Amazon is offering an exciting 45% discount on the Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker. This compact, stainless-steel powerhouse is capable of producing 26 lbs of ice in two different sizes every day. Perfect for both indoor and outdoor use, this machines sleek and modern design will complement any space.

Featuring soft-touch electronic controls and LED indicators, the Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker makes the process of producing ice simple and effortless. With no installation required, you just need to plug in the unit, add water, and the machine starts creating batches of ice. Thanks to its 2.3-quart reservoir, you can produce a significant amount of ice without constantly refilling it.

Arguably, the most alluring aspect of this machine is its practicality and convenience. You dont need to worry about a bulky design or complicated setup. This ice maker fits comfortably on your countertop, making it an excellent addition to your kitchen, mini-bar, or office space.

Whether you are hosting a party, having a family gathering, or looking to satisfy your chilled drinks cravings on a hot summer day, the Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker is an excellent choice for consistently providing fresh ice.

With energy-efficient operation and environmentally friendly refrigerant, this ice maker is not only good for you, but also for the environment. The built-in air outlet fan ensures the unit runs smoothly and quietly, allowing for ice production without disruptive noise.

Dont miss the chance to get this compact, efficient, and stylish addition to your beverages preparation at a highly discounted price. Access this deal on Amazon today and revolutionize your experience of having chilled drinks at your convenience with the Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker. The discount makes it an absolute steal!

This article was generated by an AI engine which may produce inaccurate information.

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Experience Ice-Making Effortlessly with Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker, 45% Off - The Inventory

Of course, there is no perfect countertop material, so even quartz has downsides. "The downside with this material is that it can be difficult to repair if you have a crack in it or a chipped corner," Jason Pietruszka told House Digest. However, cracks and chips are not common with quartz and often occur after improper installation, low-quality materials, extreme temperatures, or being hit by a heavy object. As long as you take care to maintain the stone, it should stay in good shape for years to come.

Because marble is porous, it's not always the best material for the kitchen. However, quartz's non-porous nature and some slabs' ability to appear like marble make it a good alternative. "It doesn't look fake like a porcelain slab,but sometimes it can be obvious that it is not 100% authentic marble," warned Pietruszka. "So you do have to be cautious of the product and look you are going for."

As for alternatives to quartz, Pietruszka said, "I would only ever recommend natural stones, porcelain (but only for backsplashes!!), or quartzite. If I had to pick a top recommendation, quartzite would be it. It is basically a quartz slab, but they mix in real pieces of natural marble. This ends up enhancing the look and feel of the product tremendously. You get all the benefits of using quartz, but the upgrade of having it look so much closer to real marble."

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Our Real Estate Expert Tells Us The Best Type Of Countertop Material For A Large Kitchen - House Digest

As an avid cook with a sizable collection of cookware, dishware, and small appliances, countertop space is valuable real estate in my kitchen. While I love cute olive oil bottles and salt and pepper grinders, these smaller items usually end up tucked away in a cabinet due to a lack of designated space to display them.

To make my kitchen counter more functional and aesthetically pleasing, I recently turned to a trend Ive been seeing all over my social media feedfooted serving boards. They can be used for anything, including holding small kitchen tchotchkes, organizing spices, protecting surfaces from hot dishes, and presenting food on dinner-party tablescapes.

During a recent Target run, I struck gold with this raised wooden trivet from Joanna Gaines Hearth & Hand with Magnolia line, and you can grab one for just $25 while the darker finish is still in stock.

Target

Even though I have a few serving boards already, I was drawn to this footed style because I loved how it can double as a countertop organizer when Im not using it to entertain. The elevated element added some dimension to my otherwise simple countertop setup of lined-up appliances.

The large surface area (10 by 13 inches) means its big enough to act as a landing spot for so many small items, and I like that the raised board protects the surrounding surface from scratches, spills, or hot foods. Ive found that it is easy to clean small spills like oil and spices by quickly wiping off the surface, though the brand doesnt recommend submerging it in water.

