10 Tips for Buying the Right Countertops

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1. Granite is available for countertops in two different finishes. You can a polished finish that looks very shiny or a honing finish. The polished finish makes the coloration of the granite appear darker than the honing finish does. The honing finish gives the granite a softer look and a matte, or dull finish.

This material is completely unique. No two pieces will ever look identical. You can get a variety of colors, including shades of black, green, coral, and beige. The material will have to have a sealant placed on it at the time of installation and you will need to reapply that sealant on a regular basis. Substances like red wine can stain these countertops permanently.

2. Quartz countertops are not prone to staining. Quartz countertops are not 100% natural materials. Quartz countertops are usually 97% natural material and 7% polymer resins to bind the particles.

Quartz countertops will generally cost between sixty-seven and ninety-three dollars per square foot. This figure does include the installation of the countertops. This material does not need to have a sealant put on it.

3. Concrete countertops require a sealant at least four times each year to protect them from stains. These countertops save you money on the initial installation, but you must be very careful to never leave a damp sponge laying on the surface area. The moisture can cause the material to become mildewed or stained.

This material can be finished in several different finishes. It can be made completely smooth or left slightly rough. It can have a faux finish applied so that it resembles other more expensive materials.

4. Wood has been used for kitchen countertops for a long time. Using wood can help you to create a kitchen decor that is warmer and more inviting than the stone countertop kitchens are.

Wooden surfaces do need to be sealed before they are used, and they have to periodically be sealed again to help stop damage and moisture penetration. One of the biggest advantages to buying wooden countertops is that they are easy to sand and refinish if they do become scratched, stained, or damaged.

5. Laminates are the cheapest materials you can buy for countertops. The laminates come in a wide variety of colors and printed designs. You need to be careful with these materials because a hot pan can scorch the surface, and they scratch very easily. They are also subject to staining.

6. You can customize your countertops by choosing to use more than one material in the countertop construction. You could create a unique look with a mixture of butcher block and stone. The butcher block could be on an island or set into the stone as an inlay.

7. The edges of the countertop can be formed in different ways and this can totally change their appearance. You can get square edges, rounded edges, bullnose, bevel, or even ogee.

8. Marble countertops are beautiful and they require a great deal of care to keep them looking beautiful.

9. You can create custom countertops by building a wood base and then placing torn brown paper bags on the surface. After the torn bags are laid in place you coat the surface several times using a high gloss sealant.

10. When you are shopping for countertops establish a budget before you go to the showroom.

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