3 Materials that are Harming your Kitchen (and You!)

There are many aspects to consider when it comes to renovating your kitchen, including price, durability, and the ease of cleaning. Listed below are 3 materials you should avoid for a successful kitchen remodeling best-suited for your home.

For new home buyers, replacing inbuilt parts with quality products in the kitchen is a smart investment in return for durability, appearance, and most importantly the well-being of you and your family.

3 Harmful Kitchen Materials to Avoid:

1.) Plastic laminate
Plastic laminate countertops are made using surface papers that are loaded with chemicals which give it a shiny, stain-resisting feature. Although cheap, plastic laminate scratches easily and gets damaged when it comes in contact with water, resulting in the unpleasant formation of mold. Once water ingress or chipping occurs, you will be left with no choice but to replace the entire countertop as repairing it would be impossible.

Disadvantages: Mold formation, brittle, easy scratching and chipping.

Smarter alternative: Solid surface

Labeled by many as the “near-prefect” material, solid-surface tops are non-porous (ideal for preparing food), stain and moisture resistant, available in any desired shapes and sizes to fit your kitchen, and can easily be repaired when damaged. They are durable not only in function but in appearance as well; solid-surface tops will still look the same three years after installation.

Recommended product:

2.) Sheet vinyl flooring
Although inexpensive, sheet vinyl floors are not capable of withstanding heavy loads and will suffer discoloration when exposed to direct sunlight or rubbed against rubber. The volatile organic chemicals (VOC) used in the manufacture of vinyl flooring also cause the release of toxic gases into households which may lead to the irritation of the eyes and respiratory problems such as asthma. In addition, bubbles can be trapped within the floor through seeped water.

Disadvantages: Bubble formation, discoloration, and causes respiratory problem.

Smarter alternative: Luxury vinyl tile (LVT)

Unlike sheet vinyl floor, vinyl tiles can be removed and replaced when a specific area on the surface gets damaged. It is dirt, water, scratch and stain resistant and is available in many patterns including lifelike wood grains or stones to flawlessly match your desired décor.

Recommended product:

3.) Flat paint
Flat finishes are not durable and require extra attention during cleaning. Scrubbing will result in the wearing down of the finish while causing unwanted patchy spots. While it is a good selection for living rooms, flat paint is best avoided in the kitchen where spilling and cleaning take place every now and then.

Disadvantages: Unstable and comes off easily.

Smarter alternative: High-gloss paint
Long-lasting, easy to clean, resistant to moisture and tougher to break down, high-gloss paint coats your walls perfectly.

Recommended product:

Picking the best materials for your kitchen can be a stressful process, but if done carefully, you will be rewarded with a beautiful kitchen that provides durability, safety and utmost comfort for you and your family!

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