Shoppers agree, with one saying that its great for serving and displaying snacks, cheese, fruit, desserts and more. They also added that it is sturdy enough to hold even heavy serving dishes and platters. Plus, it can be used for more than just kitchen countertops. Another shopper noted that they absolutely love this trivet for decor and candles in their bathroom.

While I love this footed wood serving trivet in my kitchen, Hearth & Hand with Magnolias line at Target also has many more serving boards to choose from. Keep scrolling for a few more options that will quickly upgrade any countertop or table.

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Our Shopping Writer Loves This $25 Trivet from Joanna Gaines' Brand - Food & Wine

Twenty years ago, when filmmaker Nancy Meyers featured a honed black granite countertop in her movie Somethings Gotta Give, she set off a design trend that reverberated throughout kitchens across the U.S. Two decades later, and interior designers are reporting a black countertop resurgence. The color exudes elegance and drama while making a bold statement, says Joe Carline, a partner at Kligerman Architecture & Design. Plus, it provides a sophisticated canvas for expressing design ideas.

Ahead, design experts share why you should consider a black countertop in 2024.

Black countertops are chameleons and can adapt to pretty much any kitchen stylewhether theyre enhancing an ultra-modern design, adding drama to a farmhouse setting, or evoking a coastal chic or cozy cottage vibe. Their versatile nature allows for both an elevated and relaxed aesthetic.

Black countertops effortlessly adapt to various design styles to create a cohesive feel, says Becky Shea, creative director at BS/D, who likes pairing them with natural woods, softer color palettes, and casual decor.

Choosing complementary accessories is key to making black countertops work in any style kitchen, notes Marie Cloud, owner and principal designer at Indigo Pruitt Design Studio. With coastal and cottage styles, for example, black countertops add contrast and depth against lighter and softer elements.

Ashley Maddox, a kitchen and bath designer at District Cabinets, loves accessorizing black countertops in French country kitchens. Picture pewter-colored cabinets, funky art in vintage frames, and a large wood dining table."

Annie Schlechter

Black countertops function as a neutral, creating contrast against white or light cabinets. However black-on-black can be daringly chic, especially in a sleek, modern kitchen, says Ross Padluck, a partner at Kligerman Architecture & Design.

Black countertops can also look earthy and warm against natural or ebonized wood. I love bringing a look together by mixing an all-black painted wood island, a lighter perimeter cabinet, and a black countertop, says Laura Bischofberger, a designer at J. Banks Design.

For a moody combination, Lucy Penfield, founder and creative director at Lucy Interiors, likes to team black countertops with deep green or Bordeaux cabinetry. Its like velvet and leathersultry and luxurious, she says.

A matte finish on a black countertop offers an understated elegance with minimal reflection, while a glossy finish results in a polished, high-end look.

A matte usually works best in a more traditional setting, while a glossy surface is sleeker and looks more modern, says Padluck. I once put honed granite black countertops in a 19th-century home and it appeared as if theyd always been there. I also installed a polished black marble countertop on a bar in a contemporary waterfront beach house and it looked perfectly at home.

With a matte finish, reflected light wont compete with the details of the stone and will be easier to maintain and hide imperfections. A polished finish exudes a luxurious appeal, but I prefer to lean into a quieter, understated matte for a subtle yet impactful presence, says Shea.

Jay Wilde

Some believe a black countertop will make their kitchen feel smaller. But its actually quite the opposite, says Maddox. Black countertops add depth and dimension, opening up and visually expanding a space. Maddox suggests choosing a stone with subtle veining, as solid black can come off as monolithic, he says.

The only time you should avoid black countertops, says SethBallard, founder ofBallard+ Mensua Architecture, is if theres not a lot of natural or artificial light in the room. Things could feel a bit claustrophobic, he notes.

