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5 Reasons to Hire a Certified Kitchen Designer

Ideally, the kitchen is said to be the home of the home and is much more than a space for cooking and dining. Whether you’re considering more than a few apparent changes or designing an entirely new kitchen, a certified designer can make the most of your space by incorporating beauty, functionality, and efficiency. Here are some vital reasons to congratulate a certified kitchen designer on her kitchen. Just keep reading to find out more.

  • Go beyond beauty Once you hire a certified designer, you can be sure that your kitchen will go far beyond looks. You have to balance both the aesthetics and the functional elements of the kitchen. These two things often conflict with each other and that is why only professionals can ensure that both aspects harmonize in a unique way. Your designer will interview you to learn about your cooking habits, your sense of style, the amount of cooking you allow, and your storage habits. On this basis, your kitchen will be designed to meet all your needs.
  • Benefit from the experience – A certified kitchen designer has years of experience planning a new kitchen remodel with specific needs in mind. This can be very beneficial for your kitchen. The greater the experience, the better it will be for you. In this way, their needs can be attended to in a more specific way.
  • Get inside information – A kitchen designer delves into redesigning your kitchen in the best possible way. Designers have relationships with many product manufacturers to customize your kitchen design. Since the kitchen designer works in kitchens every day, he or she may know resources that you don’t. To personalize his kitchen, the designer has personal relationships with many manufacturers. Thus, your kitchen becomes the true expression of your choices.
  • Save money – When you hire a kitchen designer, he or she helps you save a lot of money. You can ask your designer how you can save money on appliances, cabinets, and countertops. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at the product and design options you’ll receive to keep your budget in check. According to the designers, creativity can be expressed in the best possible way.
  • Get attention to detail – There is much more to a kitchen than simply choosing the right flooring, a great sink, countertop materials, and cabinets. A great kitchen consists of window placement, lighting, electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation, and many other mechanical issues. Your kitchen designer has experience working with these pieces of the kitchen puzzle.

The above are some of the benefits you get by appointing a certified designer to implement built-in kitchen design ideas to rejuvenate your kitchen and give it a whole new look. You’ll understand the difference once you appoint a professional who can customize your kitchen just the way you want it without putting a dent in your pocket.

Ceramic tiles versus vitrified tiles

Since the beginning of time, ceramic tiles have been the popular choice for countertops, walls, floors, and even ceilings in every home. Vitrified tiles, on the other hand, have the distinctive colored glass facade. The word “vitrify” literally refers to the phrase “become glass or anything that looks like glass by undergoing some heat process.” ceramic versus vitrified tiles.

In terms of properties, ceramics and vitrified tiles are both man-made or man-made products, as it is popularly called. Pottery is created from clay. The clay body is finished with a ceramic glaze. On the other hand, vitrified tiles are made by fusing silica and clay. The mixture is then heated or placed at high temperatures, which would result in a non-porous tile with a glass-like texture. The vitrified type does not need additional enamel to be added to it.

As for the price, ceramic is definitely cheaper. However, both come in a wide variety of prices, colors, patterns, and sizes. But ceramic is much cheaper and is much more commonly used in the home compared to vitrified ones. So when it comes to price, ceramic tiles are much more desirable than vitrified ones.

When it comes to durability, vitrified tiles are sure winners. These tiles are much stronger than natural granite, which is one of the most durable products for modern homes. Vitrified tiles possess ceramic tiles when it comes to strength, ability to resist scratches, and ability to resist acids, alkalis, and chemicals without getting damaged.

The composition of vitrified tiles is homogeneous in nature. Ceramic tiles only have a decorative glaze on top of their clay layer. To achieve a shiny look, vitrified tiles are polished by hand. However, ceramic tiles base their beauty on the durability of the glaze applied on them. However, most enamels are not as durable or scratch resistant and will yellow, crack and chip over time.

Both vitrified and ceramic tiles are difficult to stain due to their non-porous properties. However, the grout that sets them intact is the one most likely to stain.

The maintenance of vitrified tiles and ceramic tiles do not go very far from each other. Both have almost similar ways of maintenance and cleaning. Both vitrified and ceramic do not require any special maintenance ritual after installation. Cleaning both types of tiles is also not that difficult. Both can be cleaned with a damp cloth. However, if the going gets tough, the tough gets tougher. In cases where your tiles are very greasy, you can use strong cleaning chemicals such as detergents and bleach. These chemicals are safe to use on any type of vitrified or ceramic tile. The non-porous surface of both tiles makes it impossible for mold and mildew to grow. That is why it is perfect for swimming pools, bathrooms and kitchens.

