Fireplaces are a classic fixture in many homes across the world. Even in hot, tropical parts of the world, it’s not uncommon to have an attractive, elegant fireplace in the living room or wherever your home’s social focal point is.

Once considered a prohibitively expensive thing for middle or lower class homes in America, modern materials and building techniques make a fireplace an affordable and lovely addition to even small, affordable homes.

But, you may have some apprehension or concerns when it comes to something like this, especially if you’ve never owned a fireplace before. Are they dangerous? How do you care for them? Are there reaching ramifications to having one? Today, we’re going to address five of the most common questions about fireplaces, and put your mind at ease.

Are They Safe?

This, understandably, is the biggest question most people have about fireplaces. Fire is dangerous, and is one of the most destructive forces in nature. Wild animals fear it for a reason, after all. So, is a fireplace safe? The short answer is, a fireplace is not in and of itself unsafe. It’s all about proper measures and precautions:

• – If you have children, encourage them to maintain a safe distance from the fireplace (no closer than the hearth), and enforce rules regarding touching the doors or mesh, which can get quite warm.
• – Contain embers by keeping the mesh or metal screen in place and closed while a fire is lit. Keep flammable materials well away from the heat source or direct path embers or sparks could traverse.
• – Be sure that your fire extinguishers are in working order every time, before lighting a fire.
• – Be sure your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are in working order every time you light a fire.

If you follow these simple rules and common sense practices, your fireplace will not be dangerous at all to use.

I Have a Gas Fireplace – Why Does It Smell?

Natural gas and propane, on their own, have no strong smell. As a result, if pure, unprocessed natural gas were to leak, you’d be unaware of its presence until it either poisoned you, or your house ignited in a cinematic fireball. As a result, gas providers mix in an additive with a distinct, unpleasant smell to it that makes you immediately aware of the gas’ presence.

If your fireplace has this smell, it means the gas valve is open.

Are They Efficient?

That depends on the fireplace, and your house. Wood-burning fireplaces are delightful, especially at Christmas time. But, for all their charm and timelessness, they’re a tremendously wasteful way to heat modern homes.

Hot air rises, which means most heat produced by a traditional wood-burning fireplace will escape through the chimney, the remainder only heating the nearby area. It won’t, in fact, heat the entirety of the room the fireplace is in, unless it’s a closed in, small, well-insulated room. Wood-burning fireplaces are meant for their charm, not their ability to heat your house.

Gas fireplaces, on the other hand, are much more efficient both in their fuel use and conveyance of heat. Many of them have vents that can push the heat outward, or don’t use a chimney at all, meaning the heat has nowhere to go but out into the room. While you may initially scoff at the idea, a lot of modern gas fireplace designs look, sound and feel like traditional wood fireplaces!

How Do I Use My Wood-Burning Fireplace?

Okay, you’re ready to use your wood-burning fireplace. How do you do this safely and properly? Five simple steps!

1. – Inspect your chimney – make sure the chimney isn’t clogged. Do this yearly, and have a certified professional handle it.
2. – Preparation – Clean the old ashes out (once cool), and make sure the damper is open.
3. – Wood – You need wood. Gather up some seasoned wood that’s been dry for at least half a year, or a year if possible. It should have a hollow, “thunk” sound when knocked together. It will have a dark, cracked look on the ends, which tells you it’s perfect for burning. To ensure you have a long-lasting fire, lay out your wood evenly on the grates, with room for air to travel through it. Ball up paper under the grate, to start the fire from below – fire and heat rise, and need air.
4. – Flue – Heat the air in the flue for good convection. Before lighting your fire, burn some paper up near the flue, with it open, until you see smoke escape up the chimney reliably.
5. – Light the Fire – Light the paper under the grate. If the fire tries to go out, gently fan it or use bellows moderately.

Pretty easy, right?

How Often Should Chimneys Be Cleaned?