Strategic illumination of pendant lights, under-cabinet lighting, and statement chandeliers is important when you have dark countertops. The key is balancing ambient and task lighting to enhance visibility and prevent the kitchen from feeling too dark, along with using under-cabinet lighting and pendant lights to illuminate and accentuate the space, says Cloud.

If youre implementing LEDs, experts suggest using warm, white 2700K bulbs. The last thing you want is for your kitchen to feel like an operating room, shares Padluck.

Whites, grays, and muted colors all create a balanced backdrop when it comes to black countertops. Its called neutral harmony, where you allow the countertop to shine without overwhelming the space, says Carline.

A variety of flooring can be paired with black countertopsfrom ebony wood to black and white marble. I love a white oak floor and a bone white wall withblack countertops, shares Christina Kim, the owner and principal of Christina Kim Interior Design.

Black countertops will show fingerprints and smudges more, especially under bright lights and in glossier finishes. Look to textured materials to help hide smears, suggests Ballard. Something like Absolute Black polished granite requires very little maintenance. Adds Cloud, The good news is dirt and crumbs dont show up on black countertops as much.

When choosing a thickness for your countertops, consider your overall vision and the style of your kitchen, says Cloud. A thin black countertop contributes to a minimalist aesthetic, while a thicker one will add substance to a space and can withstand more weight.

My go-to with black countertops is a 1--inch thickness with an eased edge, says Penfield. But a -inch countertop with a minimal overhang can look great in a modern setting. Shea prefers a 2-inch thickness with an eased edge. I like a profile that adds a sense of volume.

John Gruen

Black countertops can create a luxurious and dramatic feel in places like a home office or library. Bischofberger loves one on a bar paired with brass accents, while Penfield finds them equally as elegant in a powder room or pantry.

However, Maddox doesnt recommend putting black countertops in a bathroom, You dont want to risk toothpaste and soap stains, she says.

Its all about creating the right balance using the other elements in the room. Im actually all for the moodiness! says Cloud. However, I like to pair a black countertop with a lighter or more colorful backsplash, plenty of lighting and natural elements to keep the space feeling welcoming. Carlene often introduces elements including open shelving and glass cabinets to stabilize the dark drama of a black countertop.

Vibrant colored accessories can infuse energy and prevent a moody atmosphere, while a softer hue can work as well. Consider pairing black countertops with something unexpected, like pale blush, suggests Penfield.

A black countertop can be timeless, but its important to update any finishes to keep things fresh. Replacing cabinet hardware, for example, is one way to do so, says Ballard. Its all about incorporating finishes that are trending to keep black countertops feeling current.

Better Homes & Gardens WERNER STRAUBE

Theres a lot to consider when choosing a black countertop for your home. Here, Zach Epstein, presidentand chief product officer at Artistic Tile, shares the pros and cons of the most popular offerings.

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Black Countertops Are Making a ComebackHere's How to Get the Look - Better Homes & Gardens

When you use Windex or other cleaners that are corrosive, acidic, or abrasive on granite, you risk damaging the seal that protects the stone. Without the sealant, granite countertops are prone to absorbing liquids, which can cause the stone to harbor bacteria. Using Windex once on your granite countertops might not seem like it's doing much harm, but this can take away the beautiful shine and wear away the sealant, leaving you with dull, unprotected countertops. With the seal broken, your granite is more prone to absorbing liquids and staining.

Continual use of harsh cleaners like Windex may even cause small holes or cracks, known as pitting, to form in your stone. Though Windex is basic rather than acidic like other cleaners that are harmful to granite, the ammonium hydroxide it contains is meant to cut through grease and dirt, and it will do the same to your countertop's seal.

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Using This Popular Cleaner On Granite Countertops Is A Big Mistake - House Digest

One key advantage of buying new countertops online is the convenience. Online platforms provide a wide variety of options, so you can browse and compare styles and prices without leaving the house. Some make it easy to plan the whole process out on their website, like Lowe's which allows you to order custom designs based on your measurements and schedule an installation. To ensure you are getting a high-quality product, carefully check the product descriptions, photos, and reviews. For custom laminate countertops head toHome Depot, which has a range of designs starting at $24.30/square foot. The customer reviews describe the patterns and what the experience was like with the installers. Warranty information and return policies are some other things you need to know.

