April 20, 2020 By

The Ins and Outs of Disinfecting Your Kitchen

laminate-countertopsYour kitchen is the heart of your home. It’s where you cook, entertain, and feed your family. Keeping your family safe and clean from bacteria and viruses keeps your family healthy and safe. Whether you have solid surface, marble, or laminate countertops, find out right now how you can keep your kitchen germ-free.

Clean Your Kitchen Daily

This may go without saying, but you need to clean your kitchen daily. If you have porous surfaces, you need to watch for growth of bacteria, mold, and viruses more vigilantly. Non-porous materials like laminate countertops require less maintenance.

Clean regularly with disinfectant wipes. Some materials need just a soft towel and regular soap. Because viruses and bacteria may stay on surface for hours or even days, regular cleaning will ensure that you eliminate germs from your home.

Here is a simple breakdown of recommended cleaners for each type of countertop. Be sure to print this list and keep it in your kitchen for easy reference:

  • Solid Surface: Clean the solid surface countertop using a gentle microfiber cloth. Wipe the countertop each day. For stains, avoid harsh cleaners. Instead use mild dish soap with fresh water. Avoid water spots by using a towel to dry any moisture. You can also use glass cleaner or ammonia on solid surface countertops.
  • Laminate: Use dish soap and water. Use a microfiber cloth or clean soft cloth. Wipe down the counter daily. Rinse the cloth in fresh water.
  • Quartz: Wipe down each day. Use washcloth dipped in soapy warm water. Rinse in clean water. Wipe away any soap.
  • Marble: Use a marble cleaner. If you do not have marble cleaner, then use a non-abrasive dish soap. Use warm water in a spray bottle. Cover the marble with water and scrub very, very gently. Wipe any water with a soft cloth until all water is wiped up.
  • Corian Countertops: Use an ammonia based cleaner. Do not use window cleaner. Clean with a damp cloth. Use a circular motion.

How to Disinfect Your Kitchen

Bleach works great on almost all surfaces. Bleach works well on quartz. However, your laminate, Formica, and older vintage countertops might be damaged by bleach. If you combine diluted bleach with 70% isopropyl alcohol, most viruses and bacteria will be eliminated, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Should I Use Vinegar?

While vinegar does clean to some extent, vinegar will not eliminate viruses and bacteria. If you are looking to disinfect your kitchen, opt for disinfectant wipes, bleach, and similar cleaning products.

Wash Your Hands

Don’t forget to wash your hands after cleaning and disinfecting your kitchen. You can use disposable gloves if you want. However, regular soap and water will do.

Other Cleaning Tips

Here is a short list of other ways you can disinfect your kitchen. Eliminate bacteria, fungus, and viruses.

  • Disinfect nonporous food containers like glass and metal with disinfectant wipes
  • Move foods to clean containers
  • Run dishwasher on sanitizing setting
  • Leave newly bought packages out of the way for a few days before use
  • Rinse all produce
  • Always wash your hands, especially before serving food or when doing food prep and cooking
  • Encourage family members to wash their hands
  • Keep clean towels in the kitchen for hand use
  • Disinfect any utensils or cutting boards that come into contact with raw meat or raw eggs
  • Replace outdated cutting boards

Contact the Counter Experts at Solid Surface Canada

Ready to replace or refurbish your outdated countertop? Trust the experienced experts at Solid Surface Canada. We pride ourselves on the best customer service in Toronto. Solid Surface Canada has the widest selection of countertops, custom store fixtures, custom cabinetry, kitchens, dental cabinets, and so much more. Call us today. We are ready

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February 19, 2020 By

4 Best Kitchen Countertops 2020

kitchen-countertops-ideasReady to choose the right countertop for your home? With so many options like solid surface, quartz, and other materials, how can you choose? For over fifty years, solid surface countertops have durability and a versatile number of styles. Be inspired with these kitchen countertop ideas.

What is Solid Surface?

