Wood on your Countertops?

We’ve looked at many different materials for countertops and today we will examine wood. 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 and Craft-Art in Atlanta makes some pretty fabulous wood tops out of all kinds of domestic and exotic woods.  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.

 

Of the countertop options we have explored thus far, what’s your favorite?  Do you have experience with wood tops in your kitchen? Email me at jessica@webbercoleman.com

Reader Question

Jackie asks, “We purchased a stainless steel refrigerator but after scrubbing off the label, we now have about a 12"x1" circular scratch.  Any suggestions?”

Stainless steel comes in various grades and finishes, and home-grade stainless steel is usually the norm for all appliances. So before you attempt to buff out a scratch in your fridge or sink, be sure to check with the appliance's manufacturer to verify which type of stainless steel you're working with and what they recommend for cleaning.

Here are some stainless steel scratch removal techniques for you to try:

For fine scratches, cleaners such as Comet and Revere Stainless Steel and Copper Cleaner are non-abrasive cleansers that will gently buff stainless steel. They come in a dry powder that needs to be combined with water or as cream-based cleaners that go on the metal a bit smoother. Appliance manufacturers often make their own cleaners that are easy to find at home improvement stores. I also have had good success with Bar Keeper’s Friend.

If you have a lot of scratches, there are a few DIY scratch removal kits, such as Scratch-B-Gone or the Siege 63001 Stainless Steel Sink and Cookware Scratch Remover pack,

One piece of advice -- always rub or buff the scratch with the grain of the metal. If you go against the grain of the steel, you'll only make the scratch worse!

Hope this is helpful, Jackie! Do you have scratches in your stainless steel appliances or sink? Add this project to your summer to do list! Email me your questions at jessica@webbercoleman.com

Stainless Steel Countertops

As we continue our thread on different countertop materials, today we will explore stainless steel and recycled aluminum as countertop options.

Stainless steel countertops can be made of 60% recycled content and because it can be recycled again and again, has an extended useful life. This material is often used in commercial kitchens and medical facilities because of its durability and the rigorous standards for cleanliness. Beware: keeping stainless steel free of smudges, watermarks and scratches can be a chore and drive even the most laid back homeowner batty. Stainless steel can be a great contemporary look and used in the right way, can fit into even a traditional kitchen. Cost: $65 to $85 per square foot for the material only

Another metal option for countertops is recycled aluminum. The company Eleek uses uses 50 to 90 percent recycled aluminum to make countertop-depth pieces up to 3 feet wide with built-in front lip and backsplash. Eleek tops are finished with reusable abrasives and recirculated water. Clear-coat finish is food-safe and nontoxic. Cost: $95 per square foot for the material only.

Of the countertop options we have explored thus far, what’s your favorite? Email me at jessica@webbercoleman.com

Eco Friendly Countertops

When discussing countertops, you should also know that there are some eco friendly options.  Today, we will explore some of the options so you have a general awareness of what is available.

 

IceStone is one of the most popular recycled countertops out there. Recycled glass countertops vary greatly in appearance. Cradle to Cradle certified, it provides an opaque, refined character with its fine glass particles set in pigmented cement. Because the material is porous, recommendations call for sealing twice a year, so make sure you're prepared for the maintenance. Cost: $60 to $100 per square foot for the material

 

Cosentino’s Eco line consists of 75 percent postindustrial or postconsumer materials, such as mirror, glass, porcelain, earthenware, and vitrified ash. Even 94% of the water used in its manufacturing process is re-used. These properties nabbed them a Cradle to Cradle Silver and Greenguard certification. Its nonporous surface needs no sealing. Cost: $60-120 per square foot for material

 

Concrete counters can be a terrific green choice if they are sourced locally or cast in place. Cost: $60 to $75 per square foot for the material

 

Recycled paper countertops such as Paperstone, is FSC certified and made of 100 percent postconsumer recycled paper, petroleum-free resin and pigment. Its feel is often compared to a warm, soft stone, like soapstone. The material is only heat resistant to 350 degrees, so you should exercise care with hot pans. Cost: $30-$50 per square foot for material

 

Squak Mountain Stone started as a grad school project on sustainable design. The hand-cast slabs are made of recycled paper and glass bound with low-carbon cement.

This is a heavy duty and durable countertop; however, like stone or concrete, it is susceptible to staining and etching, so either use extra care or embrace the patina. Cost: $30 to $40 per square foot for the material

 

Bio-Glass, another recycled glass countertop material with Cradle to Cradle certification, has a translucent appearance, as it's made of 100 percent glass. As with all glass-based counters, it's not knife friendly, so keep your cutting boards handy. Cost: $85 to $115 per square foot for the material

 

Tell me: What is your favorite ecofriendly countertop? Email me at jessica@webbercoleman.com

Unique countertops: Copper

            Besides quartz, granite, marble and wood, there are many other materials being used for countertops today. One of the more unique materials being used is copper. Copper countertops can be used to create a traditional old-world feel or a more modern design.

