"Hal is a bit of a character and drives an old truck, but he is very pleasant and takes great pride in his workmanship. One of the few times in our history of several home projects where a project has exceeded our expectations."
Burmeister Construction is Minnesota's premier construction company, with over 10 years experience we specialize in a wide range of services. We provide all of our customers with reasonable pricing, quality workmanship and professional service. For all of your home improvement needs Burmeister Construction is above and beyond the rest.
Countertops and Backsplashes questions, answered by experts
Learning how to clean different types of countertops can help them look new for longer. Use a gentle cleaner on recycled glass countertops to avoid damaging the binding agent. Avoid harsh or abrasive chemical cleaners, which can damage the surface and shorten its lifespan. It’s also best to keep acidic cleaners away from countertops that use a concrete binding agent, as they can stain the surface, leaving it looking dirty and drab.
Durable, contemporary concrete countertops can increase home values. However, they might not offer as high an ROI as quartz or granite surfaces, which offer a timeless aesthetic and durability likely to appeal to a range of home buyers. Installing new countertops is a home improvement that can yield an average of 60% to 80% ROI when done well, using quality, perennially popular materials.
Avoid using harsh, gritty, or abrasive cleaners and sponges on Formica countertops. This includes steel wool, scouring pads, and strongly alkaline or acidic cleaning products like chlorine bleach, oven cleaner, drain cleaner, furniture polish, or vinegar. These can compromise the surface, leading to scuffs, discoloration, and other damage that will reduce the countertop's longevity. Additionally, never place hot items, such as pots and pans directly from the oven or stovetop, onto the laminate surface, as the high heat can cause it to scorch.
Before making any big plans, climb up a step ladder and closely examine the top of your cabinets. You’ll get to see what sort of clean-up work needs to be done, but you can also check for any unexpected obstacles. Sometimes this space holds electrical boxes, wiring, or even plumbing components. Those will affect plans to install a new layer of cabinets or shelves.
The timeline to install countertops largely depends on the materials and the job size. Installing granite countertops takes anywhere from two to seven hours, though complex designs can pass the eight hour mark. Average-sized quartz countertops take two to five hours to install, though most pros will recommend a 24-hour settling period. Marble, on the other hand, is finicky and can take up to two whole days to install. No matter how you slice it, however, a professional is going to complete the job much quicker than an amateur.
The Balaton, MN homeowners’ guide to countertop and backsplash services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Are you getting close to deciding on Caesarstone® countertops for your home? Discover all the details behind Caesarstone® countertop costs in this guide.
The cost of porcelain countertops is affected by many factors, primarily the material's type (tile or slab) and finish, as well as your counter’s size and shape.
From protecting your walls from cooking spatter to solidifying your aesthetic, these backsplash ideas will elevate the form and function of your kitchen.
