Make it Last with Marble Countertops!

May 14, 2013 By

First Things, First!

What’s the first thing you see when you enter your friends’ kitchens? Rather, what is the first thing that you notice?  With marble countertops, you’d better believe it’ll be the first thing your friends will take stock in.  Marble is classy, sophisticated, and elegant.  It’s sheen and brightness is awe-inspiring.  It’s durable, long-lasting, and versatile.

Advantages of Marble

Marble countertops are highly prized for several reasons, not the least of which is their beautiful appearance.

-        Marble comes in all colors and shades.  It can be bright or dark and in every color of the rainbow.  If you shop around, you can find exactly the right hue to match your palette preference!

-        Marble countertops are very easy to clean, and all but immune to water damage and germs because they are sealed with a non-porous surface.

-        Marble is a very hard stone, which is hard to chip or break. If properly cared for, marble countertops could last more than a hundred years and still be in factory condition!

 

A World of Difference

Marble is mined from all over the world!  It can be found in Britain, Italy, Germany, Spain, India, Canada, and any number of other countries.

The many seams that make up marble’s rich coloration are anything but uniform. No two marble countertops, even from the same mine on the same day will be exactly the same!  Your countertops will be as unique as you are and just as striking.

Some Drawbacks to Consider

White marble countertop

Credit-Pinterest

There are drawbacks to marble to keep in mind if you’d like to install marble countertops, but the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages:

-         No two pieces of marble are quite alike, so finding a matching piece for replacement or repair is nearly impossible.

-        While marble stone itself is able to withstand temperatures well above those used in a kitchen, the sealant covering it may be damaged by hot pans.

-        If the sealant on your marble countertops is damaged, you will need a professional to come out to strip and re-seal your marble.

-        Marble stone can become discolored by excessive heat.

For these reasons, heat pads are recommended between very hot items and countertops. If you like the idea of moving pans to and from the counter without worry, you may consider the beauty and durability of stainless steel countertops or butcher block countertops interspersed with your marble countertops.

Marble in the Morning, Marble in the Evening, Marble at Supper Time

Marble countertops are excellent for food preparation and baking, but marble doesn’t have to be limited to the kitchen.  It is also wonderful for bathroom counters, game room tables, and dining tables.

Because marble is such an attractive choice for home decor, it is also somewhat costly, ranging from $125 to $250 per square foot.  But what’s cost when you have something that can truly last a lifetime?  Your children and your grandchildren will be able to enjoy the choices you’ve made for your family home.

Talk to Us Today!

If you are looking into transforming your house into a family home that will last generations, there has never been a better time to than right now or a better place to start than with marble countertops. With Tenlist.com it’s easy to find the marble countertops that fit your style and wallet.  Just click the link and enter your zip code to get started.

Filed Under: Kitchen Remodeling Tagged With: ,

Five Tips for Maintaining an Efficient Kitchen Hood System in Your Home

May 11, 2012 By

LANCASTER, PENNSYLVANIA – Preventive maintenance is critical to kitchen ranges and hoods, as they are responsible for removing the smoke, excess moisture and grease from your home while you are cooking.

Keeping your kitchen range hood vent working efficiently requires routine cleaning, especially if you cook often. Wiping down the outside of the hood will do nothing if you forget about the fan and filters on the inside.

Just by following these five simple steps, you could increase the lifespan of your kitchen hood system and also save you and your family from a potential house fire.

1.    Soak the filters in a degreaser, rinse them with water and run them through the dishwasher. The same applies for stainless steel filters. The activated charcoal filters in a circulating vent hood cannot be washed, so be sure to replace them annually, depending on how often you cook.

2.    Use a soft towel or sponge to clean the exterior and interior of your range with a nonabrasive grease remover. Avoid putting the cleaner on the light bulb or light socket. After the grease has been removed, wipe it all down again with a rag and warm, soapy water. If the hood is exceptionally dirty, make a paste out of baking soda and water. Using a wet cloth, scrub the grease off in circular motions.

3.    Make a mixture of water and degreaser and place the metal grease trap(s) from the range and allow them to soak. If the grease does not dissolve, take a brush and gently scrub both sides until the grease comes off.

4.    Remove the dirt and grease from the fan blades with a wet cloth and a degreaser.

5.    Contact a Range and hood cleaning Lancaster PA contractor to clean the vent leading from your  hood to the outside. This should be done annually, as grease builds up on the inside of the vent where you cannot reach it.

By following these simple steps and implementing a routine cleaning schedule, you can protect your home and your family from the hazards associated with built up grease in your hood system.

Find a reputable and insured contractor for your hood cleaning or installation project using TenList or get a jump on other projects by getting quotes for everything from countertop installation to chain link fence repair.

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Filed Under: Home Improvement Tagged With: , ,