Countertop Choices for Your Kitchen Remodel!

Thinking about doing a kitchen remodel at the Lake of the Ozarks?  Picking out your countertops can be a daunting task.  With so many different choices on surface materials, where do you even begin? We have put together a list of countertop materials available with some pros and cons from Houzz.com to help make your decision a little easier.

Granite 

Pros: Granite is one of the top choices in countertop materials.  It is unique in that the colors and patterns are found in nature, rather than being designed by man.  You can choose from many colors and either a polished or matte finish.  It stands up well to splashes, knife nicks, hear and other wear and tear.    

Cons: Granite, like most other stone, has to be sealed regularly to avoid staining.  Also, it is very heavy so you will need cabinet boxes that can hold all that weight.

Marble

Pro: Marble provides sheer elegance and nothing is more glamorous for your countertops at the Lake of the Ozarks.  Since it remains perennially cool, it stands up to heat well. Therefore, it's a traditional choice for pastry and baking stations.  For example, your dough won't get too soft!

Cons: Marble is extremely susceptible to stains, even with sealing.  For that reason, it is often limited to one or two areas rather than used throughout the entire kitchen.  It can also scratch and chip easily.

Quartz 

Pros: Quartz is a good compromise between the beauty of natural stone and the easy care of solid surfacing.  Maintenance of quartz is minimal and its available in a far greater range of colors than natural stone.

Cons: Quartz doesn't have the natural variegation of granite, so it may be evident that it is engineered. It is relatively pricey, although its durability can make it a worthwhile investment.

Laminate

Pros: Laminate is one of the most affordable countertop materials out there.  It's low in maintenance and easy to clean, while it's light weight doesn't need the support of a thick (more expensive) cabinet base.

Cons: Laminate is prone to scratching, burns and even staining sometimes.  Layers can also peel with wear and moisture exposure.  You can't use it with under-mount sinks due to the raw particle board core and it's difficult to repair if it gets damaged.

Soapstone

Pros: Soapstone offers a subtle nuanced beauty, yet feels humbler than natural stone.  It has a softness and depth that fits well with older and cottage-style homes.  Although it starts out light to medium gray, it darkens with time (which could also be a con).

Cons: To keep soapstone in tip-top shape, it needs polishing with oil regularly.  It cracks easily over time and can't handle knife scratches and nicks as well as other materials can.  The natural roughness of its surface can even scuff glassware and china.

Ceramic and Porcelain Tile

Pros: Not only is it good for floors and back splashes, but you can also use tile for countertops!  Tile provides nearly limitless options for color and designs, while being inexpensive.  It holds it's own against heat and sharp blades and resists stains.  It's fairly easy to replace one or two tiles if they chip, rather than having to replace the entire countertop.    

Cons: Tile creates an uneven surface making it difficult to balance a cutting board or roll out some dough.  Unsealed grout is prone to staining and standing moisture can damage it and contribute to bacteria growth.

Concrete

Pros: Concrete isn't just for floors, its versatility is perfect for a countertop material.  It can be cast into any shape and custom tinted to your desired shade.  You can easily add inlays such as glass fragments, rocks or shells.  Although it isn't as heat resistant as other materials, it stands up well to heavy use.  A slightly edgier material, concrete provides industrial chic.

Cons: Because it is porous, concrete has to be sealed frequently to avoid staining.  With time and settling, small crack will develop.  Also, concrete is extremely heavy and will need very strong support underneath.  The custom creation increases the price just like with stainless steel.

Solid Surfaces

Pros: More commonly known as Corian, which is actually a brand name, solid surfacing is nonporous therefore it's virtually maintenance free.  You don't have to reseal it all the time and no special cleaning is required.  Scratches and burns are easy to sand out.  Since it's not natural, you can choose from many vibrant colors such as red or turquoise.  Seamless installation means there are no cracks to trap dirt and debris.

Cons: Solid surfacing can have an artificial look and feel, but can still approach the price of natural stone.  Also, it doesn't stand up to hot pans or sharp knives as well as some of the other materials available.

Stainless Steel

Pros: Stainless steel is nearly indestructable, while resisting heat and bacteria.  It also provides a very distinctive look that feels appropriate in contemporary and industrial style kitchens.

Cons: Fingerprints must be wiped of frequently and stainless steel can dent easily.  It can also be loud as pots, pans and other dishware clang against the surface.  Chemicals can affect its color and cause unwanted etching.  It is also extremely expensive due to the custom fabrication.  

