"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
Yes, Corian® and other solid surface materials can be cut with standard woodworking tools, such as a circular saw or a jigsaw. However, it is crucial to use the correct type of blade to avoid damaging the material.
For a circular saw, a tungsten carbide-tipped blade is required; a triple chip grind blade is highly recommended. For a jigsaw, you should use a fine-tooth down-cutting blade. Do not use blades designed for cutting wood, as they can cause microfractures that weaken the edges of the countertop. A diamond blade is also unnecessary, as those are designed for harder materials like natural stone, which Corian is not.
After cutting, the edge will be rough. It is essential to sand and smooth the cut edge to prevent microfractures, which can eventually compromise the integrity of the countertop.
Here are some things to avoid to help protect, maintain, and care for laminate countertops. Do not put hot pans or appliances directly onto the countertops because they can scorch the surface. Always use trivets and hot pads. Avoid using harsh, abrasive cleaning products and steel wool. Opt for hot, soapy water and a soft microfiber cloth instead.
You can likely use spray paint or a paint sprayer for your laminate countertops. You should prep the space the same way as if you were painting with a roller or brush, making sure to cover any areas that you want to protect with a drop cloth or plastic sheets.
Yes, you can generally put hot pans directly on a granite countertop without worrying about cracking, as it is a durable, heat-resistant stone that can withstand high temperatures. However, it is still highly recommended to use a trivet or hot pad as a precaution. Prolonged or repeated exposure to high heat can potentially cause discoloration or damage the countertop's sealant, making it more susceptible to staining. Additionally, the heat from a pan can transfer to the granite, creating a burn hazard for anyone who touches the surface shortly after.
Caesarstone® offers both quartz and porcelain counters, which are types of engineered stone countertops. Generally, you can expect to pay $50 to $200 per square foot for quartz countertops. If you decide to go with Caesarstone® quartz counters, then you’ll pay $75 to $125 per square foot, which is in the mid-range of what most quartz manufacturers charge.
Additionally, Caesarstone® is typically less expensive than quartzite, which is a natural quartz countertop that costs $80 to $220 per square foot. Depending on the Caesarstone® countertop you choose, you may spend significantly more on quartzite counters.
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.