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Only a few years ago the only place you would find stainless steel countertops would be in a restaurant. But today both stainless steel and it's more warm and rustic counterpart copper countertops are both popular in the home. So what does each have to offer?

Stainless provides a terrific look to a contemporary kitchen and the nice sleek lines are clean and smart looking and the antibacterial qualities make them the perfect place to prepare food.

The 10.5 percent chromium in stainless makes it resistant to corrosion and the nickel adds to its high temp performance. There are different grades of stainless on the market but for countertops you should use 304 stainless steel which is what is generally used for food prep areas.

Industrial counters are usually made from 12 or 14 gauge steel but home use usually uses 16 gauge. You can have stainless counters built to any shape or dimension. You should not have joints soldered.

Stainless can corrode if it is not properly cared for. Never use harsh products or products that have bleach in them and don't leave acidic products on the counter. To clean use warm water, rinse thoroughly, and dry.

Over time stainless will also age. Deeper dents and scratches can be difficult to remove but If you have a light scratch you can use a non abrasive pad to remove. If your stainless gets too marked up consider having the surface changed from polished to brushed. It's a great way to disguise years of use and abuse.

Stainless-steel counters cost from $50 to $90 a square foot plus installation. And of course you also have the cost of sinks, backsplashes, and cutouts. You or your contractor will need to take the necessary measurements so you know what you need. It's recommended that you have them professionally installed but if you are handy it is a project you might undertake yourself.

Metal countertops are not always stainless steel. In fact for many kitchens stainless just feels to distant or cool. Copper has always been popular for pots and pans and backsplashes and now it is increasingly finding a place in the kitchen counter. While copper countertops may not be mainstream it makes a wonderfully unusual statement and it is certainly warm and appealing. Copper is a much softer metal than stainless steel. Your countertops should be a minimum of .60 thick and .80 is preferred for better performance and strength.

Unlike stainless over time copper countertops change developing a beautiful patina. They shiny copper takes on a beautiful rosy brown color and scratches are considered part of the natural patina so they are not dealt with.

Copper is an excellent antibacterial material and all that's involved in cleaning is soap and water. Maintenance just requires beeswax applied to preserve the finish and help reduce fingerprints.

Copper isn't cheap so countertops are custom quoted. In general estimates usually run around $175 per square foot installed. Copper tends to warp more than stainless and it not recommended that you attempt to install it by yourself.

So which will it be stainless steel or copper countertops? Both will look great!

Steve has been a professional interior designer for more than 10 years who specializes in the renovation of the kitchen. If you are interested in tile countertops, be sure to start at http://www.purecountertops.com.

yoga is becoming ever more popular with people all over the world. It is a way of finding your inner peace and becoming one with yourself. There are free yoga exercises online that you can follow, as well as many videos and books you can search through for more tips.

The whole purpose of yoga is to increase your strength and give you more energy. This all adds to you becoming and feeling a lot healthier. This is done mainly with the use of yoga poses which must be carried out correctly to gain the maximum effect. There are various poses you can follow which have different purposes.

The first yoga pose you could try is the corpse pose. This is the most basic and easiest pose to adopt. It is generally in this pose where you will meditate. It is recommended that you try the various free yoga exercises online to find one which you can perform easily. Some of them can be tricky and involve a lot of strength but if you are just beginning, then take things slow.

A yoga pose which can help with diet and weight loss, especially around the stomach area is the Bow pose. It is great for toning up the abdominal muscles as well as strengthening the back. The locust pose also helps in giving the lower part of the back more strength when applied correctly.

These are many reasons why people try yoga. It maybe for improving their fitness and strength or alternatively people use it for inner peace and well being. Whatever your reasons for trying yoga, just try to find out as much information as you can to make sure you get the best out of the work you will put in. Trying free yoga exercises online is an easy and cheap way to learn some of the more popular poses and techniques. For specific examples, just visit out site below for some more great free yoga and fitness tips.

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