After a countertop installation, you must find ways to get the most out of your kitchen surface. Keep your countertops in excellent condition so you don’t have to replace them prematurely.
Types of Countertops
Granite, quartz, and solid surface are the three trendiest countertop options. Granite is cut natural stone that is designed into slabs and sealed. Quartz countertops are rock-hard with a combination of resins and ground minerals. Solid-surface countertops are mainly synthetic and are made of polyester and acrylic.
Tips on How to Extend the Life of Your New Countertops
1. Use the Right Cleaners
Frequent cleaning is the best countertop maintenance routine. Using the wrong cleaners can cause more damage than good. Avoid using bleach, alcohol, or vinegar when cleaning your countertops. Any other acidic or abrasive cleaner is also a no. Use a sponge, warm water, and mild soap to clean your countertops.
2. Use Paint After New Countertop Installation
Use paint to cover newly installed kitchen countertops to make them more elegant and long-lasting. Specialist paints or acrylic interior paints are the best options for stone countertops.
3. Install Edge Guards
Countertop installation is incomplete without edge guards. Since stone countertops crack and chip with time, edge guards help by preventing water damage, chipping, or cracking. Consult a professional to determine which countertops are best protected with edge guards.
4. Seal and Reseal
Most countertops are non-porous and do not stain easily. An extra sealant provides another waterproof layer that makes your countertop more resistant to damage. Sealants also make countertops shiny and elegant. Seal and reseal after you notice the damage.
5. Repair Cracks and Chips
Cracks and chips can develop into extensive damage over time. Prevent this by repairing chips and cracks as soon as they appear. Fill gaps and chips with resin, acrylic, or epoxy to prevent further damage. You can also consult countertop experts when the cracks and chips are extensive.
6. Avoid Activities That Damage Your Countertops
Countertops are durable and resistant to heat. But that does not mean you should use them as a cutting board. The best way to maintain your countertop is by preventing damage in the first place. Clean spills immediately, do not expose countertops to direct heat, and use a cutting board whenever needed.
7. Revive Your Countertops
A quick revitalization is necessary if your countertop starts showing signs of aging and damage. Sealing and resealing after a while will keep your countertop in the best condition. If the problems require more work, consult an expert for a refinish.
These tips are more effective depending on the countertop you have installed. Talk to a professional if you need help with what works for you.
When to Replace Your Countertops
Countertop replacement can be expensive but necessary at times. Here is how to know when it is time to replace your countertop.
1. Extensive Stains and Burns
Countertops can develop stains and burns over time. If all your efforts to scrub away the stains and burns are unsuccessful, consider replacing the countertop.
2. The Need to Increase Your Home’s Value
Home renovation is an option if you want to maximize your home’s value before selling. A replacement is the best option if your countertops are out of style.
3. Cracked and Eroded Countertops
Low-end countertops show wear and tear more easily. When the surface is worn out to the extent that you see the material beneath, it is time for a new countertop installation.
Countertop Refinishing Is More Affordable Than Replacement
Countertop installation should be followed by routine maintenance to prevent costly extensive damages that require replacement. Talk to an expert to determine the right action for your countertops and keep them elegant and more durable.
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