You should have your chimney inspected by a professional yearly. Build up can prevent air flow and even result in chimney fires. You want neither of these to happen! The professional will recommend a cleaning if necessary.

To learn more about fireplace safety, the many types available, and how to care for one, fill out our contact form or call us today!

Blue can evoke all kinds of meanings, from variations on the color itself, to down in the dumps moods and off-color comedy, and the proverbial, “it’s my favorite color,” but actually Blue Granite is a whole other entity that can bring beauty and serenity to a space, like no other color can.

There are lots of reasons why you should consider Blue Granite for your kitchen, with one of them being the durability of granite. It’s a long lasting natural stone that is easily maintained, and it retains its luxurious and rich appearance indefinitely. It’s simply a quality stone and when you think of blue, and the various hues represented in granite pieces, you’ll understand how that color can transform a kitchen or any other area into a calm, cool and collected environment.

Blue Granite Choices

The latest in high quality blue granite includes choices such as Blue Pearl granite, Polar Blue granite and Blue Bahia granite.

Blue Pearl

This type of granite is predominately mined in Norway and can be more expensive than say blue pearl granite quarried in India. The brightest of blue pieces will be more costly while blue pearl slabs that may contain shades of gray, beige, and blue will be less intense in color and less expensive.

Blue Pearl is considered a more unconventional blue that contains hints of silver and pearl, which provide both a luminescent and metallic appearance to a blue pearl slab. White cabinetry and stainless steel fixtures and appliances will enhances blue pearl, but most any combination of cabinets and fixtures will integrate well with this color of granite.

Polar Blue

Polar Blue granite is characterized by more of a navy blue color that contains flecks of gray and a lighter blue color. Slabs can almost appear black when they are viewed from a distance. Polar blue can also contain a pearl-like luster that adds even further to the disbursement of color throughout the stone. Mineral deposits deep within the granite cause this effect. Though some would view Polar Blue as too dark, it is still is elegant and rich in a way that allows for arrangement with most any kitchen design and style.

Blue Bahia

Beautiful, blue Bahia is the lightest and most costly of the blue granite choices. It contains marbling effects within a slab that can run the gamut from navy and sky blue to added dabs of brown and white, plus it can take on a different appearance with lighting changes. It is highly sought after and has the same features and benefits of other granite, such as resistance to heat and a simple maintenance routine. Blue Bahia coordinates well with most any color scheme and is adaptable to a coastal, seaside, nautical or updated cottage themed kitchen.

Blue granite can change the entire look of a kitchen space, bathroom area or other interior or exterior area of a home and if you are looking for an upgrades to more neutral areas of your home, or want to follow a trend, consider what blue granite can do to improve the appearance of your kitchen. If you just have questions about blue granite, or want more extensive information, complete the online contact form and a representative will get back to you with the answers you need.

It’s not that easy to determine what countertop material is better than another, particularly when you’re comparing granite and quartz, but there are differences to take into account. When personal taste and economics come into play, there will always be varying preferences. So, just what are the comparisons and contrasts between these two materials, and which one takes top billing?

Durability and Strength

Granite – Because of granite’s wholly crystalline composition (holocrystalline), this interconnecting type of structure allows for an extremely durable composition, which also makes granite both scratch and heat resistant. All of these features give granite durability as well as a long and useful life.

Quartz – As quartz is more of a man made stone that means it consists up of over 90 percent natural quartz and about seven percent engineered resin material. This combination of materials makes quartz somewhat of a degree stronger that granite. Quartz is also resistant to scratches. In its long lasting strength, quartz should last many, many years.

Bacterial Resistance

When granite is sealed, bacteria is hindered from growing. As granite’s smooth surface is free of pores, surface bacteria, mold and other debris are unable to penetrate it, plus granite is naturally resistant to it. Sanitizing your granite countertops is simple with a regular, everyday routine that is thorough in eliminating not only mold and bacteria, but lingering smells.

