Kitchen Renovation ideas - review of 3 materials for your benchtop
March 19, 2014
Continuing our review of the different materials you can use for your benchtop when renovating your kitchen. Here we review another 3 different materials that you can use for your kitchen renovation.
Tile Modular and inexpensive, ceramic and porcelain tile offers nearly limitless options for colours and designs
. Tile works with almost any kitchen style, from country to majestic Old World
. Pros: It holds its own against heat and sharp blades, and resists stains
. If one or two tiles chip or crack, they're fairly easy to replace
. Cons: Tile's uneven surface can make it difficult to balance a cutting board or roll out a pie crust
. Unsealed grout is prone to staining; standing moisture can damage it and contribute to bacterial growth
. Laminate Made of paper blended with resins and fused to particle board, laminate has been a kitchen mainstay for decades
. In the past, it hasn't always had a reputation as stylish, but that's changing: The latest designs on the market mimic stone, butcher block and other pricier surfaces
. Pros: Laminate is one of the most affordable countertop materials, so it's a good choice if your budget is tight
. It's low maintenance and easy to clean
. Its light weight doesn't require the support of a thick cabinet base
. Cons: Laminate is prone to scratching, burns and, in some cases, staining
. With wear and moisture exposure, the layers can peel
. Because of the raw particle board core, you can't use laminate with undermount sinks, and it's also difficult to repair if it gets damaged
. Soapstone Although it's in no danger of overtaking granite, soapstone has come into its own as a countertop material
. It offers subtle, nuanced beauty yet feels humbler than granite or marble
. Pros: Soapstone has a natural softness and depth that fits very well with older and cottage-style homes
. Although it usually starts out light to medium gray, it darkens with time
. (Most people enjoy the acquired patina, but you may consider this a con
.)
Cons: Soapstone needs polishing with oil to keep it in top shape
. It can crack over time, and it can't handle knife scratches and nicks as well as some other types of stone
. The natural roughness of its surface can scuff glassware and china
. I hope this review was able to give you some good ideas and thoughts for your
kitchen renovation. We will finalsie this seroes on Friday when we review another 4 materials that you can use.
Have a great week. talk soon
Leave a comment
Comments will be approved before showing up.