Kitchens come in all shapes,
sizes, and styles - and so do kitchen countertops. If you
want to renovate your kitchen, consider choosing one of the
following materials instead of going mainstream.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a popular trend in kitchen countertops
that doesn't seem to be losing its appeal. For clean lines
and a sleek, sophisticated look, this material is the
perfect choice. Many people also love stainless steel
because it complements professional appliances well.
But it's good for more than just a professional ambiance -
stainless steel countertops are modern but they also provide
the avid cook with a great surface to prepare food and
create culinary masterpieces. It costs a little more than
other materials, but can't be beat when it comes down to
durability and cleanliness. Stainless steel is easy to clean
and maintain. The only downside is that these countertops do
scratch and make a lot of noise when you're clanging pots
and pans on the surface.
Concrete
Another tough countertop material, concrete is a kitchen
surface that will definitely last. Concrete is showing up
all over the modern home, so it shouldn't be a surprise that
it's a growing trend in the world of kitchens.
Concrete is durable and you can paint it any color you want
to match a wide range of decorating styles. You just need to
apply a sealer to protect the color from everyday usage.
The Butcher's Block
It's long been known that wood infuses a room with natural
warmth and can transform any space into a comfortable haven
for friends and family. But have you ever considered wooden
countertops?
Homeowners are choosing to turn their counters into butcher
blocks for more than one reason. It's true that wood is
beautiful, but it's also very practical. It provides a
fantastic cutting surface for the passionate home cook to
chop a variety of food items.
Wood countertops are usually constructed out of hardwood
strips (white oak, hard-rock maple, or beech) and glued
together. Unfortunately, they do require more maintenance
than other choices, mainly due to moisture retention. You'll
need to keep water away from butcher blocks. Although some
wood finishes may protect the wood to some extent, most are
not food safe.
To maintain color and luster, you will have to rinse the
surface in mineral oil once in a while. After every use,
wash the surface with oil soap to hamper the growth of
dangerous bacteria.
Usually people install a butcher's block in one area of a
kitchen only, to provide a good place for preparation of
food for cooking. |
