Outdoor & Garden Ideas
Counter Tops Clean Shiny Inviting Choosing the Best One
Have you ever envied the smooth, sleek countertops that pervade your favorite kitchen shows? Have you ever dreamed about getting a bright countertop to make your workspace appear wider? Or have you ever craved for a countertop with enough marble to rival an Italian museum?
Come to think of it, what are countertops for? And what are countertops made of?
Countertops refer, in general, to the horizontal surface that coats kitchen counters, as well as other areas where food is prepared. Countertops also refer to any working counter, as they are installed on top of any surface, and are usually supported on the bottom by cabinets.
Countertops can be manufactured from a wide variety of materials. Selection of countertops depends upon the cost of the material, its appearance, its durability and strength, and the ease with which it can be worked on and installed.
Some common materials for making countertops include the following.
Polished and laminated granite, or other smoothened natural stones These are usually cheaper than most other materials, since they are readily available, and easy to work with. They are, however, harder to replace once they are chipped or damaged.
Marble Marble countertops are expensive, but if worked on skillfully and maintained, such countertops can last a long time. Depending on their color and veining patterns, marble countertops can also make a room appear stylish.
Wood Although not often used, wood can give a homey appearance to a room. Wood, however, is not recommended to be permanently installed on kitchen counters, as it can accumulate bacteria, especially if it is constantly used as a butcher block.
Stainless steel Most modern kitchens, especially those in restaurants, employ this durable material, as it is easily cleaned and maintained. Stainless steel also withstands most cracks and scratches. Stainless steel is also strong enough to stand on its own, and will not require cabinets to support it. This material, however, also easily takes on the temperature of its surroundings, so that children must be kept away from them, especially if the stainless steel countertop is part of a stove system.
Plastic A cheap alternative to expensive stones and steel, some countertops can be made of plastic, especially if the work to be done on it will not involve cutting or slicing.
Formica This mica-derived material is perhaps the most commonly used in household kitchens, as it is relatively cheap, durable, and can withstand scratches.
Synthetic stone Some countertops can be made of stone and resin mixtures. One strong variety of this material consists of a plastic substrate enclosing quartz crystals.
Laminates Another form of countertops include the plastic laminates. These are produced by gluing a thin sheet of laminate over durable materials, such as fiberboard or concrete.
Tile Another common material for countertops is the ever-reliable tile. Tiles, however, can accumulate mildew and molds, and can be difficult to clean.
Countertops are constructed depending on their final use. Kitchen countertops, in particular, are formed such that they have a backsplash, or a raised edge that will keep spills from falling into cabinets. Countertop faces can also be decorated, from minimalist and plain, to elaborate, depending on the users desires.
Whether youre after the down home feel of wood, or the stylish sheen of marble, choose a countertop that will fit your needs, and not just be eye candy. After all, you can be inspired to work more and better if your room looks good and just as discouraged if the surface youre working on is more a hindrance than a welcome sight.
17 of 37 Review For Fillmore 2.05m X 3.85m X 0.4m Wood Pergola
Cathy Daniels ( 2020-Jan-26 )
VERIFIED BUYER
★★★★★
I’m extremely pleased with the quality colour and design of my garden set.
Scott ( 2020-Nov-06 )
VERIFIED BUYER
★★★★★
Great service all round. The storage box feels really sturdy and great quality, and can fit loads in it. It didn’t take long to put together either.
Ashleigh ( 2020-Sep-21 )
VERIFIED BUYER
★★★★★
These are very cute. They are not very big but perfect to pair together on my gallery wall.
Ellie ( 2020-May-09 )
VERIFIED BUYER
★★★★★
This small bench works perfectly for our outdoor shoe needs and was put together in no time flat.
Treyse ( 2021-Feb-25 )
VERIFIED BUYER
★★★★★
This deck box is exactly what I wanted to hold shoes on the front porch. I put it together in less than 10 minutes. And our cat has claimed it as his new outdoor bed. Love it even more since it came in white which is hard to find.
Mamie ( 2020-Dec-09 )
VERIFIED BUYER
★★★★★
This storage box was a bit of pain to put together, and the lid doesn't close as easily as another Sol 72 Outdoor storage box I bought, but I'm happy with this purchase. It's just the right amount of storage for my small covered/screened in patio, and I like that the top is flat so it makes a good extra seat when needed.
Jill ( 2020-Jan-14 )
VERIFIED BUYER
★★★★★
I have not hung these yet. I'm looking for the perfect place but they are sooo cute. Quality is very good.
David ( 2020-Dec-11 )
VERIFIED BUYER
★★★★★
Easy to build (30 mins) by one person plus a bit of help to position the lid. Lots of pieces just click together and a hand screwdriver adequate for the rest. Gas struts work well on the lid and the box is perfect to store our recycling bags as we only have a collection once a fortnight. Recommend!
Shirley ( 2020-Oct-22 )
VERIFIED BUYER
★★★★★
Very useful bench and shoes storage for narrow space in my hallway. Easy to assemble took less 1 hour with 2 person. Happy with my purchased!
Anoja ( 2020-Nov-13 )
VERIFIED BUYER
★★★★★
Not very sturdy worried they may blow off the balcony rail in the wind. Not sure how long they will last either
Bobby ( 2020-Feb-10 )
VERIFIED BUYER
★★★★★
Not fitted yet but quality looks really good. Solid metal frame and clear glass panes. These are quite big so will let out a lot of light - just measure they won’t be too big for you before buying!
Anonymous ( 2020-Jul-15 )
VERIFIED BUYER
★★★★★
Easy to wire up, the hanging chain can be shortened and the electric cable re-threaded into the holding ceiling bracket without to much hassle.
Kendra ( 2020-Dec-25 )
VERIFIED BUYER
★★★★★
These are small footprint but medium impact. They don’t come with anything in them and I wouldn’t put live plants in them. Luckily I had some fake succulents from another decoration that I pieced out to put in these. Looks cute!
Anoja ( 2020-Sep-11 )
VERIFIED BUYER
★★★★★
Well, what can I say... delighted with our new www.boisecloggers.com Richins bench. Very sturdy, strong and easy to put together. Extremely comfortable with the curved seat and back. This has brightened up our garden and received compliments.
Luke ( 2020-Jun-16 )
VERIFIED BUYER
★★★★★
Amazing!! Looks fab in my garden
Regan ( 2020-Feb-23 )
VERIFIED BUYER
★★★★★
I ordered this for gardening tools and live in an area with a lot of rain. I am very happy with how watertight it is and how easy it was to put together. The top takes a strong person to snap into place but other than that, this is well worth it. Now that I have been using it for a while I am surprised by how cheap this was. Definitely worth it.
Anonymous ( 2020-Oct-01 )
VERIFIED BUYER
★★★★★
Easy to build. Parts just slotted together. Good quality wood. Now filled with lots of plants