OVERVIEW on Kitchen Countertops:
The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in your home, and the right choice for kitchen countertops is key to the successful execution and ongoing use of the space. Now more than ever, you can choose from a diverse range of kitchen counter materials. For each aspect of home design and remodeling you can also strive to make choices that are 1) Functional, 2) Stylish, 3) Cost-Effective, and 4) Environmentally Sustainable. These are the four key guiding principles in the GREENandSAVE strategy. You will find that in certain cases, one or two of the criteria take precedent over others. However, as you review the home improvement options that are right for your home, you may be surprised to learn that reaching all four is more achievable than you thought.
Selection Tip: In choosing a kitchen countertop material make sure to think through its integration with your kitchen cabinets, appliances, and the backsplash that will work best for your design and installation. Solid surface and natural stone materials typically need to be precut prior to installation versus tiles that can be cut and set right on the job site. Kitchen countertop backsplashes sometimes look great when they match the countertop material, but you can alternatively enhance the countertop material by choosing a different tile to run from the top edge of the counter all of the way up to the underside of the head cabinet. If you decide on the tiles, also take care in choosing the right color grout and look for new tile grouts that are stain resistant.
DETAILS on Cement Countertop Installation:
Cement countertops are manufactured two ways. Either by pre-casting the cement slabs at the manufacturer or on site by the installer themselves.Below is a brief descrition of both processes:
Pre-cast cement: the manufacturer will pour the slab, mix the pigment and aggregates, cure the cement and polish and seal all in their shop. This technique allows for a more controlled environment for the counters to be built.
On site construction: This is where the cement is mixed, poured and shaped on site. This process allows the builder to customize according to the needs of the job. Unusual corners, rounded edges and such are easier to build on site and will lend to the uniqueness of your product.
GREEN Considerations:
Environmental awareness is driving research towards portland-free cements, which are not only environmentally friendlier, but also produce stronger and more durable cement. This class of cements is part of the geopolymer family, which may well revolutionize the construction industry.
When installing kitchen countertops look for adhesives and compounds that are toxic free and take care to dispose of any waste in the most environmentally friendly manner. Naturally, try to reduce, or encourage your installer to reduce, the total amount of waste materials.
