Choosing the Grain Orientation for Your Wood Countertops

Wood can be arranged in different ways to enhance your new countertops. Not all wood has to be placed in the long planks typically seen in flooring. There are actually three main options you can choose between in regards to placement or orientation. Wood grain, depending on orientation, can affect factors such as durability, appearance, and even functionality.

If you have been looking around for wooden countertops, you may have noticed some terms that you were not familiar with, such as face grain, edge grain and end grain. These are the three main surface orientations used in creating a wood plane.

Face Grain or Plank Grain

For this option, the wide surface of the wood is placed facing upward, and the planks are placed side-by-side as they are glued down to the surface. This surface can appear smooth or indented where the planks are joined, depending on preference. For countertops, the finish should be non-porous in order for it to be sanitary and safe for food preparation.

This type of orientation is considered to be the most decorative, revealing the most grain on a flat surface. To accentuate the beauty of the grains, this countertop provides a sophisticated look by leaving a long, smooth grained surface. However, it is also the softer option of the three and is less resistant to dents and scratches unless a good sealant is applied.

Edge Grain

Edge grain is created by placing planks on their sides. The long, thin edge of the planks faces upwards, and these edges come together to make the work surface. Because this orientation is denser, it is generally more durable than face grain, making it a great work surface if you are looking for functionality in your countertop.

End Grain

For end grain countertops, the ends of the boards face upwards. The surface is formed from the wooden blocks placed next to each other. This is commonly called a "butcher's block," and it is how strong countertops and cutting boards were traditionally made. These surfaces provide a strong work surface and won't damage kitchen knifes, as the wood fibers actually separate when you cut through them. For a serious chef, end grain is an ideal choice.

Whether you are interested in wood purely for its aesthetic value or for its potential durability, the grain orientation can make a big difference. However, no matter which grain orientation you choose, wood is a traditional surface that will be a beautiful addition to your home.

Dara Summers is the VP of Sales and Marketing at Premier Surfaces, the premier source for Atlanta countertops and countertops in Alabama. Premier Surfaces is dedicated to providing the highest level of quality in both products and service. Visit Premier Surfaces at either of their Atlanta, Birmingham, or Huntsville granite showrooms.

Steps to Choose the Right Laminate Countertops

Due to the availability of a wide variety of laminate countertops in the market, it has become much easier to find one that is highly affordable and amazing. However, to find a perfect countertop, you will have to make a good amount of research. You need to keep in mind numerous factors to find a laminate countertop, which suits your kitchen the best. The durability of countertop entirely depends on the material used in its construction. Here are some basic steps that you need to follow to find the right laminate countertops.

Amount of Material Required

You first need to decide on the amount of material needed for the countertop. You need to be very cautious while doing so, as even the slightest error can disrupt the entire plan. If you find it hard to get an estimation of the amount of material required, you can approach a professional home decorator to make things easy for you.

Decide your Budget

Laminate worktops come in different types of materials and therefore, they all vary in cost. The ones constructed from resins are highly expensive and look fabulous. Therefore, those with a high budget can opt for resin countertops. However, the ones on a low budget can go for granite laminate countertops. Although, granite countertops have a classic finish, they are highly durable.

Select a Design

Your home decorator can suggest you multiple countertop designs. You may also search for some amazing laminate countertop designs on the Internet. Choose the one that you feel is best suited for your kitchen. A highly designed countertop may require you to spend extra.

Carry out the Necessary Tests

Once you come across a good laminate countertop, your job does not end here. You now need to carry out some simple tests to find out about the durability of the material. Strike the surface of the countertop with a solid object such as a vessel or a spoon to check its toughness. Always choose stain-free laminate countertops.

Countertop Edges

Countertops with wooden edges are much costlier than the ones with rounded edges. Moreover, the nature of finish also decides the actual cost of the countertop. In fact, countertops with a sharp and attractive finish may cost you more than the ones with an ordinary finish.

You need to be very patient while selecting a laminate-surfacing countertop. Just follow the steps mentioned above and you will easily be able to find a perfect laminate countertop for your kitchen.

To know more about countertops read articles about butcher block countertops and quartz countertops prices

Kitchen Tiles - It Is Necessary To Tile Your Kitchen Floor And Walls

Meal preparation is a labor intensive job that involves cleaning raw food in clean water, cutting it into edible pieces, adding appropriate amount of spices to it and cooking food on gas stove. If this is not done properly, you will fail to deliver your best. Every housewife wants to prepare delicious meals and recipes for her family but all her efforts go in vain when she finds it difficult to concentrate on her efforts. You can aid your wife in meal preparation without cutting vegetables or chopping meat. Just embellish your cooking area with decorative hand painted kitchen tiles, if you want to help your wife in cooking.

Renovate your cooking area on the garden theme so that your wife doesn't need to see drab walls when preparing meal. It is very irritating to see dull walls and floor when you are doing a tedious job like cutting or chopping raw food. Colorful walls can take away the stress of cooking from your body and mind and for this reason you should consider renovating your cooking area with attractive kitchen tiles like ceramic slabs, majestic white marble, travertine and granite. A wide variety of slabs is available in the market and you won't find any hassle in selecting the right flooring for your home.

There are many advantages of renovating the cooking area with kitchen tiles. The main benefit of tiling the floor and walls is that the slabs will make the cooking area germ free. Slabs display high resilience towards moisture, dust, dirt and grime. They won't let the moisture, soil, spices and minor food particles to set on the floor and make it a germ breeding ground. Housewives inadvertently spill food pieces, spices and oil on the floor when preparing meal. One can't stop food particles from falling on the ground but one can make one's floor spill proof by installing slabs on the floor.

You need not to spend a lot of money in buying kitchen tiles as there are slabs that are beautiful, durable and cost effective. Homeowners with budget constraints should select ceramic slabs that are in no way inferior to marble, granite or any other flooring. If you are willing to spend some extra dollars then go for granite flooring. Marble slabs can also be a better choice but marble being a porous stone can absorb moisture and thus make the cooking area look dirty.

Tim Beyers is an expert in interior designing especially tiling. He possesses immense knowledge on tiles, their varieties, installation, cleaning and maintenance. His articles work as a lighthouse for home owners wandering in the market in search of quality tiles. Know more about Kitchen Tiles and Ceramic Kitchen Tiles