When looking at the best kitchen countertops for 2020, consider solid surface countertops. This durable countertop mimics natural stone but is non-porous. Unlike bouncy laminates, solid surface countertops do not crack or break easily. The material continues from top to bottom, making it more durable under the impact. Want to make a statement? Fortunately, solid surface comes in a variety of styles and colors that will match any of your exciting kitchen countertops ideas.

Solid surface countertops can withstand heat. Homeowners should use a cutting board if they have solid surface countertops. Hot pans may damage the surface if they have a very high temperature. The non-porous nature of solid surface means that cleaning and maintenance are easy.

Wood Surfaces

While wood surfaces can be beautiful they require regular maintenance to maintain their look. Wood can be hard to clean and may get slimy over time. Porous wood does not withstand damage or spills as well as a solid surface.

Granite and Marble

Some homeowners like the luxurious look of granite or marble countertops. This costly option does crack like natural stone.

Tile Countertops

Another popular option this year includes tile countertops. This ornamental option withstands heat. While a beautiful option, tile will chip easily. Heavy impacts can crack the tile. Grout lines need proper sealing to prevent staining from spilled liquids or coffee.

Contact Us

Since 2001 Solid Surface Canada has provided superior solid surface fabrication and installation. We pride ourselves on our attention to detail and adherence to the highest of industry standards. Contact our experienced team today about your kitchen countertop needs. We provide an extensive array of exciting styles, colors, and designs perfect for every homeowner and budget. Trust us to build the kitchen of your dreams. Call us today.

 

 

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February 1, 2020 By

25 Minimalist Countertop Ideas for 2020

countertopsWhether you own a home, have a small business or run a large restaurant chain, you make a first impression the minute someone walks through your door. The right countertops make a statement about your home or business. You want surfaces that emphasize both elegance and functionality, as well as your individual taste. Explore this year’s trending Minimalist design ideas.

Breaking Down Minimalist Design

When we discuss minimalism in interior design, we refer to the old axiom “less is more”. In minimalist design clean simplicity and elegance have priority over the superfluous. In other words, clean countertops in muted colors, neutral tones, and clean lines demonstrate elegance and order. A commercial retail space, office, or home that emphasizes simplicity denotes professionalism and class.

Top Trending Design Ideas

When selecting the right materials for your minimalist design, you can choose from a wide variety of countertop options. Enjoy a great array of colors and styles. Here are the most popular minimalist ideas:

  1. Solid surface neutral tone countertops contrasted with dark cabinets and fixtures
  2. Custom task lighting to maximize utility and elegance
  3. Metallic fixtures in mixed styles
  4. Monochromatic palette in matte charcoal, marble, and white
  5. Accent with natural materials, woods, and unique organic designs
  6. Install a statement chandelier
  7. Leave spaces blank or simply add sparse vases in dark colors to surfaces
  8. Add beautiful geometric art prints
  9. Place lovely vases of lush greenery strategically around the space
  10. Install colorful toe-kick lights or under cabinet lighting for extra elegance
  11. Carefully select which items to display in your home
  12. Avoid cluttering counters and shelving
  13. Coordinate the flow and layout of your space
  14. Choose antique glass materials
  15. Contrast neutral walls and flooring with bold bright countertop colors
  16. Curved and organically shaped counters
  17. Ergonomic design in opal
  18. Simple lines and geometric
  19. Avoid harsh patterns
  20. Use recycled materials
  21. Install stainless steel fixtures
  22. Include hidden storage to reduce mess
  23. Make stunning statements with unique custom shapes
  24. Tastefully combine glass displays with elegant lighting
  25. Always have the guest experience in mind

As you can see, there are countless ways to create an elegant clean minimalist look in your home or business. The minimalist style has the advantage of being easy to maintain and to perpetually looking classy. Unlike other styles like Boho, maximalist, or shabby chic, this clean design is timeless. Combine this style with an industrial look or Scandinavian furniture for a twist.

