Peninsula Blog

Countertops provide the main workspace in the kitchen. These days there are a great many different types of countertops available. Ceramic tile countertops are very popular and make an attractive addition to almost any style kitchen.

Ceramic tile is a popular choice for countertops for a few a good reasons. Ceramic tile countertops offer exceptional durability and a natural look to your kitchen. Ceramic tile countertops are hard, tough, and resistant to damage from heat, scratch, or stain.

Ceramic tile come in great variety of colors, shapes, and sizes allows almost unlimited freedom to create your own patterns for countertops. Like floor tile, countertop tile is permanently installed using mortar adhesive and grout. Tiles can be chipped or broken but can be replaced individually.

The market offers lots of countertop materials, each with its pros and cons. One of the most common materials used for kitchen countertop is laminate. Laminate countertops are composed of a thin layer of plastic laminate bonded to a substrate of particleboard.

Laminates have some outstanding characteristics; including durability, stain resistance, and a good, long lifespan. The most common problems from laminate kitchen countertops are chipping and burns from a carelessly placed pot. These laminate countertops can chip if they receive sharp blows.

The great thing about laminate countertops is that they can easily be resurfaced. Plastic laminate tops can be covered with new material. Resurface a kitchen countertop is easy remodeling project that can you do by yourself. You also can call in a professional to have your laminate countertops resurfaced. Check the yellow pages under countertops for laminate restoration professionals.

Countertops come in various styles and materials. Countertop material includes solid, wood, laminate, ceramic tile, marble, granite, and stainless steel. The popularity of stainless steel appliances has spurred interest in stainless steel countertops to complement them. Stainless steel has long been used in restaurant and hotel kitchens. Stainless steel is durable, easy to clean, and a perfect choice for a sleek, modern style kitchen. Stainless steel is also heatproof and easy to sanitize.

On the negative side, stainless steel is noisy and tough on dishes and glassware. Stainless steel countertop also will show smudges.

Although stainless is stiff, it is usually installed over a full plywood substrate for support. Stainless steel countertops are usually made from 16-gauge sheet metal. If you buy quality and care for it properly, a stainless-steel countertop should remain looking good and last at least 15 years.

Wood is a beautiful material for countertop. Wood countertops are warm and beautiful and come in a wide range of colors and finishes. Wood countertops are constructed of hardwood blocks or board of maple, beech, oak, or birch glued together in a certain thickness. If you choose wood countertop, avoid placing hot objects on the countertop.

Solid wood countertops require more care and should not be subjected to heavy use or water. Wood countertops must be meticulously cleaned and require periodic maintenance. To protect a wood countertop, apply a film finish of varnish or lacquer or oil it periodically. If you’re buying wood countertops, look for FSC-certified or salvaged wood.