The Best Countertops to Help Revamp Your Kitchen

by

30 November 2018

Home Improvement

Kitchen

There are a lot of reasons why a person might remodel their kitchen. You might choose to remodel or upgrade your kitchen while repairing your house or simply for a change. Replacing the countertops is a great means of kitchen remodelling. Countertops often form the kitchen surface, and that is one reason why they get so chipped, stained, and scratched. You are bound to come across them in a plethora of options that match your budget. What you get in the end is your ideal kitchen that gets all eyes fixed on it.

The extra amount that you are required to pay for your granite countertops is likely to be recovered by the durability and elegance of the material. The different layers of the rock show their colours. You may pick one out of the various shades. The predisposition of granite towards any product that contains cleansing agents, vinegar, alcohol, and citric fluids gets checked by experts.

Experts are known to advise you against putting items on it directly. Countertops can be protected when appropriate precautions are taken. The countertops are not identical because they are often created manually. The fact that the countertops are easily customisable allows them to be designed while keeping with your specific needs and preferences in mind. Apart from fine detailing, you may ask for a rare texture to be created with pigments and coatings. The chemical solutions will enable the concrete to gain either the feel and look of limestone or that of marble and granite.

What are the best options that you have in hand?

A countertop comes with several design options. Apart from trivets, the small inserts and sinks are also an important point of consideration. Various quartz countertops have been engineered, following the advent of new technologies. They have become indestructible with time. While placing a hot pot or pan over the countertop, you must use trivets as these units are most susceptible to heat.

Is there any inexpensive option?

Laminated countertops are among the cheapest options. With models resembling stone and wood, these countertops come in various other patterns and colours. You may even choose between numerous patterns and designs. While the organic patterns are quite popular, you may also pick from a few designs depicting polka dots, rock, and wooden varieties.

Know a few good benefits that the countertops come with:

Colour versatility:

Quartz gets developed from actual stone. That is why it can adapt to various styling options. You can certainly choose between a clean and smooth body. Quartz countertops are a good option as they appear both modern and monochromatic.

Easy maintenance:

You may have to get the surface re-sealed once every year. All you have to do is to read through the instructions laid down by the manufacturer carefully.

Uniform durability:

You will not have to think twice about putting a toaster on the surface. The surface may only be damaged by the hard impact.

Stain resistance:

Stain resistant countertops are good for your household if you have kids. Besides being much easier to clean, these countertops are made to resist stains. The surface is bound to remain elegant and smooth for many more years to come.

Depending on your budget, you may choose between numerous kitchen counters that you find on the market. A good number of them will deliver the looks that you prefer for your kitchen. A marble countertop is a simple option for those that are on a restricted budget.

Read Also:

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

driveway

Is Asphalt Pavement Expensive?

