Wood Countertops

A very popular trend today is to have wood countertops in your kitchen or on your island. Some people are apprehensive about using wood and afraid of what the maintenance or care might be. There are several different types of wood that can be used as a counter surface and several different ways to finish it. Let’s dive in.

Salvaged Wood: Maybe you have an old family barn that you can salvage some wood from and reuse. Or maybe your old tire swing tree has died. Or maybe an iconic building is being torn down and you want a piece of that history in your home. Whatever the case, salvaged woods tops can definitely add richness and personality to a space. Cost: Varies

Butcher Block or Plank Style: made up of smaller pieces of wood or wider planks, many different wood species are available. Maple butcher block countertops are common but we are also seeing a lot of walnut and heart pine being used today. Cost: $30 to $125 per square foot for the material only

Bamboo: Bamboo's best green feature is that it's a rapidly renewable resource, plus it's naturally stronger and harder than most other hardwoods. Be aware that most commercial bamboo comes from China, so a lot of energy goes into transporting the product to the United States. Cost: $30 to $40 per square foot for the material only.

Regardless of which wood you choose, remember, wood is more susceptible to damage by water and heat, so it's best located away from the sink, dishwasher and range. An island or bar top is a good option. It’s best to use Waterlox’s modified tung oil finish, which seals the pores of your wood countertop meaning water can’t soak in. Water and other liquids just sit on the surface and “bead up”. You never want to use bleach or ammonia on your wood tops. Know that wood tops will not look perfect forever and can look beautiful when worn over time.

Do you have experience with wood tops in your kitchen? What are your secrets for keeping it looking great? Email me at jessica@webbercoleman.com

Tile Cleaning Tips & Tricks

Guests are coming and you really need to deep clean that guest bathroom or your laundry room floor is looking a little grimy or you just want to freshen up your kitchen backsplash. The grout is looking a little dingy and you just can’t seem to get the scum off of the tile. Here are a few easy tips and tricks for getting that tile sparkling clean.

·         Looking for easy? Stone and Tile Cleaner by Dupont, available at Traditions in Tile, is a multi-purpose cleaner that works on all polished marbles, porcelain and ceramic tiles and natural stone. Simply spray, lightly scrub and rinse.

·         For a little deeper clean to help with the soap scum, try a porcelain and ceramic tile cleaner. Test a small area on polished tiles first to make sure it does not affect the finish. As always, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

·         Has your grout cracked at the corners and around the top of the tub? A common occurrence as walls expand and contract, but simple to fix. Cut out the grout in those locations and fill with a sanded caulk that matches your grout color. Allow to fully dry before using the tub or shower. Traditions in Tile is a great source. Always be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

·         Once you have gotten your grout or natural stone freshly cleaned, seal it to help prolong the life and keep it looking like new. Most stones should be resealed every 1-3 years.

Nothing feels better than a sparkling clean tile. Your guests will thank you. What are your secrets for keeping your tile clean? I’d love to hear. Email me at Jessica@webbercoleman.com