counter tops in a variety of different colors and patterns and some even come with the anti-microbial coating to make them resistant to bacteria.
Tile can make for interesting kitchen counter especially if you have a southwestern kitchen design. you can get a lot of interesting colors and designs in the tile but beware that cleaning grout can be a real pain. In particular, make sure you do not use white grout as this will stain easily and you’ll find yourself constantly scrubbing it to keep it clean looking.
If you want to keep your kitchen counter tops as germ-free is possible that you might want to try stainless steel. These are pretty easy to keep clean but you may have to watch out for scratching.
For an elegant look you might want to try marble but be careful that you have it sealed properly as marble does stain.
Granite is a timelesss option for kitchen counters and gives your kitchen a really upscale look. You don’t ever have to worry about Granite going out of style and it’s pretty easy to take care of two. You do want to make sure that it’s sealed correctly as it Is porous and can stain.
When choosing new kitchen countertops be sure you match them to the overall style of your kitchen. If your kitchen is very casual, that marble may not be a good choice. if your kitchen has an industrial look than stainless steel might be perfect.
Always remember that your countertops and the functional purpose and you want to consider ease of use and cleaning when choosing a material for them.
Take a good look at you kitchen one of the major things that pop out at you? The cabinets - the appliances - and the counter tops. Making changes to all three will certainly change the look of the kitchen, but even changing as the counters can make a big difference.
Kitchen counter tops can be made out of a variety of materials. On the lower end is Formica and up on the higher-end is granite. Somewhere in between is Crain, concrete, stainless steel, tile, and even marble. These days with counters your imagination is the only limit and I recently even saw counters made out of the beautiful on ex-that will let from underneath it was sensational!
If you like the look of granite (and who doesn’t?), but you lack the funds you might try Corian which is a man-made material that mimics the look of granite but is a lot less expensive. You can get Corian counter tops in a variety of different colors and patterns and some even come with the anti-microbial coating to make them resistant to bacteria.
Tile can make for interesting kitchen counter especially if you have a southwestern kitchen design. you can get a lot of interesting colors and designs in the tile but beware that cleaning grout can be a real pain. In particular, make sure you do not use white grout as this will stain easily and you’ll find yourself constantly scrubbing it to keep it clean looking.
If you want to keep your kitchen counter tops as germ-free is possible that you might want to try stainless steel. These are pretty easy to keep clean but you may have to watch out for scratching.
For an elegant look you might want to try marble but be careful that you have it sealed properly as marble does stain.
Granite is a timelesss option for kitchen counters and gives your kitchen a really upscale look. You don’t ever have to worry about Granite going out of style and it’s pretty easy to take care of two. You do want to make sure that it’s sealed correctly as it Is porous and can stain.
When choosing new kitchen countertops be sure you match them to the overall style of your kitchen. If your kitchen is very casual, that marble may not be a good choice. if your kitchen has an industrial look than stainless steel might be perfect.
Always remember that your countertops and the functional purpose and you want to consider ease of use and cleaning when choosing a material for them.
7/27/2011
To Stainless Steel or Not To?
Stainless steel is one of the most widely used metals in the world today. The Chrysler Building in New York City is capped with a layer of stainless steel, as is the St. Louis Arch - and neither of these monumental landmarks have corroded or required any other maintenance aside from cleaning since they were made many years ago. But stainless steel is not just used in major construction projects; it has made its way into the homes and appliances of many modern Americans. Why? Because of its tough durability, rust-resistant trait, and aesthetic appeal. So, what's the catch? Price, of course. New stainless steel appliances can run you a pretty penny and if you're looking to refurbish your home's appliances, you need to know when stainless steel is worth it and where you can get it the cheapest.
Stainless Steel: Why All the Fuss?
Before you start eyeballing parts of your home for stainless steel replacement, it's a good idea to know what exactly we're dealing with here. Stainless steel is an alloy made of iron, carbon, and chromium that started becoming widely used in the early 1900s. The chromium content is what makes stainless steel "stainless" because chromium automatically creates a protective film of chromium oxide whenever it comes into contact with oxygen. This protective film encases the steel and forms a barrier against corrosion. If the layer of chromium oxide is ever breached, it will fix itself and create a new layer of film as soon as oxygen hits the exposed chromium of the steel. This makes stainless steel essentially rust-free. However, responsible cleaning will of course give your stainless steel appliances a longer life. Abrasive cleaning materials or brushes will probably not hurt your appliances in the short run, but soft cloths and chloride-free soaps are recommended to lengthen the life of stainless steel in the long run.
