Discount Home Decor

Kitchen worktops take a real beating day-to-day. Subjected to moisture, spills, heat, dropped utensils and pans and any other number of things, it makes sense to choose a worktop that can standup to the abuse. One of the most durable and versatile new choices is quartz. Quartz kitchen worktops are one of the most durable and long-lasting surfaces available, and due to their unique manufacturing process, come in an astounding number of colors, textures and styles. If considering ceramic tile, a composite surface or natural stone, make sure to add quartz to your list.

A quartz worktop is an engineered stone surface. This means that quartz crystals are mixed with a hardening resin and the material is poured into molds. It is then subjected to immense pressure until the slab is cured and rock-solid. The slab is then polished to the finish desired; from glossy to a more matte look. This manufacturing process results in a surface that is non-porous, so it never needs to be sealed. This makes it highly impervious to staining and there are no special cleaners need to keep it looking new. Quartz kitchen worktops also have a higher degree of hardness than even granite, so it is also highly resistant to chipping.

There are a wide range of design and color options due to this manufacturing process. During the mixing stage, any number of pigments can be used. These pigments complement the natural glint and sparkle of natural quartz, giving the finished worktop a brilliant finish. Unique edging is also available with quartz kitchen worktops. For a simpler look, a round-over, bull nose style is used. Square edges complement a modern style and the ogee profile yields an elegant and timeless look to the worktop.

One of the biggest advantages of a quartz kitchen worktop is cost. Raw quartz is an abundant mineral and the manufacturing process is straightforward. Given its incredible durable, nearly maintenance free surface and warranty (generally 10 to 15 years), the cost compares well with stone, solid surface and even ceramic tile. It is also very easy to install so installation costs are comparable to any other material.

If you find that you just can’t stand the look of your kitchen cabinets, whether it’s because they’re obviously dated or because they’re grungy, chipped or stained, it is certainly possible to redo or replace them in a way that fits any budget. At the bottom end, you can opt for a simple paint job. Talk to the paint specialist at your local home improvement store to find the best way to repaint your cabinets. This won’t change the style, but it will make your cabinets look bright and fresh, changing the overall appearance of your kitchen. For an added touch, give them new nobs and handles as well.

The next option up is to resurface your cabinets. This means that you can have veneers added to your existing cabinets, or just that you put new doors on. Real wood veneers will make your cabinets look like they’re made out of the hardwood of your choice. You may be able to purchase used cabinet doors from a contractor or organizations like Habitat For Humanity that recycle such things.

If you decide you want to go for all new cabinets, you can go through a cabinet vendor or a home improvement store. If your kitchen fits within standard measurements you may be able to purchase pre-built cabinets and install them yourself. The upper end of cabinetry is custom built cabinets, particularly ones made from solid wood. The advantage of going this route is that you are assured of getting exactly what you want. You can incorporate all the features you like best in kitchen cabinets, with a sure fit designed around making the most of the space your kitchen has to offer. You also get to choose your door style and finish. Whatever you choose, you can be sure of a large improvement over the old cabinets you hated so much.