South St. Louis County News

St. Louis Call Newspapers

South St. Louis County News

St. Louis Call Newspapers

South St. Louis County News

St. Louis Call Newspapers

Today’s kitchens need to be built to last

Americans are not moving from one home to another nearly as much as they used to, according to U.S. Census Bureau statistics.

For many, that means it is important to make sure the home they are in — particularly the kitchen — is built to last.

Fortunately, there are a number of ways to do that. For example:

• When you get down to it, a porcelain floor may sound fragile, but because these floor tiles are fired at an extremely high temperature, they are remarkably durable, lasting for decades and impervious to water, foot traffic and other things that can floor a floor.

• Use granite for your counters. These not only look good, they are resistant to heat and stains, very low maintenance and last for a very long time.

• Consider laminate for your cabinets. Laminates are low in cost, nonporous — which is important when it comes to safe food preparation — easy to clean and available in a rainbow of colors and styles.

• It is great to be good to your grout. If your back splash is tile, seal the grouting so it can stand up to water.

• Up against the wall, it pays to put the best paint possible. The higher the quality, the longer it is likely to last.

• Be smart about the sink. It is probably the most-used appliance in the house and often has to take a lot of abuse — but it still can be stylish. For example, today’s stone-composite sinks are made of a patented material that resists chips, stains, heat and the effects of everyday kitchen use and come in several attractive shades.

Durable and reliable, one brand is 80 percent granite for the look and feel of natural stone and 20 percent a patented formula that makes it even stronger than the countertop around it. Each sink comes with a lifetime warranty so homeowners can buy with total confidence.

The sink is colored all the way through, so it will not fade, even in direct sunlight, and is resistant to food acids. The advanced surface technology means it is nonporous, easy to clean and extremely hygienic.

More to Discover