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.
Masking tape can be a nightmare when trying to peel it off after months or possibly years. Often it seems like a sandblaster is the only way to go. Fortunately I stumbled across a neat solvent that removes old tape, stickers and adhesive in situations like this. It is called Un-Du. If you are in a bind with old tape, check out their cool web site.
Mildew-proof caulks (not to be confused with mildew- resistant caulks) are made by many of the top caulk manufacturers. While nearly every caulk manufacturer uses mildewcides in their caulk products, the top mildew-proof caulks incorporate a significant amount of the best mildewcides to resist mildew over time. The caulk also comes in colors other than white and Polyseamseal makes custom colors to match Kohler Plumbing fixtures.
My guess is that you have seen them everywhere just like I have. They are smeared, humpy, glopped, too fat, etc. I'm talking about unattractive caulk joints. The biggest mistake people make is to start caulking before all your tools are set up. Apply slowly, making sure to stop every few feet to wipe off excess for a smooth application.
Mildew that turns caulk black really frustrates lots of people. It even surprised me about 18 months ago when I re-caulked my kids' tub. I had a beautiful joint and six months later it showed signs of mildew. I couldn't believe it.
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