kitchen

Kitchen countertop contractors are not very hard to find in most cities. But you don’t want a dime-a-dozen countertop for your home; you want something that reflects your personality and the way you naturally work in the kitchen. Perhaps most importantly, you want to ensure that your kitchen countertop lasts a long time. 

When finding the perfect kitchen countertop for your home, it’s essential to research and find an experienced and reliable contractor. Kitchen countertop contractors should be knowledgeable about the different types of materials available and be able to provide you with helpful advice on which material is best suited for your kitchen. 

Here are three questions you should ask your contractor before having them build your kitchen countertop. 

What Experience Do You Have Building Kitchen Countertops in Birmingham, AL?

Choosing a contractor for your kitchen countertop project close to you can be beneficial. You can look into their past projects and ask for references from people they’ve worked with to assess the quality of their work. This way, you can feel more confident in the contractor you hire. 

It’s ideal to look for contractors who have worked with the kind of design and materials that you prefer. If you prefer a quartz countertop in your home in Birmingham, AL, you should look for local contractors who have experience installing quartz countertops in the Birmingham area.

What Materials Do You Recommend for the Countertop?

Another way to determine a contractor’s skill and experience is their knowledge of materials. Popular choices include granite, quartz, marble, concrete, laminate, and wood. Each material has unique characteristics, so it’s essential to research the pros and cons of each before making a decision. For example, granite is a durable material that is heat and scratch-resistant, while quartz is nonporous and requires less maintenance. 

It would help if you also considered the color and pattern of the countertop. Darker colors are great for heavy-duty tasks like chopping vegetables, while lighter colors can lighten up a kitchen and make it look more open and airy. Patterns can add a unique touch to your kitchen, but pick one that won’t be too distracting. 

Finally, you’ll need to consider the cost of the countertop. Typically, granite and quartz are the most expensive options, while laminate and wood are the most affordable. Shopping around and comparing prices is essential to ensure you’re getting the best deal. 

How Much Will It Cost to Build a Kitchen Countertop in Birmingham, AL?

You can find kitchen countertops at a wide range of prices, ranging from $22 to $250 per square foot. Laminate, wood, and tile are the least expensive options, while granite and marble are more costly. Prices may also vary depending on the complexity of the design. 

When deciding on a new kitchen countertop, it’s crucial to consider what material would be the best choice for your needs and budget. Investing in a high-quality countertop may save you money in the long run if you take care of it properly.

Conclusion 

Choosing the right kitchen countertop contractor is an important decision and one that you should not take lightly. By doing your research and asking the right questions, you can ensure that you find a contractor who is experienced, reliable, and able to provide you with a kitchen countertop that will last for years to come. 

Cutstone Company offers a comprehensive selection of custom-made kitchen countertops in Birmingham AL. We deliver a wide range of materials and finishes, and our knowledgeable staff can assist you in creating the ideal countertop for your space. Reach out to us today to begin your custom countertop journey.

After all the investment and planning you put into designing the most stunning of kitchens, you’d at least stay looking great, right? After all, there’s no point making your kitchen look pretty if it all falls into disarray within the next couple of days. Fortunately, keeping your kitchen clean is a lot easier than you might imagine, especially when it comes to keeping your kitchen countertops in perfect condition. However, some homeowners do not know how to treat their kitchen countertops, hurting the countertop’s integrity and aesthetics.

If you are unsure of how to keep your kitchen countertops in good condition, you’re in the right place! Today, we’re going to share with you a few tips on how to maintain your countertops:

1. Seal the Counters

You might assume that stone is impervious to spills because they’re solid objects. However, stones are quite porous, meaning that if liquids like oil, wine, and soy sauce come into contact with it, the liquid will be absorbed and stain the stone. For that reason, your countertops must be sealed if made of natural stone. 

Depending on the sealer, you might need to seal the countertops every six to twelve months. If you are unsure if your countertops are sealed, test them with some water. If a wet spot remains after leaving it there for around ten minutes and wiping off with a towel, it needs sealing.

2. Wipe Any Spills Quickly

Even if your countertops are sealed thoroughly, you should always wipe any spills off the countertop as quickly as possible. This is because certain liquids like vinegar and tomato sauce are acidic. The acids can easily etch right into the counter, wearing the sealer away and staining the countertop.

3. Use Trivets for Protection

When handling hot pots, pans, and appliances, you might assume they’re alright to be placed on the countertops. This isn’t the case. High heat can hurt the sealant and even crack the countertop. For that reason, you must use trivets to place your hot items on to prevent any risk of cracking on the countertop.

4. Clean Using a Soft Material

Whenever you want to clean the countertops as a routine, avoid using abrasive materials like scouring pads. These can easily scratch the countertop, leaving ugly marks. As such, if you need to wipe the top of your countertops, use a sponge or a microfiber cloth along with water mixed with dish soap. If your countertop is stained, then purchase some poultice to absorb the stain rather than trying to scratch it away with an abrasive product.

Conclusion

There are plenty of other tips we can share with you, such as avoiding dragging heavy objects across the countertop or avoid putting too much weight onto the countertops. Regardless, all of the above tips will help you maintain your kitchen countertops in the best condition possible, maintaining their stunning look and extending their lifespan. Just be sure to treat your countertops with love and care, and not only will your countertops look excellent, but so will the rest of your kitchen!

Cutstone Company are residential and commercial custom countertops experts trained to design and create stunning and affordable countertops. If you are looking for residential countertops in Birmingham, AL, schedule a free consultation with us today!