Countertop Care and Cleaning Tips

Posted on February 27, 2012 by socialturbine

If you are looking for countertop care and cleaning tips, then you have landed on the right page! Here are a few tips to use for effective care and cleaning of your countertop surfaces.

Know and understand your type of countertop.

The countertop care and cleaning procedures vary from one countertop type to another. While most countertop surfaces can make do with the basic care principles, some variants require extra precautions when handling them. For example, while vinegar can be used to clean and care for laminate countertop surfaces, it is not an ideal option for marble.

Clean spills as soon as they occur

If left to stay on your countertop surfaces for too long, spills may stain them and steal away from their glorious looks. Whether you have a porous marble countertop surface, a laminate countertop variety, or a stainless countertop surface, the best care and maintenance principle in so far as spills are concerned is immediate cleaning.

Clean your countertop surface regularly

Regular cleaning and care of your countertop surface, preferably daily,  is also very important. If the countertop has not been used on a certain day, a simple dry wipe with a soft cloth is good to go, but if your countertops can make do with a more extensive cleaning, a water soaked cloth will do the trick, but you should ideally refer to your manufacturer’s usage manual to ensure appropriate care for your countertop.

You should also rinse your countertop surfaces well with clean water and wipe them completely dry to prevent the build up of blotchy marks. And in case of hard water marks, you should consider using ammonia based cleaner specifically formulated for removal of hard water marks e.g. Lime-A-Way. If your countertop has a glossy or a semi-glossy finish, you may also consider using a polish such as “Countertop Magic” to give it that superb look.

Protect your countertop from heat

Excessive and regular heating of countertop surfaces often results to damages to your precious countertop. To protect your countertop from the effects of heat, you should use a trivet, pad, or a potholder when handling hot pots and pans.

Avoid damaging habits

Any habit that results in mechanical or chemical stress on your countertops can lead to a damaging effect. Among the things to avoid are:

-Chopping on the countertop: You should instead use a chopping board
-Banging or hitting of the countertops with heavy objects such as pans and other home equipment
-Spillages of strong chemicals e.g. paint removers. In the event of an accidental spillage, flush the chemicals off immediately with water.

We hope that these tips will help you and your countertop have a happy and healthy relationship for a long time coming!

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Give your countertop setup an update with a new back-rush!

Posted on February 15, 2012 by socialturbine

A new cooking area backsplash design can refresh an otherwise outdated or exhausted design without renovating your entire cooking area. Convert your cooking area back-rush into an eye-catching, one-of-a-kind design with unique items, paintings, mosaics, pebble or steel to choose from. Backsplash thoughts are limitless, so excellent planning is essential.

I’m sure you’ve been in kitchens that you really liked and some you didn’t. Also, you’ve seen enough images to have a great concept of the “look” you want to make. Attaching to a main style will help you prevent a mish-mash design and turn your cooking area back-rush concept into a design that you can enjoy for years to come.

Some design ideas:
Old World: This look is comfortable and enjoyable to obtain a vintage design. Use tumbled pebble, damaged or used cooking area back-rush to choose from, cobblestone or usually any outdated content in the simple soil colors of bravo, precious metal and gentle darkish. Black darkish colors are out.

Hand-painted flooring, paintings and mosaics are also right at home with this design. And although not conventional, a birdwatcher back-rush or tin back-rush could be exciting too.

Mediterranean: Vivid, hand-painted flooring in seashore colors of pink and green are what make this refreshing, vibrant and relaxed look. The strongly shaded flooring can be used as accessories, or as a unique cooking area to choose from design in a particular area or for the whole back-rush. This look works best when combined with gentle soil ripped counters and present cases.

Contemporary: Clean, luxurious collections and sleek elements are the secrets here. No complicated to choose-from styles, difficult styles or a fast paced diamond. Refined granitic on both the counter tops and back-rush is ideal for reaching this look. But also consider a wine glass back-rush, steel back rush or steel back rush for that ultra-urban charm.

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Stainless Steel Countertops in the Home

Posted on February 2, 2012 by socialturbine

Stainless steel countertops have traditionally been associated with commercial use only. Their easy to clean surface and brightness makes them highly appropriate for commercial applications. However there has been a resurgence of stainless steel countertops for home use in recent years due to several factors.

