Only a small minority of homeowners undertake a kitchen remodel by gutting the room and starting from scratch. Since the kitchen is the most expensive and inconvenient room to renovate,...

It is rarely a good idea to put hot pans directly on a countertop. Even though a manufacturer may claim a countertop is totally heatproof, this is often untrue. Extreme heat may cause...

Most countertop manufacturers market their products as stain-resistant or stain-proof, but there is often a major caveat. Many countertop materials resist stains only if maintained...

Unlike showers and tub surrounds, most backsplashes are installed on regular drywall. In these applications special concerns should be addressed to limit potential water damage. Laminate...

Granite is tough and beautiful, and it remains the standard for high-quality countertop surfaces. There are various alternative surfaces for kitchen countertops, and it’s hard to...