Still, there's only so much you can know about a product before inspecting it physically. While online platforms provide detailed information, variations in color, texture, or quality may be tough to gauge virtually. This is especially challenging when dealing with unique materials. For example, one of the mistakes everyone makes with marble countertops is buying them online because all slabs are different and need to be viewed in person. Another potential drawback with buying new countertops online is the shipping process, which has the potential risk of damage during transit. You could probably receive a refund or replacement based on this but it would stall your renovation.

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Buying New Countertops Online: Good Idea Or Renovation Mistake? - House Digest

The appeal of Jasmine Roth's kitchen design comes from variation. Though it is common for all materials to match in a kitchen, Roth sees the beauty in mixed materials. She chose a leather-finished quartzite for the perimeter counters. The leather finish is not just attractive; it's practical, too. It does not scratch or stain like other quartz or quartzite finishes. The black porcelain of the island is smooth and mimics a more traditional countertop. She told the homeowners that it's a sturdy surface to write or draw on, since the island is also flanked by chairs.

Roth's use of contrasting colors makes this renovation pop. The combination of black and white is chic and eye-catching."I'm super excited because we have two different materials. We have that leather-finished quartzite that's going on all the perimeters, and then we also have, to kind of offset that, the really smooth, dark porcelain that's going to be on the island," Roth said (via Realtor).

Her trick shows you needn't have the finest marble for a glamorous kitchen. That is why we predict mixed-material and dual-tone countertops will become a design trend in 2024. It is a unique approach to styling a room that has seen little innovation over the past few years.

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HGTV's Jasmine Roth Introduces A Countertop Trend That's Bound To Take Over In 2024 - House Digest

Its easy to play with the styling of your interior and stay aligned with the latest design trends. Add new accessories, swap out soft furnishings, bring in a new piece of furniture, or repaint some walls. But there are some areas of your home which once designed will prove trickier to change. Your kitchen, for instance, is a big investment, and once in place, most of us would rather it stayed put for a good while.

If you want your kitchen to look as good in a few years time as it does now, youll need to steer clear of passing trends, and opt for timeless combinations that you wont get bored of because theyll always look good. With a myriad of cabinet colors and countertop materials to choose from, it can all get confusing and overwhelming, so I spoke to interior designers who create beautiful, timeless kitchens, and asked them to share their go-to combinations that youll be sure to love now, and for a very long time to come.

When looking to create a timeless aesthetic, neutral colors and natural wood will always be relied on. Theyre easy on the eye and prove a solid base to hold layering trends around. But all those color lovers out there neednt worry. The experts shared that bold and colorful can have a timeless appeal too. The secret is in choosing the correct combinations and tones. So here are the 5 modern kitchen ideas for cabinet and countertop pairings designers swear by, to help you create a space you'll always love.

(Image credit: Caesarstone)

One of the most classic kitchen color combinations of all time, a light cabinet paired with a dark countertop will always look elevated. The secret is in the balance. Keep the dark as an accent on your countertops and paint the cabinets light. Like any true classic, this look stays relevant, and designers keep coming back to it time and time again. Dark worktops are a rising trend in kitchen design, CaesarstonesHead of Design, Mor Krisher, tells me.

Im a big fan of dark countertops paired with pale cabinetry and metallic accents like brass, copper or steel taps and handles, adds the expert. If in doubt on which dark and which light colors to pick, stick to black for your countertops and an off-white for your cabinets. The classic combination is a staple of elegance in design and a safe bet for a luxurious look as long as you make sure the materials you use are of good quality (both black and white show off any scratches or marks easily, so think durability).

