From the Floors Up

Pros and Cons of Marble Countertops

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When designing your bath or kitchen, your countertop can have a significant influence on the design. Plus, there are several excellent options available on the market to choose from, each with their own sets of pros and cons. Marble countertops are always a jaw-dropping feature when incorporated in the design. These timeless staples have stunning features and veining, which allow every countertop to have its own characteristics. If you are considering this beautiful countertop solution, you should consider all the strengths and weaknesses it has to offer. Today, we will explore marble countertops and find out if it is right for you.

Pro: Aesthetically Unique and Beautiful

When it comes to a unique and gorgeous countertop option, you can never go wrong with marble. Marble offers an exquisite and classy feature in every room. Plus, it can be debated to have more character than its countertop rival: granite.

Con: Price

If you are looking for the most inexpensive route, marble will not be your optimum choice. Since marble is a natural element that is created into a slab for each countertop, it can be pricier than some other options on the market.

Pro: Natural Product

Marble is made from calcium carbonate. This countertop is a natural product mined from the earth. If you are looking for an all-natural product and one that is ecofriendly, perhaps marble is the best route to go!

Con: Maintenance

Being calcium carbonate, this product can have chemical reactions to acidic products like drinks, foods, and cleaning products. These acids can make a countertop etch and lose its natural gloss finish. To prevent this, each marble countertop must be treated once or twice a year with a sealant to protect them.

Pro: Durability

Marble countertops are a very durable option as well. This countertop choice can take a significant beating before breaking. However, you should still treat your countertops with respect. Be cognitive when cutting or placing hot containers direct to the countertop. While this may not damage them, you should always be cognitive of the possibility.

Marble is a great countertop option for any home. There are many applications in which marble is ideal. If you are looking to capture the beautiful nature with many added benefits, marble may be the right choice for you. Just remember to keep up on your maintenance and continue to take care of your product.

How to Fix Your Outdated Countertops with Concrete

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If you purchased an older home, you might have settled on a few of the home’s design aspects for a lower price. But the time has come, and you have had enough of your current countertops. We are all trying to be cost-conscious in this day and age; therefore, you are looking for a simple DIY project that will not break your bank. Look no further, because we have the perfect project to turn your old countertops from blah to ta-dah!

Supply List

  • Concrete Underlayment
  • Concrete Seal
  • A Mixing Bowl (Disposable) 
  • Metal Dry Wall Knife 
  • A Sponge
  • 150-grit and 220-grit Sandpaper
  • A Pair of Latex Gloves
  • Orbital Sander
  • Masking Tape
  • Dish Cloth (Disposable) 

Step One

You will want to prepare your countertop for the concrete by taking your tape and masking off the areas surrounding the countertop. You want to make sure that the concrete will not get on your cabinets or walls. Next, you want to remove your sink’s faucet, knobs, and drain. 

Step Two

Take your 150-grit sandpaper and begin to sand down the countertop. For the larger areas, you can use your orbital sander. Make sure you sand down every aspect of the countertop because it is a crucial step.

Step Three

Grab your dishcloth and get it a little damp then wipe off the countertop removing any remaining dust or particles. Make sure the surface is completely dry before you continue. 

Step Four

Follow the mixing instructions on your concrete underlayment package. Make sure to mix in small portions, so the mix will not harden while you are working. 

Step Five

Take your concrete mix and drywall knife and begin to scrape a very thin layer on top of your countertop – this layer will serve as the base for the rest of the coatings. 

Step Six

For the sink’s basin, put on your latex gloves and apply a very thin layer with your hands. 

Step Seven

 You can use your fingers to get into the countertop’s corners with the concrete mix.

Step Eight 

Let your countertop dry before moving on to the next step. 

Step Nine

Mix together another small portion of concrete for your second coat.

Step Ten

Take your drywall knife and begin to lay down the second layer. You can apply it in straight or cross-hatch lines for texture. 

  • Note: This layer will be thicker than the previous base coat, but make sure that the layer is even and smooth before proceeding. 

Step Eleven

Let your second layer dry completely before moving onto the next step.

Step Twelve

Take your 150-grit sandpaper and begin sanding the dry surface. You want to take away any undesired, excess pieces of concrete. 

Step Thirteen

Grab your dishcloth and get it a little damp then wipe off the countertop removing any remaining dust or particles. Make sure the surface is completely dry before you continue.

Step Fourteen 

Apply your third layer of concrete mix to the countertop with the same thickness as your second layer. 

Step Fifteen

Let your third layer dry completely before moving onto the next step.

Step Sixteen

Once your third layer has dried, begin sanding with your 150-grit sandpaper then use your 220-grit sandpaper to obtain a sleeker look. 

  • Note: The thickness of your concrete should be approximately 1/4” in thickness. 

Step Seventeen

Take the concrete sealer and apply three coats to your countertop with a clean sponge. Let each coat dry before moving onto the next coating.

Step Eighteen

Place your faucet, knobs and drain back on your sink and voila, you are finished!!

We hope you enjoyed this fun project to transform your old countertops into beautiful concrete counters. Let us know your thoughts and results below in the comment section.