Quartz is fabricated to not be porous. It is also a material resistant to bacteria. It is easy to clean with soap and tepid water. It seems that both sealed granite and quartz are easily maintained and sanitized.

Minimal Maintenance

As granite is resistant to stains and dirt, it is also durable and entails little maintenance. If repairs are necessary, which are rare, they can be completed fairly easily. Granite countertops do require sealing, at least once a year, in order for them to stay in tip-top shape.

Quartz is easy to maintain as well, as it is by nature resistant to bacteria. Unlike granite, quartz is literally maintenance-free as it does not require sealing and it is immune to everyday wear and tear. Over time, it will function and continue to appear in exceptional form for many years to come.

Diversity or Materials

Granite is a luxurious, unique and beautiful natural stone and is available in a number of different slab designs. It usually contains varying patterns that include flecks, specks, whorls, swirls and even veins. Colors also vary, such as blacks, grays and whites to oranges, reds and pinks. There are also browns, creams, golds, along with rich and royal blues and greens that provide elegance for most any countertop area.

As quartz is man-made and engineered, color enrichment is included in the fabrication process. Color and patterns are more uniform than granite and can usually be made to fit a choice of color schemes that integrate both color, texture and patterns. A homeowner can be part of the selection process when it comes to making a choice of color and pattern.

Pricing

Generally speaking, granite is the more affordable of the two materials, as lesser quality granite is readily available at good prices. It can also be more of a custom product with a higher level features and prices, but it generally will be less expensive than quartz. Granite will continue to be a choice that many homeowners will prefer.

Quartz prices will depend on the companies that manufacture and distribute quartz. Quartz choices at mid-range levels are going to be a bit more expensive than their granite counterparts. Before deciding on quartz, or granite, particularly with pricing in mind, different factors need to be taken into consideration, such as overall costs for installation, any sealing costs and the full cost of the countertops, which will depend on the quality level chosen.

In looking at the comparisons given here for granite and quartz, it is evident that homeowners and other consumers need to determine what fits their budget, lifestyle needs and personal taste. If you are having trouble making that determination, complete the online contact form, and a representative will get back to you with the information you require to make a choice between granite or quartz. Odds are it won’t be that confusing or difficult.

It’s easy to fall in love with any granite selection, as the natural beauty of stone entices almost anyone, but Typhoon Bordeaux Granite just might trigger love at first sight. The elegance and rich color designs of this particular granite can accomplish that through its color and patterning merits alone. If you are artistically inclined, you will be enthralled with this bold and imaginative granite and what it can do for any kitchen countertop area, or most any other space for that matter.

Names and Origin

Like other specialized granite selections, Typhoon Bordeaux Granite has been labeled by several other names. Golden Typhoon Bordeaux and Sunset Cream define the gold veining that runs through the stone, which is part of its composition. The coloration occurs after a long duration of time due to everyday weathering and oxidation. Typhoon Bordeaux is also connected to a granite family comprised of Monte Carlo Bordeaux, Sienna Bordeaux and River Bordeaux.

Years and years of water and air worked synergistically to generate oxidation that would ultimately contribute to the unique appearance of Typhoon Bordeaux. Its color tones and dynamic presentation of lines, veining, patches and other patterns are replicated in slab presentations that match one another. This kind of fabrication process is indicative of this type of granite.

Typhoon Bordeaux Granite originated in Brazil and is mined from bedrock there. It is a type of granite that is more difficult to find in the marketplace because of consumer demand and limited availability. In spite of difficulty procuring this stone, it is worth every effort to locate and use it to enrich a kitchen countertop area or a bathroom vanity.

Colorations

The rich and striking color choices are what stimulate the love interest and attract homeowners to this type of granite. Deep and lush golds, and more neutral beige, creams, grays and whites give Typhoon Bordeaux its color base, while deep earth colored veins, patches, and splashes of color in deep browns, burgundies, reds, and even black provide the textural twists and turns that are whipped up in a stormy fashion with this type of granite.