Pairing a dark surface with light cabinetry and flooring will help to keep the space feeling open and neutral, says Mor. This is especially beneficial if you want to create a cozy atmosphere, but your kitchen isnt vast in size, he adds. If your kitchen is on the smaller side, using a light color is a great way to create the illusion of space, while the darker accent will give a grounding feel and add interest too. Keep the combination modern and stick to off-whites for your cabinets as opposed to brilliant whites. These will look softer next to your dark countertops.

(Image credit: Erick Kruk. Design: Cdot Design Studio)

Oak is one of the most popular materials for a kitchen due to its durability, natural look, and affordability compared to other types of wood. With the right maintenance it will last for years, making it a great investment, while the natural look has a relaxed, timeless appeal.

Natural oak cabinets with light stone countertops are a classic that will never go out of style, Nicole Levin of Barnes Vanze Architects tells me. When choosing your countertops, think natural tones that wont clash with your cabinets, like beige, brown, sand or stone grey. Granite or quartz are great countertop material choices that look modern now and will stay relevant in time too, while a marble surface with veining in warm tones will always look impressive and elevate the look of any kitchen.

(Image credit: Old Brand New. Design by Dabito)

Our love for green isnt going anywhere. Derived from nature, its easy to live with, and easy to pair with other colors too. Its no wonder green kitchens are having a moment. And of all the greens that have come and gone with the passing of trends, sage is a shade so easy on the eye and natural, it feels like a breath of fresh air in a home.

A green kitchen is a bold choice, but it can have undeniable appeal especially when combined with burnished brass hardware and sleek white worktops. For the look to stay timeless, make sure the green you pick is as nature inspired as possible, steering clear from anything too artificial. Interior designer Ami McKay agrees and thinks that 'earthy green painted cabinets look great when paired with light quartz countertops'.

(Image credit: Brent Lukey. Design: Minett Studio Architecture & Design)

Right up there with green on our list of favourite timeless kitchen cabinet colors is dark blue, or navy. Contrary to what people often think, dark kitchens arent always sombre or austere, says Caesarstones expert, Mor.

While greens look fresh and natural, a dark blue is still a bold choice, but with a more classic presence, creating an expensive, more imposing look. If you love bold colours, your kitchen could be the perfect place to employ a dramatic navy tone, says Tom. Think dark and dramatic tones of blue for your cabinets. The point of this color is to create a strong look, so stay away from pastel shades that arent as visually striking.

Add an element of contrast to your dark kitchen with light countertops. White and cream accents, such as a sleek white marble-look worktop, can help to create a modern and fresh look and a deep blue kitchen is a great way to uplift more rustic elements in the room, such as a brick feature wall, adding to a striking design effect.

(Image credit: Aaron Leitz. Design: Lisa Staton)

White oak has become very popular with the rise of Scandi inspired aesthetic, and its no surprise. It's a shortcut to a minimalist kitchen while keeping its warmth, and its neutral character makes it very easy to live with. Perfect for creating kitchen design schemes that feel relaxing and welcoming, a white oak material for your cupboards looks even better when flat sawn, a cutting technique which keeps the woods unique arch shaped grain.

Interior designer Ami thinks natural white oak flat sawn cabinets and black soapstone countertops make a beautifully timeless pairing while keeping that contemporary edge. Take the black throughout your kitchen as an accent, and add black light fittings, or hardware, for a cohesive scheme.

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Green kitchens look fresh and inviting, just make sure you pick a very natural tone.

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A black faucet will make light oak cabinets and dark countertops look modern.

Nightlife Dark Blue Paint

Price: $26 for 1 quart eggshell finish

Dark blue kitchen cabinets have a timeless look when paired with light countertops.

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5 Timeless Kitchen Cabinet and Countertop Combinations These Color Pairings Will Always Work - LivingEtc

For most of us, the kitchen truly is the heart of the home. No longer a space solely used for cooking, its become the room where that family gathers, kids do homework, and where the island countertop becomes a work from home desk. With so many activities taking place in one space, creating a lighting plan that caters to every need is not the most straightforward task.

