Kitchen Tile Countertop Designs - A new kitchen table can add to the look and feel of your kitchen and improve its functionality. The choice of materials for your new table is different in aesthetics, maintenance required, durability, and application. There is something for every taste and budget homeowner.
Comparison of Materials
In order to select the most suitable materials for your new kitchen table, it is advisable to have an idea of each of their properties so you can make an informed purchase.
Laminate: Laminate is made of sleek plastic sheets of varying thickness. Formica is a laminate that is commonly used. Laminates can emulate the look of other materials, such as granite. This is an inexpensive material, available in various colors, patterns and surfaces, edges can be square or rolled, and this material is resistant to staining and easy to clean.Laminates have some disadvantages as well. they could finish spoiled because of the heat; so hot pans and utensils should not be placed on the laminated surface. Cleaning liquid with strong chemicals can also damage the surface. A laminate is useless as a cutting surface for scratches easily; Therefore, it is advisable to mount a chopping board. Once broken, the laminate can not be repaired, but must be replaced. flat edge of the laminate surface tends Chip. Laminate does not present a seamless appearance, especially the lighter shades. This is due to the support of the dark. Scratches and abrasions will show a high gloss surface, but not on the patterned laminate.
Tile: The tiles are a relatively inexpensive way to add color and character to your kitchen. They are available in various sizes ranging from 1 to 18 square inches .. The tiles are mainly made of glazed ceramics; renders the glass tile is resistant to moisture, soiling, and scuffing. Tiles provides the freedom to design your kitchen table of the most creative ways. They can be arranged vertically, diagonally, or horizontally. Tiles offer a variety of textures and patterns of choice. However, the grout used between the tiles ground easily, susceptible to a fungus, and require frequent cleaning. The tiles are not very resistant to impact and often chip easily, they are slightly more expensive than laminate, use epoxy grout, which has the benefit that is more resistant to soiling can add to the cost.
Corian: Corian is a brand name for a kitchen countertop material solid surface. Has been available for the past 30 years. Unlike laminate, solid surface comprises a plastic block. durable solid surface, available in various colors, matte and gloss finish, the seams do not stand out, and therefore they present a uniform look. solid surface can mimic the look and feel of stone. They resist staining, is non-porous, and can be cleaned easily with mild soap. the damaged surface can be repaired with the help of repair kits available. Most brands offer transferable warranties. The main disadvantage of choosing to solid surfaces is the price. installation must be performed by a certified installer. In addition, the surface can be damaged by heat and can be scratched in certain circumstances.
Granite: Granite is the most widely used stone for countertops. Its taste and character that is emulated by several synthetic alternatives but never quite equaled. Granite is very durable, scratchproof and heat resistant. Therefore, eliminating the need to install trivets or cutting board. It offers a wide selection of natural colors in polished and matte finishes. It can be cleaned with soap and water, special cleaning to remove stains recommended.
Granite has some disadvantages as well. It was expensive, heavy and require professional installation. It requires periodic sealing to prevent staining and has visible stitching. Granite tiles are an inexpensive option to install the slab; However, grouts require regular cleaning to maintain sanitation.
other options in stone worktops including limestone and marble. Kapur offers color selection is limited but has a high heat and impact resistance. Marble provides a nonstick surface; can be used for baking as well. But marble is porous and discolors easily.
Quartz: Quartz is a beautiful natural material that is tough and durable as well. Silestone and Cambria are quartz tabletops. Quartz offers several advantages when compared to other countertop material. This provides greater initial and scorch resistance compared to the plastic surface. It also does not require resealing and provide better stain resistance than granite. Quartz is available in different colors and offer many design options edge. Since quartz is an engineered product colors are more uniform than natural surfaces such as granite. It is also an approved surface for food preparation by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) in the United Sates. quartz countertops have seams but this slim and when installed properly is hardly noticeable. Most manufacturers provide a 10 year warranty for material.
Wood and Butcher Block: Wood is a natural surface Another preferred for characters that can add to your kitchen. Wood is a cutting surface which is ideal, because it does not blunt the knife-edge. A wooden table prepared by gluing together strips of rock maple or beech wood. Wood is easy to maintain and lasts longer. However, the design and edge detail for the block meat should not be too complicated because they are difficult to clean. A thorough scrubbing is needed after using blocks of meat for raw meat. periodic sanding and oiling help to remove the scratches that appear from time to time. Wood also requires regular sealing treatment.
How long does it take to install a table?
The time required to install a table will be different with the material. heavier material, such as granite and quartz will take more time for proper installation. A pre-formed laminate kitchen counter can be installed in about 2-3 hours. With most installations, there are always some adjustments made due to the factors many occasions' like, do not be perpendicular wall or cabinet surface not being level come into play. If the tables are made onsite process may take two days or more, as a sealing and finishing take time to organize.
Copyright 2008 by ABCD Publishing