Pros and Cons of Top-Down and Bottom-Up Function Wireless Cellular Shades

I am writing this article because you are interested in top down and bottom up wireless cellular shades. Like me, you want to learn more before making a decision about whether they are right for you. I will go over some of the pros and cons of this window covering and try to be unbiased.

Technology has improved tremendously since wireless cellular shades came on the market. Back then, the bugs were still being worked out. I have installed this window covering regularly and would say 98% of the time they work like they are supposed to. There are a few times when they don’t, but it’s rare. Since cordless cellular shades have gotten so much better, they added top down and bottom up functionality.

Since the top down feature was added, this allowed you to have a window covering where you can maintain your privacy by covering the bottom of your window while letting light in from the top. I install them a lot in bedrooms, bathrooms, and first-floor windows facing the street.

advantages

  • Clean look because there are no wires and it is one of the safest window coverings for children.
  • Great for pets too, no dangling ropes for cats to play on.
  • Much lighter than other window treatments such as a wood blind.
  • The installation is the same as the regular cellular shade.
  • Great solution for rooms where you want to keep your privacy and still be able to see and let the light in.

cons

  • More expensive than regular cell tones.
  • If you have tall windows where you can’t reach the top, you also won’t be able to operate the top of the shade without a step stool.
  • Difficult to operate in hard to reach areas like over a kitchen sink or in the laundry room over a washer or dryer.

I am a firm believer in shopping online because of the dramatic cost savings and want to point out that most if not all online retailers will send you a sample of the material you are considering free of charge and will also offer free shipping.

I hope this article has helped bring to light some of the pros and cons of wireless cellular shades with top down and bottom up functionality.

The pros and cons of various residential floor coverings

The type of flooring you have can affect how hot or cold you feel, your overall health, and even your ability to think on your feet. Additionally, homeowners can instantly change the mood in certain rooms of their homes with different floors. Here’s a rundown of the most popular residential floor tiles and the best surface protection products to protect them during construction and remodeling.

1. Bamboo: Key feature: Made from the fastest growing tree in the world.

Advantage: Sustainable; ideal for condominiums. “Green” matter. It has antimicrobial properties. Generally good for homeowners with allergies to man-made materials. Available in planks, strips and tiles.

Con: Cannot be finished again. Everything from tiny dust particles to high-heeled shoes can damage the surface.

Maintenance: Sweep regularly with a soft broom. Entrance mats can keep dust at bay. Protective pads on furniture limit teeth. Wipe up spills immediately to avoid staining. Install window blinds to limit sun damage.

Surface protection: Protection made of breathable natural textiles such as Surface Pro.

2. Linoleum: Key feature: The most popular is Marmoleum, a marbled pattern.

Pro: Naturally repels dust and dirt, ideal for homeowners with respiratory disorders; Durable, long lasting and low maintenance. Laminate products are recommended, not tiles.

Disadvantages: Difficult to install. It has to be heat welded using equipment that is not readily available. More expensive than vinyl.

Maintenance: Wax once or twice for a superficial surface. The linseed oil in the linoleum oxidizes when it is installed and the floor becomes more durable and lustrous. Wash with slightly soapy water.

Surface Protection – Various surface protection products will work, including floor protection films, textiles, and paper-based products like Ram Board.

3. Cork: Key feature: Renewable and ecological option.

Pro: This durable flooring has become all the rage for residences. Glued down cork tiles are ideal as they maximize this flooring’s ability to reduce sound and heat loss and retain softness. Naturally keeps mold and insects away; Ideal for homeowners with allergies or arthritis. Cost comparable to bamboo.

Con: Does not conduct heat well and could expand in radiant heat.

Maintenance: Dust mopping regularly.

Surface Protection – Avoid floor films and choose textile-based products like Surface Liner Pro that will adhere smoothly to cork and won’t leave marks.

4. Wood: Key feature: Large dance floor.

Pro: easier on the back than tiles or stones. 3/4″ allows for multiple finishes. The way a tree is cut determines the appearance of the grain.