One of the areas in the home which is most targeted for home improvement plans is the kitchen. Replacing existing countertops can give a new look to your kitchen, however it is very difficult to decide upon the right material. Though quite a number of people prefer stone like granite, marble and others, there has been a growing trend for installing stainless steel countertops in the home. These countertops have been more commonly used for commercial kitchens until now. Nevertheless several reasons have contributed to their use in homes. First of all stainless steel is non-porous which means that it does not let bacteria and molds develop in it. Therefore it is more hygienic than other popular countertops. In addition to this, they are heat resistant, you may put a burning hot pan on a stainless steel countertop without worrying about damage to its surface. One more problem that you are never going to face with a stainless steel countertop is chipping or cracking. Its sheer durability makes it a good option for homes. The one problem that does come with stainless steel countertops is the possibility of scratches. But the introduction of new finishes easily covers up scratches and does not spoil the look for years to come. Stainless steel can fit in with any color scheme or decor that you may have chosen for your kitchen. It can also brighten up an otherwise dull look in the kitchen and give it a rather contemporary appearance.

The only thing you need to be careful about is to never use a harsh scrubber on stainless steel, follow this golden rule and you’ll have  a shiny and clean countertop for years to come.

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The Most Popular Countertops

Posted on January 26, 2012 by socialturbine

Expectations on what type of countertops to put in a home have risen to a much higher standard in recent years. Standard countertops are no longer as acceptable as they were in days past. Other types of countertops have taken the market by storm and homeowners understand more and more how much countertop types can raise the value of a home.

Popular Countertops-

Granite- Granite is the most sought after type of countertop available on the market today. It evokes a sense of strength as well as elegance. It is heat and stain resistant, a necessity in any kitchen. The only downfall of this type of countertop is that it chips and cracks easier than laminate countertops. Its beauty cannot be denied though.

Quartz- Quartz countertops are the second most popular choice in countertops. The numerous designs and colors available along with the added benefit of durability and heat and stain resistance make it a solid choice. Quartz is usually less expensive than granite countertops but provide the same benefits.

Concrete- Concrete is slowly rising in popularity among homeowners who are renovating their kitchens and bathrooms. In years past, concrete was restricted to use in basements, garages and driveways. It does not have the most attractive appearance, but the story is different today. Concrete has become a designer material used in the most luxurious homes in the United States. There are few materials as solid as concrete and therefore it makes great material for use as kitchen countertops and floors.

The type of countertops homeowners choose when renovating or building a home can last a lifetime. Laminate countertops are much less desired, even for homes of smaller stature. The cost of the more durable countertops is justified because it is something that will last several lifetimes. The value that it adds to the home cannot be ignored either. Think strength, durability and sophistication when choosing countertops and the choices will be clear.

 

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Make Your Counter Top Last Longer

Posted on January 19, 2012 by socialturbine

The kitchen is probably the busiest room in the house. And whether you would agree or not, it’s oftentimes the dirtiest as well. If you love to cook, chances are you spend a lot in your kitchen utensils and equipment. And counter tops could be a pretty expensive investment. In this article we will talk about taking proper care to your counter top to get the most life out of this surface.

There are several types of counter tops and the method of cleaning them also varies. Let’s start with the most common type, the stainless steel type. Using microfiber cloth to wipe down the counter top is good for dry cleaning while wet cleaning needs a soft cloth with a little mild dish soap. Simply rinse the surface and dry using s soft cloth. Marble counter tops needs less cleaning on the other hand. Dust it using a microfiber cloth at least once a week for dry cleaning. For wet cleaning, it’s important to take note to use pH-neutral cleaner designed for stone because there’s a chance that it cleaners might damage it. Granite counter tops needs regular cleaning. Wipe down granite counter top daily or as needed using water. A damp cloth and a stone cleaner with neutral pH is used to wipe it down once a week. For oily stains, you may use a poultice made of a cup of baking soda and 5 tablespoons of dish soap. For slate counter tops, the method of cleaning is almost the same as with that of granite. It’s important to not use abrasive cleaners or oily sprays when cleaning it. Also, it’s recommended that you seal slate counter tops. You know it’s time to reseal when drops of water splashed on the surface don’t form beads.

