Granite is one of the most popular surfaces for kitchen and bath counters because of its beauty, longevity and durability. Consumers tend to prefer granite for its natural beauty and value it adds to their homes. Granite countertops are now installed with a 15 years sealer applied to help reduce stains.
Quartz is an engineered stone consisting of quartz crystals. Quartz gives you the durability of granite with a non porous surface. There is no need to seal a quartz countertop.
Glass is an emerging competitor in the consumer coountertop market.It has been used mainly in commercial and higher end applications, but technology changes have made production more affordable. Glass is impossible to stain, made of the most non-porous hygienic material on the market and endured high heat right out of the oven. There are many more applications for glass in the home.
Marble is ideal for bathrooms, formal floors, walls, fireplace surrounds and vanity tops. Marble is not recommended for kitchens because it more prone to stains than granite.
Solid surface countertops are made from 100% acrylic. They are nonporous and stain resistant offering a wide range of colors. Solid surface countertops give you a seamless installation on the counter and also by the sink.
Laminate countertops are the least expensive of the top options. Laminate manufacturers have taken great strides in the past few years developing an extensive array of colors. Many of the colors are produced to replicate granite and other stones.
Please call to see the many countertop options available. To Make an appointment 513-404-3325
Fine Cabinetry for Your Home and Office
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2775 W US Rt 22 & 3 Suite 1A Maineville, OH 45039
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Countertops
Facts
Characteristics of Wood - No two trees are alike, no two pieces of wood are alike. How and where the tree grew can effect the frequency of mineral deposits, light and dark wood and grain patterns. The natural process can result in variations in grain and color throughout your cabinets. Some species of wood have more variation than others. Below are characteristics of wood.
OAK - Northern Red Oak is known for its predominant grain patterns that run from straight line to arched and pointed. Color and value (lightness and darkness) variations are noticeable in natural finishes. Oak is one of the stronger hardwoods.
QUARTERSAWN WHITE OAK - White Oak Is a slow growing tree: therefore, the growth rings are much closer together than red oak. This gives Quartersawn Oak its distinctive "rays" and "flecks" in the wood grain. Quartersawn Oak is cut using the heart of the wood as the edge rather than the center, allowing visibility of long radiated rays that create a rich fleck look. Quartersawn Oak will stain fairly evenly and is known for its strength.
PECAN - Pecan is one of the stronger hardwoods and is a member of the hickory family. Pecan is characterized by dramatic color variations ranging from white sapwood to reddish brown heartwood, even in the same piece of wood. Pecan will "mellow" with age making the color variations less apparent. Characteristics of pecan are pin holes, knots, burls and color streaks.
MAPLE - Maple is characterized by its smooth, even, and fine grain pattern. Natural Maple has some color variation, but is generally more uniform than most hardwoods. Mineral streaks are common in Maple and appear darker when stained. A distinct mottled or blotchy look is apparent when a stain is applied.
CHERRY - Cherry is a smooth, even grained hardwood known for its warm, rich look. Heartwood can range from deep red to reddish-brown color. In its natural state Cherry may have areas that are yellowish, green and even gray. Variations are more noticeable in natural and lighter stained cabinets. Cherry will have some sapwood, mineral streaking, fine pin holes and pitch pockets.
Note: Cherry "mellows" and darkens with age: exposure to bright or direct sunlight will cause the wood to darken and redden significantly. Make sure the sample chip or door sample you are looking at is a current and up to date.
ALDER - Alder has a straight fine textured grain similar to Cherry and Maple. Although classified as a hardwood, it is moderately light in weight and softer than the other woods listed. Care must be taken as it could dent and mar easier than others. Alder has a fairly uniform color in its natural state. Sapwood and tight pin knots are sometimes present.
Use and Care - All wood surfaces may be cleaned with a dampened cloth and clear water, but make sure you dry the cabinet immediately For a difficult situation, use a dampened cloth with mild soap suds (not detergent). It is important to wipe up spills from your cabinetry as they occur. Give special attention to product around the sink and dishwasher. Avoid draping damp or wet dish towels over the door of the sink base cabinet.
OAK QUARTERSAWN OAK PECAN MAPLE CHERRY ALDER
