As homeowners, we like options. That is, until we have too many; then options become chores (and no one likes chores). To prevent your search for cabinets and countertops from devolving into “choredom,” it’s important to whittle down your alternatives using a set of criteria that reflects what is most important to you in your…
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Countertops
Bathroom Countertop Installation Guide
Replacing the countertop in your bathroom can help completely change the appearance of the room, shaping it to your changing tastes and styles in a relatively simple process that can have a big impact on the room as a whole.
Formica Counters: Better than the Real Thing
Formica isn’t a particular material so much as the industry term for a particular type of structure. In fact, it’s a copyrighted brand name, but it is often used to refer to any plastic laminate glued to a wooden substrate. Since laminate is such a versatile product, Formica counters come in a wide variety of…
Going Green: Laminate Countertops
Laminate countertops present an interesting dilemma for homeowners looking to go green. In truth, there are more eco-friendly options out there when it comes to countertop materials. Laminate countertops can contain high levels of adhesives, sealers, and other sources of potentially harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that get released into your indoor environment. On the…
Stone & Granite Fabricators
You probably realize that the granite counter that gets installed in your kitchen or bathroom goes through a process to transform its naturally occurring appearance into your beautiful, polished counter. What you may not realize is just how much happens during this process and how important it is to getting the most from your granite…
Working with Countertop & Cabinet Contractors
Counter and cabinet refurbishing is a great way to add beauty to an older kitchen, but depending upon the size of the project and the materials you’re working with, countertop and cabinet contractors may be in your home for more than just a single day. This is why it is important not only to plan…
Stainless Steel Counters Turn Amateur Cooks into Sleek Chefs
Are you tired of hearing about the same old kitchen materials all the time: laminate, marble, hardwood, concrete, and tile? Yet look at restaurant kitchens: none of them use any of these materials. Why? Because since they’re more interested in the utilitarian side of cooking, they want their décor to match this more industrial aesthetic:…
Sandstone Countertops
Sandstone countertops are some of the most beautiful countertops available to homeowners. They are a stunning addition to any kitchen or bathroom because of their rich texture, grain and colors. And while they do require a little more maintenance and diligence than other stone countertops, their aesthetic value is tough to beat. Rock of Ages…
Laminate Countertops Are Still Popular
While granite and marble countertops dominate dinner conversations these days, laminate countertops still take the cake when it comes to cost effective, attractive, countertop solutions. If you’re looking to remodel your kitchen countertops, and are pressed by budgetary considerations, laminate deserves a serious look. Limitless Designs One of the biggest draws of these countertops is…
Tile Counters Break up the Monotony
If your kitchen needs a quick makeover but you can’t afford to make major renovationswith expensive materials, you may want to think about alternative arrangements. Though all the home design shows on TV use natural stone (such as granite, marble, and slate) to finish off surfaces, most of us can’t afford such high-end investments. Do…
The Ins and Outs of Countertop Materials
With an ever-growing list of materials, designs and price points, most homeowners feel overwhelmed by the idea of choosing new countertops. Fortunately, there’s help. Use this quick guide to find the perfect countertops for your kitchen. Butcher block (wood) Butcher block cabinets are susceptible to burns, scratches and stains. But, you can sand and refinish…