Asphalt is the common driveway paving option since it’s suitable for any climate. Besides, asphalt has several advantages over other paving options like concrete, bricks, and other paving materials. The color and durability of asphalt allow it to stand up to any weather. Moreover, it’s easier to maintain asphalt than gravel and is cheaper than concrete or brick driveway. Also, asphalt provides a safe walking and driving surface, with very little keep up—and that’s why most homeowners choose this option. And, since the process of installing an asphalt pavement requires specific equipment and lots of labor, it should be done by an experienced asphalt professional. With that said, one might be wondering, is asphalt pavement expensive? Well, the cost of your asphalt pavement maintenance and installation will entirely depend on several factors. And when planning to install an asphalt driveway, you need to gather all the important details, as this allows you to make the best practical and financial decisions for your project. 1. But first, how much does an asphalt pavement cost? The average cost of installing an asphalt pavement is $4,737—with a range of $2,900 - $6,600. It will cost you around $7 - $13 per square foot to install an asphalt pavement. This cost is inclusive of labor and material costs. However, if you want to replace your asphalt pavement, it will cost you around $8 - $15 per square foot. Now, since you understand the average cost of installing an asphalt pavement, what factors affect the overall cost of asphalt pavement? 2. Size of the project The larger the area of the asphalt pavement, the higher the cost. This is because more material needs to be used in servicing a large size compared to a small one. Additionally, as explained above, asphalt comes with various benefits that make it suitable for any climate and weather conditions. For this reason, most people decide to pave their entire driveway, which is why more material needs to be used on such a project, hence increasing its overall cost. But on average, you can expect to spend around $8 - $15 per square foot if your asphalt pavement installation includes replacement services like resurfacing or overlaying your existing road surface. An overlay involves applying hot mix asphalt over the current gravel and crushed stone, whereas resurfacing involves the use of a brand new layer of hot mix asphalt over an existing road surface. This is done to create a more durable and smoother road surface for better traction and long-term protection against any damage or corrosion. 3. Type or quality of aggregate used Different types of aggregates are typically used in the construction of the pavement. The most commonly used type is crushed stone, which can be further classified into coarse, fine, very fine, and superfine. A standard-sized aggregate that measures ½” - ¾” will cost around $7 - $8 per ton. Costs are higher when using finer grades. Furthermore, you need to ensure that the ordered material is suitable for the pavement you want to create. For example, some aggregates are ideal for use in warmer climates, while some are better suited for colder climates. This is because they’re either more durable or cheaper than others which may be needed depending on the climate. 4. The difficulty of the project Asphalt pavement costs vary depending on their levels of difficulty. For instance, asphalt pavement cost will go up (or down) if it’s large in size or area; has an unusual shape; has a complicated design; and requires more complex installations like curbs, drainage systems, etc. Additionally, some factors affect the overall cost of asphalt pavement installation, such as: Your location Accessibility to materials Weather conditions Time constraints (i.e., working hours) 5. Labor cost According to the experts from CSG Sealcoating, Tampa, most contractors factor in labor costs in their estimate since they determine how much money should be charged for equipment, fuel, and the number of workers needed to complete the job. If you hire a contractor who employs more workers, your cost will decrease. Likewise, if you choose to work with one that uses less labor, your price will be higher.  6. Location of where asphalt pavement is located This is an important factor in determining how much asphalt pavement costs because location affects many things such as transportation costs (i.e., getting materials from quarries or mines), fueling expenses, and worker wages. 7. Asphalt pavement maintenance costs The cost of asphalt maintenance can vary depending on the quality of the material used for paving your driveway, parking lot, or highway. For example, if you choose to go with a low-quality asphalt product, you need to spend more money on repairs every few years, which means that your overall expense is higher than when you use top-quality pavers. 8. Experience of the contractors The contractors’ experience is one thing that will determine how much money you should spend on contracting services like resurfacing or overlay. A contractor that charges less than the average price may not necessarily mean that they’re offering a great deal since they often don’t know how to do the job properly. However, there may be times when you can find a contractor that charges less than $3 per square yard but is still able to give you the quality work results that you want. Read Also: Best Uses for Stainless Steel in Construction Waterjet Vs. Laser Cutting: Which Is Worth The Hype? Waterjet Vs. Laser Cutting: Which Is Worth The Hype?