 

Color: It is reddish brown in color that changes and develops over time. Copper tops are a living surface and will react to its surroundings and develop a patina depending on use and care. You can polish it on a weekly basis to keep a rich brown color or allow it to develop a patina of burnished brown-black with green flecks.

 

Care: Copper has natural antimicrobial properties. A recent British study discovered that E coli survived on stainless steel for 34 days while it only lasted for 4 hours on copper. A light application of olive oil keeps copper tops relatively stain-free. Nothing can prevent acids from etching and discoloring copper. You must be ok with the changing color as part of its natural charm. It may sound surprising, but copper is relatively simple to clean. A mixture of lemon juice and salt will scour it well (be sure to rinse afterward), but you can also get by with warm water and a squirt of ordinary dish soap. Dry the surface thoroughly and wax or oil it periodically to keep it in the best possible shape.

 

Cons: Because it's soft, copper is easily marred by knives and heavy pots and is susceptible to everyday wear and tear. Although these often can be buffed out, some people enjoy the sense of age that results. If you're really concerned about dents, opt for a hammered or otherwise distressed finish, which won't show them nearly as prominently.

 

Cost: Copper countertops don’t come cheap. The average cost ranges from $100 to $175 per square foot installed. It takes skill to affix copper sheeting properly to a substrate. It’s probably best to leave this project to the professional.

 

Cool: You may have seen some floor or countertop pictures floating around where pennies have been used. This is a unique application, as well, though time consuming. Hammered or left smooth, the variety of looks you can achieve with copper countertops is endless.

So, what do you think about copper countertops? Would you consider using them in your kitchen? Shoot me an email and share your thoughts at Jessica@webbercoleman.com

Quartz vs. Granite

            One of the most common questions I am asked is “Which is better, quartz or granite?” Last time we explored exactly what quartz countertops are. I hope you found that information helpful in deciding which material would work best for your space and family.

 

Pick a favorite. Tell me what I should use. Which one is the best? These are comments I hear all the time when clients are trying to decide between quartz or granite countertops. Often times I take the politically correct route and say “It’s personal preference.” I know, I know. Not very helpful, right? Well, let’s talk through it.

 

Color: If you are looking for a more solid color, less variation or consistent pattern, quartz may be the product for you. If you like the natural pattern of granite and want something that truly acts as a piece of art in your space, granite may be the one for you.

 

Maintenance: If you are a set-it-and-forget-about-it type of person, quartz may be the better solution for you. Granite is recommended to be sealed once a year. Don’t be dismayed! This is not a difficult process and can be done by even the most regular Joe.

 

Durability: Both products are very durable and you would be hard pressed to really hurt them unless you like cooking with a blowtorch or banging cast iron skillets around. Any product can chip if hit with the right thing in the right spot.

 

For many applications, I lean more towards granite for it’s natural beauty. You just can’t beat the unique character found in a slab of granite. It’s amazing that something that beautiful comes out of the ground! Some pieces I believe could be hung on the wall and called art. But, I also love and utilize quartz for different applications. Like I said, it all comes down to personal preference. So do you like quartz over granite? What do you like or dislike? Shoot me an email and share your thoughts at Jessica@webbercoleman.com

What are quartz countertops?

            One of the most common questions I am asked is “Which is better, quartz or granite?” Before we dive into the differences between the two materials and why you might choose to use one over the other, I thought it would be helpful to know exactly what quartz countertops are.

 

Quartz countertops, such as Silestone, Cambria and Caesarstone, are composed of about 90% natural quartz, one of the hardest minerals in the world. Quartz is crystallised silicon dioxide (SiO2), which is usually white or transparent, although it can be found in other colors if it comes into contact with impurities during its formation. It is found either in a pure state or present in other compounds. However, because of its extreme hardness and resistance to acids, it is used to make a large variety of products that require precision and top-quality performance. Granite is only about 40% to 60% quartz, along with other softer minerals and impurities.

 

Can it take the heat? Natural stone surfaces can be damaged by sudden and/or rapid change of temperature, especially near the edges as well as direct and/or sustained heating of the top. Some quartz tops may not withstand the direct transfer of heat from pots and pans and other cooking units such as electric frying pans and griddles, and some crock-pots or roaster ovens and heat lamps. Therefore, the use of a hot pad or trivet is always recommended to prevent heating the product.

 

Quartz tops are a non-porous surface and highly resistant to stains from coffee, wine, lemon juice, olive oil, vinegar, makeup and many other everyday products. Just wash it with warm water, and use a mild soap if desired. Stain resistant, it never needs sealing or reconditioning. The Silestone brand contains a unique bacteriostatic formula they developed that is based on the use of latest generation silver ions to prevent the propagation of bacterias.

 

Colors! Quartz tops come in a variety of different shades of color, offering a multitude of design possibilities. It’s an excellent option of you want a solid white or uniform color that is often difficult to find in granite. Granite has more of a natural beauty with pattern and color changing from slab to slab whereas quartz is more uniform and manufactured in appearance.

 

So do you like quartz over granite? What do you like or dislike? Shoot me an email and share your thoughts at Jessica@webbercoleman.com