Choosing a kitchen counter material can be an overwhelming task in the midst of a huge kitchen makeover. Before you select a material, try to decide what look you are going for. Scour magazines and take a trip to your local home improvement center to get an idea how each type of material will effect the overall style of the kitchen.
Some materials for kitchen counter tops include:
Laminate - The least expensive and comes in a huge range of colors. You have to be careful not to cut or put anything hot on the surface, but it is easy to clean. It is not as durable as stone or Corian and doesn’t look as nice either!
Tiles - Tiles can range in price from very inexpensive to very expensive depending on your choice. In my opinion they make terrible counter tops because food and such tends to get caught in the grout lines. Even worse, if you use light colored grout it gets dirty very quickly and must be scrubbed all the time. Tiles can crack and chip easily.
Corian - A very durable counter that is seamless and has the look of granite. It comes in a myriad of colors and can scratch, but these can be sanded and repaired. Unlike stone, it will melt so no hot pots on the counter top. More expensive than laminate but a bit less than stone.
Granite - This material is a long time favorite and one of the most expensive. It is extremely durable and virtually scratch free and heat proof. It is porous, though so you will have to wipe up any spills quickly and be careful about what chemicals you put on it. These days, granite comes in a range shades in the gray - black - green and even dark blue colors. Granite must be sealed every year, but otherwise is quite easy to clean and care for.
Marble - Beautiful but very porous and is not really practical for a counter top. It will stain easily with normal food prep.
Slate - Slate has a nice warm earthy look without the shininess of granite. It is durable and easy to clean and unlike granite is nonporous. Scratches can be easily repaired.
Butcher Block - Wood kitchen counter top materials can give hour kitchen a warm look. Butcher block is good for cutting as the marks can be sanded out but it is not very resistant to bacteria or stains. Would need periodic conditioning.
Concrete - Fast becoming a favorite in modern kitchens that want an industrial look, concrete is a mid priced material that can be mixed to form any color and even can be mixed with little pieces of anything you want it it! It is durable and easy to clean but is very porous and should be sealed to avoid staining.
Ensuring the Health of Your Aquarium Fish
Maintaining an aquarium is a serene and enjoyable pastime, yet it can quickly become a source of anxiety when your aquatic pets begin to fall ill. The health of your fish is closely tied to the quality of their environment, making regular tank maintenance and water quality management essential to prevent disease. By staying vigilant and addressing any signs of illness early, you can keep your fish thriving and your aquarium a focal point of tranquility.
Wind Chimes Soothe The Soul
They can be pretty to look at and soothing to hear, but did you know that that wind chimes also have healing effects? Just listening to the tones of the chimes can help calm your mind and release stress. Calming your mind, the tones of the chimes help to release all that stored up stress. This soothing effect helps open our spiritual awareness and has been used by many cultures for centuries.
Cultivating Geraniums: A Guide for Indoor and Outdoor Enthusiasts
Geraniums, with their vibrant blooms and lush foliage, have captivated the hearts of gardeners whether they are displayed in garden beds or as potted plants. These versatile flowers, which belong to the Pelargonium and Geranium genera, can thrive both indoors and outdoors, adding a splash of color to any setting. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the best practices for growing geraniums, ensuring they flourish whether you're an urban dweller with a sunny windowsill or a green-thumbed gardener with ample outdoor space.
