Counter Tops - Clean, Shiny, Inviting: Selecting the Best One

Have you ever coveted the smooth, smooth countertops that pervade your favorite kitchen shows? Have you ever dreamed about getting an intense counter top to make your workspace appear larger? Or have you ever craved for a counter top with adequate marble to match an Italian museum?

Concern think about it, what are countertops for? And what are countertops made from?

Countertops refer, in general, to the horizontal surface that coats kitchen counters, as well as other areas where food is prepared. Countertops also refer to any working counter, as they are installed on top of any surface area, and are normally supported on the bottom by cabinets.

Countertops can be manufactured from a wide variety of materials. Selection of countertops relies on the expense of the product, its look, its resilience and strength, and the ease with which it can be worked on and installed.

Some typical products for making countertops include the following.

• Polished and laminated granite, or other smoothened natural stones-- These are typically cheaper than a lot of other products, given that they are easily offered, and simple to work with. They are, nevertheless, harder to change once they are cracked or harmed.

• Marble-- Marble countertops are costly, however if dealt with skillfully and maintained, such countertops can last a long period of time. Depending upon their color and veining patterns, marble countertops can also make a space appear stylish.

• Wood-- Although rarely utilized, wood can offer a homey look to a space. Wood, however, is not suggested to be permanently set up on cooking area counters, as it can accumulate germs, especially if it is constantly utilized as a butcher block.

• Stainless steel-- A lot of contemporary kitchens, specifically those in dining establishments, employ this resilient product, as it is easily cleaned and preserved. Stainless steel also endures most cracks and scratches. Stainless-steel is also strong enough to base on its own, and will not need cabinets to support it. This product, nevertheless, likewise quickly takes on the temperature of its surroundings, so that kids must be kept away from them, specifically if the stainless steel countertop is part of a stove system.

• Plastic-- A cheap option to costly stones and steel, some countertops can be made of plastic, particularly if the work to be done on it will not include cutting or slicing.

• Formica-- This mica-derived material is perhaps the most commonly used in family kitchens, as it is reasonably inexpensive, long lasting, and can endure scratches.

• Synthetic stone-- Some countertops can be made of stone and resin mixtures. One strong variety of this product includes a plastic substrate enclosing quartz crystals.

• Laminates-- Another form of countertops consist of the plastic laminates. These are produced by gluing a thin sheet of laminate over resilient products, such as fiber board or concrete.

• Tile-- Another typical material for countertops is the ever-reliable tile. Tiles, nevertheless, can accumulate mildew and molds, and can be difficult to clean.

Countertops are constructed depending upon their final use. Kitchen area countertops, in particular, are formed such that they have a backsplash, or a raised edge that will keep spills from falling into cabinets. Counter top deals with can also be decorated, from minimalist and plain, to elaborate, depending on the user's desires.

Whether you want the "down home" feel of Stone Master Marble and Granite wood, or the trendy shine of marble, select a countertop that will fit your needs, and not just be eye sweet. After all, you can be inspired to work more and better if your space looks great-- and simply as prevented if the surface area you're dealing with is more a limitation than a welcome sight.