Cons: Not good for radiant heating systems. Maple is difficult to stain; white oak is the most versatile. Cherry and walnut are among the most popular. Elm, though tough and durable, is rare. Wider planks, which require fewer nails, are more susceptible to moisture.

Maintenance: Area rugs limit gouges and scratches. Polish before recoating polyurethane. Dust regularly.

Surface protection: Choose padded floor protections if the budget allows it. Glue down floors need to be breathable, so Surface Liner Vapor or Surface Pro is recommended for padded protection or Ram Board for non-padded protection. Unglued hardwood floors can be protected with a leak-resistant floor protection, such as Clean & Safe.

5. Rug: Key feature: Classic, comfortable.

Pro: The wool variety is excellent for homes and feels wonderful underfoot. It’s also sound-absorbing, easy to clean, and generally durable, as long as you buy good quality carpeting and yarn.

Con: Avoid nylon varieties, which usually have a latex backing, which crumbles easily. The choice may not be environmentally friendly. Natural trap for dander, dirt and dust particles. It tends to retain moisture, a breeding ground for mold.

Maintenance: Steam clean annually. Vacuum twice a week.

Surface Protection: Short Term Carpet Cling Film is available for up to 45 days.

6. Ceramic Tiles: Key feature: Long lasting.

Advantages: low maintenance; ceramic holds up well in high traffic areas. Great investment, many design options available. The most common and effective floors for radiant heat systems.

Con: Not an ideal surface for homeowners with arthritis. Difficult to install. It can easily crack and chip. Sometimes it feels cold to the touch.

Maintenance: Although expensive, professional installation is highly recommended. Use a mild cleaner to clean the grout and retain the mildew resistant caulk.

Surface Protection – Various surface protection products will work, including floor protection films, textiles, and paper-based products like Ram Board.

7. Decorative Concrete: Key feature: Modern, popular in condominiums.

Pro: Economical, easy maintenance. It absorbs the sun’s heat in winter, reducing the need for heating and keeping interiors cool in summer. Does not harbor dust moths; Ideal for owners with allergies or asthma. Long lasting; never needs to be replaced.

Con: Tough on the joints. magnificent sounds. Installation requires professional expertise, which can be expensive.

Maintenance: Reseal every two years. Clean with a mixture of vinegar and water or a mild floor cleaner.

Surface Protection: New concrete protection products include EZ Cover or Tuf-guard, which provide impact protection and allow concrete to cure.

8. Natural Stone: Key Feature: Beautiful.

Pro: Covers granite, marble, travertine, limestone, soapstone, and slate. Lasts centuries. Great value and eco friendly too. Stain resistant. Expensive installation. Options include matte, glossy, and textured finishes.

Con: Tough on your joints. You may need a substantial subfloor. Marble absorbs dirt; slate and limestone collect it. It feels cool underfoot, which can make it a great option in hot weather, but less so in cold ones.

Maintenance: Needs stain resistant sealer. Avoid chlorine on marble.

Surface Protection – Various surface protection products will work, including floor protection films, textiles, and paper-based products like Ram Board. It also protects the grout from stains.

9. Leather: Key feature: Luxurious look.

Pro: A homeowner can install leather tile; they go in like linoleum. Smells wonderful, feels great, patinas with age and use. Ideal for sound insulation; It does not conduct heat or cold.

Disadvantage: do not install it in a place of high foot traffic; They are best in extremely dry rooms, such as bedrooms, studies, libraries, and even recreation rooms with lots of sunlight. Expensive.

Maintenance: Some leather tiles are treated with wax and a waterproof solution. However, any mistake comes at a cost, so a professional may ultimately be cheaper.

Surface protection: Choose a cushioned textile floor protection, such as Surface Pro or Surface Liner Vapor, to allow the leather to breathe.

A stylish kitchen for every home

It is considered one of the most important rooms in a house. Used for preparing food, eating, and sometimes entertaining, the kitchen is pretty much the heart of any residence. It is usually equipped with a stove, refrigerator, microwave oven, toaster, and possibly a dishwasher. Some architectural designs even allow space for a washer and dryer, but that’s pretty atypical.

A kitchen is often the center of family activities. It’s the place where Junior does homework, Dad checks his email early in the morning, and Mom visits her friends in the afternoon. At one point or another during the day, everyone ends up in the kitchen, and that’s a good incentive to make this busy hub as welcoming and inviting as possible.