The Premier Design Professionals

Contact the seasoned design professionals at Solid Surface Canada today. Our friendly staff will happily answer any of your questions. We work with any project, large or small. We pride ourselves on superior artistry and craftsmanship. Call us today.

 

 

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July 19, 2019 By

4 Ways To Make Kitchen Cleanup Easier

4 ways to make kitchen cleanup easierYour kitchen is the life of your home. It’s where everyone gathers to share stories from their day. To unwind and savor the fruits of their labor. But after a shared meal together, there’s the unfortunate necessity of cleaning up. We’re here to help make kitchen cleanup easier for you.

Start with the right surface

First, what are your kitchen countertops made of? There are a lot of unique countertop choices, but not all of them make sense for cleaning. Ideally, you should be able to wipe them clean and not worry about gross germs being stuck in the surface. Solid Surface is an ideal choice. Because there are no cracks or even grout lines to contend with, kitchen cleanup is easier than ever. You can wash the Solid Surface counters down and not worry about anything remaining behind.

Clean as you go

Are you the kind of home cook that produces a beautiful meal, only to leave the massive mess for later? While it might seem like you have no time to clean while preparing your savory dishes, a little can go a long way. Take the few seconds during prep to wipe down a counter or start the soaking process of a pan. Once you become more aware of what can be quickly cleaned, the easier it is to incorporate into your cooking process.

Enlist help

Are there children running around after dinner? It’s never too early to start working on chores. Simple dish drying is always an easy task. Even a toddler can unload the dishwasher with proper supervision. And, if kitchen cleanup is part of the everyday tasks, kids will come to accept its natural order. Furthermore, as they become older, you can add more duties to their list. It’s important for kids to take part in the family household, moreover, the kitchen is the perfect place to start.

Be prepared

Do you have leftovers? Do they need to be transferred to a new serving dish, or can they be served from their container? What can you make ahead of time for a large dinner that can cut down on clean up later on? These little details can quickly add up in saved time.

One other factor of preparation is in the waste regime. Many cities have now adopted a green waste program, which allows you to ‘recycle’ kitchen scraps. Do you have a designated pail for this? What about recyclables? Can they separate easily? If you have a compost in the garden, keep a container next to your food prep to quickly place vegetable peels into it for later. There are many ways to decrease the amount of garbage we produce; you just need to have a system in place ahead of time.

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May 19, 2019 By

What Solid Surface Means For High End Retail

what solid surface means for high end retailIf you’ve ever been to Paris, chances are you’ve strolled through the Galleries Lafayette. You probably didn’t buy anything, but it was nice enough just to see how the other half lives. Galleries Lafayette has expanded into Shanghai, China, and with it, they have brought solid surface to create the high end retail look you all know and love.

Crisp aesthetic

High end retail is all about presentation. Clothes are sparser and hung on individual racks. It’s not about bulk buying as it is about buying signature pieces. There is an eye for every detail, and that includes the architecture within the building itself.

Solid surface is able to create whatever look you want. No matter what color or design, there is a sold surface for you. It’s lack of lines also makes it appealing. Who wants to see where two pieces were fused when you can just see a seamless countertop instead?

Wall to wall to wall

Inside the Galleries Lafayette in Shanghai, solid surface can be found in so many areas. The giant columns that anchor the store are all made from solid surface in an elegant glacier white color. The retail countertops allow you to complete your purchase with that same regal look as when you walked through the door. Even the elevator cladding uses solid surface for that seamless, high end look.

Time to rest

Every inch of the Galleries Lafayette was constructed with detail which makes it no surprise that the washrooms were, too. Inside all the washrooms and the nursing room, solid surface is used for an elegant look. The seamless countertops ensure that you never forget that you are indeed inside a high end place.

A window to the heavens

If you aren’t completely bombarded by the beauty inside the Galleries Lafayette, take a moment to look up. Atop the main arcade is a showstopper skylight. This window to the heavens is made possible because of the Corian solid surface cladding. Together with fluid LED light bands, you can look out on the night sky and feel truly humbled.