READ MOREDetails
modular kitchen

Design your Kitchen According to Your Budget and Work in Organized Manner

Indian kitchens have changed considerably over time. It is no longer the space at the corner of the house, dingy lit and oils all over. With the advancement of technology and the change of taste, kitchens are becoming smart to work in an organized manner. Another factor to have an organized kitchen is the space crunch as more and more people are living in multistoried apartments. The concept of having a house is changing fast. With a crisis in space and to work in an organized manner, people are planning the design of the kitchen to use it comfortably. One of the latest styles that people are following is making their kitchen modular. However, beautiful modular kitchen cost varies on many factors and let us discuss them so that you can stay within your budget and do not go overboard. Design your Kitchen According to Your Budget and Work in Organized Manner: The cost range: Modular kitchens are nothing but a well-organized kitchen having modules to hold the kitchen utensils, the grocery storing jars, the washing area of the tools, and many more. They also include accommodating the electrical kitchen appliances and gadgets to make the best use of them at the time of need. Modular kitchen cost starts at around 1.5 lakh and can go up to any limits. One can even spend about 20 lakhs to have a modular kitchen, and it depends on the financial capacity of the person and the taste. However, one should consider some of the essential factors that are difficult to avoid while determining the modular kitchen cost before venturing into the project. The cost determiners: 1. The area of the kitchen: The sink in the kitchen and the taps should be of the right size and design to fulfill specific purposes of use. One can have a porcelain sink, glass sink, or 27-inch stainless steel sink in different variety of shapes and sizes. The taps are available in many designs. They all add up to the cost of the modular kitchen. Modular kitchen cost grossly depends on the covered area of the kitchen. The price rises considerably if the kitchen area is significant. Again, the shape of the kitchen is another factor that influences the cost. Many people have an open kitchen, and the cost of making them modular increases considerably as visitors and guests can see them. These types of open kitchens, therefore, need to be specially designed and organized so that they look neat and clean and goes with other aesthetic designs of the interior. 2. The interior designer charges: It is almost impossible to have a modular kitchen without consulting an expert interior designer. It is the designer who measures the area, brainstorms with the user about the load on the kitchen and the style, suggests the right materials to do the modules, and chalks out the layout plan. They even graphically show the exact view of the kitchen after the final finish using special designing software. However, all these come with a charge, and one has to pay the designer. Gone are the days when one used to rely on the local mason, carpenter, and electricians to decorate and organize the home and the kitchen area. It is time to take trained professional help before designing or rebuilding your kitchen. 3. The quality of the material used: The quality of the material used to make a kitchen modular is another factor that comes into consideration for the cost. There are materials to fit every pocket and solely depend on the budget and the taste. For example, the tiles for use are available in various grades and shades, and prices. The tabletop can be of granite, marble, or any other alternative material. Each of these variables changes the cost of making the kitchen modular. 4. The appliances and the gadgets used: The instruments and the electrical devices used in the kitchen are part of making the kitchen modular. The type of chimney used the size of the refrigerator, the capacity of the microwave oven, the mixer grinders, and dishwashers add up to the modular kitchen cost. It depends on the personal taste of the user and the size of the family. The rich and affluent can spend many lakhs on them, whereas the middle class can do with the essential items. 5. The plumbing cost: One of the high costs of making the kitchen modular is the plumbing cost. The laying of pipelines for freshwater and the drainage should be correct so that there is no bottleneck for water flow. The sink in the kitchen and the taps should be of the right size and design to fulfill specific purposes of use. One can have a porcelain sink, glass sink, or 27-inch stainless steel sink in different variety of shapes and sizes. The taps are available in many designs. They all add up to the cost of the modular kitchen. 6. The cost of electrical wiring and lighting: Proper electrical wiring should be done in the kitchen to run all electrical appliances and light up the area. Sometimes the modules also need lights while using. So making electrical provisions is part of transferring the basic kitchen to modular. Overview: The cost of a modular kitchen cannot be ascertained. The above factors play a pivotal role in making the budget. However, one can have the simplest modular kitchen at a price of around 1.5 lakhs. There is no upper end of the cost, and it only depends on the financial capacity and taste of an individual. Read Also: The Best Countertops To Help Revamp Your Kitchen 3 Trendy Lighting Ideas For Your Kitchen Island How To Find The Best Wholesale Kitchen Cabinets 7 Unique Kitchen Design Ideas That Your Family Will Enjoy

