The kitchen is where many memorable family gatherings occur and quality time with friends is spent. This is why its overall appearance and functionality can easily make or break the value and comfort of a home. Within the kitchen, countertops are one of the main attractions, taking up much of the space and serving a useful purpose. As Cincinnati’s leading provider for building supplies, Huber Lumber Co knows a thing or two about kitchen design and what it takes to keep your countertops in tip-top shape. 

Follow the tips below for help preserving that brand new look, no matter how old your countertops are:

• Work With A Reliable Professional: Just as with kitchen cabinets, the first step to making countertops last is having them installed by a reliable professional. The quality of the materials used and experience of the contractor will make a big impact on how well the countertops hold up in the long run, as well as if they are up to the standards required to be covered under warranty should a problem arise.

• Pay Attention To The Manufacturer’s Recommendations: Countertops are made from a wide variety of materials, each coming with their own set of instructions from the manufacturer on how to provide proper care, which cleaners to stay away from, and what level of heat resistance can be expected. Paying attention to these recommendations will answer a lot of questions and ensure that the countertops are appropriately cleaned and maintained to increase the chances of longevity.

• Protect Surfaces From Heat: Some materials, like granite and stainless steel, do better with being exposed to heat than others, but it’s still not a good idea to leave hot pots, pans, or dishes on countertops for any length of time. Countertops that get too hot will often begin to crack, causing irreversible damage.

• Seal Materials When Necessary: Countertops made with materials such as tile, stone, wood, and granite should be sealed after installation and periodically throughout their lifetime. This is to keep liquids from seeping through porous surfaces, which create stains and allow mildew to develop.

Whether your countertops have been recently renovated or are several years old, you have the power to keep them in top-notch condition. Get more valuable kitchen design advice from Huber Lumber Co by calling (513) 731-4035 or visiting their website.