The Counters Blog

Sub Zero Wolf And Cove Showroom Montreal Countertops Rack Towel Bar

Types Of Countertops That Start With C

Granite and quartz countertops are a popular choice for stone countertops. Wood countertops, cement countertops, and laminate countertops are all popular styles as well. It is a natural gift from the earth that is mined the world over. However, granite countertops and quartz countertops are porous so be careful with the beverages! The best thing about laminate countertops is the affordability.At a fraction of the price of their stone and granite counterparts, they are one of the least expensive options. However, they are stain resistant so don’t worry too much about the spilt wine or grape juice. This feature, combined with a price that is closer to that of laminate countertop than stone or wood make these countertops a very valuable choice. Solid surface countertops have a long life, much longer than a laminate countertop. The major downside of these types of countertops is the grouting that connects the tiles. Dirt and stains can get into the grout and is tougher to clean than a flat surface countertop.
How To Start An Epoxy Business | Duration 38 Minutes 9 Seconds Oak, maple, cherry, and mahogany are all popular hardwoods that can be used in wood countertops. Mineral oil must be applied to keep your wood countertops properly sealed. Manufacturers start with quartz composite and add stone pebbles, epoxies, and polymers. Concrete countertops are prefabricated and cured by the manufacturer. They are so popular because of their elegant look and beautiful, natural appeal. With regards to price, they are expensive in comparison to the alternatives but are a great choice if you can afford them. They are inexpensive when compared to most other styles of countertops. They offer greater durability and more solid construction than laminate countertops because they are made of the same material through and through. Solid surface countertops are resistant to stains because of their non-porous construction. A major advantage of these countertops is that they can be repaired and refinished in event they are scuffed or damaged. They are close in price per foot to laminate which makes them a high value choice.

Grouting a countertop in your kitchen or bathroom is a major undertaking. Be careful not to put extremely hot items on these countertops but the wood countertops are somewhat heat resistant. They are absorbent and stay dry so they tend to be good at keeping bacteria levels down. If the choice lies between granite and engineered stone then just decide whether you prefer the random patterns of granite or you prefer the uniform look that engineered stone provides. Each manufacturer has their own process so be sure to check out different manufacturers if this is your choice of material. The best thing about concrete countertops is the detail and grain that make them a beautiful solid surface.

Top 7 Countertop Materials For Your Kitchen by thespruce.com

The laminate countertop is a cousin of laminate flooring: layers of paper treated with resin and pressed together under high heat and pressure. The thickest laminate is used for horizontal work surfaces; thinner laminate is used for vertical areas such as backsplashes. Because the base is constructed of particleboard, it may swell if it comes into contact with water. It is often called homogeneous because the surface you see on top is the same surface all the way through. Should you scratch or gouge your solid surface, you can sand it out with very fine sandpaper. It has the solidity of real stone but the predictability of solid-surface materials.

This is the real stuff, sliced directly from the earth in quarries. Natural stone slabs are sleek and extremely handsome, and they give a very high-end look to your kitchen. Even cheaper than laminate, ceramic tile is about as cheap as you want to make it. Seams attract food and other gunk, and they are difficult to clean. Note that concrete counters are poured and cured before being installed in your house; it is not created on-site. Stainless has come out of professional kitchens and into the home. Because it starts as a raw material, it can be formed into practically any shape and dimension you desire. If you want to give your house a sleek, contemporary look, stainless is the way to go. Under this paper-and-resin layer is a base of composite chip wood. Solid surface counters are not cheap, but they definitely do not reach the price points of stainless steel, concrete, or engineered stone. Even the binders may be composed of organic waste materials (non-food vegetable oils).

Concrete Countertop From Start To Finish By Ken’S Custom Designs | Duration 24 Minutes 33 Seconds Subsequent buyers of your home likely will value this natural material in the kitchen. Not only that, but the grout needs periodic sealing to repel moisture.

3 Ways To Fix A Chip In A Quartz Countertop by wikihow.com

In spite of being tough, quartz countertops are not indestructible and may get chipped or cracked due to kitchen accidents. This way it is easier to apply the adhesive only on the chipped part giving you a level and clean finish. Use a brush or spatula to apply thin coats of the glue on the affected area until the chip is level with the rest of the surface. Do not apply too much at one go as it going to extend the curing time. For the best result, you can mix the epoxy with a dye that is in the closest shade to the surface.

Wilsonart Laminate Countertops | Just Like Stone | Duration 1 Minutes It also helps you get an even line while caulking the crack. Start by pouring caulk slowly in the biggest part of crack from a caulk tube or gun. Use silicone caulk if you can create a smooth line on the first try. Wipe away excess caulk or sealant according to manufacturer’s instructions. Repeat the process until the chip is at level with the rest of the countertop. Excess dried caulk can be scraped off with a utility knife by gently running it sideways over the affected surface. Once you are satisfied with the result, remove the tape and allow the caulk to cure for the amount of time specified by the manufacturer. While professional repair makes chips or fissures in your countertop almost unnoticeable, you will surely notice the cost of this service. If the chipped edge of your countertop is offending you, consider asking the installation company to bevel the edges for a smoother finish and then re-polishing it. Before undertaking any repairs, check the warranty of your countertop. Mix them with dyes to get the shade closest to your countertop.Made with a blend of stone and resin, quartz is a hard material like granite but also has an aesthetically pleasing glossy and non-porous surface. However, in most cases, you can repair the affected area without having to replace the entire slab. Before you get started with the repairs, clean the area with a non-abrasive cleaner. Cordon off the chipped portion by sticking strips of masking or painter tape around it. It will also prevent unnecessary stains and spills from the adhesive on your counter. Adhesive filler or super glue is a good option to repair minor chips on lighter coloured surfaces since they are less noticeable.