Lighter colors, such as white, help to highlight, brighten and accentuate the swirls and veining in Typhoon Bordeaux Granite. White and lighter cream colored backgrounds uplift the darker veins, patches, ribbons and other patterns in the granite and create a luminous and polished look to the stone.

Finishing Typhoon Bordeaux Granite

To maintain the polished appearance of a Typhoon Bordeaux Granite, an epoxy resin finish is applied to the granite stone while it undergoes the polishing stage. Any pitting, blemishes, cracks and other cosmetic imperfections are filled and stabilized. Once the polishing and application process is completed, the stone will display noticeable contrasts in color changes and movement patterns, which are subtle variations that should be looked into before purchasing a completed slab.

Maintenance and Care

Another loving feature of Typhoon Bordeaux is its easy maintenance and care, which any homeowner loves to see in a countertop material. As a natural stone, Typhoon Bordeaux is resistant to scratches and will last indefinitely, and its everyday upkeep involves a few simple swipes with a cotton cloth, some tepid water and a small amount of dish detergent. Sealing will be required to maintain the beauty of this natural stone and increase its longevity and stability, which means at least scheduling a once a year sealing to ensure performance and long-life.

You should fall in love with all the remarkable features that Typhoon Bordeaux Granite offers, particularly if you want a kitchen area or other space to come alive with both color and motion. Amazing and breathtaking colors in this type of granite and the patterns created can entice anyone, but if you want further information as to how Typhoon Bordeaux is going to look and fit in with your lifestyle, complete the online contact form and an expert will get back to you with the information you need to make an informed decision.

As a natural stone, granite can take your breath away in its warmth and innate beauty. From a practical standpoint, granite is a material that has stood the test of time and has been utilized in the past, and the present, to enhance and enrich almost any home. Designers love it for its versatility, and builders and contractors like it for its solidness and durability, but like any material, it has its range of high-end to medium and lower range product lines. So, where does Giallo Ornamental Granite fit in that range, and what is it that everyone should know about Giallo granite?

Giallo Origins

Giallo, which is sometimes known as Giallo Santo Granite, as well as a number of other “Ornamental” names, is a natural stone mined in Brazil. It has become one of the most prominent styles of granite in use today, and it can be used on floors, in bathrooms, kitchens and other areas.

Colors and Textures

What many people might not realize about Giallo is that it is categorized as a white granite, and it is widely used by designers in small spaces to enlarge them and create a feeling of openness and spaciousness. A kitchen is particularly well-suited for Giallo as the light and reflection that is created from it provides a welcoming environment, plus it makes food preparation and eating more enjoyable. Whether a room needs more or less light, Giallo Ornamental Granite is able to compensate for any light deficiencies in most any area where it is used. This aspect of light is another element of Giallo that homeowners might not know about or realize.

Though Giallo granite is considered a white granite, it varies in its patterns, colors and textural aspects. Cream and gold-like shades and beige colors predominate, but the stone’s base is still white with other integrated elements within it that can produce textural aspects, such as flecks and specks of brown, gray or bronze that occur within a Giallo slab.

Another positive attribute with the white background and more neutral color combinations running through Giallo granite is its uniform color balance that camouflages food debris, dust and even fingerprints.

Light and Dark Variants

Giallo is further distinguished by its lighter and darker versions. Giallo dark is composed of white bedrock that has flecks and specks that are a deep brown color that appear more black than brown. The lighter variety has more cream as a base with lighter brown specks. With both light and dark variants of Giallo granite, the slab is always going to reflect something different in both lighter and darker choices, so that is another reason to know and understand Giallo granite.

Veining

Veining is another more obscured aspect with Giallo granite, as the subtlety of veining sometimes escapes those looking for vein patterns in a beige and creamy base. Slight variations such as veining are going to be faint as are other slight distinctions with Giallo slab colors that contain gray honey, brown or golden hues.

