stone fireplace The material that covers your
kitchen counters is
one of the most visible and memorable features in your home. It helps
to establish the design, color theme, and level of finish out. Today
there are new choices in countertops, and old ones are making a
comeback. If you are thinking of making a change, here are a dozen
countertop choices for you to choose from:
Granite: This has been the most popular choice in
recent years. Granite is a strong, heat tolerant, and stain resistant
countertop. Its natural look is inherently beautiful, and it makes a
strong statement. To lower the cost, tiles can be used instead of slab
granite. On the negative side, color selections are limited, the cost
is high, and the shiny polished surface is less in demand than it has
been.
Marble: Marble offers more color choices than
granite, and is available in a variety of tile sizes, such as 16 x 16,
or larger. There are several surface finishes for marble - from shiny
polished, to matt honed, to rustic tumbled. The honed matt surface is
smooth, cleans easily, and makes a good kitchen workspace. Marble is
slightly more porous than granite, and must be sealed after
installation.
Soapstone: Soapstone is a very durable and non-porous stone with a matt finish, but the color is limited to grey/black.
Limestone: Various kinds of limestone, such as
Jerusalem stone, are available. They may be too porous for the high use
and food stain environment of a kitchen countertop. Frequent sealing
may be necessary for maintenance.
Slate: Slate is used for floors and has been used
as a natural stone countertop. However, some might consider the texture
to be too rough for the kitchen counter.
Ceramic Tile: Ceramic tile offers a wide variety
of colors and textures. New tiles are introduced frequently. Tile has
been out of favor in recent years as the countertop of choice, but
could be a good fit with some kitchen styles. The grout joints in
ceramic tile are wider than stone tile.
Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is an
interesting choice, and could be a perfect for some kitchens. For
others it may be too modern or cold.
Concrete: Concrete is coming on strong in many
areas. It offers a soft color palette, but there are concerns over
stain resistance and durability.
Slab Plastic: Plastic slab material, such as
Corian, is very hard, easy to clean, and practical. It was popular, but
has lost favor in recent years because of its manufactured look.
Plastic Laminate: This is an affordable, colorful choice that is making a comeback for some urban style homes.
Engineered Stone: Engineered stone, such as
Silestone, is a slab material made of stone pieces held together by
epoxy plastic. This is similar to Corian, but with quartz and other
stone chips added for a more natural look.
Glass: Several types of glass composite counters
are gaining in popularity. One, such as EnviroSlab, is made of glass
chips bound in plastic. Another, such as Icestone, is a colorful
countertop made of glass chips bound in concrete. The green movement
has brought these to the forefront because recycled material can be
used.
Nothing updates a home more than a new kitchen
countertop, and nothing dates a home more than a poor one. The kitchen
counter is a feature that can add immediate value to your home. But,
before making this upgrade, make sure that your new countertop is
compatible with the overall design style and colors of your home.
