Granite Countertops: Granite has been a signal of high end kitchens for a couple of decades now, which just goes to show how wise of an investment it is for your kitchen countertops. It’s not likely to go out of style anytime soon, plus the durability of this natural stone countertop is hard to compete with.

Pros:

• Timeless
• Scratch resistant
• Easy to clean
• Heat resistant
• Lots of options
• Low end is very reasonably priced & why we don’t usually even recommend any laminates or anything ‘below’ a T1 granite
• Higher tier granite are works of art and can easily be the focal point of your kitchen

Cons:

• Seal 1-2 times a year
• Wide price range depending on your taste

Butcher Block Countertop: Although butcher top isn’t the most popular option, it’s still a classic style that many of our clients ask about. Admittedly, not many actually install it in their homes after doing some research, but since we get so many inquiries about it we thought we should include the pros and cons of butcher block countertops in your kitchen.

Pros: 

• Timeless
• Warms up any kitchen
• Don’t have to use a cutting board
• Easily sand out scratches or stains

Cons: 

• Seal with mineral oil every couple of weeks
• Sanitation issues due to the soft, porous material

Stainless Steel Countertops: Stainless steel countertops are used in a lot of commercial ktichens due to the sanitary qualities. This doesn’t mean that it’s the best material for your ktichen.

Pros:

• Sanitary
• Easy to clean

Cons:

• Fairly easy to scratch and they show- anyone who has stainless steel appliances knows stainless shows water spots and fingerprints so it’s not the easiet to keep clean

Concrete Countertops: Concrete has gained some popularity in the last 10 years or so because of the beautiful dyes and stamps that can be used to create virtually any look you desire. The issue with concrete is that it is so heavy and is usually installed on-site so it is a lot harder to change down the road.

Pros:

• Can be dyed and stamped to fit practically any look

Cons:

• Since it’s porous you have to seal it and wax it every 2-3 months

Soapstone Countertops: Soapstones is popular in England and was fairly popular in the earlier 1900’s in America. We traditionally use soapstone countertops in homes from this era when the owners want to design their kitchens to stay true to the period of when their home was built.

Pros:

• Natural beauty
• Color can change easily based on oiling

Cons:

• Scratches easier than granite but they can be sanded out with fine grade sandpaper
• Have to apply mineral oil or wax (depending on how dark you want them to be) about once a month

 Cambria Countertops: We not only support Cambria because it’s a Minnesota company, but it’s also the creme de la creme when it comes to kitchen countertops because of the natural stone look without the maintenance.

Pros:

• No maintenance and that’s why it’s used in so many restaurants and bars – and why it’s considered very top of the line

Cons:

• Expensive
• Don’t get as much ‘movement’ as you do with natural stone

The post 6 Most Popular Kitchen Countertops: Pros & Cons appeared first on Ohana Construction - Home Remodeling Design & Build in Minneapolis Minnesota.

Custom backsplash for artist to showcase their work in their own kitchen! What does your backsplash say about you?

Backsplashes are like your yard. They have to be strong to endure everything your family throws at it and steps on it with. Yet at the same time, most people would prefer it to be as low maintenance as possible and soft to the touch. Nobody likes crabgrass, or cutting yourself while trying to clean your backsplash. On top of all of that, they have to be attractive. Yards are just as important as first impressions, because that’s exactly what they are. While backsplashes are the focal point of the most important room in the house- the kitchen. Both yards and backsplashes can tell people a lot about you, if you want them to. Otherwise if you don’t, I guess that says something about you too.

So there’s absolutely no pressure about choosing the right materials for your backsplash. (Said dripping in sarcasm). Here are some rules of thumb to help build your confidence that you’ll choose the right backsplash:

Compare- Follow our Dream Kitchens board on Pinterest and other sources to find the look you like. Then research materials you can use to achieve that look and what maintenance they require. For example, many stone backsplashes require sealing every so often. If the maintenance doesn’t sound appealing to you, eliminate that material from your choices.

Glass and other unique materials can be used, but the best backsplash materials are somewhat smooth and hard finished.  Here’s a great link that goes over the best and worst backsplash materials.

Test- Once you have materials narrowed down to 2-3 options, you need to get samples to test them. Do you abhore cleaning this material anywhere else in your house? For example, I really wanted stainless steel tiles on my backsplash, but my mom told me to think first because I complained about cleaning my stainless steel appliances.

If it’s a material that you’re not familiar with or haven’t had it in your home before, then I strongly suggest getting a sample and putting it in front of your current backsplash. Observe how often you have to clean it and gauge how difficult it is to clean it. High gloss ceramic tiles are easiest to clean, preferably larger tiles to minimize grout lines. The darker the grout, the better to hide dirt, obviously. Anything with tiny nooks and crannies that’s easy for dirt to get into, but difficult for you to, should be reconsidered. Grout maintenance can be significantly more than it is to maintain the tile, so keep this in mind when choosing tile size.

We’d love to see your backsplash ideas, or help give ideas for your backsplash if you’re thinking of remodeling your kitchen!

Email us today at ryanmaggie@ohanaconstructioninc.com

The post 2 Steps to Choosing the Right Backsplash Materials appeared first on Ohana Construction - Home Remodeling Design & Build in Minneapolis Minnesota.