These are simple ways to make your counter tops at home long lasting and sparkling clean.

 

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The Pros and Cons of Granite and Steel Countertops

Posted on January 12, 2012 by socialturbine

Your kitchen is the heart of your home, so when choosing the best countertops, you want something that is both pleasing to the eye as well as functional. Two of the materials most commonly used in countertops today are granite and stainless steel.  Each of these materials has its pros and cons which you’ll need to be aware of before making a decision about what would be best for your kitchen.

Many people are accustomed to seeing stainless steel countertops in commercial kitchens, but this material has been making headway in the residential market as well.  One of the advantages to stainless steel is its durability.  You’ll never have to be concerned about heat damage caused by a hot pot mistakenly placed on a countertop or a water ring from a glass that has been left out too long.  One drawback that many people find with this type of material is that fingerprints and other smudges are very prominent which may make it unsuitable for homes with children or for people who don’t have a lot of time to spend on additional cleaning.

Granite countertops add a stylish and unique look to any kitchen which is why they’ve become such a popular choice for many homeowners.  This material also has many advantages.  One special benefit this type of countertop offers is that it will increase your home’s value should you decide to sell at a later date.  In addition, granite offers you a broad array of colors and patterns to choose from which will add warmth to your kitchen, and allow you to express your own personal style.  The major disadvantage to granite is the price involved.  It is costly to install due to the material’s weight and due to the fact that some additional structural support may be necessary in order to insure that it is securely installed.

If you are in the market for new countertops, consider the pros and cons of each material and use this information to help you make a decision about what works best for you.

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Picking the perfect countertop

Posted on January 6, 2012 by socialturbine

Selecting the proper countertop for your specific situation can be difficult, but it shouldn’t be completely painful either!

A counter top can be both natural and man-made. These days there are a variety of counter top material available in the market like Granite, Quartz, Stainless Steel, Marble, Wood, Natural stone, Concrete and many more.

Your selection of counter top depends on the amount you are looking at spending for it. If your budget is low you can go in for a natural stone like marble or granite. If you’re looking for a single colored counter top and sink then some suggest to go in for quartz.

When we design a kitchen first thing that comes to mind is what kind of counter top to use? When selecting a counter top for any area it is necessary to keep in mind the usage of that area and durability of the counter top material your looking for. Granite is a natural stone and is porous. The best part about granite is it can be mended easily, in case there is a scratch on the granite it can be concealed by polishing. Granite is most commonly used counter top material.

Quartz is engineered stone (man-made). Quartz has a gel coat surface finish which helps in keeping away bacteria and stains. A quartz sink can be easily joined to the counter top with no gaps, which prevents water collection and bacteria formation, which usually happens in case of natural stone as there is a gap in sink and counter top.

Quartz is stronger when compared to granite. Quartz can be easily molded which is not the case in granite or marble.

These counter tops are usually used in kitchens and bathrooms.

Stainless Steel Surface is good as it does not rust or stain with water. Stainless steel surface is non porous. A stainless steel counter top looks great in both traditional and modern designing. A Stainless steel counter top is more expensive when compared to quartz or granite. Stainless Steel counter tops can be used in an office or pantry, as the area is less and usage is also less.

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Routine Countertop Maintenance

Posted on December 15, 2011 by socialturbine

Countertops play a very important role in our lives.  It’s on a countertop that you routinely create your favorite sandwiches or your family’s meals.  It’s on your home’s countertop that your family places and wipes their hands over a few dozen times throughout the day.  But why don’t many people think of the routine countertop maintenance that can help keep it in tip top shape as well as clean and sanitary?

If you have granite installed, be sure have it sealed every one to three years.  Each installer may have a different opinion depending on the product they provide.  Also, be sure to wash it with mild soap.  Just make it a point to always wash with your soap detergent and you should have no issues with stripping the sealant prematurely.  With that said, avoid leaving acidic foods on the surface for too long; keep foods like lemon and vinegar far away.

