Corian Counter
Corian counter tops
Kitchen Counters the Latest Trend
I have visited a lot of homes since I have been with Re/Max Houston over the past 20 years. I've been selling Houston real estate now since 1981. For most of these years, I have been advising homeowners on the proper "staging" of their home in order to facilitate a sell. Heck, back in the dark ages, staging was not even in our vernacular. If memory serves me, we called it, "Hey lady, you need to do something with your home if you want to sell it." Staging sounds much more professional.
During this time, there have been a number of hot button trends that have come and gone with time. I should say, with the passing of decades. With another of my landmark birthdays on the horizon, let me just say that trends come and go. A wise seller and Realtor will be in tune with these trends if they want to maximize the value of their property much less sell it as well.
For example, in the 1980's, new carpet was a must for the proper staging of a home for sale in Houston, TX. That orange or green shag carpet from the previous decade just had to go. Peace, love and Jimmie Hendricks lives, but not if they wanted to sell their home. It was time to move on, tune in and change the carpet. Oh! That butcher block laminate kitchen counter was to die for. Try to sell a production built home in Houston then without butcher block. Forget it!
The early 1990's was all about tile. Just install tile on the floor, the counters, bathtub, walls and even the front porch and you were all set. Ok, a little wood flooring here and there could not hurt either. Now, that was staging, 1990's style.
Today, one of the significant hot-button trends are kitchen counters. What Re/Max Houston professional doesn't hear daily, "Is there granite in the kitchen," the buyer asks? Your home in Katy, Texas or Sugar Land for example, needs to have four bedrooms, a game room or media room and it would be really great if it had granite kitchen counters. While granite seems to be the soup de jour, granite is not the only game in town. In fact, you might be surprised what countertop still reigns at the top of the heap.
As you can imagine, homeowners have a plethora of kitchen counter options. Have small children? You might prefer a counter that be cut, eat, spill, and even do homework on. Ok, is has to look good too and it must fit into the family budget. Just keep in mind, when marketing a home in the Houston real estate market, the appearance of the kitchen is very important today. A nice countertop can add pizzazz to your kitchen and facilitate a sell. So, here is the "low down" on the current "up town" kitchen countertops.
When touring homes, buyers are quite surprised to find lovely stone backsplashes and-laminate counters? That's right! Hold on to your hat because laminate, not stone is still the most common material used for kitchen counters. Laminate tops are inexpensive, durable, come in an array of colors and are easy to install. Did I mention less expensive. Manufacturing technologies have improved the appearance providing a variety of looks. Many production builders in the greater Houston real estate market still rely on laminate counters to keep their costs down. You want granite? Well, here is your upgrade price.
Fifteen years ago, granite was still somewhat of a rarity. Today, due to greater availability and an increased number of fabricators, granite tops are much more common and more affordable. On the average, the retail price of a typical granite countertop will run about $30.00 to $35.00 a square foot installed. A little more exotic granite could cost about $80.00 a square foot installed. Granite is available in many colors. Since each piece of granite is unique, it is important to visit the fabricator to select the exact slabs you would like to use. Granite requires little maintenance, but you must be careful with unsealed granite being damaged by hot grease. Granite is usually installed by a professional.
Engineered stone, such as "Corian" and "Silestone," combine the beauty of natural stone and the functional benefits of a solid-surface material. They are composed of a blend consisting of crushed natural stone bound together with synthetic materials. They are non-porous countertops, difficult to stain and have excellent scratch resistance qualities. These products are typically installed by authorized contractors of the manufacturer which can increase the cost of installation. The retail price of these engineered stone products can run about $55.00 a square foot and more. A natural stone such as granite can actually cost less depending on which stone you select.
Acrylic and polyester tops such as the old cultured marble that is installed in many bathroom counters, are available now in hundreds of different colors and textures. They are non-porous which makes them excellent for food preparation. They can be formed into many shapes and sizes. Correctly installed, these products appear seamless as well unlike laminate. If burned or scratched, the damage can usually be buffed and sanded out. They are durable products, and they typically should be installed by a trained professional.
Of course, there is always tile. Tile now comes in a huge variety of colors, materials and prices. Tile does offer great design flexibility too. Granite, porcelain and glazed tiles are the least porous and work well in the kitchen environment. Marble, unglazed clay and limestone tiles are softer and more absorbent. These products are best used for bathrooms. With tile, grout is part of the equation. The proper grout material and color must be selected with the appropriate tile.
It's now decision time. As a homeowner, what kitchen counter do you install that adds value, looks nice and will facilitate a sell in the future? Oh, it must fit your pocketbook too. If we have learned anything, the answer can depend upon what decade you decide to sell your home. Today, the smart choice is probably with granite based on demand, cost and appearance. In 2010 however, it's anyone's guess. Best recommendation: install and enjoy. You are the one who has to live there now. If you have the right home in a good location, a buyer in the future will still buy your home, even if aluminum foil is the product of choice. Trends, after all, come and go.