A balance of function and form is needed. Lights that are task focused, to offer clear visibility when cooking and directional lights that can be controlled to illuminate dark countertop corners are a priority, but so is the scale and proportion of the light fitting within the space. Being able to change the intensity of the light throughout the day is equally important.

No matter what activity's underway in the kitchen, from chopping vegetables or making drinks to working from home, you'll need the right type of kitchen lighting over your countertops. Interior designers share the key factors you need to consider to light yours correctly.

(Image credit: Original BTC)

In a kitchen, lighting that is multi-functional is key. Consider the ways in which you use the space and ensure you have the necessary light options to enable it all. This will mean creating a balance of both overhead and task lighting. Use a combination of overhead lighting and task lighting, such as under cabinet lights to brighten up the entire space and also provide targeted illumination where it's most needed, advise lighting experts Niki Wright and Scarlett Hampton. Wall lights and picture lighting can also help to save worktop space, they add.

Bear in mind that you will need different lighting options for your cabinet kitchen countertops and your island worktop. For an island specifically, you want to make sure you have one large chandelier, or 2-3 pendants, explains interior designer Kristen Harrison. For other countertop areas, like near the stove, or sink, I love using downlighting in the way of wall sconces. Creating levels of light gives you, not only a well-lit area, but also a lot of visual interest, she says.

(Image credit: Joshua McHugh)

They might not be the go-to option for the living or bedroom areas of your home, but in utility-focused spaces theyre one of the most useful options to give you a good amount of light over your worktop areas.

The most common way to light kitchen countertops is by using recessed lighting, or can lights, as theyre commonly known, explains interior designer Liz Potarazu, adding that directional recessed lighting is even better to illuminate even those hidden corners of your countertops. More modern installations may include directional recessed lighting, whereby you can point your light at a specific area, easily illuminating those hard-to-reach corners, she says.

(Image credit: Anna Stathaki c/o Finkernagel Ross)

While recessed lights are great to ensure a good amount of light in the whole space, and illuminate the overall area of your countertops, its the under-cabinet lighting that is the most targeted, and proves most useful when good visibility is key. Under-cabinet lighting is a sleek and effective way to illuminate your space. These lights can even be used in lieu of overhead lighting, creating an ambient atmosphere, Liz tells me.

Even illumination over a work surface is ideal, so under cabinet lighting beneath upper cabinets or floating shelves is the best task lighting at counters, adds residential architect Katherine S. White. For under-cabinet lighting, if theres an easy way to conceal the fixture, i.e. a lip at the front of your upper cabinet, then warm LED lighting tape is easiest. If you have no way to conceal the lights, small LED wafer lights sometimes called puck lights look best. Make sure you use 3000k color temperature lights or less to avoid a sterile, laboratory feel, she explains.

(Image credit: David Tsay)

When choosing the right lights to illuminate your countertops, think about the overall size of your kitchen and cabinets. Oversized lighting fixtures can provide ample illumination and make a bold design statement, but they may not be suitable for smaller kitchens or those with a more traditional style, Niki and Scarlett tell me. 'It's important to consider the scale of the lighting fixture relative to the space and other design elements in the kitchen to ensure it complements the overall aesthetic, add the experts.

If you have a kitchen island, pendant lighting is the most common way to light its worktop area, and a great way to add style to the space. Pendant lights can be individual hanging lights or one linear pendant with multiple light bulbs, explains Liz. If your kitchen is small but you still want a more designed feel, flush mount lighting above the island will do the trick. Lastly, track lighting is still common in kitchens today, particularly in more modern-style homes, she advises.

Theres a lot to think about when creating your kitchen lighting plan, and with so many different types of lights needed, designers agree theres one mistake thats very easy to make. The worst thing you can do with your lighting in the kitchen is to create shadows. Its a place where you use sharp knives and need exact measurements, so its important for it to be well lit, warns Kristen. Lighting is an absolute must, and selecting the proper lighting can be the difference in a space appearing too dim, or unbalanced, adds interior designer Breegan Jane.