All of the variations within the darker, lighter and traditional white granite are the result of mineral formation throughout Giallo granite slabs. That is why it is a must to ask for samples of lighter and darker versions of Giallo to determine what slab choices and elements within a slab are going to coordinate best with kitchen and bathroom areas along with the furnishings, flooring and lighting in those spaces.

Giallo Maintenance

Another important thing to know and note about Giallo Ornamental Granite is its resistance to stains and scratches and its ability to obscure food debris and fingerprints. Initial sealing, and subsequent yearly sealing, will help maintain Giallo granite, which inhibits absorption of moisture. Everyday cleaning is going to be fairly easy. All it takes to keep the countertop clean is a simple swipe of a cloth across its surface along with a little warm water and a watered down mild dish detergent. A final swipe with a dry white cloth should complete the process.

The beauty, refinement and warmth of Giallo coupled with its toughness, strength, durability and limited upkeep should be enough to convince any homeowner, designer and builder to utilize Giallo. If you want to know even more about this beautiful Ornamental granite, simply complete the online contact form and an expert will get back to you with the information you need. Giallo just might be one of the best granite selections you could possibly own.

More natural looking stone countertops are definitely the trend today and Super White Quartzite is no exception, as designers and homeowners are enthralled with its fashionable and refined look. They also like the idea that this natural stone is durable as well as easy to maintain.

Different Names

Besides its beauty, sophistication and ease of care, what is it about Super White Quartzite that makes it the type of stone that it is, and what is it that goes unsaid about this stone? It has a number of different names, such as Super White Marble, American Marble, dolomite, or Super White Granite. It may appear like marble and have the toughness of granite, but Super White falls in neither category.

Comparisons

In opposition to Super White Quartzite, quartz is a man-made, engineered rock, and granite is an igneous felsic rock that is rich in feldspar and silicon, while marble is also a metaphoric rock, but is not as hard as Super White.

Super White Characteristics

Super White is considered a natural stone and is classified as dolomitic (clear mineral that consists of calcium and magnesium), which makes it a hard, metamorphic rock that has been formed through intense heat caused by lava or molten rock (magma). It is made up of quartz and metamorphosed limestone. White quartzite was at one time pure quartz sandstone, the sandstone was transformed to quartzite by heat and pressure.

As a non-foliated rock, Super White’s structure is based on the forced entrance of igneous elements that bring a high temperature along with a fairly low pressure to the formation of the stone, which is balanced out in every direction within the stone. This action causes any primary minerals within the rock to recrystallize and become larger, which makes the rock solidly packed and decidedly dense.

Colors and Texture

In its pure form, quartzite is usually white or gray in color and can also occur in shades of pink and red because of infusion of iron oxide. There are other colors from yellow to green to blue, and even orange, which occur because of impurities from other minerals. Quartzite’s hardness is unprecedented as it measures 8-10 on a Mohs hardness scale, which means it is tough and hard enough to cut glass.

Super White’s texture is often composed of small penetrating veins that can be light or dark in color with varying shades of beige to gray. When it is pure, Super White can be as white as marble, but the impurities in the stone provide the intricate patterns and spirals that occur.

In making comparison with other natural and man-made stones, it is easy to see why Super White Quartzite can be mistaken for marble, quartz and even granite, but there are distinguishing differences in the mineral makeup of quartzite and that is what consumers and homeowners are missing. Its hardness, durability, and beauty alone should be enough for anyone to realize Super White’s true value for use in so many varying applications. If you are still unsure as to what makes quartzite different and want to know more, complete the online contact form, and a specialist will get back to you with the information you need.

Staining wood is usually pretty cut and dried, and you would think that any type of wood could take a stain whether light or dark in color, but problems can arise when you are thinking of staining your wood cabinets in a darker stain, like espresso. You will want to make a specific wood cabinet choice and stain that will provide a good outcome.