Where to Sink Your Money
A wide variety of household items are made from stainless steel today. Everything from cabinets to refrigerators, sinks and dishwashers, as well as garage tools and hardware are made from this durable metal. So, when you're thinking about upgrading to stainless steel, don't drive yourself crazy with an unaffordable or tremendously expensive overhaul of your home's appliances. Start with the areas you use the most. We recommend your kitchen sink. Everybody has to eat everyday and if you're an average American who only eats out on special occasions, you're probably eating breakfast and dinner at home and preparing homemade lunches to take with you to work or school. This means your sink is getting a lot of action, possibly the most in your kitchen. So, if you're thinking of replacing it, you will want to purchase a high quality sink that can withstand harsh daily use for many years and still look great.
Finding the Best Deal
Start out by looking in your local home improvement stores to get an idea of how much stainless steel costs in your area. If you decide to purchase your new sink from a store, make sure to ask if the sink comes with free installation. If not, you should do some research to see if you can install the new sink yourself or if you will need to budget to hire a professional to do it for you. This will be especially important if you buy online, but this is where you might find some of the best deals. Stainless steel sinks can cost upwards of $1000 if you go for the super high end products. However, you can find perfectly good and practical stainless steel sinks for under $350 if you know where to look. We recommend checking out the selection on NexTag.com . There you will find an Advance Tabco stainless steel undermount sink bowl measuring 10" x 14" x 10" for only $181 or a much deeper 20" x 16" x 12" sink for $344.
How to Clean Stainless Steel
Normal household use should never damage stainless steel sinks irreparably. Rather, you'll simply need to clean them easily and regularly to keep your kitchen looking shiny and new. And the best part is that you don't even have to buy a new cleaning product because you probably already own a good one: Try rubbing alcohol! Simply fill an empty spray bottle with rubbing alcohol and give your sink a little shpritz each night before going to bed. Wipe it down with a paper towel and watch your water spots and fingerprints disappear! Rubbing alcohol serves as a disinfectant to keep your kitchen sink healthy, clean beautifully shiny.
After choosing, installing and using your new stainless steel kitchen sink, you will get a feel for how much stainless steel you want in your home. Later on, you might choose to add stainless steel countertops, shelving, refrigerator and other appliances. But we recommend starting out with your sink first and then seeing where your budget takes you.
7 Stylish Utility Sinks
1.Laundry rooms are not generally considered sexy, beautiful spaces in the home but that doesn’t mean they can’t be attractive as well as functional. Naturally, their most important feature is function and if you’re lucky enough to have a dedicated laundry room, then one feature you will surely wish to install is the utility sink. In the days of the basement laundry room, it was common to have a large utility sink for hand washing, pre-soaking, or spot cleaning. These big sinks were not used for food prep or personal hygiene but for basic household talks such as cleaning clothes and cleaning larger buckets, mops, etc. However utilitarian they are, there are many sinks that look good as well. And, as long as you’re doing the dirty work, why not do it in a pleasant space.
2.One of the sweetest laundry rooms I’ve seen was in the HGTV 2010 Green Home in Plymouth, MA. I visited the house in June 2010, just before it was given away and was charmed by the multi-purpose mud/laundry room just inside the home from the garage. The snappy red appliances were set off against the cool gray/blue woodwork. The utility sink was a simple under mount integrated into a granite counter top. While not large (the room was quite small as well), the sink offered service to both laundry and gardening needs. A very charming workspace indeed!
Here is a roundup of several attractive, and functional, utility sinks for your laundry area.
3.The 3-bowl Scullery Sink recalls days gone by of grand English country estates and scullery maids scurrying about washing dishes and laundry. While most of us are doing our own “scullery” work, this sink will make that job much easier. The sink is 42” high to reduce back strain and the three bowls makes hand washing clothing an easier task for simultaneous hot wash, cold wash and/or bleach washing-whatever is needed to get the job done.
4.The All Purpose china sink works well in country and classic settings and can be wall or counter mounted. The high gloss china is stain and bacteria resistant. The classic white porcelain look is always a winner.
5.The Bayview wall mount small sink by Kohler is a great choice for smaller laundry rooms. Though small, the depth is deep for great functionality. The cast iron sink comes as a wall mount with an optional sink stand. The finishes range from Almond to Ice Gray.
