And, as technology improves the materials used in kitchen surfaces, updating your kitchen often requires you to consider updating these surfaces.

Materials – Then and Now

From antiquity, when people used makeshift brick and stone countertops, to the modern granite and composite surfaces of today’s kitchens, hard, durable, fireproof slabs have always provided level work spaces for food preparation.

Kitchen countertops have to be durable enough to resist cuts from sharp knives, non-porous enough to resist absorbing juices from meat, fruit and cleaning agents and beautiful enough to please the most discriminating chef. Popular countertop materials in the 21st century include granite, marble, Corian, stainless steel, laminate and ceramic tile.

Benefits

The least expensive options for cooking area countertops include laminate, such as Formica, and ceramic tile, which is glued to the countertop base and sealed with grout. However, laminate countertops tend to be softer and can be easily damaged and tile countertops must be re-grouted often can can break or chip. The newer stone-based tops are durable and resist scratching and breaking. They are, however, quite costly and can easily double the cost of remodeling your kitchen.

For virtually everything you need to remodel your kitchen , DirectBuy has a great selection of brand name products. You will find top quality kitchen cabinets and other home improvement products to choose from at savings of up to 50% off retail.

Solid Surface Countertops

One unique type of countertop that has been overlooked is the Formica solid surface countertop. Made from acrylic, these sturdy, but stylish countertops are ahead of the game in almost every category. Formica countertops come in a variety of styles and colors.

Still want the look of concrete, but not the cold, modern feel? Try the Natural Concrete style. It contains specks of stone made of acrylic, just like the rest of the slab, that are molded throughout the depth of the countertop.

The Good and the Bad

The downside? Formica kitchen countertops tend to scratch. The upside? Use a 600 grain sandpaper and the scratches disappear, leaving only the same beautiful pattern that once existed. These countertops only get shinier with age and they have a soothing, warm look and feel to them that granite and concrete countertops don’t display.

DirectBuy offers a wide selection of kitchen appliances, kitchen furniture, kitchen cabinets, and many other brand-name kitchen remodeling products from leading manufacturers at wholesale prices that can help you save up to 50% off retail.

Clean and Tidy

It’s a fact. The more things you have on the counter, the smaller it looks. To make your counter look large and inviting, keep it clean and tidy. Put appliances away in cabinets when they are not in use and try not to use the counter as a catch-all.

Cutting Boards are Your Friend

Cutting items directly on the counter may be quick, but the damage to the counter can be extensive. In addition to marring the surface, those cuts in the countertop will trap dirt and germs. Your counter will wind up looking dirty all the time, regardless of how hard you scrub it. To keep your counter in great condition and looking clean, use a cutting board every time.

Kitchen counters can be cleaned easily using simple dish detergent. Stubborn stains can be cleaned off gently using a harsher cleaner, following manufacturer’s directions. Be sure to also clean the backsplash to keep everything looking crisp and tidy for a kitchen that is inviting and welcoming.

DirectBuy can help you with your kitchen remodeling on many levels. With products from leading manufacturers at savings of up to 50% off, there are many ideas for home improvement that will make a big difference in your design.

Many Colors Available

Engineered stone might be referred to by other names such as quartz.  There are several types available and the color range has dramatically increased over the last few years. There is little doubt you will be able to find a color that makes a beautiful countertop application.  Engineered stone can be expensive, but it is within the range of most granite as well.  Find the perfect color and add engineered stone as your choice of countertop materials for your newly designed kitchen.

DirectBuy has a great selection of kitchen furniture and other kitchen remodeling products. You can purchase most everything you need for a fabulous kitchen design – appliances , flooring , countertops , kitchen cabinets and more – all at savings of up to 50% off retail.

Helpful Tips for Maintaining a Granite Kitchen Countertop

Many countertop surfaces are sealed after installation.  Your stone fabricator should be able to tell you if it was sealed, and if so, what type of sealer was used.  Impregnating sealers penetrate the surface to provide an additional level of protection.

It is important to immediately wipe up any spills on the counter and not allow acidic liquids to remain on the surface.  Use only cleaners or soaps approved for use on granite.  You might periodically need to re-polish or reseal the countertop, but maintaining your countertop on a daily basis will ensure lasting beauty for years to come.