Wood Processing Overview from Tree to Wood

With wood being an inconsistent type of material, its contents were once obviously part of a tree that lived in line with how much water it took in as well as the number of nutrients it was able to absorb, along with its exposure to different kinds of environmental conditions, plant diseases and damaging insects. That tree had to fight those forces that came against it in order to survive.

During its growing and survival process, the grains within the tree were developing and changing on a seasonal and yearly basis. The tree was also subject to malformations and bending through wind and other situations that probably modified it during its final growing and living stages, which determined its final outcome and eventual removal for use as a wood product.

Once a tree has been harvested and submitted to the various processes of milling, curing and drying, the wood species itself will exhibit different features and characteristics that will determine the effects of any type of stain used on it, particularly for a cabinet or other type of furniture piece. So, exactly what are the precise factors that determine how different types of wood will accept a stain?

Reaction of Wood Species to Different Stains

Moisture/Humidity

Even though wood goes through a drying process and its inner moisture or humidity levels are at an acceptable level (six to eight percent), that level can fluctuate in relation to storage and moisture levels in different areas and regions. A wood with less moisture is going to absorb stain more quickly, while one that is less dry will absorb less stain and be lighter in color.

Wood Absorbency or Porosity

Since wood has pores, and the larger those pores are in relation to a particular type of wood, the more the piece of wood will take a darker stain and absorb it; whereas, a wood type with smaller and more constricted pores will take less stain.

Color

Actual wood color of a specific species will also make a difference in acceptance of a stain. Woods that are light in color will absorb a stain more quickly as well as take it in faster. In contrast, a darker wood will take in less of a stain.

Types of Wood for Dark Stains

There are three types of wood that are more accepting of darker stains. They include:

Cherry – Though cherry wood is dark to begin with, it does contain a grain that is less noticeable, which makes it a good candidate for a stain like espresso. A dark stain will somewhat dull the original shiny appearance of cherry, but it will give a deeper color and texture that is conducive to more modern kitchen cabinet designs.

Hard Maple – This type of maple is the top choice for boosting the appearance of an espresso stain. Hard maple has the perfect color and textural aspects that can absorb an espresso stain at the right level, which results in a rich and deep brown appearance. Since the maple is a lighter wood, it is more conducive to accommodating a darker stain like espresso.

Red Oak – This wood species is comparable to cherry in its more glowing finish, and it is also affected by a darker stain. Red oak does exhibit a noticeable grain that provides a consistency that is enhanced with a darker stain such as espresso. There is, of course, a red coloration with this type of oak which will bring about more of a brown espresso along with red tinges.

If you are interested in using a darker stain like espresso on your kitchen cabinets but are still unsure what type of wood you want to use with it, complete the online contact form and an expert in darker stains will get back to you with the best choices available to you. You can find the right stain to enrich your cabinets and the appearance of your kitchen.

Any homeowner would like their countertops to last forever and there are material choices available that are more lasting than others. Depending on lifestyle needs, personal taste and budgeting priorities, choosing a longer lasting countertop material doesn’t have to be a hard decision. With the selections available today, there are materials with proven longevity.

Surveys for Longevity

Several surveys have been completed concerning the longevity of various countertop materials, and the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) have found through their studies and research that life expectancy of any countertop material depends on its durability and maintenance.

So, if you have limited time for countertop upkeep and want a maintenance free kind of countertop, it might be wise to take a look at some longevity findings and characteristics of different countertop materials. Keep in mind what purpose you want your kitchen countertops to serve, along with a budget plan. Whether you are planning on selling your home, remodeling it for yourself, or just desiring an updated look, the following life expectancy figures should be of help.