With the myriad types of lights we need in a kitchen, the solution to avoiding shadows is in the good planning of your overall lighting scheme. A lot of people like a mix of recessed lighting, pendants, sconces, and under-cabinet lighting. I really try to methodically plan where Im going to place my fixtures based on how someone moves throughout their kitchen, shares Kristen, emphasizing the importance of firstly assessing in detail how the space will be used, and then selecting the optimal lights to enable all the tasks that will be carried out in the room.

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In a room where function is key, there's nothing that beats recessed lights for overall illumination.

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Under cabinet lighting is best for even illumination of all the hidden corners of your countertops.

Price: $139

If you have an island in your kitchen use 2-3 pendant lights to illuminate it and to create a designed look.

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How Do You Best Light Kitchen Countertops? 4 Tricks That Will Help You Get it Just Right - LivingEtc

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Kitchen countertops are equally functional and decorative. A beautiful countertop is a joy to beholdand to use, which makes your choice of material pretty important. Granite remains one of the most popular choices for kitchen countertops for a lot of good reasons: Its durable, beautiful, and easy to keep clean (and not so hard to repair, either). But there is one potential downside to granite countertopsmaintenance.

Granite seems like a solid hunk of impenetrable material, but its actually very penetrable: Granite is a relatively porous stone, and it absorbs water and other liquids easily. That can lead to staining and damage over time, shortening the useful lifespan of your countertops. As a result, most granite counters have to be sealed in some way to prevent those liquids from penetrating. It isnt difficult or expensive, but if you seal an already-sealed countertop youll do more harm than goodit can result in a hazy film that you wont be able to get rid of. So if youre concerned about properly maintaining your granite countertops, how can you tell when they need to be resealed?

Depending on where your granite countertop was bought, who installed it, and the specific type of granite used, your countertops may have been pre-sealed. If you bought them new, you can check the paperwork associated with themmany granite countertops come pre-sealed with a specific guarantee of 10-20 years before the seal will fail you. If thats the case, your countertops probably dont need sealing until after that has expired, at the very earliest. Realistically, though, you probably didn't keep those papers.

If you inherited your countertops or theyre a bit older, one clear sign that they need to be sealed is frequent staining. Its true that even a properly sealed countertop will stain if you leave something like red wine or pizza sauce sitting on it for a long time, but if your counters are easily stained regularly, you probably need to seal them (after a proper cleaning). Just let the water fully evaporate before you do the workthe dark water stain should fade in a day or so.

If youre not sure, there's a simple test you can try. Pour about a quarter cup of water on the counter and track how long it takes to be absorbed. Anything less than half an hour means you should consider sealing your counters sooner rather than later. If the water just soaks right in immediately, you should reseal it as soon as you reasonably can. And if the water never absorbs and just sits there forever, the seal is in great shape and you can leave it be, though you should repeat the test annually. Its also a good idea to perform this test in a few different spots.

You can also perform this test with a small amount of oil (a few drops should be sufficient), just be sure to choose a spot where a stain wont be noticeable. If the oil soaks in within 15 minutes, your countertops need sealing.

The good news is, sealing a granite countertop isnt difficult. After cleaning, just pick up a bottle of high-quality sealant and apply according to instructions. Generally speaking, this is just like cleaning your countersyou spray on the sealer, wipe it off, and then buff your counter with a dry cloth. If your countertops were very porous in your test, repeat the sealing process once or twice more for a good seal. After sealing and following instructions for dry times, repeat the water test to make sure that youve taken care of the problem. Granite countertops dont need much maintenanceas long as you keep them properly sealed.

And stop leaving your sticky wine glasses and pizza boxes lying around.

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How to Tell When Your Granite Countertop Needs to Be Resealed - Lifehacker