For most other countertops you may still want to stick with mild dish detergent or other mild soap, however there is no need to take special care when particular foods are present.  If however, you run into a hard stain, you may want to try baking soda to help clean it before you try a bristle sponge.  coarse sponges can leave grooves and create extra places for germs to hide in.

Most laminates will survive the harsher cleaners however, as for any surface, prolonged exposure to bleach can cause irreversible discoloration.  Lastly, be sure to wipe and dry your countertops thoroughly.  Cleaning chemicals may be hidden to the naked eye but reactive once wet food touches the surface.

Consider researching and countertop company in your local area to find out more about the proper maintenance, but keep these tips in mind to keep it in great shape, safe and sanitary for years to come.

 

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how to choose the right countertop for your home

Posted on November 30, 2011 by socialturbine

When choosing the right material for your kitchen counter top you may think of materials such as stone, or laminate all depending on what your budget will allow. Some architects can help you and they usually have a great way of using their imagination to think outside of the box to help you make a decision. Since countertops are the most popular used surface in most kitchens, they have a tendency to become stained, scratched or even chipped. There are many different types of counter tops that you can choose from that will not only fit your budget, but it will also give you the perfect kitchen.

When you go out to pick the counter top material you need, the architect will look at your home’s decorating theme to figure out what kind of design that you will want. This also helps in choosing a finish that is appropriate to everything else as far as decorating goes. There are many clients today who are willing to consider a less common counter top such as stainless steel,  concrete, zinc or copper so that it will be more unique than someone else’s counter top.

Stainless steel is, for one, easy to maintain and makes for a great hardworking surface. It has amazing reflective qualities as well and is a very good choice for someone who has a small kitchen. This kind of counter top reflects both natural light and artificial light for making a small space feel larger. Another benefit of a stainless-steel surface is that it will reflect the colors of the room. If you want you can choose to extend the stainless steel up the wall to have a back splash affect, or it can be used to cover an entire wall which will give an appearance of a nice clean space. When this is finished you will be amazed at how elegant your kitchen will look!

Concrete is another great material you may want to choose for a counter top and there are a variety of different looks that are available. It all depends on what you prefer such as the color of pigment in which you would like added to the mixture. Concrete will provide the perfect work surface once it is sealed.

In the end, it may be down to personal preference, budget and the space that you’re working with. Happy hunting!

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Fabulous And Extremely Durable Furnishings At Yankee Counter

Posted on October 27, 2011 by socialturbine

Yankee Counter takes immense pride and total satisfaction in delivering the best and the most durable fabrications, installations, refinishing and other productive furnishings according to your current requirement and liking. The company has been fabricating and fitting concrete surface counters for its valued clients all over New England for the last 20 years. Quartz, granite, marble and other strong materials are used in the production of counter tops and clients should expect utmost quality and durability from the installed counter tops. Because of this, the Western Mass Counter Top Company is considered one of the finest fabrication and installation companies around. Firm surface counters are manufactured from solid synthetic material usually acrylic or polyester along with natural fillers, mainly used for parallel countertops and perpendicular walls, e.g. bathrooms, showers, tubs, kitchens and even service counters. Quartz counter tops are manufactured from natural stone that is extremely stylish and realistic. There is actually no safer base for cooking than Quartz counter tops.

If you are revamping your bathroom or kitchen, you will certainly value the gorgeous assortment of colors and outstanding performance from these artistic and long-lasting counter tops. Granite countertops are reasonably priced, hard-wearing and offer a distinctive appearance. There are hundreds of diverse colors to choose from.  The countertops are very simple to clean as well. The biggest advantage of granite countertops is that they don’t attract fungus or bacteria. Clients can easily save 10-15% with straight pricing on quartz and solid countertops. Yankee Counter offers extremely professional and thorough counter installation, quartz counter fabrication, counter template creation and several other feasible and effective services. Clients can also opt for custom-made designs for their intended towel bars, bathrooms, washbasins, sinks, drain boards and other items. The company manufactures custom-made countertops for both commercial and residential customers. Whether, it is a school, hotel or office, the company offers extremely realistic, hard-wearing and stylish countertops to its esteemed clients.