![]() Hope Company Counter Top Polish 8 Oz. List Price: Sale Price: $4.49 You save: $0.50 (10%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionRemember how gorgeous your counter tops were when they were brand new? You can restore that deep, rich shine with this polish recommended by major countertop material manufacturers. Features
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![]() StoneTech WBS12-32 Heavy Duty Exterior Stone and Masonry Sealer, 1-Quart Sale Price: $26.95 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionAlways test in a small inconspicuous area with a 24-hour cure time to determine ease of application and desired results. Allow new grout installations to cure for a minimum of 72 hours prior to application. Make sure surface is clean, thoroughly dry and free of waxes and coatings. Surface temperature should be between 50??F and 80??F. Mask off and protect any baseboards or adjacent areas to avoid splashing and overspray onto surfaces not intended to be treated. Liberally apply an even coat with a paint pad, paintbrush, paint roller or solvent-resistant, low-pressure sprayer. Allow to penetrate the surface for 5-15 minutes; denser material may require more time for sealer to penetrate. During this time, distribute excess over entire area to insure even penetration. Thoroughly wipe the entire surface with a clean dry cloth to completely remove all excess sealer from the surface. DO NOT ALLOW SEALER TO DRY ON THE SURFACE. A second coat may be needed for porous, absorbent surfaces and should be applied one hour after initial application as directed in steps 2-3. If sealer was not completely wiped off and a residue appears, wipe entire surfae with a towel dampened with sealer. Use a white nylon pad to loosen residue and follow with a clean, white absorbent towel to remove. Do not walk on surface for at least 4-6 hours. Full cure is achieved in 24-72 hours. Clean equipment with mineral spirits. Size and Coverage Quart: 50-250 sq. ft. Expected Wear: 5-10 years Stonetech The StoneTech professional heavy duty exterior stone and masonry sealer is a superior water repellent and stain protector for all interior and exterior stone, ceramic tile, marble, limestone, granite, grout, saltillo tile, slate, terrazzo, travertine, sandstone and clay products. The liquid emits a very low odor, allowing the product to be used for interior or exterior jobs, and provides coverage for up to 250 square feet. The sealer is weather resistant, can inhibit efflorescence, is water repellant, features non-yellowing properties, and is great for building facades. The sealer also contains FDA compliant solvent and is chlorine resistant. Features
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![]() Magic American 50332005 14-Ounce Magic Countertop Magic. Sale Price: $8.96 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionAll purpose cleaner formulated to protect and maintain the beauty and gloss finish on all laminates and solid surface countertops. Recommended for Corian, Silestone, Wilsonart Swanstone, and Zodiaq. Quickly and easily removes food deposits, grease, and gr Features
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![]() 8OZ Corian Deep Cleaner List Price: Sale Price: $9.99 You save: $61.20 (86%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 3-4 business days See Reviews For This Product Description8 OZ Ready To Use, Plastic Bottle With Spray Top, Deep Cleaner For Dupont Corian Removes Stubborn Stains From All Brands Of Solid Surfaces Including Corian, Gilbralter, Surrell, Avonite, Fountainhead, Swanstone,Topstone And Staron, Remove Stubborn Stains Without A Scrubbing Pads, Penetrates Through Stains Such As Ink, Permanent Marker, Food Dye, And Even Oil Based Stains. Features
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![]() Micro-Mesh Corian Countertop Repair Kit Sale Price: $16.00 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionThis kit is specially designed to touch-up solid surface countertops when they become damaged. Kit includes four 3" x 4" MICRO-MESH SOFT TOUCH PADS. 1-300 AO white/300AO white pad; 1-600 AO yellow/800 AO green pad; 1-1500 AO peach/2400 AO lilac pad and 1-4000 AO blue/12000 AO grey pad. SOFT TOUCH PADS are made of two MICRO-MESH sheets laminated to 3/16" foam center. They are long-lasting, and easily conform to convex or concave surfaces. Use the appropriate pad to remove the damage and then work through the different grades of MICRO-MESH until you have matched your finish. This kit will handle finishes ranging from matte to high gloss. Features
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![]() Solid Surface Countertop Scratch Remover Kit Sale Price: $19.50 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionSolid Surface Countertop Scratch Remover Kit will remove damage caused by wear and tear, scuffs and burn marks from utensils, pots, pans, steel wool and non-woven cleaners. Your countertop will have a renewed and revitalized finish. Specifically for solid surface countertops such as Corian, Gibraltar, and others. High tech aluminum oxide refurbishing pads and liquid come with easy to use instructions.The kit restores matte, satin or gloss surfaces, as well as damaged areas, and beautifies your home's best investment and extends the life of your countertop. NOT for use on natural stone such as granite or marble, or on Formica or laminated or wood surfaces. (Caution: This product contains natural rubber latex which may cause allergic reactions- only the gloves are latex). Features