READ MOREDetails
Home Cleaning Tips

Top Home Cleaning Tips

With the spread of the coronavirus recently, cleaning your house has become a social as well as a moral responsibility. If you are someone who finds joy in dusting your mantelpieces and scrubbing the oven, then you understand the vitality of having a clean home. However, it will often happen that you do not have enough time or simply feel too tired to clean your place. If you want to have a home that is entirely spotless from top to bottom, then some quick home cleaning tips here can help you out. If you are not sure where to start, you can pick some mainstream methods to add shine to your bedrooms and living areas. But you must clean your home step by step so that you cover all your tracks. You can tackle one room at a time, understand how much it needs to be scrubbed, dusted and vacuumed and then move onto the next one when you are satisfied. Ensuring that each room in the home is free of grime and dirt is not the easiest of tasks, but it can be accomplished with a bit of help. How To Clean Your House Quickly And Efficiently: The kitchen, washrooms, bedrooms, and TV lounge in the home need to be cleaned and considered wholly. Because these are the rooms in the house that you utilize the most, and thus, they require the most attention. The following are some useful tips you can implement into the cleaning process to make your house shine: Here are some home cleaning tips: 1. Removing the Garbage You will no doubt have several garbage bags and dustbins around the house. Most of the accumulation of trash will be in the kitchen area, and the bin you use on a daily basis. Nevertheless, for effective rubbish removal, you must place a protective layer of cardboard or plastic at the bottom of the bin. It will make sure that when you want to clean out the trash, the extra layering at the bottom keeps it clean from any liquids or leaking. Thus, you can simply rinse out the bin and leave it to dry. 2. Decluttering the Vanity We are all at fault for bombarding our vanity with multiple items and then never really finding a place for them. Your vanity is usually covered with cosmetics, skincare items, and other accessories. The continuation of throwing everything on it at the end of the day will never make it clean or organized. So, you have to be responsible here and declutter immediately. Get rid of those items you never use and have been laying there for well over a year. Keep those items in storage that you seldom use, like in drawers or boxes. And for daily-use products, you can organize them in front of the mirror so you can use them first thing in the morning and when you come back at night. 3. Cleaning Window Tracks A dirty window track will make the ambiance of your home look off-putting. When the weather is nice, so you want to keep the windows open. Therefore, you should go out of your way to clean and scrub the window track beforehand. Vacuum the area first and then use an old toothbrush to push out the dirt. Follow this up with a spray cleaner and wiping with some paper towels for the cleanest look. 4. Disinfecting Surfaces Wiping down the hard surfaces in your house is the main way to ensure detailed cleaning. The countertops, cabinets, doorknobs, bookshelves, and appliances all need to be addressed as these are the surfaces we touch the most throughout the day. You need to disinfect them to avoid delivering germs to one another and then wipe them down with a wet cloth. The disinfectant can be made at home with apple cider vinegar and some water for maximum efficiency. 5. Descaling the Coffee Maker The coffeemaker that you use every day should also be cleaned as a part of your home. You will find the accumulation of caked on minerals within the machine, and these can be removed easily with a few simple steps. Use a mixture made from vinegar and water and let the solution brew. Let it sit inside the pot for thirty minutes and then repeat the cycle. You can rinse with clean water once you are done, and find that your coffeemaker is as good as new. 6. Restoring the Dishwasher Excess food and dirt particles tend to build up inside most dishwashers. For a proper clean, you need to habitually clean out the appliance and make sure that bits of food are not present in the interior. The bottom rack usually has the most leftover food that you need to clean out before you put in new dishes. Simply remove with a paper towel to ensure that there is no food or odor left and then start the cycle. 7. Dusting with the Dryer All the blankets, pillows, curtains and drapes you have in your home hold a lot of dust as time passes. Cleaning this dust is simple if the fabric is machine washable, and you can simply put them in the washing machine. You can launder these twice a year, or if you do not have washable fabric, you can take the help of your dryer. If you put your dryer on no heat mode, the pillows and curtains will go through the airflow and clean out easily without having to be washed. 8. Move and Vacuum Vacuuming the entire house does not mean you will get to reach all nooks and crannies. The idea is to cover as much space as possible, so keep moving whenever you are vacuuming. Shift through the house, take into consideration the carpeted rooms and living areas and make sure that no evidential dust is left behind. Use your own judgment for how much you need to vacuum each week and then allocate the timings for each room in the house. In Conclusion Every home gets dirty once in a while. Whether you live in a small apartment or a big bungalow, efficient cleaning of your home can be done if you follow the given advice. From scrubbing countertops to vacuuming the carpet, you can make your living space an ideal one for yourself and your family. By being thorough and detailed with your methodology, your home can be spick and span in no time. Read Also: 5 Tips For Designing a Tiny House 5 Hotel Housekeeping Tricks You Need To Clean Your Bathroom Vancouver House Cleaning Services with Local Home Cleaners Near You

READ MOREDetails