Into the future

What is really impressive with the Galleried Lafayette in Shanghai is that Corian solid surface is most definitely a path to the future. Instead of trying to use existing materials to fit a project, solid surface allows architects to create their own design. There’s no more playing around and altering plans. Instead, whatever look you want, you can get.

This may seem a bit daunting if you plan on using Corian solid surface in your own home. But the point is that its versatility means that no matter where it is used, solid surface will make a giant impact.

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December 18, 2018 By

4 Kitchen Projects You Don’t Want To Put Off

4 kitchen projects you don't want to put off As you head into the new year, you might start wondering what kitchen projects to tackle. Here are a few that should definitely make your list.

1. Electrical Wiring

Nobody wants to spend money on things that you can’t see. Which is why electrical wiring often gets relegated to the bottom of the kitchen projects list. But electrical wiring is important to focus on. If you live in an older home, have an electrical inspector come in to test the wiring. You could have old wiring or even insufficient wiring. If the previous home owner did a lot of DIY projects, your electrical may not even be up to code.

The result of poor wiring could be as simple as the inconvenience of a blown fuse. Or it could be as dangerous as a fire. The problem is that you don’t know what is going on with your wiring until a problem emerges. Take preventative action and move it to the top of your kitchen projects list.

2. Upgrading Appliances

Kitchen appliances are expensive, and it can be financially difficult to replace them. But if you are running an inefficient refrigerator, you can actually save money with a new appliance. By investing in Energy Star appliances, you will start seeing the savings on your electrical bill immediately. Some utility companies also offer rebates if you upgrade appliances, so you could also save that way. The point is that while the initial price tag may seem high, a new refrigerator or stove might actually be in your budget.

3. Kitchen Countertops

Countertops should be at the top of any kitchen projects list. They will be one of your major purchases, but the impact that they have will make it worth it. In fact, you could get away by cutting a few corners on other projects if your countertops make a big enough splash. There are many types of countertops to choose from, so having an expert opinion is a good idea. A quick consult with a professional will give you a feel for what will work with your existing décor and will open your eyes to many new and exciting types of designs.

4. Lighting

Lighting can seem like a small matter, but it can actually make a big difference in your home. Poor lighting can make even the best kitchens seem dim and dingy. It can also lead to inadequate light over workspaces, making your kitchen less efficient. Before you make your first purchase, though, take a few days to track and map out the paths you make in a kitchen. Then, be sure to plan lighting that will work for your usage. Mix up one or two focal lights with smaller track lighting and accent lighting. If you are replacing a light over the kitchen table, look for a dimmable light to help alter the mood.If you are on a budget but want to start on your kitchen projects, look for lighting to give you a quick, affordable boost.

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November 18, 2017 By

Best Low-Maintenance Countertop Materials

Best Low-Maintenance Countertop MaterialsWith your busy life, you don’t have time to deal with countertops that need tons of regular maintenance.  Sealing natural stone and worrying about scratches and stains is more work than many of us want to put into our kitchen!  Fortunately, there are a wide variety of countertop materials that are significantly lower maintenance, allowing you to have great countertops without the added work or stress.

Solid Surface

Naturally, we’re going to recommend solid surface above all others.  Solid surface is worry free, with scratches easily being buffed out; as the color and pattern go all the way through the material, you don’t have to worry about ruining your finish.  Solid surface is easily cleaned with soap and water, is resistant to staining and resist heat and impacts better than nearly any other surface available.  It’s hard to go wrong when you pick solid surface.

Stainless Steel

If you’re looking for a more industrial/modern-chic look, stainless steel is an interesting option – and you can’t get any lower maintenance than stainless steel.  As the name would imply, they don’t get stained by food or juice or anything else that they might encounter in the kitchen, and are heat resistant, to boot.   They don’t need to be sealed or refinished, and require no special products to clean.  They can be slightly more expensive than solid surface, however, and they are much noisier.  Still, they’re a solid alternative.