6.This classically styled Farmhouse sink is sure to make a bold statement in this snappy blue finish. There’s no reason why even a modest utility sink can’t be stylish!
7.This sleek stainless steel utility sink from Julien offers the modern appeal of stainless steel construction and comes in several styles and configurations to fit any job. From wall mount sinks, to counter drop-ins or undermounts to stand-alones, these sinks are a great choice for smaller spaces and those seeking a modern, industrial edge in their designs.
Ikea, the go-to source for low priced modern design, offers a stand alone utility sink that offers a double stainless steel bowl and two-door cabinet. Add a crane neck faucet to make this a stylish, utilitarian piece.
2.One of the sweetest laundry rooms I’ve seen was in the HGTV 2010 Green Home in Plymouth, MA. I visited the house in June 2010, just before it was given away and was charmed by the multi-purpose mud/laundry room just inside the home from the garage. The snappy red appliances were set off against the cool gray/blue woodwork. The utility sink was a simple under mount integrated into a granite counter top. While not large (the room was quite small as well), the sink offered service to both laundry and gardening needs. A very charming workspace indeed!
Here is a roundup of several attractive, and functional, utility sinks for your laundry area.
3.The 3-bowl Scullery Sink recalls days gone by of grand English country estates and scullery maids scurrying about washing dishes and laundry. While most of us are doing our own “scullery” work, this sink will make that job much easier. The sink is 42” high to reduce back strain and the three bowls makes hand washing clothing an easier task for simultaneous hot wash, cold wash and/or bleach washing-whatever is needed to get the job done.
4.The All Purpose china sink works well in country and classic settings and can be wall or counter mounted. The high gloss china is stain and bacteria resistant. The classic white porcelain look is always a winner.
5.The Bayview wall mount small sink by Kohler is a great choice for smaller laundry rooms. Though small, the depth is deep for great functionality. The cast iron sink comes as a wall mount with an optional sink stand. The finishes range from Almond to Ice Gray.
6.This classically styled Farmhouse sink is sure to make a bold statement in this snappy blue finish. There’s no reason why even a modest utility sink can’t be stylish!
7.This sleek stainless steel utility sink from Julien offers the modern appeal of stainless steel construction and comes in several styles and configurations to fit any job. From wall mount sinks, to counter drop-ins or undermounts to stand-alones, these sinks are a great choice for smaller spaces and those seeking a modern, industrial edge in their designs.
Ikea, the go-to source for low priced modern design, offers a stand alone utility sink that offers a double stainless steel bowl and two-door cabinet. Add a crane neck faucet to make this a stylish, utilitarian piece.
Make your custom kitchen sink
1. Add or subtract a bowl
Two-bowl kitchen sinks have become fairly standard, allowing separation of clean and dirty dishes. However, some users want the simplicity and volume of a single basin. Single-bowl sinks are typically large enough for soaking big pots, defrost turkeys or maybe bathe a baby.
Other manufacturers are going the other direction — adding a third small bowl. These may be between the bowls or on one side. They are often connected to the disposal, but consider connecting one of the larger bowls to the disposal instead. This will allow you to scrape large bowls or pans directly into the disposal drain. Also be aware that a three-bowl sink may not be a simple switch. Many three-bowl sinks require an extra 12 inches of counter space.
2. Under-mount the sink
Under-mount sinks are a new trend, replacing the standard drop-in sink with a lip over the counter all the way around the basins. Under-mount sinks attach to the bottom of stone or solid-surface counters, creating a uniform, flush countertop surface and a more simple, attractive look. Users also say under-mount sinks are easier to clean. They make it easier to clen countertops, as you can just squeegee all the water and debris on the counter into the sink without a lip in the way. Another option is the tile-in sink. This sink’s rim is flush with the tile countertop surface, and sealed in with grout.
3. Customize the shape
Perhaps the easiest sink to clean is a solid-surface acrylic or stone sink. These integral sinks can be directly molded into the countertop. They are quiet, durable and can be customized in any shape, but they are also among the most expensive sinks.
4. Get custom accessories
Some sinks come with colanders and cutting boards that fit perfectly over one of the bowls. No more juggling a colander and a boiling pot to strain pasta.
5. Bend the faucet
Gooseneck faucets create more space between the spout and the bottom of the basin. They make it easier to fill tall pitchers and vases, and to wash large pots. However, water may splash and create a mess if the faucet is too tall for the sink.
