Living the Kitchen Dream: Part 2

After the new kitchen floor (Red Oak, to match the rest of the house) was installed, the kitchen started to really look like something.  The cabinets were installed, and the template for the countertop was built.

Then the floors were finished (professionally) and the countertop installed.

A few notes on our counter choice: we have stainless steel, the same as any professional kitchen.
Stainless steel is the only recycled and recyclable material for counters.  Nearly any cleaning compound, including bleach, can be safely used on stainless steel.  Scratches can be buffed out easily, and it cleans up beautifully.  Also, very hot dishes directly from oven, stove, or microwave can be placed on the counter directly - no heating pad or trivet needed.  This is a feature we use all the time - 500 degree F loaf pans, boiling pots of pasta, and fresh-baked lasagna all go straight on the counter without a second thought.
Our counters were fabricated by Ackelson Sheet Metal, Inc. in Altoona - and I cannot say enough good things about the wonderful people there.  We received top-notch service and the highest quality results thanks to their efforts.

 The refrigerator, faucet, and OMNI Filter water purifier all came with the house, the range hood is from Home Depot, the sink is Ikea, the dishwasher and stove (and washer and dryer) were ordered from Factory Direct Appliance - which was another really great experience.