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Choosing a Countertop that is
Right for You
A Summary of the Various Kitchen Countertop
Types to Choose From
By: Mark J. Donovan
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One of the most important items to think about when remodeling your
kitchen is the type of kitchen countertop you want to see in it.
Choosing a countertop can become challenging because there are
simply so many countertop types to choose from. Before deciding upon
a particular kitchen countertop type make sure to do your homework
first. Research them online and make sure to visit kitchen
countertop suppliers to actually see the various countertops in
person. In regards to the different types of kitchen countertops to
choose from, summarized below is a list of the most common
countertops, and the pros and cons of each. |
Granite Countertops
Granite countertops are absolutely gorgeous and they are my personal
favorite. They are 100% natural stone that is quarried from various
parts of the world. Because they are quarried, there is an infinite
amount of colors and looks to choose from. Granite kitchen countertops
are highly durable and are not susceptible to scorching. They also
require little maintenance. Typically once every other year or so you
they need to be sealed to prevent the slight risk of staining. Granite
countertops are expensive so be forewarned. This said there are a couple
of options to reduce granite countertops costs. You can either buy
granite stone slab slightly thinner, which is then mounted to a ¾”
plywood substrate, or you can buy granite countertop tiles. Each is
cheaper than buying the standard 1-1/4 inch thick granite slab.
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Quartz Countertops (a.k.a. Silestone)
Quartz countertops, as the name suggests is manufactured using quartz
stone and various epoxies. They look absolutely stunning and are
extremely durable. Like granite countertops, they are very pricey.
Unlike granite countertops, however, they are slightly sensitive to heat
so a little bit of care is needed with them. Basically do not place
scorching hot frying pans on them.
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Soapstone Countertops
Soapstone countertops add a unique old school charm to the kitchen.
Soapstone has been used for centuries as countertops. For many older
homeowners, they may remember seeing soapstone countertops in their
science labs. Soapstone has a warm soft look and feel and is easy to
maintain. Colors range from various shades of black and grey to a
purplish tone. Similar to other stone type countertop materials they are
priced fairly expensive.
Butcher Block Countertops
As the name may suggest to many a homeowner, butcher block countertops
are made out of wood. They are ideal for preparing and cutting food on,
and can easily be sanded to remove any cut marks that inevitably occur
on them. They are, however, susceptible to bacteria and staining, and as
a result need regular care and maintenance to protect their surface and
prevent health concerns.
Marble Countertops
Marble countertops are rarely seen in kitchens nowadays, however they
are an option. Marble is porous and can stain easily, and it is also
susceptible to chipping.
Laminate Kitchen Countertops
Laminate countertops are an inexpensive alternative to the various other
kitchen countertop types.
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They are easy to design and install and can be purchased in a plethora
of colors and surface designs, e.g. faux wood such as butcher block.
They are also easy to clean and maintain. They are not as durable as
Granite however, and can easily scorch and scratch.
Tiled Kitchen Countertops
Tiled countertops can look quite folksy and natural looking, and can
vary greatly in price depending upon the type of tile used to fabricate
the kitchen countertop. Fabrication of the countertop involves
installing a ¾ inch plywood substrate to the lower kitchen cabinets and
then attaching the ceramic tiles to the wood substrate. Tile countertops
are susceptible to staining and bacteria concerns due to food and liquid
spills getting caught in the grout lines. The grout lines can also
become stained and dirty looking over time and the tiles can easily
crack if items are dropped on them. They are also difficult to cut on
due to the uneven surface.
Corian Countertops
Corian countertops have been around for decades now and can look
beautiful in any kitchen. They are a seamless type of kitchen countertop
and look similar to granite. They are also available in a plethora of
colors and patterns. They can, however, scratch, scorch and even melt if
you are not careful with them. They are moderately priced in between
natural stone and laminate.
Concrete Countertops
Concrete kitchen countertops have become increasingly popular with
homeowners in recent years. They are durable and affordable and can be
designed and manufactured into any shape. Color dyes and bits of other
materials can be mixed with the concrete to achieve an infinite amount
of color tones and visual appearances. The only downside with concrete
countertops is that they are porous and thus can stain easily. As a
result, they should be sealed regularly to mitigate the risk of
staining.
For more
help on remodeling your kitchen, see HomeAdditionPlus.com’s
Kitchen
Remodeling Bid Sheet.
The
Kitchen Remodeling Bid Sheet
will help ensure that your kitchen remodeling project goes smoothly and you get
the finished kitchen you are
looking for. In addition, it will help to ensure that your remodeled kitchen will be accomplished on time and on budget.
How to Finance your Kitchen Remodeling Project -
can help provide funds for your new home improvement project if financing is
required.
Related information on Kitchen Remodeling
Additional Kitchen Design Resources
Kitchen Faucets and Appliances from Amazon.com
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