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Refurbishing Countertops For The Holidays Will Smarten up Your Kitchen

Posted on October 13, 2011 by socialturbine

The holiday season is nearly upon us once again and many of us will be asking friends and family over to our homes for meals, parties and get togethers. Before we do so, now is a good time to take a long hard look at the condition of your house and try to see it through the eyes of your visitors. The kitchen is the focal point of the home and everyone seems to find their way to it, your countertops will be noticed if they are looking their best.

Shabby chic may be fashionable, but not for countertops, and there are ways to improve their appearance without spending a fortune replacing them. The usual problem is scratches, over a period of time, they will cause the counter tops to look dull and worn. If they are not too deep an easy solution is to first clean them thoroughly, then apply a good heavy duty paste wax polish, similar to ones used for cars. This will give a good shine, but it is not permanent, so you will need to re-apply the polish periodically.

For a more permanent solution, look in your local DIY store for a kit which is specially designed for restoring the surface.They usually have a primer and a top coat. First you clean up the surface and apply the primer, once it is dry, you can apply the top coat which is an acrylic enamel. Several thin coats are better than one thick coat and will give a better result. The top coat is available in a choice of colors.

Another idea if the surface is really bad and you cannot afford to replace them is to cover your countertops with self adhesive floor tiles, but remember, the surface will not be as resistant to heat as the original. Whatever method you choose refurbishing countertops for the holidays is a good idea, it will improve and brighten the appearance of the entire kitchen.

 

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Best Green Counter Top Options

Posted on September 28, 2011 by socialturbine

“Green” countertop options have become quite popular today because they are environmentally friendly.  Here are some of the best “green” counter top options:

A) Concrete counter top option.

Cement mixed with water, fine aggregate and sand form concrete. Concrete is often available, which means that counter-tops can be processed closer to where they are required. This reduces the energy in bedded predominantly compared to other counter-top options. Waste material is reduced as well by pouring concrete-tops for dimensioning in the process.

B) Wood Counter tops

Wood counter-tops can emerge in many distinct forms, for instance, it can come from wood that has been taken from a structure that exists, turned into a counter-top or wood from the forests around us that are well managed. Forests need not to be cleared but to be safeguarded. This is enforced through systems like custody tracking from the forest through manufacturers to the end user. Certifications are required to take care of our forests.

C) Glass Aggregate Counter tops

These kind of counter-tops are manufactured from recycled glass aggregate, which is taken from salvaged windows, car windshields and glass bottles. Most manufacturers use recycled glass to manufacture counter tops, which is environmentally friendly. This is to reduce pollution from this kind of glass that is recklessly thrown everywhere. Glass aggregate counter tops can be of bold colors, with huge pieces of glass. Recycled glass can be blended with recycled ceramic to make a look that can be boldly compared with granite.

D) Bamboo Counter tops

Affordable, cool counter tops, can be manufactured from bamboo. Bamboo is a good component to be used since it is renewable. Bamboo counter tops are now a popular option for counter ops because of their excellent features. Surely, bamboo can achieve quite a number of looks and these looks do not have to appear as traditional bamboo.

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Counter Top Template Creation

Posted on September 23, 2011 by socialturbine

Counter Top Template Creation is not as hard as you may think. It’s a simple, but important process.  You should work with your counter top installer in order to create a template, which has exact measurements, rather than estimate, in order to avoid repeating the measurement process.

When creating a counter top template it is essential to measure what object goes to which part.  Cutting out the areas of the existing counter top is done and then the areas are transferred to the new counter top. It is however, very important to consult your carpenter or the cabinet maker to confirm that your cabinets can support the weight of the new counter tops.

The first step in counter top template creation is to remove all the things that may be inside the cabinets and proceed to remove the drawers from the cabinets. Then remove all the things from the counter top together with the sink and any appliances that have been placed on the counter top. Before doing that, it is important to ensure that the electricity is off or gas in case one uses gas for cooking and water. With the sheets of poster board or plastic, go ahead and tape the poster board pieces together with masking tape. These sheets of taped poster boards are then laid over the counter top; tracing along the outer edges of the counter top then is done and cut out. Trace out the areas with a pen and write down the sections that go near the wall and the side that goes up.the next step is to cut out the marked areas and finally lay the new template on the new counter top with ensuring that it faces the right direction. Counter Top Template Creation is easy and fun to do.