The characteristics of a kitchen depend on the budget, the size and the lifestyle. The architectural structure of some buildings only allows for miniature kitchen areas (apartments come to mind), while others have a lot of space, but are arranged quite simply. There’s no need to have the ultimate kitchen with an island, over-the-range microwave, dishwasher, multiple stainless steel appliances, fancy pendant light fixtures, granite countertops or antique sinks with copper patina, and designer brass faucets, when the cook is never home.

It is not always by choice that a kitchen ends up being disadvantaged. The style of an old house can be quite limited in the room, or there’s always the possibility that, with baby number three on the way, the resident family grew up a little too quickly. These are just a few of the reasons that limited space can make a kitchen undesirable or cramped. In that case, a more specific expert interior decorator or designer can help with advice. For example: swapping out a cab for a rolling island will create much more work surface area and an island with a drop sash and casters can provide mobile convenience. Tucked against a wall, it won’t even interrupt room traffic. And don’t forget the floating shelves if you need extra storage!

Whether you’re reorganizing your kitchen with what you already have or going all out, keep in mind that any modification you make will have a big impact. Use your imagination when it comes to changes, whether it’s a frame, new flooring, or upgrading your cabinets. Just keep one thing in mind: whatever you do, stay on budget. You don’t want to end up dissatisfied with your efforts just because of the cost!

Paying attention to details will determine the warmth of your kitchen area. Adding bright, warm colors to a bland kitchen will bring excitement, while bold, high-energy patterns will add character. With a few imaginative accents, you can emphasize attractive countertops, walls and furniture features and make any kitchen as inspiring, unique and as attractive as a magazine cover!

Hardwood Floors First or Kitchen Cabinets – The Big Kitchen Renovation Dilemma

Are you thinking of a comprehensive kitchen reform? Are you thinking of changing the floor as well as the cabinets and appliances? If you’re interested in a complete kitchen makeover, one question will put you in a dilemma: Should I install hardwood floors or kitchen cabinets first?

Harwood Floors or Kitchen Cabinets: Is There a Solution?

The answer to the question depends on your situation. If you’re doing a massive kitchen makeover, it’s best to install hardwood flooring before installing kitchen cabinets. Take a look at the list of compelling reasons that will help you solve your hardwood vs. hardwood flooring dilemma. wardrobes:

· The benefit of flexibility

Hardwood floors will generally outlast kitchen cabinets. Also, you may be tempted to change your kitchen layout and make changes to your cabinet space. If you have such a floor on the kitchen floor, you will be able to change the location of the cabinets and appliances easily.

· The height problem

When you install kitchen cabinets and appliances in the basement first, you may end up with incorrect cabinet heights. You will then need to insert plywood risers under the cabinets to get the correct height. Instead of spending time and labor on plywood, why not install hardwood flooring first?

· the perfect finish

If you install the cabinets first, they may be damaged during the installation of the hardwood floor. And you certainly don’t want stained or nickel-plated cabinets. Also, you will need to cut the flooring to fit the cabinets properly. It will add to your expense. When you want a kitchen that looks clean, it’s best to choose your flooring first.

When should you first install kitchen cabinets?

If you are interested in floating hardwood floors, it is best to install the kitchen cabinets first. The reason behind this is simple. The floating floor expands and contracts according to changes in temperature. And, if there’s a heavy cabinet on the surface of the floating floor, it won’t have a chance to expand. It will result in breakage of the wood.

If you are going to replace the hardwood floor in the near future, it is best to install the kitchen cabinets first. It will make sure you don’t have to remove cabinets while making changes to the flooring.

There is no clear answer to the question. It depends on your situation and your budget. So when it comes to making a decision, list your requirements. Are you going to opt for floating wooden floors? Are you going to change household appliances in the near future? Do you want to change the footprint of the cabinet? Consider all the factors before choosing the option that is best for you.

Futuristic restaurants you must visit

If you ever want to explore the limits of culinary innovation, you should consider going to some of these exciting restaurants for a bite to eat. In the past, the innovation in the cooking world may have been a new convection oven, or perhaps a deep fryer that conserves the use of oil. However, there are some places that really push the boundaries of creating a futuristic dining atmosphere and advanced methods of food preparation.