Butcher Block

Pros:  Butcher block has a classic appeal and always looks fresh.  It is especially fitting for traditional, country and cottage-style kitchens.  They provide a warm, natural apperance and varigated wood tones.  Although knives scratch it, many people like the worn look that develops. However, you can easily sand the scratches down.

Cons: Since wood swells and contracts with moisture exposure, it harbors bacteria and needs frequent disinfecting.  You must oil it to fill in scratches and protect the surface.

Once you have decided on the type of countertops you want, call All-Star Home Renovations to come install them for you.  We specialize in kitchen remodels from small home improvement projects to complete home renovations at the Lake of the Ozarks.  Whatever your kitchen needs, we've got you covered.  Give us a call today at 573-286-2569 for a free estimate on your kitchen remodel!

Follow our blog for advice on remodels at the Lake of the Ozarks, minor home repairs and improvements, tips to improve the value of your home, and so much more.

All-Star Home Renovations serves the entire Lake of the Ozarks area. We can handle everything from your most complex home improvement and remodeling projects to the simplest.

All-Star Renovations has 25 years experience and is fully insured!

• Kitchen Remodels
• Bathroom Remodels
• Deck Additions
• Siding, Roofing, Windows & Doors
• Tile & Flooring Installation
• Screened Room Additions
• Custom Trim Finish Work
• ... and so much more!

Request a free estimate on your next project!

Serving the Entire Lake of the Ozarks Area

Adam : 573-286-2569
adam@all-star-renovations.com

Jay: 573-480-4757
jay@all-star-renovations.com

Like us on Facebook
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How to Keep Your Tile Floors Clean

Make Those Tile Floors Shine

Clean floors can do a lot for the appearance of a home.  You may have all the rooms picked up and organized, but a dirty floor creates that sense of clutter even when everything else is clean. Every time you go in and out of the house you are dragging in more dust and dirt.  At first you may not notice it, but eventually your floors become dull and sometimes you can even see the dust gathering together near the walls and behind doors.  And if walking on them turns your bare feet black, it's time to clean those floors and make them shine.  SheKnows.com has a few steps for you to follow to get your tile floors at the Lake of the Ozarks squeaky clean!

Step 1: Wipe Up Spills

During your day to day tasks, you are bound to spill something on the floor.  Rather than letting it set into your floors, wipe it up immediatly.  This will keep you from having to work extra hard to get it up later.  For liquid splills, use a damp cloth and for solid materials grab the broom or a vacuum for a quick fix.

Step 2: Remove Loose Dust

A broom and dustpan work well for any hard surface floors, but a vacuum is actually a better option, even for tile.  Sweeping often leaves behind dust particles, whereas a vacuum will get more of that dust out of the way and get your floors ready for mopping.  Most vacuums have a hard surface setting. but if yours doesn't, raise the height to the maximum setting to avoid scratching your floors.

Step 3: Know Your Surface

Knowing what type of materials your tiles are made of makes a difference in how you clean them. Many materials are sensitive to the harsh chemicals in cleaning products, especially any natural stones such as marble or travertine.  A general purpose cleaner or even simply hot, soapy water works fine for daily cleanup on ceramic tile.  You only need cleaning products if the dirt and grime has really built up and you need to do some hard-core cleaning.  Many manufacturers will recommend certain products for you to use for the heavy duty jobs. Since all tile is not the same, using the wrong cleaner can mar or dull your tile.  In addition to the cleaner, you need something to clean it with.  For smooth tiled floors, a soft mop should do the trick, but for rough surfaces, you will probably need a good scrub brush.

Step 4: Distinguish Your Dirt 

In addition to the type of tile you have, you should be aware of what type of dirt you are trying to get rid of.  If your are cleaning bathroom tile, you are likely dealing with soap scum.  Kitchen tiles will most likely be covered in grease and and grime.  Different types of dirt need different types of cleaning products.  Many cleaning product labels will say "cuts grease," which is good for the kitchen. Often times, you don't even need those store-bought products with all their harsh chemicals.  If hot water doesn't do the trick on your ceramic tiles, try adding two tablespoons of rubbing alcohol to each gallon of water.  This especially helps with dirty grout, but be sure to wipe up any excess liquid to keep from saturating the grout.  For vinyl tiles, you can add one cup of vinegar to a gallon of water. For marble and stone tile, as mentioned above, you need to be very careful.  Vinegar, rubbing alcohol and the store-bought cleaners can destroy the natural stone tiles.  Add some mild dish soap to your water instead and be sure mop again with just water to make sure all the soap residue is gone.    