Laminate

Laminate is a very affordable alternative for a low-maintenance countertop.  Many of the same manufacturers make both laminate and solid surface options, including Wilsonart and Formica.  They are easier to install than solid surface, and offer many of the same benefits – a nonporous surface, no need for sealing or refinishing, hundreds of colors and patterns, etc.  The main issue they have, compared to solid surface, is that the pattern doesn’t go all the way through the material, so you risk having unsightly damage to your counter that is impossible (or, at least, very expensive!) to repair, as opposed to a quick-and-easy solid surface repair job.

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May 6, 2017 By

How to Improve an “L”-Shaped Kitchen

How to Improve an L-Shaped KitchenAn “L”-shaped kitchen layout is one of the best out there.  It’s extremely functional, with everything in easy reach, and it works well with open floor plans, which is the “in” style at the moment.  It’s one of the best layouts to start working with, as its basic function and shape are ideal for an attractive, functional space.

That doesn’t mean you can’t improve it, however!  The experts at Solid Surface Canada have some great suggestions on how to take your “L”-shaped kitchen to the next level:

Customize Your Work Triangle

The “kitchen work triangle” concept states that the main kitchen appliances – your refrigerator, stovetop and sink – should be within a few steps of where you prep the food, forming an efficient and accessible triangle.  Well, that’s true for most people, but perhaps not for you.  Maybe you don’t use your oven very frequently – it might be the microwave you want close at hand.  If you find yourself not using your oven, or rarely using your stovetop, you can move them out of the center of your kitchen, putting regularly used pieces of equipment within arm’s reach.

Raise Your Cabinets

Running out of storage space?  Most kitchens have tons of extra room, just waiting to be exploited – there’s a gap between most cabinets and the ceiling.  For an “L”-shaped kitchen, where storage is often at a premium, extending those cabinets up to the ceiling is a great way to add that little bit of extra storage.

Open Shelving

An “L”-shaped kitchen involves a lot of wall space, as it bends around a corner.  Sometimes, two walls worth of solid cabinets can be difficult on the eye, or a problem for decorating.  Replacing some cabinets with open shelving can create better visibility and break up that wall of cabinetry.

Upgrade Your Countertops

Of course, the best upgrade for any kitchen is putting in brand new solid surface countertops.  Corian, Avonite, Formica – no matter what you have in mind, Solid Surface Canada can help.  Contact us today!

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March 13, 2017 By

3 Ways to Add Detail to Your Kitchen

3 Ways to Add Detail to Your KitchenFor understandable reasons, the majority of time planning a kitchen renovation or remodel is spent on the major aspects of the remodel – the cabinetry, the countertops, the appliances and so forth.  That makes sense – they’re the big-ticket items and the most important to get right.

Once those are set, however, you want to add your own finishing touches – you want to add details that makes your kitchen unique, and help it to stand out from the rest.  There are plenty of ways to add this extra oomph factor with minor changes and adjustments, giving your kitchen more personality and adding to the value of your home.  Here are 3 quick and simple ways to add detail to your kitchen.

Crown Molding

The molding provides a transition from your cabinets to the ceiling – a little visual flourish with touches of elegance.  It draws the eye up to the ceiling, giving the impression that your home is well-crafted and solid.  If you’re installing new cabinets anyway, it’s a relatively simple addition to add crown molding – it doesn’t even need to touch the wall to create an elegant look.  Whether you use it to add space between the cabinet and ceiling by placing the molding at a different depth than your cabinets, or custom-design it so the cabinets appear flush with the ceiling, crown molding is a classic touch of detail.