How To Make A Marble Countertop | Duration 11 Minutes 58 Seconds Choose superglue with a thin consistency to treat chipped surfaces and a thicker one for chipped edges. If your countertop is textured or is dark coloured, opt for a pigmented epoxy instead of superglue. Apply this mix to the chipped area in the thin coats till it is level with the rest of the countertop. The epoxy mix may shrink a bit while drying, so it’s better to over-fill the chip and then sand down the excess later. Use superfine sandpaper with a higher grit of 360 to 600 to smooth over the patch once it hardens. Lightly glide the blade on the affected area from side to side. Use a damp cloth and a non-abrasive cleaner to wipe the area clean before you get started. So, stick strips of masking tape around the crack to avoid it from getting on the rest of the countertop. Steadily and consistently move through the rest of the crack. Use urethane acrylic caulk if you are less confident; as it’s easier to clean up, and you can apply a second layer on top if required. Then, using a flat hard material such as plastic or your wet index finger, smoothen and flatten the line of caulk. However, if you are not confident about repairing it yourself, it’s best to seek expert assistance. You can also ask them if sanding down the chipped edges would be a viable option.As an extreme measure, for the counter and your pockets, consider discussing with your contractor about ripping the entire length of the chipped off edge and re-polishing. This process might be time-consuming and may hike up your final cost. Most of them come with a 1-20 year warranty and may include free repair for chips or cracks.

Quartz by premiergranitetops.com

You can choose a quartz finish that looks like natural stone or opt for a vibrantly colored surface. Scratch, stain, and heat resistant, quartz is in high demand for almost every countertop application. Quartz is highly resistant to wear and tear, meaning you’ll have a countertop that can stand up to the rigors of cooking and entertaining for years to come. Our quartz countertops are engineered to create a highly resilient material with a deep depth of color. Besides looking amazing, quartz countertops are popular because they are widely considered the most durable option on the market.

How To Measure Countertops and Get It Right The First Time Around! by letsremodel.net

We always round up when measuring so the final measurement would be 44 square feet. Even though not all counter tops come in rectangular shapes, the principles of measurements remain roughly the same. If you decide to have a backsplash from the same materials as the countertop, plan for an extra 4-inch-wide section across the length of the countertop. Don’t forget to plan for labor and fabrication costs! If you wanted a corner sink or a ledge like the example below and to the left, the fabricators will try to cut as much as possible into one solid piece. The curvy shape below will be measured from its widest point and by length. Some countertops are sold by the half-slab, depending on the color.

How To Use Miter Bolts With Countertops by ehow.com

Each miter bolt rests in a recessed area referred to as a mortise. Push them together, but leave roughly 1 inch between the pieces. On the other mitered countertop, run the bead of adhesive 1/4 inch from the bottom edge. Start with the miter bolt toward the back corner of the miter, and work your way forward, placing each miter bolt into the corresponding mortise cut into the countertop. Clean any adhesive that has squeezed out from the miter joint and onto the surface of the countertop. If you have an uneven seam, set the piece of scrap wood on the high side of the seam. Start with the rear miter bolt, then the front miter bolt, second miter bolt from the rear of the counter, and the second miter bolt from the front of the countertop last. The amount of miter bolts required to connect the miter varies by manufacturer. Insert the tube of waterproof adhesive into the drop-in caulk gun. Run a small bead of adhesive 1/4 inch from the top edge of the miter on one of the pieces of countertop. Loosely install the miter bolts from underneath the countertop. Tighten the rear miter bolt, putting slight pressure on the miter joint. Do not over tighten the miter bolts as this could result in the center section of the miter joint buckling up.

Why Granite Countertop Should Start With The Slab by candcstoneworks.com

Many times, a slab of granite will have secondary and tertiary colors that are not obvious until you see the whole piece. Much of the appeal of granite to many people are the “beauty marks” made by nature. We guarantee maximum utilization of the slab and hide seams for a cohesive look across your countertop surface. Considering your granite countertops are going to be with you for quite a while and are usually the main focal point of any space, wouldn’t you want to be able to select the exact countertop stone that will be installed? When you choose the actual slab, you can see what the overall color and pattern looks like – because granite is made by nature and no two slabs are alike. Will the beautiful swirls and veining in a particular slab of granite match your décor plan? What we are getting at is that just because you loved the 12” x 12” sample you saw at the big box dealer, doesn’t mean the countertop as a whole will be what you imagined. However, there are some granite stones with unflattering patterns and/or flaws. Once you decide on the perfect color and pattern for you, you will be able to inspect the individual slab.