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Why granite may not be your best choice…

Posted on September 8, 2011 by socialturbine 
If you’re caught between installing a Quartz or Granite countertop, be warned: your decision
isn’t a tough one. Why? Granite is porous and it RUSTS…

Unlike Quartz, Granite is highly susceptible to staining. While many homeowners choosing
the Granite route believe a fresh coat of sealant solves this problem, they are sadly, sadly
misguided…

Even when a Granite countertop is sealed, these coats are never 100% effective—just ask a
professional!

Not only that, but Granite countertops require extensive (expensive) maintenance, and
homeowners should be cautioned that certain decorations and appliances left in contact with
these surfaces can and will lead to rusting.

Many of today’s Granite countertops contain traces of iron and/or steel—the two primary
rusting agents. When sealant runs thin or disappears entirely due to lapses in time, everyday
scrubbing, or a number of other reasons, unprotected surfaces fall victim to a laundry list of
threats including bacteria growth, oil buildup, sponge suds, and water—especially water!

Liquids WILL bypass the remaining sealant, enter the pours, contact the iron or steel (creating
moisture), and cause significant, potentially unserviceable rusting. Some stains are surface
level, but most, given the nature of Granite, grow from within the table itself. Once the rusting
begins—good luck…

When you consider the high cost of Granite, installing it in your home is a risk you can’t afford!
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SOLID SURFACE COUNTERTOPS IN HOSPITALS—WHY IT’S A GOOD IDEA

Posted on August 25, 2011 by socialturbine

Stating the obvious here, but hospitals are meant to be clean. So, when it comes time to install or replace hospital countertops, there’s no more sanitary option than solid surface. The non-porous nature of solid surface prevents bacteria growth, molding, stains, and a multitude of other health hazards. Non-porous also means that solid surface counters won’t crack, chip, or break—an absolute necessity considering the cost of countertops and the hoped-for longevity of their investment.

For operating rooms and the like, stainless steel is the only way to go. But what about patient areas? With bathrooms and vanities in most every room, it’s senseless to undertake the risk of installing brittle, porous countertops. If hospitals are truly a breeding ground for bacteria, why invest in countertops that incubate disease and pathogens? The risk is astronomical…

Since the introduction of antibiotics into clinical use, bacteria have protected themselves by developing antibiotic resistance mechanisms—and the problem is increasing on a global scale. These problems are especially evident (as previously alluded to) within hospitals. The cause is generally attributed to excessive cleaning; the more antibiotics used, the more resistant pathogens created. The last thing your hospital needs is an antibiotic-resistant MRSA outbreak. Non-porous countertops require less antibiotics and less maintenance—it’s a no-brainer.

Hospital renovations take years—and planning takes even longer. Before choosing a vendor, research the companies and products you’re considering thoroughly. While price plays a heavy role in determining who gets what contract, price alone is no substitute for quality. A quality investment is a lasting investment; a price-conscious investment is an investment  purchase you’ll make time and time again.

Hospitals are meant to be clean and solid surface countertops are as clean as they come. It’s that simple…

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Top Mount vs Under Mount Sinks

Posted on July 29, 2011 by socialturbine

We talk a lot about countertops—it comes with the territory; but one thing we don’t talk about is what to do with countertops when they’re installed. Whether it’s a kitchen or a bathroom, one thing is for sure: you’ll need a sink. Trust us, all sinks are not alike. When homeowners remodel, they generally voice two main concerns: appearance and usability. So, before choosing a sink for your kitchen or bathroom, consider the differences between top-mount and under-mount sinks…

A top-mount sink is installed on top of a countertop. This means that a portion of the sink (the lip), overlaps the countertop to provide a covered edge. Top-mount sinks are great for two reasons—one, they’re cost effective (less effort/labor to install) and two, they offer more wiggle room for under-sink storage. Top-mount sinks are the status quo, you’ll find them in most every household. But that’s not to say they’re without downside. The problem with top-mount sinks is the lip. Because the lip rests atop the counter, cleanliness is a concern. Crevices trap dirt, debris, and bacteria—problems that pose future risk if untended. That said, with semi-regular cleaning/inspection, these threats are more bark than bite.

