Pros and Cons of Metal Kitchen Countertops

Upgrading your kitchen includes many necessary changes like re-installation of cabinets and countertops. Having a new outlook for your kitchen with metal countertops is much better. Metal kitchen countertops can include copper, zinc, stainless steel, or pewter. Installing metal countertops is a great way to add pretty look and style to your kitchen. Here are some pros and cons of metal countertops that you need to look on when planning for a kitchen remodeling.

Pros of Metal Countertops

• Metal countertops have their own particular shine and look very beautiful. Its style brings a pleasing effect to your kitchen. A stainless steel countertop is preferable for a modern outlook and a copper one can give old and traditional look. Zinc and pewter gives a softer look.
• The most important feature of these countertops is that they are non-porous. So the bacteria can be wiped off easily from the surface. Certain copper countertops have anti-microbial properties and hence ensure proper hygiene.
• They are sturdy and resistant to many types of damages.

Cons of Metal Countertops

• Placing appliances and any other items on the edges or corners of metal countertops can damage it.
• As metal is not scratch-proof, you can see many scratches on the surface. Even if you clean it also, it shows more fingerprints.
• A patina may be developed by the metal countertops. Zinc ones turn in to a darkened blue-grey color. Copper turns to brownish-black with green flecks and pewter turns to a dull grey. In order to avoid it, proper sealing and polishing should be added to the countertop regularly which is cumbersome.

You can opt for these countertops if you look for a metallic luster. However, consider the care to be taken for effective utilization.

Know the Maintenance of Granite Countertops

It is not just enough if you choose the right countertop for your kitchen. You should also maintain it properly to make it functional for a long time. As you know, granite countertops are most popularly used among many other types in the United States. They are resistant to heat and stains. Hence, they last for more time. They are even available in different colors and forms. They need less maintenance. Here are some tips for taking care of granite countertops to keep them look lovely and great.

Different cleaning products are available to clean granite countertops. However, isopropyl alcohol cleans the granites in minutes improving its sheen. They should be cleaned with isopropyl alcohol added to water solution containing liquid dishwashing detergent. It is necessary to avoid using any harsh chemicals to clean them. Certain cleaners having acidic ingredients like vinegar may result in deep etching and scratches.

Apart from cleaning, you should also consider other things to make them look great. They should be sealed properly during installation. It is also recommended to reseal it once in a year. The sealer should be in such a way that it is impervious to stains. Ensure that any appliances, pans or pots are not dragged across the countertop. You can also polish the granite to remove a black or grey mark on the surface. Also, use hot pads or trivets for hot dishes.

Hence, with very little maintenance and care, granite countertops can be kept clean thereby adding color, warmth and beauty to your kitchen forever.

Different Types of Hardscape Materials Used

Hardscaping is one way of making your home look elegant. It uses all non-living materials or elements. The main benefit of hardscaping is that it does not require maintenance. Where as, different shrubs and plants included in landscaping need regular maintenance. Retaining walls, patios, driveways, porches and so on are some of the hardscaping design ideas. Different materials are used for these elements. They include concrete, stone, brick, pavers and wood.

• Concrete is the most commonly used material as it is much durable and also relatively less expensive. It can be used to take on any shape. It can be textured and stained in such a way that it matches your requirements. It can be used for walkways, patio floor and retaining walls.
• Different kinds of stones such as sandstone, flagstone, slate and limestone can be used for hardscaping. Flagstone is the most popular stone used for patio flooring.
• Bricks are used to give the classic look to your hardscape. They are more expensive than concrete.
• Wood is the other hardscape material that turns your yard to a wooded landscape. It is used to make fences and decks. Certain wood chips can be used to make a walkway.

Apart from these materials, pavers are also used for hardscaping. However, these are not materials like the above ones. Pavers are the brick-sized units used for patio flooring and walls. Classic brick pavers are red in color. They are made of clay and assembled together with mortar. Concrete pavers are the other ones which can be formed into any shape. Based on the design and your preference for hardscaping, you need to select the type of material.

Create Basement for Multi Functional Purpose

Space can be maximized by creating a multi functional basement in a single family home or small home. The members of the family can spread out and they have a chance to do different activities at home.

Suppose, you can convert the open basement space into different areas like children' play space, games table, a television area, a bar, office, etc. You can do many things in a separate room which is a part of the multi functional basement. Generally, many basements are constructed to have at least one bedroom and bathroom in a home. One can use this as a guest room or playroom. One can use this basement room as home office and crafts room.

It is easy to create a television area in the open basement layout. You can make a comfortable seating arrangement and arrange a coffee table with storage space and audio visual equipment and other things. You can use a shelving unit to divide the room into two parts to hold DVD and game accessories and other equipments. But, you should not block natural light in the room.

You can place pool table, ping pong table, card table, or other game equipment in the basement room as a part of the multi functional basement. But, you need to have enough space around the tables for people to sit or stand comfortably. That space should be enough to players to use pool cues and table tennis peddles etc. There should be good lighting. You can use such space as computer area, bar if you do not want to use it as bed room, sports room or others.

Like this basement space can be used for many purposes for many functions. By this you can get extra space.

Install the Drop Ceiling for Your Home

Drop ceiling also called as suspended ceiling. These type of ceiling can be seen in most of the office complexes. Different types of ceiling panels are available, you can choose any one from them. These type of ceiling can be good for first floor ceilings.

You can try to install the drop ceiling to change the look of your room. You will have a lower height ceiling, so it adds more beauty. There are some benefits of drop ceiling, such as:

They are less expensive ones. You can install these drop ceilings with low cost.

Drop ceiling is very easy to install, if you compare dry wall ceilings. In one day, installation process of the drop ceiling can be done.

Your basement can be made more pleasant means sound control can be done by drop ceiling.

If there are pipes, wiring, or other unsightly construction items which are hanged from the ceiling, then you can cover them by using drop ceiling. This is the perfect solution to cover them. Though they are covered, you can access to them and you can get it repaired also.

Certain types of the drop ceiling are water resistant. So, you choose them as a best choice for basement areas and other ceilings.

You can install drop ceilings in two different types of grids such as, a 2 X 2 grid and a 2 X 4 grid.

You will decide the grid pattern, after deciding the type of grid. You can design the pattern on the paper after deciding the grid pattern, then you will get an idea about how many supplies are needed to be purchased.

Modular Floor Plan Options

A standard line of floor plans are offered by modular home manufacturers to their modular retailers. You need to meet modular home retailers to make desired changes to standard manufacturers floor plan to modify a modular home.

You have to find out a licensed builder to build your dream home. Different options can be provided by them, these options make your home unique in every way. These home modifications can be from major floor plan changes to simple home changes. Now modular home owners can change their modular home's design and appearance like any traditional home.

There are some examples for major floor plan modifications, you can select from them to change your standard floor plan in your dream home, such as:

• Full or partial basement.
• Covered porch.
• Extra bed rooms.
• Decks
• Kitchen layout
• Fire place
• Handicap access
• Attached garage.

There are various modular home convenient improvements to change your standard home into Dream home, such as:

• Exterior stone or brick
• Customized cabinets
• Planned lighting and electrical
• Appliance upgrades
• Door upgrades
• Bathroom selections.

There are several options available to create your original modular home. You can add some changes to your home according to taste like renovation of front door or a change in lighting to something major like adding second floor, or basement.

There is one way to add elegance and charm to you home is stone work. You can add ceramic tile and hard wood floors to get comfort and value to your home. You can go for granite or tile to get luxurious finish.

Every change your home should be according to your wish and will. Add your taste to your dream home or finished home. There are many modifications available to your modular home.