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Tuesday, January 24th, 2017
Drexel Heritage Dining Room Evolution Counter Table 640-601
Granite is the leading counter material but with its stunning beauty, it has a tendency to steal the limelight. Its mirror finish is what makes it difficult to be subtle. There are moments when it works but most of the time, it simply hogs the scene.
Great news is here – there are a good number of choices out there that you could pick as an alternative to granite. Here are some non-granite pieces that are also great for counters –
Quartz
A lot of people love the look of granite but if you want to avoid the pitfalls that come with owning this pricey piece, then you could always settle for quartz. This is made from quartz aggregate together with some pigments and binders.
Quartz countertops mimic the beauty of natural stone but it offers an advantage that natural pieces aren’t able to give – it is virtually impermeable. This means that you won’t have to worry about sealing. Even the lightest quartz pieces won’t register stains under regular use.
Soapstone
Soapstone is a non-porous, soft, natural stone. It may be soft but it is quite resilient. This is often a dark stone – almost black – and it shows off a honed surface. Those who cook love soapstone because it is a great heat insulator.
Wood
Wood is recently enjoying a huge comeback. It is no less than a standard for kitchen countertop so no one can discredit its aesthetic appeal as well as its renewability.
Wood countertops are also economical compared to other choices. It could stain more easily, though, but a lot of people still choose it because of its look. With the right maintenance such as light oiling (make sure to use food grade oil), wood countertops can be used for years. Occasional sanding of the stains is also highly recommended.
There are also inexpensive types of wood countertops such as those made of beech.
Wood also works well in bathrooms. Imagine a mahogany piece used beautifully as a bathroom counter.
Recycled Glass
If you love a little sparkle and shine, then the material to have this year is recycled glass. A lot of glass countertops are terrazzo which is an age-old method of making hard surfaces. This involves the fusion of aggregate, concrete and marble chips. The resulting material is then poured into place then smoothened with the use of polishers and grinders. Some recycled glass makers replaced stone aggregates with recycled glass chips. What they have achieved are lovely surfaces that are worthy of homeowners’ attention.
Lexington Bar and Game Room Hidden Lake Bistro Table 714-873
Steel
This is a material that spells durability, light maintenance and sleek. Steel countertops project a lovely yet sturdy aura. It is also crisp and modern which is why it is chosen by many professional chefs.
Steel can last for hundreds of years, if not thousands. The great news is that stainless steel can also be recycled.
Invented in the early 1900s, it has made its way to a lot of commercial kitchens. Since then, residential kitchens caught up and this material has become a standard of sorts when it comes to modern look.
Concrete
Whether as slab or lightweight, concrete is a lovely and versatile countertop material. When pigment is added, as well as surface detailing and aggregates, this durable material can be skillfully customized.
Concrete is advantageous in the sense that it is valuable in the creation of integral sinks. There are now a lot of artisans who specialize in the creation and installation of concrete countertops.
Granite’s Out
See, there are many reasons why granite shouldn’t be your only option. It is being quarried which causes irreparable damage to the environment. Bacteria can also build up in the micro-fractures across the granite surface. You also need to worry about sealing the micro-fractures every year or two.
If you don’t want these hassles, then it’s time to turn to the materials suggested above.
Tags: granite, granite alternatives, granite countertop alternatives, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Kitchen Design | Comments Off on 6 Amazing Granite Alternatives
Wednesday, August 24th, 2016
Tommy Bahama Home Dining Room Cayman Kitchen Table 531-870
Whether you have decided to remodel your kitchen or are building one from scratch, countertop is one of the pieces that can make or break your kitchen’s look. You might feel overwhelmed as you take a look at the options that are in the market. The range of countertop surfaces range from the renowned butcher block to terrazzo and glass. Here are some of the most popular –
A Host of Choices in Granite
Granite offers pretty mottling and a wide array of patterns and colors that are beautifully found in nature. This countertop is able to withstand the harshest knife scratches, splashes, wear and tear, even heat.
The downside to granite – just like any other stone countertop – is that it needs to be sealed more often; this is so stains can be avoided. Also, since it is heavy, you’ll need sturdier cabinet materials to support its weight.
Granite price is at $35-$100 each square foot.
Maitland-Smith Bathroom Cast Brass Lion Soap Dish 1254-339 will look great against a new kitchen backsplash.
Quartz: Engineered for Beauty
Crafted quartz chips and resin comprise what’s known as quartz surfacing or engineered stone. This is a cross between stone and solid surfacing. This is an engineered product which is why there is a variety of patterns and colors that you could choose from.
Quartz is relatively expensive but when you look at it in the long run, it is a worthwhile investment as it can last for a very long time. Costing $40-$90 for every square foot, it is something that you need to plan for in terms of budget and installation.
The Glamour of Marble
Very few materials can come close to the beauty of marble. It is luminescent and it offers distinctive veining that’s elegant.
Marble stands up very well to heat because it is perennially cool. This is also the reason why bakers prefer it for their pastries and dough.
Marble is susceptible to stains, though, even when you have it sealed. This is why it is not advisable to use this material throughout your kitchen. Limit its use to just one or two areas as it easily chips and scratches.
Marble costs $40-$100 per square foot.
Solid Surfacing Spells Zero Maintenance
Solid surfacing, often generally referred to as Corian, can be maintenance-free. There is no special cleaning or sealing required. It can be susceptible to burns and scratches though these can easily be sanded out.
There are extensive color and patterns choices, with some even looking like natural materials. Experiment with the most vibrant hues like tomato red or turquoise.
A downside to solid surfacing is its artificial look. It may be maintenance-free but it does not stand too well to sharp kitchen tools and hot pans.
Modular, Inexpensive Tiles
Porcelain and ceramic tiles have almost a limitless array of options for styles and colors. Tiles work in most bathrooms and kitchens, with the design ranging from country to anything as majestic as the Old World.
Tiles can withstand sharp cuts and heat, they can even resist stains. They may chip or crack easily but they are quite easy to replace.
Make sure that the installed tiles are sealed so that grout and bacteria won’t grow.
The cost for every tile is at $10-$80 for every square foot.
Laminate: A Kitchen Mainstay
This kitchen countertop material is made out of paper and resins. It is basically particle board that used to be regarded as unstylish but this has been slowly changing over the years. The latest styles are now able to mimic butcher block and natural stone. The greater news is that laminate surfaces are a lot more affordable than most materials.
Laminate surfaces are prone to burns, scratches and staining. The layers can even peel once exposed to moisture and wear and tear.
Tags: countertop choices, countertop options, granite countertop alternatives, kitchen countertop, kitchen countertop materials, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, non-granite choices, non-granite countertops, tips
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Kitchen Design | No Comments »
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