A popular surface for kitchen counter tops today is engineered stone. Engineered stone kitchen counter tops are extremely tough, easy to maintain, heat resistant and have a number of other beneficial properties. Engineered stone kitchen counter tops are made mainly from rock particles with a little resin and pigment added.
The Benefits of Engineered Stone Kitchen Counter Tops
Engineered stone kitchen counter tops are becoming a very popular choice in today's kitchen and provide many advantages. Firstly, they are very strong and durable which is often an important consideration in many kitchens. They are also easy to install and flexible. Engineered stone kitchen counter tops are resistant to scratches, heat and burns and are very easily maintained. You can also choose a color and style that best suits your kitchen from the more natural looking engineered stone to pastel shades.
Disadvantages of Engineered Stone Kitchen Counter Tops
Although there are many advantages to using engineered stone kitchen counter tops there are also a few disadvantages that one has to bear in mind when selecting this type of kitchen counter top. If you want a natural looking surface then engineered stone kitchen counter tops may not be the right option for you as they are often very uniform in color and pattern for the slab you choose. There may also be visible seams in the placing of the kitchen counter tops. The price is another consideration for some people as engineered stone kitchen counter tops are not cheap at $100-$150 per linear foot.
How Engineered Stone Kitchen Counter Tops are Made
The first step in creating engineered stone kitchen counter tops is the collection of stones such as quartz and marble that will be used in the manufacture of these counter tops. These stones are then bound together using about 50-10% resin. This mixture is then heated and goes through vibrocompaction in which the slabs of engineered stone are created. This stone is then checked for quality and made into kitchen counter tops.
Installing Engineered Stone Kitchen Counter Tops
Although it is best to have professionals install your engineered stone kitchen counter tops, at times you may need to do this yourself. If you do need to do it then it is important that you follow the instructions exactly. In general when installing engineered stone kitchen counter tops you will begin by putting them in place and then secure them to the cabinet frame with the appropriate screws. After installing the counter tops you can then add backsplashes.
Cleaning and Maintaining Engineered Stone Kitchen Counter Tops
Engineered stone kitchen counter tops are very easy to clean and maintain, and do not stain easily. They also do not tend to grow bacteria or other harmful bacteria. Although engineered stone kitchen counter tops are generally heat and burn resistant, it is still best to avoid putting hot items directly onto the surface. Avoid using very strong chemicals to clean the engineered stone, but rather choose a cleaning agent recommended by the manufacturer for best results.
Engineered stone kitchen counter tops are becoming very popular as they are durable, strong, and easy to maintain and clean. They are however quite expensive and you can often see the seams between slabs in the counter top. Engineered stone kitchen counter tops are primarily stone particles with a bit of resin and pigment. In order to clean and maintain engineered stone kitchen counter tops it is recommended that you take the usual precautions to prevent burning or stains and use cleaners that are recommended by the manufacturer of your kitchen counter tops.
Posted by: TrustedProsSuggested Reading For You
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