Archive for March, 2010

7 Materials For Creating The Perfect Kitchen Countertop

The kitchen countertop has to be healthy to take a lot of abuse including the heat of pots, slicing and knives and material cleansers.  The saint countertop should be healthy to stand up to heat and the sharp edge of a knife.

Let us take a look at 7 of the most favourite kitchen countertop materials being used today:

Granite – A natural stone, granite is a favourite choice for it’s classic beauty and durability.  Granite is the hardest and densest of the natural stones.   It can create a kitchen countertop that is extremely scratch resistant and can keep its luster longer than most materials.  granite slabs are the most costly of all kitchen countertop surfaces, even though it is still considered a very practical material in that it is virtually indestructible.

Marble – Another natural stone, marble is considered to be the height of elegance and will last longer than most kitchens. It is however, is very costly and requires some care: acidic foods such as orange juice will etch the completed surface of a marble kitchen countertop.

Slate – Because of it richness and beauty slate is usually used in interior applications such as kitchen countertops, bathroom sinks or fireplace surrounds.  It can be used in either modern or traditional kitchens as well as in combination with marble.  Slate is durable, strong, and can withstand hard use.  It is less costly than marble

Concrete – This is one of the biggest trends in kitchen countertops today.   It is a good look for clean, industrial and contemporary kitchen designs.  Available in pre formed sections or poured and formed on-site.  Concrete is a good material for unusually shaped counters.  Concrete kitchen countertopsare expensive, require a sealant and must be treated with care.  The countertop can crack if the concrete should contract.  Concrete can be stained any color.  The most favourite color is a natural gray tone. The top layer can be completed as desired.

Corian – A solid surface material that first became favourite in the 1990′s It is highly suggested by kitchen countertop experts.  It is a completely manmade product and is not porous.  As a solid surface it can easily be repaired if scratched or burned.

Stainless Steel – Advantages include very hygienic, simple to clean, has capability to stand up to exteme wear and heat.  Stainless steel can wage a great look for an ultra modern kitchen.  Some disadvantages with stainless is that it can be noisy and that scratches can develop.

Tile – Tile surfaces can be tough, hard-wearing, takes hot pans, heat and stain resistant as well as beautiful. There are many types of tiles including ceramic, porcelain, quarry, glass, natural stone and mosiac.  Available in many colors, sizes and textures.  It has good design flexibility.  Tile can often be used for trim or backsplashes.  The downside of tile is that the grouts can be easily stained.  Also the tiles can become chipped or cracked.

7 Tips For A Better Kitchen

Eating will never go out of fashion. We will always need a place in the home where we can easily and safely prepare our food. We call that place the kitchen. Here are a few tips to help make your kitchen a better, safer and more efficient place to work in.

1. Lighting is probably the most important thing to get right. Strip or spotlights located under surround unit’s work ideal to wage good, unobtrusive lighting.

2. Hard wearing flooring that’s simple to clean is another essential. Carpeting on floors surrounding kitchen worktops is a huge mistake.

3. Electric sockets in abundance will make life so much easier. But remember to keep them at least a metre from any source of water.

4. Have all your regularly used utensils stored close to the areas where they will be used. This increases efficiency and reduces accidents.

5. Select the type of kitchen sink that’s ideal suited for you. They come in all shapes, double or single, and in a variety of materials. Think before you buy.

6. The type of taps on your sink is important too. Get taps with plenty of height. The swivelling type adds flexibility, but you might like the look of double taps. Again, think about what you want.

7. Keep kids out of your kitchen. Toddlers have greater ingenuity than you give them credit for. Fit any cupboard or drawer they can reach with childproof catches. Store all sharp objects, knives, etc, high up in a locked drawer.

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