Kitchen Remodeling Lexington KY materials play a critical role in shaping your kitchen’s style and ambiance. From countertops to flooring to backsplashes, quality materials can boost your resale value and enhance the ease of daily living.
Stainless steel resists heat and scratches, making it a durable kitchen countertop material. It’s also bacteria-resistant and easy to clean.
Wood
When it comes to enhancing your home’s aesthetic, wood is a classic and timeless material. Whether it’s used for floors, cabinets, or accent walls, wood adds character and sophistication to any room. While it is often seen as a traditional or rustic choice, it’s becoming more popular to use in modern kitchens for its durability and ease of cleaning.
Solid wood comes in a variety of species and colors. One of the most popular options is hickory. This hardwood is tough and durable, with a bold grain pattern that makes it well-suited to country or farmhouse-style kitchens. It also has a natural resistance to rot, bugs, and termites.
Another common wood is fir. While it may not be as strong or dense as some other types of wood, fir is an affordable option for those looking to add natural beauty to their kitchens. This type of wood is also lightweight and able to accept paint exceptionally well.
Plywood is another option for those looking for a cheaper alternative to solid wood. This wood is made from layers of wood that are glued together, which gives it good stability. However, lower-quality plywood is prone to warping and does not hold up to heat as well as solid wood.
Other types of wood are available, such as poplar and MDF. MDF is an engineered wood that is created by compressing wood fibers with resin. It’s an ideal material for those wanting to save money, but it is not as durable as other types of wood and can warp when exposed to humidity.
Thermofoil is a form of laminate that is a foil-like substance vacuum-sealed over MDF or other substrates. While it provides a nice, clean look, thermofoil is not as durable or easy to keep clean as wood and can scratch easily. It’s also prone to peeling and is not resistant to moisture. For these reasons, contractors do not recommend this material for your kitchen.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a widely used material that is found in many of the items that are necessary for kitchens to function. It is known for its durability and strength. It is available in a wide range of finishes and designs to fit any aesthetic preference. Stainless steel is also very easy to clean and maintain. It is resistant to corrosion, which makes it a very safe and hygienic choice for food preparation and handling.
Generally, stainless steel is considered a “green” building material as it is highly recyclable and has an average recycling rate of close to 100%. Stainless steel is also extremely strong, durable, and versatile, which makes it ideal for construction applications in harsh environments.
The stainless steel name is a generic designation applied to several different groups of metals that are resistant to corrosion and oxidation. There are four general groups: austenitic, ferritic, duplex, and martensitic. Each has its own advantages and applications. All have chromium in their composition; this is what gives them their corrosion resistance properties.
It is possible to make stainless steel with lower chromium content; however, this can reduce its ability to resist corrosion and oxidation. This is why the higher chromium grades are often preferred. Stainless steel grades are identified by a number and are divided into groups based on their composition, formability, and chemical resistance. Increasing the amount of chromium, molybdenum, and nickel increases the grade’s resistance to acidic solutions.
Typical applications for stainless steel include processing equipment in the food, dairy, and beverage industries. It is also a good choice for fabrications such as boilers, car exhaust systems, and domestic appliances. It is also commonly used in architectural construction.
Stainless steels do not require painting, plating, or galvanizing as they are naturally corrosion-resistant and do not rust or stain. They do not absorb food odors and flavors, and are easy to clean and hygienic. They are not prone to tarnishing or pitting and do not corrode in the presence of most acids, including hydrochloric, nitric, and sulfuric. The chromium content in the alloy creates a passive layer on the surface that stops further oxidation and protects the steel from contamination.
Granite
Granite is a naturally occurring rock that can be found in a wide variety of colors and textures. It is known for its strength and durability. It can withstand heat and resist scratching and staining better than most other materials. It also has the ability to be carved into unique designs and features. Because of its longevity and beauty, it has become one of the most popular options for countertops in modern kitchens.
It is an igneous rock that forms deep inside the Earth underneath a mountain or volcano when melted rock cools and crystallizes. Its high feldspar content and a small amount of quartz help it to be colorful, while mica helps it to be dark. Its color is a result of the varying proportions of minerals that are present in the granite.
The granite industry is considered one of the world’s oldest and most important industries, with quarrying operations in dozens of countries worldwide. Over 40% of dimension stone used for building exteriors and pavements is granite. Granite’s durability and resistance to weathering and chemicals make it a popular choice for long-lasting memorials, headstones and monuments. It can be carved into intricate patterns, letters, and emblems. It was also once the most popular material for paving city streets and highways.
Today, it is used for a wide variety of surfaces in residential and commercial buildings. Countertops are the most common use of this natural stone, but it is also a great option for flooring and walls. It can be polished and finished to a high sheen for a luxurious look, or it can be left with a more rustic, natural finish.
When selecting a countertop surface, homeowners should consider the size of their kitchen and how it will be used. A large kitchen can accommodate more design options, while a smaller space may require a simpler style. Other important factors to consider include price, maintenance, and appearance. Other popular options for countertops include quartz and quartzite, which are both highly durable, non-porous, and resistant to scratches and heat. They can be found in a variety of colors and styles to complement any kitchen décor.
Laminate
Laminate is a plastic material that mimics the appearance of wood or stone, but with much more durability. It’s also a budget-friendly option that comes in a variety of styles. Most people may recognize this material by its brand name. This name comes from the company that first developed this type of laminate in the 1940s. Since then, it has become an industry standard in many homes and offices.
Laminate cabinets are an excellent choice for modern kitchens because they allow you to shape the space’s mood through materials rather than decoration. They are engineered with visual consistency and durable surface quality in mind, allowing them to withstand daily wear and tear. They also resist moisture, stains, and scratches, making them an excellent choice for high-traffic areas.
When selecting your new laminate fronts, consider the color scheme of your kitchen to make sure it’s a match. Lighter colors will brighten up your kitchen and add a fresh, clean look. Darker hues, such as greys and blacks, tend to be more neutral and versatile. The textured and glossy surfaces of laminates can also offer a more refined appearance that can work well with modern designs.
Another consideration when choosing a laminate is how you want it to feel in your hand. Glossy laminates give off a smooth, mirror-like surface that reflects light and brightens the space. Textured laminates simulate the look of natural materials, like wood or leather, adding a sense of organic elegance. You can even find laminates that resemble concrete and metal, which are great options for those who love industrial aesthetics.
When considering the thickness of your laminate, choose a thicker material for added durability and stability. A thicker layer is also more resistant to moisture. Additionally, opt for a core material that is moisture-resistant as well. Look for cores that are made of high-density fiberboard (HDF) instead of particleboard, which is more susceptible to warping and moisture damage.