Pros and Cons of Granite Countertops in Kitchen Design

Rohan Mathew

Countertops are a necessary part of a kitchen or bathroom. Their primary purpose is to aid in the absorption of liquids, facilitate cleaning, add aesthetics and/or functionality to a room. Countertops come in a variety of materials, colors, and thicknesses. The thickness of a countertop may affect the ease with which food stains and spills are absorbed into the countertop material. Some countertops are made of materials that are resistant to extreme temperatures, such as granite.

countertops Denver Countertops offer

Types of countertops Denver Countertops offers a wide variety of solid surfaces and engineered surfaces for installation and materials. DescriptionA countertop is simply a flat work surface in kitchens, bathrooms or laundry rooms, and other such work spaces in general. It is often installed upon and supported on cabinets, and over sinks. The surface is normally positioned at an appropriate ergonomic height for the intended user, the task for which it was designed and for which it will be used. Materials for countertops include 

  • Hardwoods
  • laminate
  • granite
  • marble

Types of countertops include:

  • Granite
  • Porcelain
  • stainless steel
  • Limestone
  • Soapstone
  • Quartzit

and soapstone countertops. There are also a wide variety of DIY kitchen countertop materials including tile, laminates, marble and mosaic tiles. Each material provides a different appearance, durability, and stability.

Slate, Granite, Marble and Stone are some of the most popular countertops materials. Slate is commonly used for countertops because it is naturally durable and strong, resistant to cracking, chipping, breaking, and scratch proof. Granite is a well-known countertop material because it is extremely dense and tough. Granite is also resistant to acid, moisture, stains and heat. Marble is another popular natural stone used for countertops because it is available in a wide variety of beautiful designs and can be made into slabs of various thicknesses.

Natural Stone

Natural stone and granite countertops are highly susceptible to staining. As the materials age and weather, they become stained. Stained surfaces can be very difficult to remove, even with specialized cleaning products. Because of this problem, many homeowners opt to purchase countertops with a polished or textured surface. This textured, polished or coarser surface inhibits stain penetration, is less stain-resistant, and provides a brighter, easier-to-clean appearance.

Granite

One of the most common countertop materials is granite. Because granite is one of the hardest substances in existence, it makes perfect countertops for kitchens. Granite countertops have the strength to withstand high-impact activities. They are also stain-resistant, durable, and easy to maintain. However, one downside to granite is that it does scratch quite easily. Because of this, many homeowners opt for more affordable options, such as backsplashes.

Backsplashes

Backsplashes are a cheaper alternative to countertops and add instant space to a room. These are typically made out of inexpensive material like stainless steel and therefore do not offer the same benefits of better quality countertops. There are benefits to using backsplashes, however. If you are looking for an instant place to prepare food and clean up afterwards, then backsplashes are ideal countertops and kitchen countertops options.

The main benefit of backslashes is that they can be a cheaper alternative to granite countertops. A backsplash made of stainless steel is often less expensive than granite countertops, as stainless steel is less expensive to produce in mass. However, stainless steel has some of the same disadvantages of using granite. For one, stainless steel is easily scratched and stained, and can be difficult to clean, as dirt, grease, and grime can get trapped inside. These advantages and disadvantages of backsplashes make them a great second option for homeowners who prefer a non-gorgeous countertop material.

The second advantage to using a stainless steel countertop is that it is extremely durable. The material is stain resistant and scratch resistant and even when cut or chipped, these types of damage will not cause the countertop to deteriorate significantly. This means that a stainless steel countertop is a good choice for homeowners who want durable, low maintenance countertops, while still being able to enjoy the visual appeal of a granite countertop.

The biggest disadvantage to backsplashes, however, are the potential disadvantages that they present to the user. They are easily damaged by acidic liquids, such as orange juice or acidic sauces, as well as hot pots and pans. This makes them an unfavorable choice for use in a kitchen design that requires a lot of contact with food, since they will quickly become ruined. In addition, certain countertop materials are notorious for staining and discoloration.

