Countertops Washington DC
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Countertops are a crucial part of your kitchen remodeling, and you might actually find it difficult to choose just the right one for your home. However, understanding the pros and cons of some of the more popular options should make your decision much easier.
Granite Countertops
Granite is a unique stone in both structure and appearance that continues to meet expectations in the kitchens and bathrooms of discerning homeowners. For such a eye-catching surface, granite can withstand more abuse than other countertop materials. Nevertheless, granite requires consistent sealing to avoid unsightly stains and because it’s heavy, your cabinet boxes may not be able to support its excess weight if they are not very strong.
Marble Countertops
If elegance is what you are in the market for then marble is the best option. It also stays cool, so it’s great for baking and pastry stations. Unfortunately, it is very vulnerable to stains, even with appropriate sealing, so you may wish to limit it to a couple of small areas. Scratching and chipping is also a problem with marble.
Glass Countertops
Along with its sleek, streamlined appearance, glass also comes in numerous color options and can be cut into any shape. It’s definitely one of the higher priced alternatives, but you’ll appreciate the fact that it’s nonporous and simple to clean, which makes it resistant to stains as well as very hygienic. It is also durable, so long as you do not exert too much pressure on it. Repair may be difficult if at all possible, so you need to be a bit more careful than you would be with other materials.
Cambria Countertops
This durable and attractive countertop option is the result of combining quarts and binding resins. It is sanitary, easy to maintain, resistant to scratches and scorch and stain-proof. Although it is considered top of the line, its resilient material will help you minimize the costs of repair and maintenance.
Soapstone Countertops
If you are seeking a cooler option to marble or granite, there is an inherent subtleness in the beauty of soapstone. Its natural softness makes it fit very well with older homes, and most people appreciate the fact that it darkens over time, having started out out as light to medium gray. Unfortunately, it does need a bit more maintenance than other materials. Cracks can also be an issue given a sufficient amount of time. It is also more prone to nicks and scratches when compared to other types of stone, and its natural roughness may spell trouble for your china or scuff glassware.
Concrete Countertops
You may believe it’s just for floors, but concrete really adds curiosity to an otherwise traditional space. It is exceptionally versatile and can be cast in any form and tinted to whatever shade you want. It stands up well to heavy use, though it may come up short of other surfaces with regards to heat resistance. Concrete is porous, so it is vulnerable to stains if not sealed frequently, and with time, small cracks could develop. One other issue is its weight. You have to see to it that your cabinets or whatever you plan to have below a concrete countertop can support it.
Corian Countertops
Solid surfacing was first sold under the brand name Corian, which is how the name Corian stuck. With its surge in popularity there are various manufacturers producing it nowadays. It is a very low maintenance, nonporous material. There is no specialized cleaning necessary, and it doesn’t require constant sealing. It is prone to burns and scratches, but these can be sanded out easily enough. It comes in numerous colors and pattern options, and seamless construction eliminates the problem of cracks that trap dirt.
Washington DC Countertops
Wood Countertops
This traditional option is easy on your glassware and obviously makes an excellent material for chopping. It can withstand heat very well providing its not extreme and it is incredibly simple to clean. That being said, you do need to limit its exposure to moisture and it can cause the color to darken. It could also contract in dry circumstances, scorch or scratch, and even get rust stains from metal kitchen equipment.
Butcher Block Countertops
A suitable option for more conventional homes, it is the ideal addition to a classic kitchen. It has a cozy inviting appearance and comes in varied wood shades. As the name suggests, it will build up a shopworn look over the years. Although it is subject to scratches, you can easily remove them with a bit of sandpaper. However, the fact that it’s made of wood means it swells and contracts with exposure to moisture. Like wood serving utensils it is prone to bacteria and should be disinfected on a regular basis.
Laminate Countertops
For the budget conscious homeowner laminate countertops offer an reasonably priced, low maintenance alternative. Although it hasn’t always had a track record for being elegant, this is changing as modern concepts simulate stone and other more expensive surfaces. One of the downsides is that it is susceptible to pealing, as well burns and scratching. Due to its composition it cannot be used in conjunction with an undermount sink, and sadly if damaged your repair options are minimal.
As it pertains to home renovation projects, your countertop selections have a huge affect. If you need help finding the right countertops for your Washington DC home then you need to talk to an knowledgeable remodeling contractor. For a Free Quote Give Renovations & Designs a call at (202) 335-9553