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![]() Somaca Hi-Gloss Stone Countertop Cleaner - Pack of 3 Cans Sale Price: $26.45 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionClean, Polish and Protect Invisible when buffed. Safe for all Stone Surfaces Fresh Citrus Scent Large 17 oz. size can Hi-GLOSS Stone Countertop Cleaner is three products in one. It's a stone surface cleaner, polish and protectant. It leaves a wax free shine and seals the surface from water or other household liquids. It works just as well on Engineered Stone countertops. There is no buildup with Hi-GLOSS so you can use it without fear of creating a heavy film. Hi-GLOSS Stone Countertop Cleaner is safe for all sealed and unsealed stone surfaces. It is deep cleaning and contains no wax. It protects your stone surfaces from water stains and household spills. The new SprayAnyWay valve allows easy application, even with can upside down. Net Weight: 17 oz (481 g) /Can *****WARNING!*****WARNING!*****WARNING!*****WARNING!*****WARNING!*****WARNING! PRODUCT CANNOT SHIP VIA ANY TYPE OF AIR TRANSPORT, INCLUDING UPS NEXT DAY AIR, UPS 2ND DAY AIR, UPS 3 DAY SELECT, FEDERAL EXPRESS, PRIORITY MAIL, ETC. THIS PRODUCT MUST SHIP VIA GROUND TRANSPORTATION ONLY!!! Features
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![]() Stone Care International Countertop Care Kit , 8-Ounce Bottles List Price: Sale Price: $22.14 You save: $6.04 (21%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionA complete countertop care kit for marble, granite and natural stone surfaces. Kit consists of four 8 oz bottles including 2 Countertop Stone Spray Cleaners, Countertop Sealer and Countertop Polish. It's a ready to use spray formula that cleans and degreases all stone countertops, vanities, walls, table tops, bar tops and even statues. It is wonderful for cleaning up kitchens and gentle enough to use every day. Simply spray and wipe. Streak free formula. Ideal for granite, marble, limestone, slate, travertine, concrete tops and stone back splashes. Clean EnCounters Countertop Spray Cleaner is designed to clean natural stone surfaces such as granite, marble and limestone, solid surfaces such as Corian, Gibraltar, Avonite, Fountainhead, Surrell, Topstone, Staron and Swanstone. Also cleans laminate surfaces such as Formica, Wilsonart, Nevamar and Pionite. Simply spray and wipe. Never leaves a residue. Degreases and cleans without streaking. Ready to use formula. Stone Spray n Seal is a water based penetrating sealer that provides excellent stain protection on all natural stone surfaces including granite, marble, limestone, slate, terra cotta, agglomerates, terrazzo, concrete, grout, travertine, masonry, stucco, ceramic and porcelain tile. It is ideal for countertops, floors, walls, vanities and can be used for all interior and exterior applications, yet it allows the stone to breathe and will not change the color of the stone. Seals against all oil and water based spills and lasts for years. The International Stone Polish is a protective countertop coating that will polish, protect and enhance the brilliant colors of natural stone. Not for floor use, the polish will protect and enhance the natural gloss of stone countertops, vanities, walls and columns. Simply apply it to the surface by hand and polish with a soft cloth. Also helps prevent staining and etching on the surface by providing a durable protective barrier. Safe for food handling surfaces. Features
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![]() Granite Gold Daily Cleaner 24 fl oz (750 ml) Sale Price: $10.74 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionQuickly and Safely Cleans Granite and Natural StoneRecommended for use Features
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![]() Big HotSpot Silicone Counter Cover, Frost (Clear) List Price: Sale Price: $14.99 You save: $1.00 (6%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Temporarily out of stock. Order now and we'll deliver when available. We'll e-mail you with an estimated delivery date as soon as we have more information. Your credit card will not be charged until we ship the item. See Reviews For This Product DescriptionSilicone counter protector, non-skid, heat resistant to 675 degrees Fahrenheit, Flexible, dishwasher safe, use under cutting boards, mixing bowls, or other abrasive tools/appliances; great in boats and RV's This silicone countertop cover offers a resting spot for hot pots to keep Formica or Corian safe from melting or blistering. However, it also protects counterops from scratches; prevents mixing bowls and cutting boards from sliding during use; and functions as a pot holder, jar opener, and garlic peeler. Measuring 11-1/2 by 11-1/2 inches square, this trivet provides a large surface area that can fully cover the bottoms of most round or square casserole dishes. The silicone material is heat-resistant to 675 degrees Fahrenheit so heat won’t transfer through the cover and a patterned surface keeps the trivet from slipping or sliding on any counter surface. This counter cover is flexible enough to roll up and store compactly in a drawer or has a hole in one corner to hang from a hook. This product is dishwasher-safe.--Cristina Vaamonde Features
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