Step 5: Be Pro-Active

The most important step you can do, is to prevent the buildup of dirt and grime.  The more often you at least sweep or run a soft mop across the floors, the easier they will be to keep clean. Experts suggest to sweep at least every other day and mop at least every two weeks.  If you wait and let that dirt build up, it will be harder and take longer to get them back to the way they were. You can also lessen the amount of dirt you track in by having mats inside and outside your doors.  Also taking off your shoes at the door helps a lot and be sure to clean those mats regularly.

Now how do you know when your floor is really clean?  Its easier to tell on hard surfaces than it is on carpet, but sometimes you don't know for sure until you test it. You can take a wet paper towel and wipe the surface to see if it picks up any dirt you may have missed.  Also touch it with you hand to see if there are any sticky places, sometimes the cleaning products will leave a residue that will actually attract more dirt and keep it glued to the floor.  Be sure to get those products thoroughly cleaned up.  And if you have neglected your flooring at the Lake of the Ozarks for too long and find that they are dull or scratched up and need replaced, call All-Star Renovations to get the job done!

Follow our blog for advice on remodels at the Lake of the Ozarks, minor home repairs and improvements, tips to improve the value of your home, and so much more.

All-Star Home Renovations serves the entire Lake of the Ozarks area. We can handle everything from your most complex home improvement and remodeling projects to the simplest.

All-Star Renovations has 25 years experience and is fully insured!

• Kitchen Remodels
• Bathroom Remodels
• Deck Additions
• Siding, Roofing, Windows & Doors
• Tile & Flooring Installation
• Screened Room Additions
• Custom Trim Finish Work
• ... and so much more!

Request a free estimate on your next project!

Serving the Entire Lake of the Ozarks Area

Adam : 573-286-2569
adam@all-star-renovations.com

Jay: 573-480-4757
jay@all-star-renovations.com

Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
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4 Hot Kitchen Trends for 2014

Kitchen Changes for the New Year

Get your New Year kicked off right with that new kitchen you have always wanted!  We want to highlight some hot new trends in kitchen remodels for 2014 that we have pulled from the Zillow Digs Home Design Trend Report for 2014.  Consider having All-Star Home Renovations make your dream kitchen remodel at the Lake of the Ozarks a reality!

1.  Black Countertops. 

Looking to add sophistication to your kitchen this year?  Try black countertops with popular materials such as black granite and quartz.  For a tasteful yet dramatic look, use black granite that is honed or has a leather finish.  You can also expect to see these black counters paired with a lighter counter such as marble for contrast.  

2. Open Shelving.

Traditionally, people would try to hide their kitchenware in cabinets and drawers, but a new trend shows that open shelving is the way to go in 2014.  It is now considered fashionable to display everything from dishes to pots and pans to gourmet cooking spices and oils.  Be careful not to end up with a cluttered look, organize your kitchenware artistically.

3. Glass Front Cabinets.

For those of you who aren't quite ready for everyone to see your kitchenware, or maybe you still have some stuff that doesn't completely match, glass front cabinets are also trending.  Since the kitchen has become a gathering place for family and friends, presentation has become a priority.

4. Dark Paint Colors. 

Some of the most popular paint colors for 2014 include black, dark browns, dark red and copper tones.  However, since dark colors make a room feel smaller, limit yourself to painting an accent wall.  You could even consider painting the ceiling or floor.  A splash of color can really pull a room together and liven it up.




Not only are these trends going to be popular, but kitchens are at the top of the list for most likely to be remodeled in 2014.  The report by Zillow is based on what homeowners identify as trends, so you can update your kitchen with the confidence that your peers will love it.  For help with remodeling your kitchen at the Lake of the Ozarks, be sure to call All-Star Home Renovations for a free estimate!

Follow our blog for advice on remodels at the Lake of the Ozarks, minor home repairs and improvements, tips to improve the value of your home, and so much more.

All-Star Home Renovations serves the entire Lake of the Ozarks area. We can handle everything from your most complex home improvement and remodeling projects to the simplest.

All-Star Renovations has 25 years experience and is fully insured!

• Kitchen Remodels
• Bathroom Remodels
• Deck Additions
• Siding, Roofing, Windows & Doors
• Tile & Flooring Installation
• Screened Room Additions
• Custom Trim Finish Work
• ... and so much more!

Request a free estimate on your next project!

Serving the Entire Lake of the Ozarks Area

Adam : 573-286-2569
adam@all-star-renovations.com

Jay: 573-480-4757
jay@all-star-renovations.com

Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Connect with us on LinkedIn

Follow us on Google+