Life Expectancy of Popular Countertop Materials

• Concrete – 50 Years
• Cultured Marble – 20 Years
• Natural Stone – 100 Years
• Laminate – 20-30 Years
• Resin – 10 Years
• Tile – 100 Years
• Wood – 100 Years

Natural Stone

In looking at natural stone countertop choices, like granite, marble, and quartz, the ratings for longevity are a lifetime to 100 plus years. They are more expensive than other countertop choices, and poor maintenance and wear can create issues. Granite and marble are heat and crack resistant, but they are porous, which means they are susceptible to food and oil stains as well as bacteria build up from food and dirty cleaning cloths and sponges. Both granite and marble require sealing and polishing on a regular basis to maintain their longevity. Most stone surfaces can be brought back to life through professional refinishing. Quartz countertop materials are usually hardened through resin binders that help with wear, bacteria, abrasives and food and drink acids.

Tile

Tile countertops are also given a lifetime to 100 plus years longevity rating, and tile use covers almost any countertop taste from modern to traditional to classic and with the any selections, there is an infusion of creativity with colors, shapes and designs. Tile costs can be moderate to minimal depending on the type of tile used. Whether stone, ceramic, or porcelain, savings can be attained through do-it-yourself installations. Porcelain tiles will be more resilient than ceramic, while anything stone will be even more durable. With stone’s porosity, sealing and polishing will be necessary and if grout is utilized, sealing will also be essential.

Concrete

Concrete countertops are given a 50-year longevity rating. They can be expensive because of utilization of molds and varying color mixes. Designs and color used within the concrete, such as mosaics, metal works, small rocks and specialized color designs can all add to its expense. The toughness of a concrete surface is easy to clean, but abrasive cleaners are a no-no. Concrete can be repaired, but any glasses, dishes or any other breakables will likely not survive interaction with concrete.

Laminates

Laminate countertop designs are given a rating of 20 to 30 years. They are easy to maintain and their costs are moderate to low, and their versatility is endless, as they can often mimic stone and other high-end looks. Laminate countertops are available in wood grains, solids, textures, metallics, fibers, patterns and almost any other design. They are resistant to stains and can be easily maintained with soft sponges, mild soap and any non-acidic cleaners. If damage does occur, laminate countertops can be repaired for cracks or burn marks.

Wood

Like tile, wood countertops are assigned a lifetime to 100 years plus longevity rating. Wood can be high to moderate in total costs, which depends on the type of wood and cut used. Wood always adds warmth to a kitchen area, and countertop spaces can be easily refinished or stained for both a natural and rich look. Wood countertops do adapt well to knife and other utensil use , which makes wood a good choice for islands and chopping areas. They do, however require fast cleanup and maintenance to avoid stains from oil, grease, liquids and foods that can be quickly penetrate wood surfaces. Use of non-abrasive cleaners is recommended , particularly for any wood area that has a glossy finish.

Resin

The Resin materials that are used in solid surface acrylic countertops are longevity rated at 10 years. They are moderate in price, and the durable resins that are used in the fabrication of these countertops are resistant to stains and bacteria, but not to heat. They are easily maintained and can be repaired when needed. Resin countertops can be found in various colors, textures and patterns that are able to accommodate different edging as well.

Cultured Marble

Cultured marble is a stone replica and has a life expectancy of 20 years. It is a lower cost material that is made of a combination of crushed marble fragments and polyester resins. It has a gel coating that is resistant to mold and mildew, but not heat resistant. Cultured marble is susceptible to scratches, which can be sanded and smoothed, but this material is not the best for kitchen countertops. Any chips or cracks that occur in cultured marble cannot be repaired. In addition to a marble look, it can also be found with a granite appearance.

Countertops are a large part of what makes a kitchen usable and attractive, and they are also a large cost factor in a new kitchen, kitchen remodel or update. With the number of material choices available, a cost effective, durable and lasting countertop choice should be a homeowner’s priority. If you are unsure what way to go with a countertop material, complete the online contact form and a countertop expert will get back to you with the information you need to make an informed choice.