Archive for September, 2008

Sep 27 2008

Choosing Countertops in Kitchen Remodeling Projects

Published by Eric Slarkowski under Lighting

by Eric Slarkowski

You can make remodeling your kitchen counter tops either an extremely difficult project or an easy one. It depends on the condition of your current countertops, how old they are and the materials to remove the countertop surfaces as well as your knowledge before starting the project. Knowing what the project entails will help you better determine what steps to take throughout the process. For instance, most laminated surfaces are glued to a wood surface meaning you may need a solvent to loosen the glue. Otherwise, you will finding yourself gouging through the wood surface to loosen it enough to be removed.

Perhaps the easiest method for remodeling your countertops is simply replacing the entire countertop. To separate it from the base should consist of simply loosening some screws or bolts and lifting it from the surface. The surfaces the counter is attached to can then be cleaned and sanded allowing for easy, level placement of the new countertop package.

The homeowner and the budget are two significant factors in the type of surface used when remodeling kitchen countertops. The most convenient and quickest method is probably choosing a pre-made countertop from a local home improvement store to simply be brought home, put in place and fastened to the cabinets. Well, this is the second easiest method since the fastest is to have someone else do the dirty work involved with placing the tops.

Consider replacing your kitchen counter tops with stone, granite or marble, some of the more popular choices today. These surfaces may be a slightly higher cost than the laminated wood surface, but they add far more beauty, value and durability to the countertop. Of course, these countertops must be precut when ordered, that is, unless the owner has the capabilities of cutting granite, marble or stone.

You will need to make a hole where the sink and water sources are installed, and the splashboard must be sealed properly if being customer made so to prevent water from flowing into the cabinets and causing some water damage. For this type of countertop remodeling, it may be best to hire someone experienced in working with stone and has the proper tools to ensure the job is done right rather than risk the need to repeat the work. One mistake in cutting a stone countertop can is not a cheat mistake.

It is not often recommended to use plastic or vinyl on countertops since they are easily cut with kitchen utensils while cooking and preparing food. It is also important to consider the kitchen's overall dcor when choosing countertops. Many stone colors and even laminates and patterns can take on an entirely different look when combined with the right lighting, appliances and colors adding to the entire kitchen's design.

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