Under-mount sinks are less common but more attractive. Under-mount means the sink is installed below the countertop, yielding a smoother finish. For obvious reasons, under-mount sinks are common in natural stone countertops. Smooth finish means more sanitation, but it also means more cost. Without a lip to support it, under-mount sinks require stands or braces for support; also, under-mount sinks require special fitting—all cost intensive decisions. But, if appearance and sanitation mean more than cost and storage, an under-mount sink’s for you…

All things considered, there’s no right or wrong answer here. Like any remodel, the decision to do one thing or the other boils down to individual personality and budget restrictions. Before choosing a sink for your bathroom or kitchen remodel, weigh the costs and benefits. Like the countertop itself, a sink is a cornerstone. Take your time and consult a professional—in due time, you’ll have a great looking sink that works best for you!

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Why You Should Resurface Your Countertop

Posted on July 11, 2011 by socialturbine

The countertop is the focal point in any kitchen. If it looks scratched, faded or damaged, then this reflects on the entire kitchen. Resurfacing countertops is an affordable method that will update your kitchen and give it the look and feel you desire for a quarter of the cost of full replacement.

As we’ve mentioned, solid surface countertops are benefited by longevity—minor damages can be fixed with a little sandpaper and elbow grease. But as these countertops age, even the best handy work falls short in hiding the imperfections that come with heavy usage.

Everything from forks and knives to direct sunlight and abrasive sponges can (and do) eat away at the color and integrity of solid surface counters. But, resurfacing your countertop is simple to do and easy on your wallet.

For those so inclined, resurfacing a countertop is easy. If cabinets are attached, use an electric screw driver to remove all the connecting nails; pry the old countertop from its wooden base and remove it; use a stripper to dissolve glue and a small paint scraper to scrape away remaining material; sand the surface (wooden base) with medium-grade sandpaper; lightly apply glue to the surface (laminate countertops show anything underneath, especially bubbles); start at one end of the new countertop and set it into place; then, use a large roller to flatten out any air bubbles (install edging or detailing if needed) and voilà, you’re done!

While easy, we’ve heard many stories of DIY installations gone terribly wrong. Whether it’s inadequate glue removal, misaligned placement, or insufficient flattening, trouble can arise without the assistance of a trained professional. Thankfully for you, Yankee Counter is chalk full of talent and we’d love nothing more than to help you with your home restoration needs!

Resurfacing a countertop can bring new life to your existing solid surface counters.  If you installed Corian, Living Stone, or select other solid surface counter tops more than 10 years ago this is for you. So what are you waiting for, set up a consultation today!

 

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Quartz vs Solid-Surface

Posted on June 20, 2011 by socialturbine

Replacing a countertop? Chances are you’re caught between quartz and solid surface.

While quartz and solid surface offer great value, they’re also very different from one another. Typically, quartz competes with granite and solid surface with laminates. In both cases though, quartz and solid surface reign supreme—both in durability and cost-effectiveness.

Quartz is 85-95% crushed quartz with a resin binder while solid surface—also man-made—consists of acrylic or polyester plastics. As a result, both are non-porous and highly resistant to bacteria-growth; but quartz is definitely more durable (second only to Diamond, Sapphire, and topaz in toughness). Quartz won’t scratch or chip unlike solid surface counters which do (deep scratches can harbor dirt and/or moisture). Luckily damages are easily serviced through by  refinishing a solid surface counter top.

That’s not to say they’re without advantage. Oftentimes, quartz counter tops have seams that crop and divide the stonework around the countertop layout; seams are also present with the addition of edge profiles. Solid surface counter tops are seamless and are therefore resistant to any potential buildup in these crevices.

As for appearance, both quartz and solid surface have consistent, uniform color and patterning but quartz has a polished finish (shiny) while solid surface is matte (not shiny).

At this point in the comparison there’s not much difference between the two besides price and minor aesthetics. So, to break the tie, we’ll turn to heat resistance. Any homeowner knows how messy and chaotic a kitchen can become, especially around dinnertime. While quartz counter tops are relatively heat-resistant (anything over 400F might be a problem), solid surface options have a tendency to warp, melt, crack and/or discolor with even the most temporary contact with hot objects (pots, pans, dishes etc.). Sanding can eliminate all but the deepest scratches, but when it comes to warping and melting, your hands are tied.

