Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Corian Countertops Vs Granite Countertops

Cost

When it comes to fitting of corian countertops and granite countertops in kitchen, both are expensive. The prices vary yearly but we can still build a contrast. In 2009, the price of granite countertops for each square foot was US$ 50 to US$ 200 while corian countertops cost was between US$ 40 to US$ 100 for each square foot. So in view of the price, corian is a little less exclusive than granite.

Durability

Granite is stronger than corian. Since corian is made up of polyester or acrylic resin, it cracks easily. Granite is more resistant to crack. But granite once cracked is hard to repair and incurs substantial expenses. Though corians crack, they can be mended easily with very low investment cost. Granite is also more resistant to heat.

Appearance

If you want a good-looking kitchen countertop with complicated designs, then granite should be your choice. Corian appears homogeneous and is not obtainable in dissimilar varieties like granite. If money is not a problem, then install colorful patterns of granite unreliable from piece to piece, as your kitchen countertop.

Cleaning

Cleaning both corian and granite is simple. You can use mild soap solution to clean the countertops to prevent accumulation of dirt and grime. You can also use vinegar or a weak solution of hydrogen peroxide.

Resale Value

Granite has high re-saleability than corian. A slab of granite will give you back a high amount if you want to resale it. As compared to granite, return value of corian is little less, although corian has the greatest consumer name brand recognition.

Cost of Installation

The sealing charges of granite is more as compared to corian. Installation fees for corian is less as compared to granite. Since they tend to crack, they need to be replaced or repaired frequently.


Monday, February 14, 2011

Why People Choose Granite


Building a new house or remodeling kitchens, Granite is the popular choice most of all the homeowners because it looks like very beautiful and different stone look. Slight crystals found within the granite grasp the light and modify the countertop's appearance, and no two slabs of granite are accurately alike.
Other advantages of Choosing granite counters include:
  • Reasonably priced

  • Color runs all the way through

  • Available hundreds of color choices

  • Easy to clean

  • Tough and hard to scratch

  • Burn resistant

Saturday, February 5, 2011

How To Laminate a Countertop



  1. Paste and nail jointly two layers of ¾-inch-thick particleboard to make a substrate for counter.

  2. Rough-cut laminate pieces to size using a trim router fitted with a ½-inch, carbide-tipped straight cutter.

  3. Brush contact cement onto front edge of particleboard substrate and to back side of 2-inch-wide laminate strip; permit cement to dry.

  4. Attach laminate to front edge of counter, and then push it down with a J-roller. (If laminating counter ends, cover them with laminate first, and then laminate front edge.)

  5. Use trim router to cut away excess laminate.

  6. Sand laminate flush with substrate using a belt sander fitted with 100-grit abrasive belt.

  7. Spread contact cement onto backside of laminate top and to top of counter using a 3-inch paint roller; wait for cement to dry.

  8. Put several wood dowels across cemented substrate, then lay laminate on top.

  9. Slide out dowels, starting at center, one at a time while pressing down the laminate.

  10. Use J-roller to press laminate into the cement.

  11. Trim the overhanging edges of the top laminate using a trim router.

  12. File the edges of the top laminate smooth.