Call the following manufacturers if you would like to receive some beautiful color literature illustrating all the colors, patterns, styles, etc. of plastic laminate and edge treatments. Be sure to ask for both pieces of literature. In almost all instances, they will tell you the location of their closest dealer.
Do you know someone who hasn't experienced or seen plastic laminate, especially in countertops? I can't think of a soul. Plastic laminate counters dominated the kitchen countertop market for years. They had virtually no competition. They are still immensely popular today, as they offer a durable surface which is quite affordable. Plastic laminate can also offer a huge return on investment. Recent published figures show that a minor kitchen remodeling job offers a 98 percent return on your remodeling dollar. A minor kitchen remodeling job almost always includes a new plastic laminate countertop.
While plastic laminate appears to be the wonder material, it requires care to keep it looking like new. As long as you follow a few easy steps, your laminate will look great for years to come. Pay particular attention to soaps. I was amazed at what I learned while researching this topic!
Following is a list of the major manufacturers of solid surface countertop materials. Look at their web sites and be sure to check the specification sheets. These sheets usually describe the composition and materials used in the product. This is important, as you should try to determine which material has the highest percentage of acrylic plastic.
Advancements in plastics technology within the past twenty years have brought new, durable plastics into our kitchen countertops. These solid surface countertops have dropped in price and include the marble, granite and slate surfaces we see today - with excellent resistance to stains and weight. These countertops are not only beautiful, but easily cut, installed and withstand household kitchen traffic.
Kitchens are, by far, one of the most popular remodeling projects at this time. Even in new construction, kitchens receive great attention. Our changing lifestyles and interest in health make the kitchen a central room in the house. In many homes, the kitchen is the most heavily used room. If this is true in your case, then you want the room to be as functional as possible. Function doesn't happen by accident. You need to think and plan. Following are some ideas that you might want to consider when a kitchen remodel job or new home is on the horizon.
Cabinetry of any type is available in a wide range of styles and quality. This is especially true with respect to residential kitchen cabinets. You can purchase economy grade cabinetry or ultra-custom cabinetry in virtually any style. The ultra-custom cabinetry is manufactured specifically for you and is often made to the same exacting standards as the finest furniture. As you might imagine, there is a wide range of possibilities between economy and custom!
Damaged Formica countertop? Ceramic tile to the rescue! Yes, on more than one occasion ceramic tile has come to the aid of a frantic homeowner or builder who has burned or deeply scratched a laminate countertop. In addition, the repairs to make the transition can be handled by anyone with just moderate skills. There are just one or two critical steps to installing ceramic tile and the rest is a breeze!
Caulks have been around for years. Most caulks made up until 30 or so years ago were solvent based. Water based caulks were introduced in the 1950's and 60's and worked fairly well. Caulks have steadily improved into a water based caulk called a urethane caulk which has many benefits over silicone caulks, including its paintability.
Urethane caulk is hard to find. I got some excellent information from one company and ran into just three other caulk companies that make a urethane caulk. My search even took me to several national home centers. I could only come up with the one brand I already knew about! Here's what I found, including a couple of professional-grade caulking guns.
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