DirectBuy has a great selection of kitchen furniture and other kitchen remodeling products. You can purchase most everything you need for a fabulous kitchen design – appliances , flooring , countertops , kitchen cabinets and more – all at savings of up to 50% off retail.

Common Materials Make Up Recycled Countertop Components

There are many common materials used to manufacture stunning kitchen counter tops .  Glass is the most common material found in recycled countertops.  The glass can be obtained from curbside recycling programs or found post-industrial glass from windows, demolition projects, even automotive glass.

Other materials used for recycled countertops include aluminum, bamboo, even paper.  A recycled countertop can be a beautiful and smart option for your new kitchen counter surface.

DirectBuy can help you with your kitchen remodeling on many levels. With products from leading manufacturers at savings of up to 50% off, there are many ideas for home improvement that will make a big difference in your kitchen design .

Know Your Stone and Know Your Facts Prior to Selecting a Sealant

The Marble Institute of America (MIA) is a leading authority on information regarding standards, practices, and suitable applications for natural stone products.  You can find varying opinions in the industry concerning the sealing of stone for protection against stains and spills.

Talk to your fabricator or installer and gets his/her professional opinion about staining.  Secondly, do a little research about your stone and the different types of sealants available.  Arm yourself with the necessary information to ensure your countertop investment will last you for many years in the future.

For your kitchen remodeling needs, DirectBuy has a wide variety of top-quality products, such as countertops , flooring and furnishings and more to help you create the kitchen you’ve always dreamed of – all at great savings for your budget!

Cutting Boards of Durable Materials

Install a built-in cutting board in an island or new kitchen countertop.  These types of cutting boards are placed flush with the top of the surface.  These cutting boards are normally surrounded by a frame such as stainless steel to protect your surrounding countertop.

Bamboo, wood, and glass are just a few of the durable materials used to construct cutting boards.  Stop looking for a place to store your cutting board and have one built in to your countertop as you remodel your kitchen.

DirectBuy is ready to help you with your kitchen remodel on many levels. With products from leading manufacturers at savings of up to 50% off, your ideas for home improvement may be more feasible than you think.

Kitchen Remodeling is an expensive investment, so we should make sure we are making the right decision before jumping in with feet first. Here are a few important questions to ask yourself:

1. Can I afford to remodel?
2. What is the ultimate goal of my remodeling plan?
3. Do I really have a logical plan in place?
4. Will it be worth the investment?
5. If I go forward with remodeling, do I know where to begin?

Taking some time to answer these simple questions is a great starting point for making the decision to remodel or to live with your situation a little longer.

One thing to remember is that life is short and if you can afford to make your surroundings more convenient, then you can surely figure out how to answer the other questions with a little research and organized planning.

When it’s time for kitchen remodeling, DirectBuy can not only provide you with a great selection of appliances, furnishings, countertops, and flooring, you will find savings of up to 50% off retail on brand-name products from leading manufacturers.

Resurfacing Your Countertop with Heavy Laminates Is a Viable Choice

If you are looking for an alternative to spending major bucks on your countertops , consider resurfacing the top with horizontal grade laminate.  Horizontal is the heaviest and most durable grade of laminate and is ideal for kitchen countertops under heavy use and impact.  New technology has vastly improved laminates and allow for updated designs and stylish colors.

Laminate Counter Tops Are Easier on the Budget

Laminate can brighten up your kitchen without the capital outlay of some other materials such as granite.  You can even purchase laminate which has the appearance of wood, granite, or engineered stone.  Many forms of laminate also come with a coordinating backsplash furthering its added value.

If you don’t want to make a lifelong countertop decision at the moment but rather focus on purchasing cabinets first; you can change the look of your countertop at a fraction of the cost with heavy laminate.  Who knows, you might love your new laminate countertop so much, it will be your permanent choice for countertop material.

DirectBuy is ready to help you with your kitchen remodel on many levels. With products from leading manufacturers at savings of up to 50% off, your ideas for home improvement may be more feasible than you think.