6. Get a deeper basin
Another way to add space is with a deeper bowl. The standard basin is six to eight inches deep, but newer models are inching deeper. A 12-inch-deep basin may be more convenient, but they will also be less comfortable for taller users.
7. Replace the handle
Try out the many types of kitchen sink handles, including levers, twist knobs and cross handles. Some prefer the ease of a single lever while others would rather have two separate controls. Both options now come with wrist blades, which are a great option for hands-free manipulation, particularly if you struggle with finger and hand pain.
8. Add a pull-out sprayer
Many sinks have an extra hole in the back right corner, providing space for one of three optional accessories — sprayers, hot-water dispensers and filter faucets. Sprayers help make it easier to clean vegetables and dishes. If you don’t have the extra hole available for a separate sprayer head, consider a detachable sprayer in the main faucet head.
9. Add a hot water dispenser
Hot water dispensers deliver 190-degree water on demand through a separate faucet mounted on the sink. They use a heater mounted under the counter, requiring an electric receptacle, but not a separate water line.
10. Add a water filter
Finally, you can treat the water flowing into the sink with a filter on the water line. The most common models use replaceable carbon filters that eliminate many contaminants and odors. Other filters use reverse osmosis or boiling and distillation. Filters can also be attached to a separate faucet mounted in the hole that is often used for sprayers or hot-water dispensers.
Two-bowl kitchen sinks have become fairly standard, allowing separation of clean and dirty dishes. However, some users want the simplicity and volume of a single basin. Single-bowl sinks are typically large enough for soaking big pots, defrost turkeys or maybe bathe a baby.
Other manufacturers are going the other direction — adding a third small bowl. These may be between the bowls or on one side. They are often connected to the disposal, but consider connecting one of the larger bowls to the disposal instead. This will allow you to scrape large bowls or pans directly into the disposal drain. Also be aware that a three-bowl sink may not be a simple switch. Many three-bowl sinks require an extra 12 inches of counter space.
2. Under-mount the sink
Under-mount sinks are a new trend, replacing the standard drop-in sink with a lip over the counter all the way around the basins. Under-mount sinks attach to the bottom of stone or solid-surface counters, creating a uniform, flush countertop surface and a more simple, attractive look. Users also say under-mount sinks are easier to clean. They make it easier to clen countertops, as you can just squeegee all the water and debris on the counter into the sink without a lip in the way. Another option is the tile-in sink. This sink’s rim is flush with the tile countertop surface, and sealed in with grout.
3. Customize the shape
Perhaps the easiest sink to clean is a solid-surface acrylic or stone sink. These integral sinks can be directly molded into the countertop. They are quiet, durable and can be customized in any shape, but they are also among the most expensive sinks.
4. Get custom accessories
Some sinks come with colanders and cutting boards that fit perfectly over one of the bowls. No more juggling a colander and a boiling pot to strain pasta.
5. Bend the faucet
Gooseneck faucets create more space between the spout and the bottom of the basin. They make it easier to fill tall pitchers and vases, and to wash large pots. However, water may splash and create a mess if the faucet is too tall for the sink.
6. Get a deeper basin
Another way to add space is with a deeper bowl. The standard basin is six to eight inches deep, but newer models are inching deeper. A 12-inch-deep basin may be more convenient, but they will also be less comfortable for taller users.
7. Replace the handle
Try out the many types of kitchen sink handles, including levers, twist knobs and cross handles. Some prefer the ease of a single lever while others would rather have two separate controls. Both options now come with wrist blades, which are a great option for hands-free manipulation, particularly if you struggle with finger and hand pain.
8. Add a pull-out sprayer
Many sinks have an extra hole in the back right corner, providing space for one of three optional accessories — sprayers, hot-water dispensers and filter faucets. Sprayers help make it easier to clean vegetables and dishes. If you don’t have the extra hole available for a separate sprayer head, consider a detachable sprayer in the main faucet head.
9. Add a hot water dispenser
Hot water dispensers deliver 190-degree water on demand through a separate faucet mounted on the sink. They use a heater mounted under the counter, requiring an electric receptacle, but not a separate water line.
10. Add a water filter
Finally, you can treat the water flowing into the sink with a filter on the water line. The most common models use replaceable carbon filters that eliminate many contaminants and odors. Other filters use reverse osmosis or boiling and distillation. Filters can also be attached to a separate faucet mounted in the hole that is often used for sprayers or hot-water dispensers.
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