Cabinets and Countertops

Ceramic and Granite Tile

Ceramic tile is a kiln-fired natural clay product and is subject to shade variations. Trims can be off a shade from field. Shading in ceramic tile is a normal condition.

Ceramic tile countertops are durable and with reasonable care, will give you years of good service. Although the ceramic tile is glazed and difficult to stain, the grout located in the joint will stain from food, water and cleaning solutions. Granite tile, unlike ceramic, is a more porous tile and does require sealing, much like grout, with an approved sealer available at most local hardware stores.

Ceramic tile grouting is subject to cracking with the slightest shrinkage of lumber, and it is inevitable that this will occur during the first year. The damage caused by ceramic tile leaks can be so extensive they appear to be plumbing leaks. They can be very difficult to detect when caused by steam or condensation. Check caulking every 6 months. Remove excess build-up and completely redo from time to time as necessary.

As a preventative measure you may wish to apply a grout sealer to the countertop to reduce the chance of discoloration. This sealant product is available at most hardware stores and should be applied soon after you move in.

Most tiles used on countertops and vanities are glazed matte gloss and resist scratching. If you have a high gloss finish, be aware that the surface is subject to scratching. Bright glazed tile scratches easier than matte. Primary or deep colors have a tendency to scratch more easily. Take care while using metal cookware. The surface of tile is fired to such density that it will scratch metal and leave marks on the tile, especially light colors of tile.

Standing water can deteriorate tile and especially grout. We recommend that standing water always be removed.

Ceramic tile can be damaged by sudden impacts such as a dropped pan and by knife cuts. Avoid using rough and jagged utensils on countertops. Ceramic tile will crack if exposed to high heat such as by placing a pot directly from a burner onto the tile surface. Fine surface lines appearing on glazed tile is called “crazing.” It is caused by aging, heating and cooling. Since tile is a natural product and reacts to its environment, this is considered a natural process and part of the beauty of ceramic tile.

The maintenance of your tile counter will require that you occasionally re-grout. Normal settling will cause some cracking of the grout. You may notice separation develop where the sink meets the countertop surface and where horizontal and vertical surfaces meet at 90-degree angles, such as the back, side and end splash. This does not present a major problem. Re-grouting material may be purchased at most hardware stores.

Tubs and showers may also develop separation where vertical and horizontal surfaces meet at 90-degree angles, and where tile meets plastic, fiberglass or other material. This separation is a natural occurrence caused by the difference in the amount of expansion and contraction of various materials between hot and cold temperatures.

It is extremely important that you re-caulk these areas when separation occurs to prevent water damage to surrounding areas, walls and cabinets. It is extremely important to seal any separation or gap that could let water travel and cause possible damage. Tub and title caulk is available at most hardware stores.

Basic Cleaning Care

Ceramic tile is one product in your home that requires very little care; it is one of the easiest surfaces to keep clean. Most dirt will not even adhere to tile.

Ceramic tile walls and countertops normally only need to be cleaned with a damp cloth or sponge. For stubborn soil use a vinegar-in-water solution, detergent or ceramic tile cleaner. Never scour countertops with steel wool or cleaning abrasives such as scouring powder. Floors can be cleaned with a mop, using a mild solution of soapless detergent in water and rinsing thoroughly. For walls and countertops in wet areas use all-purpose cleaner on a soft cloth or sponge; wet down and allow to stand for 5 minutes; rinse well. For floors in wet areas use a soft cloth or sponge with an all-purpose cleaner or medium-strong solution of soapless detergent. Use bleach if there is danger of fungal growth (athlete’s foot). Rinse well.

Laminated Countertops

High-pressure laminates can be kept shiny and new looking with a mild detergent or soap, followed by a water rinse and drying. Never use scouring powders or harsh abrasives which dull the surface and inhibit stain resistance. If you find a small stain, rub it lightly with a foaming cleanser.

Indelible ink, which comes from some food packages, is a common countertop stain that sometimes comes off with an all-purpose spray cleaner. Take care in handling packages and clean up any stain at once.

Laminate counters are tough and mar resistant but can never be used as a cutting or chopping surface. Nicks, dents, scratches and scrapes will occur if your laminate tops are not protected against impact. Cutting boards should have rubber feet. Don’t pound laminated plastic countertops. The softer core materials can shatter, endangering the surface.

Similarly, the countertops are heat resistant but care should be taken to protect the countertop against extreme heat from hot irons, pots, pans, or baking dishes taken directly from an oven, broiler or burner.

Wipe up strong solutions immediately. Prolonged contact with bleaches, acetone (fingernail polish remover), mineral acids, lye, copper cleaners, bluing, iodine or dye can stain the surface. Tea, beet juice, vinegar and washable ink can be removed with an all-purpose spray cleaner (such as Fantastik or Formula 409) or a mild abrasive.

Wash your countertop with soap and water to prevent build-up and grease or dust, which dulls colors. Harsh abrasive cleaners should be avoided, as repeated use will tend to scratch or mar the surface. A limited use of such cleansers for stubborn spots, or lacquer thinner for removing paint and glue spots, will not damage the surface.

As part of routine maintenance, it may be necessary to re-caulk the joint located between the sink and the countertop to prevent possible water damage.

Use a cutting board with rubber feet when using sharp knives. Laminates, like glass, can be cut by sharp blades. Never clean the surfaces with a sharp object such as a razor blade or knife.

Marble and Cultured Marble Vanity Tops

Marble and simulated marble vanity tops are easily maintained with a few simple precautions. Steel wool and abrasive cleansers scratch and dull the finish and should never be used. Do not let burning cigarettes fall onto the counter top. Although the marble will not burn, the heat will discolor it and leave unsightly stains. Routine home maintenance may include re-caulking the joint between the vanity top and wall surface.

Caesarstone

The benefits of Caesarstone are that no sealer is required. It is stain resistant, not stain proof, because it is non-porous. It is also scratch resistant, NOT scratch proof. It is an engineered quartz surface that is consistent in appearance without the variation typical of true granite. It is frost-free, meaning it won’t crack with freezing and thawing cycles. It’s virtually maintenance free, and has a 10-year residential warranty for the original purchaser.