Solid Surface Countertops FAQ

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Solid surface countertops are a manmade countertop solution that is created from pressed polyester resin and acrylic particles to create an alternative to natural stones. These solid-surface countertops have been around for a long time and were traditionally a high-end option for living spaces. Today, however, solid-surface countertops are used more frequently in homes looking to eliminate the cons of natural stone. This frequency has made solid-surface countertops a little more common in the market, taking it from a luxury countertop option to a more practical option. Our readers still have many questions when it comes to this manmade alternative and its many benefits. Here are our top asked questions on solid-surface countertops to help address those concerns:

Q: Do solid-surface countertops have seams?

A: Yes, but unlike natural stone, they are much harder to see. Natural stones have a large variety of character and patterns, which makes it virtually impossible to hide the seam. No two slabs of natural stone are the same. However, solid-surface is fabricated and can come in solid colors which can make seams nearly impossible to see.

Q: Can I put hot pans or pots on my solid surface countertop?

A: No, because solid-surface countertops are made from pressed polyester resin and acrylic particles, and both compounds perform poorly under extreme heat. This can cause discoloring, bubbling, and other unwanted damage.

Q: Are solid surface countertops durable?

A: Solid-surface countertops are very durable. They are antibacterial and nonporous, making them extremely low-maintenance. However, they can be scratched with knives or abrasive products and extreme heat. Professionals can renew the surfaces if damaged, which can save you from replacing your countertops early.

Q: What are the main advantages of solid surface countertops?

A: These countertops are primarily desired for their low-maintenance and inconspicuous seams. They may not be granite or marble; however, they still look beautiful in homes. Many homeowners and businesses enjoy how customizable these countertops can be since they can fit with any design theme in the industry!

The variety of colors, styles, designs, and versatility of solid-surface countertops is highly desirable. Whether in your bathroom or kitchen, these countertops will work in almost any atmosphere! If you have more questions about solid-surface countertops, let us know in the comment section, and for more insight on other countertop solutions and maintenance, make sure to subscribe.

How to Maintain and Clean Your Countertops

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If you are anything like us, once you invest in your countertops, you want to get the most out of them. Your countertops’ longevity is directly correlated with your maintenance and upkeep. Since not all countertops are created equal, no “one” remedy handles everything, but knowing how to clean each type of countertop will help you get the most out of your investment. To help, we explored different countertops and various remedies to help you keep them clean and lasting as long as possible. Let’s take a look!

Laminate

Laminate is a great, affordable countertop solution used in many homes today. The surface is nonporous which makes it easy to clean. It will not need to be sealed or refinished like some countertops. A simple way to clean laminate is with a homogenous blend of water and vinegar. You can use this to get the shine to come back. To remove dirt, simply wipe with a rag to remove debris.

Granite

Granite is a durable, gorgeous countertop option. If you have granite, cleaning it is essential. Try to avoid glass cleaners regularly because this can dull the shine in the counter. You should consider having your countertop sealed annually. Depending on the countertops’ use, you may need to have frequent sealings. Granite is a natural element, and it can be stained. Try to remove spills immediately to prevent penetration into the countertop.

Quartz

Like granite, quartz countertops are very durable; however, they are more flexible. This is an added benefit making the surfaces hard to chip or crack. Because quartz is non-porous, you do not have to seal them. Quartz is a very low-maintenance countertop solution, and it should be noted that direct sunlight can cause discoloring. If you have the opportunity to block UV rays with blinds or shades, remember to do so.

Butcher Block

Butcher block countertops are coming back into the market for their natural aesthetic appeal. Butcher block is typically oiled. To clean, remove dirt from your countertops. Pick a food-safe oil but avoid walnut and culinary oils because these can oxidize and build of the surface. If you have a coating on your surface, this should be sanded off before application. Apply a mineral oil and allow it to absorb. You can then add a conditioner as well to prevent cracking to the wood.

All countertops have pros and cons, but you should be able to decide which is best for you and your lifestyle. Remember to consider the maintenance requirements to sustain your countertops for longer. For more tips and tricks, make sure to subscribe.

Today’s Laminate Counters

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Laminate counter tops have come a long way in the past few years. With so much focus in the design world on stone and solid surface counter top materials, laminates have needed to update their look to keep up with the current trends. Today’s laminates come in a wide array of colors and patterns. These laminate counter tops make a budget friendly option for a kitchen remodel or update.

 

This picture is an example of the variety of colors and patterns available in laminate counters today. There are solid color laminates as well as vintage inspired patterned options. Among the most popular are the patterns that imitate natural stone like granite and marble. Photo realistic technology has improved the look of these faux stone patterns. From a distance they may be indistinguishable from real stone.

 

Installing a laminate counter with a deeper edge can also help convince the eye that the faux stone laminate is real stone. A thicker edge will give the counter more weight and volume, more like real stone counters.

 

Along with faux stone patterns laminate counters come in wood patterns. These faux wood patterns can be selected to match the wood floors in a kitchen or capture the look of butcher block counters.

 

Take another look at laminate for counters. This is a budget friendly option that can give you the look of wood or stone without the higher cost of the real thing. Laminate counters can be used in the kitchen, bathroom or powder room—anywhere you need a counter top material.

From the Floors Up

From the Floors Up blog was created with the goal of providing a destination for consumers, designers and those interested in the flooring, design, and kitchen and bath industries. Here you’ll find, current, accurate and informative information that is always just a click away!

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