July 2023

The countertop represents one of the major fixtures of a kitchen and plays a primary role in influencing the overall layout of this space. There are multiple aspects to consider when installing this unit, and different homes will require different solutions when looking to find a suitable counter to meet their particular needs. Your final choice will influence the overall aesthetics of this project. It’s essential not to rush through the process when considering your options. 

Some of the things you should keep in mind when looking at different countertop designs include: 

Primary Materials 

There are multiple options to choose from when looking at suitable countertop materials. The best solution for your needs will depend on aspects such as your budget, living conditions/kitchen activity, and personal taste. Jackson WY Granite Countertops, for instance, have become popular with modern kitchens looking to instill a sense of classic elegance with their approach. Butcher block countertops, on the other hand, are a better option when dealing with an active kitchen setting involving a lot of sharp edges, friction, and hot surfaces. They’re also more flexible than their granite counterparts in terms of style and appearance. 

Installation Process 

The budget involved with your countertop will be influenced by matters such as the price of the material and labor expenses. Different counters will feature varying installation processes, which is a primary influence on the cost of labor. Concrete countertops, for instance, will require a contractor with experience in creating and setting molds. Individuals working with Jackson WY Granite Countertops should have experience with cutting exotic stone, as well as the tools necessary to accomplish this objective. Several ready-made composite solutions n the market represent an excellent solution for homeowners who would like to take a DIY approach. These counters are mass-produced and are generally designed to fit over most base cabinets. 

Maintenance Needs 

Many homeowners don’t tend to consider maintenance requirements when choosing a countertop. However, it’s worth noting that these requirements involve repetitive expenses that will need to be factored into your overall budget when integrating this fixture into your home. Glass countertops, for example, might offer some of the best aesthetics available in the market, but are impractical for kitchen use due to the maintenance requirements involved with such an environment. Apart from the usual bumps and scrapes this fixture will be subjected to, you will have to be extra careful when dealing with glass alternatives because of the fragility involved with the material. Softwoods are also not recommended as good options for individuals who live close to the sea because of the levels of salt and humidity available in such atmospheres. This will enhance maintenance and replacement costs. 

Functionality 

Another element few homeowners consider when purchasing a countertop is its intended purpose. There are multiple designs available in the market, but not every solution will match your particular needs. If you plan on using the fixture as an additional seating area, opting for a design that focuses on width over …

Tile installation has risen in popularity in the past decade or so as a result of its versatility, reliability, and wide set of aesthetics. These fixtures have been used for a myriad of purposes and in various residential rooms, but their presence has arguably been more prevalent in bathroom projects compared to other spaces. If you’re looking for an effective means of transforming your bathroom without spending a small fortune, a tiling renovation might just be what you need. 

Some essential aspects to consider when working on a bathroom Tile project include;

Porcelain vs. Ceramic Tiling 

In a report published by the research website Statista, the USA sold over three billion square feet worth of porcelain and ceramic tiles in 2020. These two alternatives are commonly viewed as siblings due to the myriad of similarities they have with their attributes. They also represent the best option for areas such as bathrooms because of their water-resistance features. One of the primary ways of differentiating between porcelain and ceramic is through water absorption rate. Porcelain will absorb 0.5% or less water in the environment while its ceramic counterparts will absorb more. However, both options feature impressive levels of water resistance, making them ideal solutions for areas with high levels of moisture. 

In simple terms, porcelain is your best shot when you’re looking to ensure high quality and durability with your results. Porcelain involves the addition of feldspar and sand and is manufactured with much finer clay, allowing for a denser and less porous material. Its brittle texture will also make it harder to break which is great for a household with lovely but rowdy toddlers. They come in a variety of colors, hues, and textures – with multiple anti-slip designs offering effective solutions for homeowners who would like to enhance safety levels with their Tile installation project. 

Alternative Glass Tiles 

Individuals looking to instill a more modern feel with their remodel can forgo the traditional porcelain and ceramic approach for glass tiling. This alternative offers a wide variety of attractive options and has become a popular choice for individuals seeking to integrate an oasis atmosphere with their bathroom. As such, hues of blue and green are the most sought alternatives, but there is a wider variety to choose from should you have your eye on another color. Acquiring tiles made from recycled glass is not only a cheaper alternative but represents an eco-friendly solution that reduces your carbon footprint. Glass tiles are arguably just as non-porous as porcelain alternatives, making them a practical solution for this part of your home. 

Glass tiles will need regular cleaning compared to porcelain or ceramic tiles and should be wiped down at least once a day. Luckily, they’re easy to maintain, and all you’ll need is a bottle of window cleaner and a clean cloth. It’s also worth noting that despite the aesthetic appeal available with this alternative, it’s never advisable to integrate it underfoot – even with additional anti-slip solutions after their installation. The risk …

One of the primary elements individuals need to consider when undertaking a tile installation project is the best option for your project. There are numerous alternatives to consider in this category, but porcelain and ceramic are arguably miles ahead of the rest in terms of market share and popularity. These two options have been featured in millions of home remodeling projects around the world because of their several attributes. 

Although they might look similar, porcelain and ceramic are not the same. Some of the aspects you should keep in mind when considering porcelain and ceramic with your Jackson WY Tile Installation include.

Composition 

One of the primary elements that categorize a tile as ceramic or porcelain according to the Tile Council of North America (TCNA) and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) is the ability to absorb water. Porcelain absorbs less than 0.5% of water in the environment, while ceramic alternatives will feature higher absorption rates. This is due to how ceramic and porcelain tiles are produced. The addition of sand and feldspar makes the composition denser than its ceramic alternative which is generally made from brown, white, or red clay. Ceramic tiles are also fired at a lower temperature than porcelain, making them less dense and more porous. 

Appearance 

Multiple studies have shown that porcelain and ceramic tiles will generally have a similar resemblance to the inexperienced eye. This is especially true when both are given a glazed finish to enhance their water resistance. For those with a keener sight into detail, porcelain generally features a smoother texture than its ceramic counterpart, allowing for sharper designs on the surface. Porcelain also tends to maintain consistency of shading and hue, while lower grades of ceramic might slightly vary from one tile to the other, generally in a very minimally detectable way. Porcelain is also denser than ceramic tiles because of its composition, meaning it’s heavier than its counterpart. It’s also more brittle than ceramic tiles, which one can usually tell by knocking lightly on the surface. Porcelain will tend to feel harder and give off a crisp but rigid texture. 

Maintenance 

The other element where ceramic and porcelain share close similarities are maintenance requirements. Both are impressively durable for their price range and can be implemented indoors and outdoors. Choosing a tile with a glazed finish is crucial in enhancing the longevity of your installation. A glazed surface is a feature with most porcelain tiles but you might need to double-check for its presence in lower-grade ceramic tiles. Both tiles will require regular cleaning to prevent the accumulation of debris and weakening of bonding agents. This can be easily accomplished with a quick sweep and mopping up with warm water and soap. Pressure washing your tiles isn’t generally recommended as it can tend to loosen individual units after some time. Stubborn stains can be handled with a hard bristled brush and some vinegar. If the stain proves difficult to remove you can cover it with a paste of …