One aspect of futuristic restaurants is innovations in service and how food is ordered and delivered. In Dubai, the Ebony interactive restaurant has taken this approach. Visitors to the location can expect to be able to order from the menus displayed on the tables. Ordering is not only a simple swipe of the hand, but visitors can watch their food being prepared on screens. This feature is probably great for those who are especially interested in who is handling their meals and what the preparation process entails. In addition to these features, customers can change the color and pattern of their tablecloth with a simple click and even order taxis.

Futuristic restaurants can’t be complete without robots. At a venue located in Harbin, China, guests are served by fully robotic staff. These robots can converse in basic Chinese with customers, guide guests to their table, take their orders, and deliver them. These robotic staff members work via carefully designed motion sensors and are equipped to display a wide range of facial expressions. The best robotics experience may be at the Robot Restaurant which is tucked away in the Shinjuku district of Tokyo. There, guests receive more than just a meal, but a complete show. For example, bosses get the chance to see robots engage in simulated battles. In some of these battles, beautiful bikini-clad women ride impressively large fembots and fight each other. The entire place is outfitted with colorful neon lights and quirky decor.

You might not expect a McDonald’s to make the list, but here it is. While these fast food restaurants in the United States may look almost identical, there are extreme variations abroad. For example, in Batumi, Georgia, this fast food chain is situated in a beautiful inner garden that has impeccably designed swimming pools and green areas. Designed by a well-known architecture firm called Khmaladze Architects, the space is under a stylized glass dome that houses the dining room, a gas station, and gardens. While it’s unclear if it happens, the lettuce on the burgers could just as easily have come from the lush indoor garden.

Factors to Consider When Buying Granite Countertops

Granite is one of the hardest and most resistant natural materials used in the manufacture of countertops. In order for you to enjoy the benefits of countertops you need to buy the right units. This requires you to consider the following factors when making your purchase:

Color

Granite comes in different colors depending on where the units are mined. For example, there are golden brown granites, vibrant pinks, vivid reds, deep purples, blacks, and even blues. As a general rule, you should choose a unit that has your favorite color.

When making your decision on the best color to match, you should consider the theme of your home.

You should keep in mind that there are some colors that are more expensive than others; therefore, you should also consider the price of the colors. For example, colors like gray and soft pink are more expensive than more common colors.

tiles or slabs

You can use a granite slab or tile for your countertop. A slab is usually carved from a large block of granite and has the advantage of being solid. It also has color patterns that continue throughout the piece.

Tiles, on the other hand, are cut from leftover pieces of granite. They are generally much thinner and less expensive than slabs. Depending on your budget, you should go for units that you can afford.

Finish

The finish of the countertop is of great importance. A granite countertop can have different finishes.

For example, there is the polished finish that produces a mirror-like quality that greatly enhances the depth of color of the granite. The good side of this finish is that it provides a physically smooth surface that is easy to clean.

There’s also a polished finish that results in a dull, flat-looking countertop. This finish gives a warmer look than a polished finish; however, it tends to smudge easily and show more fingerprints.

Alternative finishes, such as burnished and flamed finishes, create a highly textured, rough surface and are not ideal for countertops.

sealing

Sealants protect countertop surfaces from stains and scratches and it is important to apply them to your unit. The good side is that it is easy to apply. This is because most of them are “wipe-off” or “wipe-on”.

While it is recommended that you apply the sealant to your unit, you should not apply it to all units. For example, many darker colored granites do not require sealing.

Things to Consider When Choosing Hardware Accessories

For those who are renovating their place or building a new place for themselves, the choice of furniture and accessories for the place is crucial. You have to focus on many things, such as doors, cabinets, tiles, etc. But there are also some smaller things that people tend to forget quite easily. These little things are like hinges, knobs, door handles, etc., for all the rooms and cabinets in the house. These accessories bring together the entire look of the interior. In addition to the appearance of these accessories, one must also spend a little to choose the best quality accessory to get good value for money.

Some of the things that should be taken into account when choosing accessories for the interiors of the house are:

Material and Brand

You should always take into account the material from which the accessories are made. Be it plastic, metal, alloy, wood, the material tends to decide how long these accessories will last. Materials for accessories should be chosen depending on the style of the interiors and requirements. If the interior is dominated by metal, the priority should be to choose metal accessories. What the accessories are made of will also decide what the total cost of these accessories will be.

style and combination

Mismatched fixtures, doors, windows, and cabinets in the room can be a nuisance. One should choose the accessories based on the overall interior design and the furniture installed in the room. Few things that should be taken into account are; style, color, size, shape, design, etc. The help of the designer can be taken to decide what type of door knobs or cabinet handles will best suit the color mosaic panel in the room. Anything that doesn’t go with the overall flow of the decor can look out of the pattern, making the room look gaudy.