Glass Countertops

Glass countertops are the most expensive countertop materials, but they offer the greatest value. Glass countertops require virtually no maintenance and they look great no matter what type of decor one’s home has. The biggest con of glass counters is that they can be damaged easily, but that can be prevented by using a sealer on a regular basis. Quartzite countertops are also very durable, but they are not stain-resistant. The biggest disadvantage to quartzite countertops is the fact that they are extremely fragile and easy to scratch. Quartzite counters do offer some price advantages over other countertop materials, but they are not worth the price if they are not properly cared for.

How to Clean Epoxy Countertops

Denver homeowners know that a new countertop is only as good as the prep work. In this case, Denver epoxy countertops have gotten the best of reviews for long-lasting performance. They’re tough, durable and can be refinished over again. In this article, learn more about how they’re made and some of the top places to install yours.

While it’s hard to see under the countertop, you can usually tell if it’s been damaged from underneath. The first thing to look for is a bubbling, weak spot. It should be fairly smooth, but may be discolored or uneven in some areas. Next, tap it on the underside with the edge of a credit card to determine if there’s any cracking or separation. Lastly, test it by pushing a finger against it for an instant response. If the plastic shatters, then it’s not quite ready for use.

There are many different types of Denver epoxy. Some of the most popular brands are Rustoleum, Quikrete, and Behr. All offer similar characteristics, though Quikrete has a higher concentration of resins. Before you purchase, read up on the specific brand and learn how each is used. It should have the correct chemical composition for your needs. Then, start with the prep work and your renovation.

Most Denver epoxy countertops are sealed at the factory using a special adhesive. Afterward, they are either sprayed with a moisture-resistant sealer or placed directly onto the concrete. To keep them from drying out or losing their adhesive, you’ll need to wipe off excess concrete or clean off with a steel wool pad.

applying the epoxy

The key to keeping your epoxy countertops looking like new is to properly prepare them. You can apply the sealant while the concrete is still wet. Or, if you’re putting on the epoxy after it’s dry, you have two options. Either wait until the concrete is dry before applying the epoxy or clean it off thoroughly.

When sealing your epoxy countertops, there are a few important steps you need to follow. First, you have to make sure that there is no moisture underneath the sealant. If there is any moisture, the epoxy will not stick to the surface properly and it will not seal properly. You also have to make sure that you use the correct pH, water hardness and other factors to determine the durability of your countertops.

When it comes to protecting your epoxy countertops from stains, there are a few simple steps you need to take. First, you can paint the entire surface with a coat of water-based acrylic paint. This will help prevent the color from bleeding through and will make it more difficult for stains to penetrate.

There are a couple of ways to get rid of stains quickly and effectively. One way is to use a mixture of one part vinegar and two parts water. The solution can be used as a scrubbing paste. Just rub the mixture over the stains and leave it overnight. Scrub again in the morning with a scrubber and then rinse with water. Keep doing this regularly until the stains are gone.

start to apply your epoxy

Before you start applying epoxy to your countertops, you’ll need to prepare the surfaces. This includes removing any oil, grease or dirt from them. Vacuum the surfaces until all of the dirt is removed. Then, apply a light layer of polyurethane to keep the surface protected from spills.

When you start to apply your epoxy countertops, you have to be very careful. It is very possible that you can ruin the entire project by applying too much. Start by applying just a few dots of the coating. If it spreads too thin, it may not completely cover the entire surface. On the other hand, if the coating dries too fast or too thick, it could cause the epoxy to bubble and form cracks.

primer before the epoxy

Next, apply a layer of primer before the epoxy itself. This helps the epoxy to adhere better to the surface. Most epoxy countertops will come with special primers that address various issues such as surface scratches and stains. In addition, it makes it easier to clean epoxy countertops since most cleaners for other materials won’t work on them. Just be sure not to over-apply the primer.

wait for it to dry

Some epoxy countertops may require an under-counter application. To do this, put small dots of the substance on the countertops and then wait for it to dry. The epoxy will seep into the cracks and crevices, providing a protective barrier that prevents any stains from coming in. Then, wipe the countertops with a cloth and they will immediately absorb the liquid stains and become almost water-resistant. However, make sure you use a mild detergent or soap to avoid damaging the surface.