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	<title>Kitchen Countertop Bliss &#187; Benefits</title>
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	<description>Kitchen &#124; Countertops</description>
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		<title>What Are Soapstone Countertops?</title>
		<link>http://www.kitchencountertopbliss.com/type-of-kitchen-countertop/what-are-soapstone-countertops</link>
		<comments>http://www.kitchencountertopbliss.com/type-of-kitchen-countertop/what-are-soapstone-countertops#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 17 Aug 2008 03:36:44 +0000</pubDate>
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				<category><![CDATA[Type Of Kitchen Countertop]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Benefits]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cabinets]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dazzling Countertops]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kitchen Countertop]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[measurements]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Soapstone Countertops]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unique Kitchen]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wood]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://kitchencountertopbliss.com/?p=72</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[These types of countertops are still classified under natural stone because soapstone, like marble and granite, is also quarried. It is preferred by many homeowners for the rustic look it exudes. It’s called soapstone because rubbing your hand over it is like rubbing a piece of dry soap – not harsh and cold, but somehat [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>These types of countertops are still classified under natural stone because soapstone, like marble and granite, is also quarried. It is preferred by many homeowners for the rustic look it exudes. It’s called soapstone because rubbing your hand over it is like rubbing a piece of dry soap – not harsh and cold, but somehat soft to the touch. This doesn’t mean, though, that it is absorbent. It’s a tough countertop material but care still has to be taken to protect it from being scratched. Soapstone countertops are not affected by acids as they do granite or engineered stone, and its heat retention characteristics are truly impressive.<span id="more-72"></span></p>
<p><strong>One Of The Glorious And Dazzling Countertops: </strong></p>
<p>While many homeowners wish they had Soapstone decorating their kitchen counters, most families are unable to afford this typically more expensive home improvement material. Instead, when looking for a new way to spice up the appearance of your kitchen, more and more people are discovering the beauty and efficiency of installing Soapstone countertops.</p>
<p>With Soapstone, a variety of different selections are quarried from all over the globe, as there are 2,200 kinds of Soapstone in the world. Most of the Soapstone options that beautify the typical American kitchen often come from Italy, Spain, France, Brazil and the United States. The kind of Soapstone thickness that enters the residential kitchen is much different than the thickness required for a commercial project. Depending on the kind of look you wish to create in your kitchen, measurements for residential Soapstone countertops usually vary.</p>
<p><strong>Benefits of Soapstone Countertops:</strong></p>
<p>When it comes to Soapstone, there are characteristics that separate this material from other solid surfaces. Since Soapstone is a natural stone, it is cut from quarries into large blocks, which are then transformed into slabs, where each block and each slab carry their own individual qualities. In order to enjoy a consistent appearance pertaining to the color and movement of a slab, it is important to purchase materials that have been cut from the same block. This will ensure the fluidity of your countertops. Some homeowners are interested in Soapstone countertops because they wish to avoid the ugliness that comes with the everyday wear and tear of scratches and stains. Soapstone is known as one of the hardest materials that a countertop can be made from. Although the occurrence of scratching and staining is uncommon, it is still a possibility. This is why spills should be immediately wiped up and washed away with water.</p>
<p>Soapstone is often imported from Europe, Africa, Brazil and other regions of the world rich in natural stone. Soapstone is an attractive natural stone that will add color and warmth to your kitchen. Soapstone is an extremely hard material that will not blister, scratch or crack. The hardness of Soapstone is rivaled only be the hardness of diamonds. In fact diamonds are used to cut and polish granite. Over the last 10 years kitchen Soapstone countertops have become popular with homeowners, after first being popular with designers for decades. Soapstone is available in hundreds of colors, from various shades of white to browns, reds, greens, blues, and black. The most popular tones are brown and beige.</p>
<p><strong>Unique Kitchen Countertops:</strong></p>
<p>As well as being hard kitchen Soapstone countertops can take hot items, like pots and pans, and is very stain resistant to hot grease and oil if it is sealed with a silicone-based impregnator. It can easily be cleaned and cut for a basin. Soapstone has a cool polished surface that makes it an excellent surface for rolling out pastry dough. The polished finish of Soapstone will not wear off.</p>
