How do kitchen countertop materials
compare in terms of cost, quality, maintenance and durability? Check out our helpful
information. Our countertop primer will help you select the perfect surface for
your space. Get beyond the brand names and your countertop options really just
come down to a handful of materials. Here's a look at the top most popular
material.
You can Dream It. Design It. Do It.
Select the Best Countertop Materials for Your New Kitchen.
One of the most important design
decisions you’ll make is choosing the right kitchen countertop for your lifestyle. Do you need
an easy-to-maintain surface?
A wealth of options is available, and
factors like durability and appearance will most likely influence your choice.
Some materials require
extra care, a few are nearly maintenance-free, and others develop a patina that
makes the counter surface even
more beautiful as it ages.
When making your choice, keep in mind
that many kitchens use more than one countertop material—so if it suits
your design scheme, don’t be
afraid to mix and match.
ØGranite Transformations Countertops
Granite Transformations’ countertops are made of a combination of granite, quartz and a unique,
proprietary sealing ingredient, which makes them extremely durable, resistant
to stains, scratches and heat – which means they never need to be
sealed like natural granite does. It is specially made for kitchens &
baths and also you can find a custom size butcher block but only use in
elegant beauty but granite also helpful for heat resistant. Give your kitchen
or bathroom the gorgeous look it deserves. You can rest assured your
countertops will maintain their beauty for years to come.
Laminate is made of layers of paper
covered by a thin veneer that is affixed to particle board, making
it less resistant to heat (when compared to other countertop materials).
Laminate is easy to clean and does not need to be sealed. Over time, however,
the surface may wear and peel. Laminate is among the least expensive countertop
options. Laminate is generally the least expensive option for a countertop with
affordable price, and is one of the most widely available materials in this
world. It is perfect for people who are looking to re-create a kitchen on a
tight budget.
Marble is categorized as a metamorphic
rock. Marble is a porous material that is softer than granite. Marble must be
sealed regularly and it is more susceptible to scratches. It does not resist
heat well, so great care should be taken when placing hot items down on the
countertop. Marble is available in many colors and patterns, making it an attractive
option for homeowners. Marble tends to be on the higher end of the cost scale
for countertops. Marble is easy to find and it is widely available.
Concrete has become a material that
homeowners and designers are requesting and weaving into their homes, offices,
retail outlets, restaurants, etc. Concrete countertops are new on the design
scene and are getting a lot of buzz in the residential market. They can be
customized to fit your kitchen and are available in a range of modern looks.
Concrete is very porous, and it must be sealed regularly and properly, or it
may be susceptible to damage. When properly cared for, concrete is very
durable. The cost of concrete countertops can vary widely based on the thickness,
construction and installation that’s required – custom or irregular shapes and
edges can drive up the price significantly.
Ø Natural Granite
Countertops
Granite countertops take a high-quality
kitchen to the next level visually and often become the centerpiece of the
room. Natural granite is a very durable surface, but it must be
cleaned and maintained properly. It requires a special cleaning regimen using
certain polishes and it must be tested for resealing annually. Different types
of require various amounts of sealing.
Often times, the lower the price of the
slab, the more frequently you need to clean and seal it.
Ø Solid Surface
Countertops
Solid surfaces are made from a
combination of plastic and stone, and the primary benefit is that they have no
seams and can be heated and molded into almost any shape. They are nonporous,
so they don’t require sealing or special cleaning. They don’t resist
heat well, and they scratch easier than granite.
Solid surfaces are in the mid-range in
terms of price, depending on the manufacturer.
Ø Wood Countertops
(Butcher Block)
Wood surfaces scratch easily and require
monthly sealing with oil. They can be sanded down and refinished easily to
remove stains or scratches. Without regular care, butcher block surfaces can be
susceptible to absorbing odor, bacteria or moisture. The price can vary
significantly based on the type of wood that chosen, but tend to cost less than
stone countertops. If you want to buy wooden countertops
with affordable price you can choose and select best quality product.
Wood counters are typically made from
rock maple--an extremely dense, blond hardwood--but teak, walnut, cherry and
oak are also used. There are three ways that wood countertops are fabricated:
edge grain, end grain and wide plank. Edge-grain counters are made of long,
thick strips of wood that are glued together with the edge grain facing up.
Ø Tile Countertops
(Ceramic)
The popularity of tile countertops has
been on the downswing in recent years. This is because homeowners have found
that tiles can easily crack or chip over time. Also, the surface is not flat
making food prep more challenging and the grout is susceptible to staining.
Although the tile itself is nonporous, the grout is not, thus making it
difficult to clean and maintain a flawless look.
The trend in kitchen design over the
last decade or so has shifted toward low-maintenance, seamless counters. As a
result, there are fewer countertops covered with ceramic tile. However, that
doesn't mean you should totally discount tile for your kitchen. Tile is an
excellent choice for backsplashes or for secondary work surfaces, such as
islands, eat-at counters, peninsulas, wet bars or butler's pantries.
Ø Stainless Steel
Countertops
Steel offers a distinctive feel and look
that blends perfectly into modern contemporary kitchens. When you need
something sleek with a shiny modern look to it, look no further than stainless
countertops. Because the metal is also neutral in color, it can be used in Like concrete, stainless steel countertops are
becoming more popular in the residential market. Stainless steel is nonporous,
which makes it impenetrable and durable. (It should be noted, however, that
stainless steel can be dented with rough handling.) The surface is installed
without seams, which diminishes the growth of germs and makes it easy to
maintain. It can handle hot pots and pans and won’t stain or corrode easily.
Stainless steel countertops tend to be cheaper than most stone countertops.
You can submit your post below about
your experience with various countertop materials.