Professional Help

If you are not so knowledgeable about the accessories that go with the interior decoration of the house, then it is best to get professional help. There are many interior designers and consultants out there. They can help you choose the right pieces based on your decor theme and overall quality and value. They are more experienced when it comes to finding accessories that are useful and durable so that they can have a longer life. They will also help to match these accessories based on color schemes, patterns, textures, etc.

cost

Lastly, one should thoroughly research the options that are available in the market. Many brands often sell interior accessories. The trick is to find a trusted brand that has a good reputation in the market. After all, changing these accessories, over and over again, is not feasible for many. Therefore, choose accessories carefully based on cost so as not to compromise the budget of the interiors and the overall quality of the purchased parts.

Which kitchen countertop suits you? Consider these pros and cons

The type of countertop you choose will depend first on personal taste and then on what your budget allows. The common choice for most people, mainly because of its low cost, is a 40mm laminate countertop. The other advantage is low maintenance: just a damp cloth will keep them clean.

There is a wide variety of designs and colors available, from imitation wood to imitation granite. Another advantage over natural work surfaces is the ability to absorb a low impact when placing a cup or plate without chipping the bottoms or making a lot of noise.

There are a few downsides that, if taken into account, won’t detract from a good work surface.

The first is the fact that the bull nose or rounded nose is only available on straight sections. All angled corners or radii ends should be machined flat and a flat piece of laminate glued in place.

The other thing to keep in mind is that any seams or cuts in the surface are potential problem areas waiting to happen. If puddles of water remain in a joint over time, the chipboard will swell and the laminate will lift. If an electric kettle is placed on a joint, the heat from below will affect the joint. Do not place hot surfaces, such as hot pans on a hob, directly on the work surface, as this will also cause blistering.

So be careful, laminate countertops are a good option in a standard kitchen.

However, if the kitchen design has a Belfast sink, for example, then a laminate worktop, around the sink area, is out of the question.

The next option is a wooden countertop made up of many wooden slats glued together to give the correct depth, usually around 620mm.

Timber surfaces can be cut and shaped to follow the shape of the base units, so if one board protrudes forward as a feature or rounded corners are needed, they can all be done and then the front edge can be profiled with a router, as well as the ends along the end fiber. This is a huge advantage over laminate, and unlike a granite countertop, wood countertops can be installed by the installer, so there is no delay in putting the countertops on.

Wood tops need 3 coats of oil on top and bottom. To accomplish this, I start greasing the bottom of all the wood tops the first day I arrive to set up the range.

Since the oil takes 12 hours to dry, I coat them more on day 2 and day 3. By day 4 I can start cutting and machining the caps. When all countertops are assembled and sanded, they are given 3 coats of oil over the next 3 days with a light sanding between coats.

Once the kitchen is in use, the countertops will need an occasional oiling. This will depend on how much use they have had so it could be once a month or twice a year. It will depend on the client how much he wants to take care of his work surface.

I know past customers who have never oiled their countertops since I installed them and called me several years later asking how to remove stains around the sink area. This stain is very difficult to remove and depending on its severity will determine how much of the wood needs to be removed by sanding or brushing and sanding.

I usually recommend a heavy sanding and then 3 coats of oil over the next 3 days.

If you choose granite countertops, the granite company you choose measures and installs. When all the base units are in place, the granite installer will typically create templates of the design from 4mm to 6mm MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard) or hardboard.

All overhangs, curves, sink profiles, etc. They are very precisely cut so that the templates can be taken to the workshop and transferred to suitable granite pieces, so that little or no kitchen work needs to be done to get everything to fit together correctly. .

The joints are filled with a 2-component resin, appropriately colored to minimize the visual impact of the joints.

After installation, the granite is cleaned with alcohol to remove traces of grease, dust, finger marks, etc. and is then coated with a sealer to prevent or minimize any accidental staining.

All types of countertops have their own advantages and disadvantages of price, durability, exclusivity, and maintenance.

It all comes down to 1. What you like, 2. Whether you can afford what you like, and 3. Whether you’re willing to spend the time caring for your ideal choice of top.