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AROUND THE HOME (page 1) archived articles >>
Listen to our live radio segment on Around the Home on The Lucy Ann Lance Business Insider on 1290 AM every Friday between 8:00am and 11:00am. Each week at 8:40 am a BRAG Ann Arbor Member offers an insightful discussion on home-related topics, focusing on the Washtenaw County area.
THIS WEEK'S INTERVIEW:
Listen to Del's interview live on Friday, February 17th
Tune in to 1290 AM Friday mornings at 8:30 to listen live, or stream the show online at www.LucyAnnLance.com
WHICH COUNTERTOP IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
By Del Young, Dexter Cabinet and Countertop
The right countertop for your kitchen or bath project depends on many factors; the type of material that best suits your lifestyle, the maintenance required for that particular material and more importantly the cost involved.
LAMINATE
Most of us have grown up with laminate countertops also known as Formica. Formica is still a great brand which boasts over 175 colors in their current palette. The countertops can be upgrade with different edge profiles that help create a unique look. Formica wears well but is susceptible to scratches. It can also be burned from an overheated pot or melted candle. The biggest problem we see with laminate counters is from water damage. The damage is usually behind the sink in the backsplash area. This happens over time when the caulk used between the countertop and backsplash has shrunk away. Once a laminate countertop has water damage it can’t be fixed and probably needs to be replaced. Laminate countertops are relatively inexpensive and can be easily cleaned with soap and water. The cost of a laminate countertop starts at $23/sf installed.
SOLID SURFACE
Corian is the common term heard when referring to a solid surface countertop. There are currently over 100 colors of Corian. The beauty of a Corian countertop is in the non-porous surface, inconspicuous deck seaming along with the option to integrate the backsplash. The ability of this countertop to be repaired and renewed also makes it an attractive option. A Corian countertop can be scratched as well as accidentally burned or cracked, but all those issues can be resolved without evidence of any damage because of its characteristics. It can also be re-sanded and re-polished right in you home so the countertop looks like new, years after the original installation. Corian cleans up easily with soap and water and the pricing starts at $49/sf installed.
GRANITE
It’s hard to compare the natural beauty of a granite countertop with other products on the market. The vibrancy of the granite makes it a popular choice among customers. It’s hard to damage a granite countertop and it’s difficult to scratch. Unlike Corian, granite deck seams are visible and the countertop can be stained if not careful. Most staining occurs from red wine. It’s only when a spill is left unattended that it becomes problematic. We recommend that you reseal your granite countertop at least four times a year. Resealing a granite countertop makes it stain resistant, not stain proof. So it’s good to get in the habit of cleaning up spills in a timely manner. Granite countertops clean up with soap and water and a spray on granite polish can be applied to help revitalize the high shine that makes granite the popular countertop it is today. Granite countertops start at $52.00/sf installed and in some cases go well over $100.00sf/ installed.
QUARTZ
Quartz countertops are quickly becoming the new favorite for kitchen and bath surfaces because of their no-maintenance characteristics. It’s a non-porous countertop that’s stronger than granite, seams up cleanly and won’t stain. It’s made up of 93% powdered quartz that is colored and mixed with a bonding resin. It’s almost impossible to scratch and even harder to chip. However, if it is chipped it is difficult to repair without some minor evidence of the damage. There are several companies that manufacture quartz countertops so the patterns range from monochromatic to veined. There are over 100 colors to choose from. Quartz countertops clean up easily with soap and water. They never need to be sealed or polished. The current price of quartz countertops start at $72/sf installed.
Please call or stop by our showroom in Dexter for additional information on the right countertop for your project, we’d be glad to help!
PLANNING A TILE PROJECT
By Steve DiGiusseppe, Tandem Tile and Stone
When you choose to start a tile project there a few key things that are important to consider before you move forward. If these items are addressed in the beginning then you can avoid a lot of hassle by later trying to change an element of the project to make it work with your needs.
The first thing to consider is the substrate that you will use to set the tile on. This is dependent on the type of tile and the existing surface. Second, you need to consider the area of your home or business where the tile is being installed. Third, choose the correct type of tile for the project. Showers take special consideration. If this is a shower you need to be sure that you have the correct method for waterproofing the shower before you tile. As in any shower your tile is not the waterproof layer so your preparation of that space is crucial to long term enjoyment. Below are a few points about each item listed.
1. Substrates: What you are setting tile on makes a big difference in how you prepare your surface and what substrate you use.
Possible existing Surfaces:
a. OSB or plywood
b. Concrete, new or old.
c. 1 by 6 slat subfloor
d. Or even existing tile.
Possible substrates to prepare for tile:
a. Crack or isolation membrane
b. Cement Board
c. Uncoupling membranes
d. Mudset
2. Area: Where the tile is going in the home or business is also important.
a. Is the area a wet area like a shower or mudroom
b. Is this a high traffic area
c. Will the tile receive any kind of continuous wear
3. Tile Types: There are many different types of tile and each can have benefits for certain applications. Consider the following:
a. Traffic
b. Water
c. Accents and thickness of adjacent tile
d. Durability
e. Tile Types
i. Ceramic
ii. Procelain
iii. Stone
iv. Glass
v. Metal
4. Showers: Tile showers always need extra attention due to the amount of water that is introduced to that surface on a daily basis. Shower drains and pans should always be installed by professional plumbers and tile setters. Some things to discuss with your contractor should be:
a. A double sloped mud pan
b. Liner that extends to the outside of the curb
c. Does it require a waterproof membrane on the walls
d. Is it a water in/ water out system that provides a method for removing all the water from the enclosed system
A residential shower is responsible for over 1000 inches of water a year. Seattle averages less than 40 inches per year.
A successful tile project is a beautiful addition to any home or business. Like any construction project it should be installed to last a long time. If you take the proper steps to ensure you have the correct materials to prepare for your tile, through to the tile itself, you should enjoy your new surface for many years to come.
(Page 1) Archived Articles >>
More resources and archives can be found on
The Lucy Ann Lance Show "Around The Home" page.
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