<p>Kitchen Soapstone countertops are unique because no two pieces of Soapstone are exactly the same, therefore Soapstone provides an interesting design element and adds certain richness and texture to your kitchen not found in other surfaces. Kitchen Soapstone countertops can create a brilliance and elegance that is only found in nature. Soapstone adds a personality and character to Soapstone kitchen countertops that is unsurpassed. Kitchen Soapstone countertops have a natural beauty that is capable of complementing any tone of wood or style of cabinets.</p>
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		<title>Sealing Granite Slabs: Keeping Your Countertops As Good As New</title>
		<link>http://www.kitchencountertopbliss.com/type-of-kitchen-countertop/sealing-granite-slabs-keeping-your-countertops-as-good-as-new</link>
		<comments>http://www.kitchencountertopbliss.com/type-of-kitchen-countertop/sealing-granite-slabs-keeping-your-countertops-as-good-as-new#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 19 Jul 2008 09:34:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Type Of Kitchen Countertop]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Benefits]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Granite]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Granite Kitchen]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kitchen Countertop]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[slabs]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://kitchencountertopbliss.com/?p=68</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There are many finishes for sealing granite slabs. The most common are the smooth and glossy finishes. There are matte finishes available too, which are more commonly used for flooring to keep them safe. Some go for the tumbled look, which has edges that are a bit rounded. A countertop built with flamed granite goes [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>There are many finishes for sealing granite slabs. The most common are the smooth and glossy finishes. There are matte finishes available too, which are more commonly used for flooring to keep them safe. Some go for the tumbled look, which has edges that are a bit rounded. A countertop built with flamed granite goes through a torching process for a heavily textured look. Sealing granite slabs is recommended because it helps make your countertops last much longer by preventing seepage and stains from damaging the appearance of the stone. It doesn’t take much &#8211; you only need to apply a granite sealer onto the surface and let it dry for about a day.<span id="more-68"></span><br />
<strong></strong></p>
<p><strong>Other Brand Name In The List Of Granite Kitchen Countertops:</strong></p>
<p>Many homeowners are attracted to their looks. Granite is a natural substance that looks natural as well. You can find granite countertops to match almost any decor for the kitchen or bathroom. But since granite countertops are made of natural materials, you are limited in your color choices to those found in nature.</p>
<p>Sealing granite slabs come in several different finishes. These can be polished or matte look. Tumbled looks have more rounded edges. The granite can be honed for a smoother look. A flamed granite countertop is torched to give a textured look. No two pieces of granite are alike so don’t be surprised if the granite countertops installed in your home are different from the samples you chose. Only if you ask the contractor to see the exact granite they will use for your kitchen or bathroom can you be assured of the look of your granite countertops. A contractor or other home improvement professional can explain any differences.<br />
<strong><br />
Benefits of Sealing Granite Slabs:</strong></p>
<p>Sealing granite slabs can take almost any type of abuse heaped on them by busy housewives or careless children. Unlike laminate countertops, you can place a hot pot or pan directly on sealing granite slabs and it won’t damage them. You don’t need a cutting board if you are chopping vegetables on a granite countertop since it is impossible for even the sharpest knife to penetrate the stone surface. Southern housewives love to roll out their biscuit dough right onto their granite countertops without having to worry about damage.</p>
<p>Cleaning Sealing granite slabs is simple. Mild detergent or soap will keep your granite countertops looking like new. You will want to avoid abrasive cleaners and those that are very acidic. Use a soft cleaning cloth on the Sealing granite slabs and avoids using scouring pads.</p>
<p>Sealing granite slabs are expensive. To cover a typical kitchen island, the price can range from $70 to $100 per square foot. To cut these costs, you may want to use sealing granite slabs in an area that is more visible to visitors and use a cheaper form of laminate countertops in other areas. The fact that sealing granite slabs need to be resealed each year adds to the cost. It is good idea to use a professional contractor to install and reseal the granite countertops. You don’t want to spend more money trying to repair damage because you tried to do it yourself.</p>
<p><strong>Suits to Your Pocket:</strong></p>
<p>They are less likely to chip or crack while being installed. And they can take the punishment of an out-of-control preschooler who likes to bang pots and pans or the occasional can that falls out of the cabinet. Sealing countertops are naturally scratch resistant because of the quartz in the material. That means you won’t need a cutting board while chopping vegetables. However, a strong jab may scratch the surface.</p>
<p>Unlike other kitchen countertops, Sealing countertops do not have to be sealed. This means sealing countertops are maintenance free, an attractive option for the homeowner who does not want the hassle of resealing their countertops every few years. You will see seams in the sealing granite slabs. But the seams will not be as noticeable as in granite countertops, where the natural changes in color make the seams obvious.</p>
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