If you're building a home or remodeling your
existing kitchen, the countertops will play an important part in your
finished room. Countertops can change the entire look of a room when
they are purchased in unique colors or textures and are often the
center of kitchen activity when food is being prepared and cooked. A
number of surface options are available.
The surface you choose will depend on a number of
factors including the size of your kitchen, your budget, and how you
will be using your kitchen countertops when they are installed. Here
are six options to consider.
Wood or Butcher Block
Wood and butcher block countertops blend in nicely
with a warm and open kitchen. They?．re very natural-looking and add
character to a room that?．s often used as central command for busy
people. These countertops are very easy to clean and can be sanded to
freshen up their look. Be aware that they can become stained over time
so they may not be ideal for households with small children.
If money is of no concern to you when you're
adding countertops to your kitchen, granite will probably be your top
choice for a countertop surface. Granite is actually an igneous rock
that contains many different kinds of minerals. The result of all of
these minerals is that granite has a speckled appearance. The best
thing about granite countertops is that they're extremely durable. They
hold up well under heat and you can usually cut right on the counter
without using a cutting board or other protective surface. The two most
common problems with granite is that it comes in limited color choices
and that they must be sealed every few years for best results.
If you're concerned about cost, ceramic tile can
be a good choice for your kitchen countertops. Ceramic tile is
inexpensive and can also be cleaned easily, making this surface ideal
for homes with children and pets. Ceramic tile is available in a wide
range of colors and textures, which means you can customize the look of
your countertops. The biggest drawback about ceramic tile is that the
tiles can crack easily.
Stainless Steel
If you spend a lot of time in the kitchen or use
your kitchen for a catering or baking business, stainless steel is the
ideal choice for your countertops. From a practical standpoint,
stainless steel is the ideal surface for cooks because it holds up well
to heat from hat pots and dishes. It's also very easy to clean up,
which is important when you're dealing with food. From a decorative
standpoint, stainless steel provides a very contemporary look for any
kitchen. The biggest disadvantages to having stainless steel
countertops are that you cannot cut directly on the counter surface and
stainless steel is rather expensive.
Engineered Stone Countertops
If you like the look of granite, but you're
disappointed in the lack of color choices, engineered stone may be a
good alternative for your kitchen. Engineered stone resists scratches
because of its porous surface and is very easy to care for. The biggest
drawback is that engineered stone is very expensive, so it may not be
right for every kitchen.
Solid Surface Countertops
Solid surface countertops can be constructed for
your kitchen and come in a wide range of colors and textures. Because
the surface is so solid, any blemishes can be repaired with sanding.
When you order solid surface countertops, they are made to your
specifications so they seamlessly integrate into your kitchen. The
drawbacks are that they can be expensive and that they can get stained
if you place hot dishes directly on the counter surface.
