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Dear Hunter,
Each month, the BOWA Home Advisor provides you with important tips on how to improve
and protect your home's value and family's safety. We hope the following is helpful.
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Contemplating New Kitchen Countertops?

Whether you're looking to replace your old countertops as part of a full kitchen
remodel or a quick facelift, you'll find there is a wide array of options when
it comes to materials and distinctive finishes. The best surface for your home often
depends on your budget, style and lifestyle. Keep in mind you don't need to pick
just one! A trend we've seen in our recent remodeling work is that many homeowners
are mixing and matching complementary surfaces in different areas of the kitchen
to achieve a truly one-of-a-kind look. The following overview of available countertop
options may be helpful when choosing the solution that is right for you.

Natural Stone

Granite still reigns supreme as the most popular choice in countertops. This beautiful,
natural stone is made up of crystallized minerals that are formed together at extremely
high temperatures in the earth's crust. Besides the vast selection of stunning colors
available, the durability of granite plays a large role in the stone's popularity.
Granite is one tough material - scratch and stain resistant, it can withstand temperatures
up to 1200 degrees Fahrenheit without damage. While granite is less porous than
most natural stones, proper maintenance and sealing are necessary to avoid staining.

Marble is another natural stone with a distinctive and luxurious look, though it
is not recommended for areas that receive a lot of wear and tear. As marble can
stain easily, care should be taken to clean spills quickly, and periodic resealing
is recommended. Also, highly acidic liquids, such as fruit juices, coffee and vinegar,
can cause etching that is not preventable with sealing. And, since marble is a softer
stone it can chip or crack easily. So, if you absolutely love the look of marble,
consider putting it on an island or baking area, as marble's cool surface is great
for kneading and rolling dough. Another option, limestone, has a natural weathered
look that can darken over time, and comes in a range of earthy colors. It does have
properties similar to marble, so care should be taken to prevent staining, etching
and chipping with this natural stone as well.

Soapstone countertops have a soft "dry soap" feel, as they are composed of a large
amount of talc. Although soapstone countertops are often seen in historic homes,
they are frequently used in modern homes for countertops and sinks. A durable,
non-porous material, it is both heat and stain resistant. However, because of its
softness, soapstone can show dents and scratches more easily than some other countertop
materials. Naturally a light shade of gray, soapstone will darken over time to
a deep-charcoal color, and also develop a patina. It is recommended that regular
applications of mineral oil are applied to this stone to keep a consistent color,
especially during the first year of use.

Natural stones can have a good amount of variation, so it is recommended that you
choose the slab in person, as the colors and veining can differ greatly from one
slab to another.

Engineered Stone & Solid Surfacing

Engineered stone, a combination of crushed natural stone and a resin binder, is
an increasingly popular choice in countertops. The majority of engineered stone
tops are made with quartz, making them extremely durable. And, recent technological
advances have made it possible for this man-made material to look more like natural
stone than ever before. These surfaces are heat and scratch resistant like natural
stone, but they require less maintenance since they are non-porous, highly stain-resistant
and don't require sealing. Engineered stone comes in a wide palette of colors and
finishes, ranging from a natural stone look to a slick, fire-engine red. The materials
don't have the natural variation, swirls and pock marks that granite and other types
of natural stone do, but some homeowners prefer the more consistent and uniform
pattern.

Before engineered stone, Corian was the only option if you wanted to upgrade from
laminate but didn't want to go with a natural stone top. Since then solid surfacing
has become much more affordable as additional brands have emerged over the years.
Solid surfacing is a man-made material, mostly composed of plastics or acrylics
and a polyester resin-like material. This allows the material to be melted together,
without visible seams after installation. You can even create a sleek look by incorporating
an integrated solid-surface sink. While solid surfacing is stain-resistant and scratches
can easily be buffed out, it does tend to be more susceptible to heat damage than
other options. A wide selection of colors, styles and patterns are available, including
stone and glass look-alikes.

Additional Options

If you're looking for a distinctive, modern look, consider a metal countertop. Stainless
steel is a very popular choice as it is heat-resistant, easy to clean, and will
stand up to dents and scratches better than other metal choices. If stainless is
too "industrial" for you, the warmer look of copper may be a better option for
your kitchen. This metal will develop a reddish-brown patina as it ages, unless
you choose to periodically apply a wax or sealer. Another option, zinc starts out
with a whitish to silvery-gray appearance, but develops a darkened blue-gray patina
with time, and is a great way to add character to a bar top. If considering zinc,
keep in mind it has a lower melting point than copper or stainless steel, so it
may be susceptible to distortion if hot items are placed on its surface.

Wood countertops generally fall into two categories. Decorative countertops, such
as islands suitable for alternate eating areas, service stations or other activities
that don't typically mar the surface, often feature a softer wood such as teak or
birch. Whereas functional countertops, intended for chopping and food preparation,
are often made from hardwoods like oak, maple or cherry. Regular applications of
mineral oil should be applied to these countertops to maintain their beautiful,
warm appearance.

Concrete is a versatile material that can be modified in many ways. Concrete countertops
can be molded into angles and curves, custom colored to match other design elements,
or include items embedded in the surface such as pebbles, sea shells, and recycled
glass. Depending on the level of detail, these custom-made pieces can have a hefty
labor-intensive price tag. Although concrete is naturally heat-resistant, it is
a porous material, and should be sealed to prevent staining.

Choosing a countertop can be overwhelming, but an experienced design build contractor
can help to educate you on your options and guide you in the selections process.
With established contacts throughout Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC, a remodeler
like BOWA can recommend showrooms where you can preview the numerous options available
and make the best choice for your home and family.
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For your convenience, past issues of the BOWA Home Advisor are available in the
"News" section of our web site [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=rfegbsn6&et=1106787574900&s=5682&e=001xHr8NwDsPKW7jH2m6CBmmDO3Y2wMhzv1fR2g62Rn8Nsu2dj1Hr-VdUR9g357JziK-_EFCqyxia_Uyob6fyxTNqQ-JHAd4rknSpS-VcdpHAHcfZpGPSMH57fWONSN4eQt].


If you would like more information on any of these topics of if there are other
ways we can be of service, please contact BOWA [mailto:info@bowa.com].


Regards,
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Kathy Kelly Hines
BOWA

kathyk@bowa.com [mailto:kathyk@bowa.com]
phone: 703-734-9050
www.bowa.com [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=rfegbsn6&et=1106787574900&s=5682&e=001xHr8NwDsPKW9N97EI9lXyUX910m3Adu1wTLpvSWja7D9dH5B6ilNno_E2agEdEZk1jeucD4tiLMU3oT4WmdZSkJFFnoY_u2Oere_TTFdXvw=]
P.S. Have a specific issue you would like addressed in a future BOWA Home Advisor?
Please let me know [mailto:kathyk@bowa.com].

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