When you aren’t so happy with the way your kitchen looks, you might invest in a new set of kitchen countertops to change its look. There are many cheap but good countertops as well as higher-end countertops. If you are looking for cheap but nice countertops, there are many to choose from. Many people go with tile or Formica because they are so inexpensive. They also come in an impressive array of patterns and colors.
A cheap island countertop can also be made from concrete. This might not sound very nice, but today’s concrete countertops can be spectacular. Dying and etching is used to make these cheap but nice countertops look like an array of other countertop options. This cheap countertop material can be made to look like natural stone, like tile, and more. It is also extremely durable.
If you want a different inexpensive material, there are many beautiful wooden countertops. These are made from thick wood that is durable and natural looking. This material is often chosen by people who have a country theme in their kitchen so that the kitchen looks more like a farmhouse. It can be a great and inexpensive choice for many people’s kitchens.
If you are looking to upgrade your kitchen, you may be interested in getting a granite countertop. Amazing granite counters are naturally beautiful, and they won’t wear out over time.
Are granite countertops expensive? They can be pricey, but the price depends on the type you choose and the amount of it that you need. If you have a lot of counter space, you can expect a hefty bill for your granite. The average price for granite kitchen countertops is about $3,200. This average price of granite installed includes the materials and the labor. In general, you can expect to pay almost $100 for each square foot installed.
When you choose granite, there are different tiers of quality. A higher-quality granite countertop may cost as much as $200 per square foot installed. It’s helpful to have a budget ahead of time so that you know how much you can spend and what type of granite you are able to buy.
If you install granite into your kitchen, you might consider installing it in the bathrooms as well for a matching look. Or, you can choose different granite from the kitchen for the bathrooms for a coordinated collection of colors and patterns.
Since ancient times, granite has been a prized building material that radiates luxury. And because of its timeless beauty, granite remains a popular building material and is commonly used in modern flooring, kitchen countertops, bathroom countertops, and various types of vanities.
Granite countertop manufacturers are happy to meet customer demand, however many customers are unaware of what it actually means to have granite countertops in their home. Unlike laminate and tile countertops, granite countertops require a different kind of awareness and maintenance. Knowing how to properly maintain granite per the countertop manufacturers’ recommendation will help to preserve its luxurious look.
Here’s 3 things your granite countertop manufacturer wants you to know:
Staining is a possibility
As a natural stone, granite is semi-porous in nature. When liquids such as cooking oil, juice, or wine comes in contact with granite countertops, the semi-porous nature of granite allows to absorb the liquid and cause permanent staining. It’s important clean up any spills as soon as possible in order to avoid. The longer the liquid is contact with the granite, the more likely it will stain. Granite countertop manufacturers recommend regular sealing in order to prevent this.
Radon gas
Radon is radioactive gas commonly found in natural stone such as granite. Like many radioactive materials, long term exposure to radon has been linked to cancer. During a media scare in 2008, concern over the amount of radon in granite countertops became a cause of concern for health conscious customers. Several studies have now proven granite countertops to be completely safe, as granite only contains trace or very small amounts of radon. The amount of radon in granite countertops is so minuscule that poses no health threat whatsoever. Homeowners that like to err on the side of caution can test radon levels in their home by purchasing a home testing kit at a hardware store.
Cleaning
There’s no doubt that granite is tough, durable material, but using acidic cleaners such as lemon juice should not be used. A mild solution of hot, soapy water is great for removing any stuck on dirt, grease, and grime. Granite countertop manufacturers can also recommend special cleaners that are gentle on the granite but tough on grime. Similarly, abrasive cleaners or sponges shouldn’t be used.