Splash of Color

Most kitchens will be neutral in hue – your basic whites and earth tones.  Picking too garish of a color for your central theme can give you eyestrain when you have to spend time in your kitchen!  However, for the less-permanent, movable kitchen accents—think chairs, dishes on open shelving and lighting fixtures – a splash of bright color can really liven up the room.  Picking, say, lime green for your countertops may not be ideal, because you’re stuck with it until you remodel your kitchen again.  But a bright color for detail here and there can add a little bit of extra zest to your kitchen.

Glass Doors

One way to get that splash of color is with brightly-colored dishes and decorative pieces, and one way to display them is in cabinets with glass doors.  Replacing traditional solid-panel fronts with glass allows your choices in dishware to play a part in the overall look of your kitchen.  There’s a wide variety of types of glass to choose from, as well – fully transparent, frosted, stained, and so forth.  Glass also gives your kitchen the appearance of more space, which is great for smaller kitchens.

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November 24, 2016 By

DYI Solid Surface Countertops

DIY Solid Surface CountertopsInstalling solid-surface countertops yourself can be a challenging task for even the most avid DYIer.  This is why so many professional services exist – to help navigate all the challenges and issues the layman is likely to encounter when trying to get a professional, long-lasting look in their countertops.

If you are an avid DYIer, however, and want to tackle the task yourself, we’re here to give you some basic advice and a guide to some of the procedures involved.  If you’re attempting this yourself, these are handy tips to getting started.  If you’re hiring a professional, like the experts at Solid Surface Canada, then this guide will tell you what to expect when the contractors begin work.

Level the Base Cabinets

Countertops rest directly atop the cabinets below, and solid surface countertops are no exception.  If the cabinets aren’t of a consistent height, then the countertops will not lie flat when finally installed.  That could lead to cracking and other structural damage, as well as simply not giving you a uniform work surface to deal with!

If sections of your counters are too high, a belt sander or coping saw can be used to trim them down to size.  If they are too low, simple shims can be used to raise the countertop, keeping the height consistent over the length of your counter.

Add the Necessary Supports

Sometimes there will be gaps in your cabinets where you’ll want your countertop to go.  Maybe you’re installing a new dishwasher or a small refrigerator – you’ll want your countertop to run over them, but you won’t have cabinets below to provide support.  You can use 2×2 lengths of wood, called “cleats”, for support.

Screw the cleats directly into the wall, or into the cabinet bases on either side of the appliance.  You’ll want to ensure that these cleats are out of sight, so they don’t interfere with the aesthetics of your kitchen.  You’ll also want to ensure that their location won’t interfere with the installation of the appliances later.

Countertop Installation

You’ll want to use painter’s tape along the top edge of your countertops, to prevent the glue from sticking to them.  Then, apply a bead of quality construction adhesive atop the cabinets, and gently set the solid surface countertop onto the cabinet tops.  This may require two people to ensure everything is laid down gently and smoothly; it can often be too bulky for a single person to complete this task.

When you have the countertop properly aligned, simply push down on the countertop, causing it to bond with the adhesive.

Sink Installation

Most sinks come with a template for cutting.  Using this template, carefully sketch out the pattern on the countertop that you’ll be cutting.  Make sure that the back of the sink will be a consistent distance from the wall, and that it’s set back far enough so that the sink avoids the base cabinet.

Then, use a hole saw to create a starting place, and a jigsaw to actually cut out the opening for the sink.  You’ll want to apply plumber’s putty around the lower edge of the sink to ensure a water-tight seal before setting the sink into the hole.

Push the sink down firmly, and remove any putty that squeezes out.  Your sink should come with clamps; use them to secure the sink to the countertops.  After that, it’s a matter of just installing the faucet and attaching it to the plumbing.

Conclusion

It’s a complex task, but with the proper tools and expertise, you can successfully install your own countertops.

If, however, you want the benefit of experienced contractors with years of experience, or simply need some more personalized advice on how to continue, please don’t hesitate to contact us.  We’re glad to help with the fabrication and installation of solid surface material, and we promise to bring the absolute best experience to each and every one of our clients.

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