So, let’s review:

QUARTZ:

Pros:

  • Durable, Sanitary, & Scratch-Resistant (Second only to diamond, sapphire, and topaz in toughness)
  • Uniform color & patterning (polished finish)
  • Heat-resistant (up to 400F)

Cons

  • More expensive to install than Solid-Surface
  • Not-Seamless

SOLID-SURFACE:

Pros:

  • Durable, Sanitary (compared to Laminate), & Seamless
  • Easily Serviced
  • Less-expensive than Quartz

Cons:

  • Warp, Scratch, and Chip with exposure to heat (Quartz does not…)
  • Untended scratches can collect bacteria-growth
  • Certain (severe) damages require full-counter replacement

So, once again (with this in mind), quartz wins! While slightly more expensive, quartz countertops are more durable and suited for the abuse that today’s kitchens take. But, if price is a deal-breaker, solid surface counter tops are truly a great second-option. Compared to granite, solid surfaces shine in regards to sanitation, cost, and maintenance.

Quartz and solid surface countertops are rarely compared, but when you consider their relative advantages they’re often the two options that homeowners are stuck choosing between. Hope this quick analysis offers new insight and helps in your decision-making process.

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Take Care!

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What is a Coved Backsplash

Posted on June 18, 2011 by socialturbine

A coved backsplash is a solid-surface application that is seamlessly integrated with the deck of a countertop or vanity; the opposite is a loose backsplash—very common in older bathrooms and kitchens.

Coved backsplashes are only available in solid surfaces and not in stone products like granite or quartz. The curved transition from countertop to backsplash is very stylish and it’s also very practical.

Since coved backsplashes are designed seamless, they prevent much of the water damage and dirt buildup that compromise kitchens and bathrooms. If you’ve ever removed a countertop or vanity, the discoloration and molding that grow behind these fixtures is alarming! Consider the relative permanence of a countertop/surface and how costly those hard-to-reach-so-I’ll-just-ignore-them areas can become when untended to.

Because of this, coved backsplashes have grown more and more popular among today’s homeowners. The only downside is the added price of applying the application to whatever countertop and splash you choose—but this varies from region to region.

All-in-all, coved backsplashes are the way to go! As the more sanitary and maintenance-friendly option, a coved backsplash will add tremendous value to your home. If a renovation is in your future and you’re thinking about going with a loose backsplash, we strongly urge you to reconsider. The couple hundred dollars it costs to apply a coved application to your countertop pales in comparison to the money you end up spending on expensive cleaners, insect removal, and wall replacement.

Want to learn more about coved backsplashes? Contact one of our helpful associates today!

 

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Cleaning Quartz Countertops

Posted on June 6, 2011 by socialturbine

Cleaning Quartz CountertopsCleaning Quartz countertops, by-and-large, is a simple process, however, doing so properly can add to the life of the countertop as well as to its overall appearance. Unlike Granite, Quartz countertops are non-porous and do not require sealant. Everyday household cleaners should do the trick.

However, one of the biggest problems is scratching. So, to avoid scratching, you should clean your countertop with a non-abrasive sponge and cleaner; a vinegar and water solution or hot soapy water works best. If you’re looking for a more complete clean, most supermarket cleaners will work, but—and this is a big but—avoid bleach at any cost. While bleach itself may not destroy the countertop, bleach coupled with an abrasive sponge can leave visible damages and lead to fading, especially in highly lit spaces.

To best preserve your Quartz countertop, clean with a non-bleach solution, dry with a soft rag or towel, use coasters (although staining is minimal), place any sharp equipment and the like in drawers or stowaways, and do your best to keep anything acidic off the countertop—wine, lemon, juice etc. for an extended period of time to avoid etching.

With these tips in mind, make the most of your beautiful Quartz countertop! Feel free to share your owning cleaning tips and stories with the rest of us, we’re always eager to hear new opinions!

 

Posted in Counter Top Cleaning, Quartz Counters | Leave a comment