The Kitchen Worktop
The place for kitchen worktops and counters
Kitchen Worktop Materials
Jun 20th
There are many materials you can use for kitchen worktops. It all depends on your personal taste and your budget to decide what is best for you. There are four major types of worktop materials: laminate, tile, corian, and granite. Each of these types offers advantages and disadvantages.
Laminate countertops offer you a wide range of colors and designs. If you need a certain color or pattern you have a broader selection in laminates than any other material. There are many styles to choose from as well. There are preformed countertops that have a single piece of laminate that is formed over front edge and backsplash. They also have square designs that incorporate several pieces of laminate. They can have a chamfered edge for safety. You can also choose wood accents on the edges of a laminate countertop. Most laminates have to be spliced, and this is a drawback. The laminate countertop is the most affordable. It is durable and easy to clean.
Corian is an upper scale countertop product. It is a solid surface that is offered in many colors and styles. Corian is made to fit your countertop needs. It generally comes to you in a seamless design with factory cut and finished edges. Corian offers a very durable surface that has improved over the years. It is scratch resistant and does not chip easy. Corian offers a surface that is easy to clean and care for.
A bar style island
Granite countertops offer a high scale rich look. The sealed granite is easy to clean and is stain resistant. It is a high end product that offers few choices in color. Sealed granite will last a lifetime or more with little damage. It is a hard surface that can break but not likely. It is a cold hard surface that may claim a glass or dish from time to time.
A countertop is a need in every house. There are good and bad qualities in all worktop materials, and it all comes down to personal taste. Some kitchen worktops are easier to care for and some offer a lifetime of use.
Choose a Kitchen Counter Stool to Accentuate Your Style
Jul 12th
If you have a kitchen counter that has a space where you can fit a couple of stools, it’s a great way to not only expand your sitting area, but create a space by choosing some seats that accentuate your style.
Wood Bar Stools
Traditionally, bar stools were standard wood stools, with a round seat. These stools are still available, and quite economical. They work best with traditional décor.
Some newer wooden seats made for a bar or kitchen island have some different options. Saddle Seat stools are a popular option for those who would like a wooden stool with a more contemporary feel. The rectangle-shaped seat has a slight curve for comfort, and it looks very stylish.
Many newer styled wood stools have backs on them, which can make an area feel more like a casual dining atmosphere, instead of a quick eat-and-run setting. Some are very plain-styled with straight slats on the back, and others have a checker-back for a little more flair.
Metal Stools
Another option for those trying to make a stylish statement at their breakfast bar is stools made from metal. These are very popular right now and come in a variety of styles. With many kitchens featuring stainless steel appliances, a very chic and contemporary look is to coordinate the kitchen counter stools with the appliances.
a metal stool
Other metal chairs for using at a counter have a darker, almost wrought-iron look. Some feature a micro-fiber seat that is comfortable, and for the most part, cleans easily. These stools work in either traditional or modern settings, and can be found at almost any retailer.
Retro Seating Options
Retro is very popular right now, and there are always choices that can make you step back in time. Another stool that is available is the traditional diner stool that you would see in a 50’s style restaurant or soda shop. The leather top and chrome trim make it an instant eye-catcher.
The first stools were probably found in bars and pubs, so another option is to design your kitchen theme around a favorite pub stool you may find. They range from plain wood, to more upscale leather and chrome, and can make quite a statement.
Whatever stool you choose for your kitchen worktops, pick one that goes with your style, but also fits your needs. Kitchen counter stools can make a great addition to any kitchen with an open floor plan.
Cutting Board Types and Maintenance
Jul 5th
Among the types of kitchen worktops that we use is the cutting board. From the novice cook to the professional chef, cutting boards are an essential tool to have in the kitchen. There are several types of cutting boards to choose from, and each have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Wooden Cutting Boards
Many people prefer wooden cutting boards because that’s what they started using as a beginner. Until recently, most wooden cutting boards were made from a maple hardwood which resists knife marks. While the standard wooden board may be preferred, it is not the easiest to clean. Eventually small cracks from cutting can harbor bacteria and become a health hazard. Wooden boards can not be placed in the dishwasher, but can be sanitized with a bleach solution.
Recently, new wooden boards have entered the market, including a bamboo cutting board. Bamboo is a little more expensive than the extremely economical maple, but typically lasts longer and resists bacteria better than other woods.
Oiling wooden cutting boards is recommended to prevent them from drying out and cracking. To extend their life, they should be rubbed with a light mineral oil intended for food use. Other options are poppy seed, linseed oil, or you can buy cutting board oil.
Plastic Cutting Boards
Plastic is an option that many cooks choose when shopping for a new cutting board. Plastic boards come in many colors, thicknesses and price ranges. Plastic is a good choice because it is easier to sanitize, and smaller boards can be run through the dishwasher to clean.
Bamboo Cutting Board
Other Materials for Cutting Boards
Some people choose glass cutting boards because their hard surface makes them easy to clean. While this is true, the hard surface is also hard on knives, which can dull faster and actually be difficult to cut on. Glass cutting boards can double as trivets, which makes them handy to have around.
Corian, while typically a countertop material, can be used to make cutting boards. It’s non-porous, so it is easy to clean too, but it is a more expensive option than wood, plastic, or glass.
Some people use slabs of marble as a cutting board, but it’s hardness can actually damage knives. It will also deteriorate when exposed to acidic foods.
Choosing a cutting boards is a personal decision, and favorites vary from person to person. Whatever cutting board is chosen, it is important to sanitize it after each use, and replace them when cracks or grooves appear.