Saturday, August 4, 2012

Kitchen Countertop Options

By Paulina Kertz


Designing a new kitchen is a big challenge and one of your biggest choices will be deciding on what type of counter you want and need. Your selection will be dictated not only by the look that you like, but also by the functionality of the material itself. Consider the following choices when selecting a countertop.

Countertops made from granite are highly popular and with good reason. The hardness of granite makes it a durable surface that can withstand the heavy use of kitchen countertops, and it is also quite resistant to heat damage. It is found in a huge variety of colors, and if installed and sealed correctly, will last pretty much forever. Knives can scratch granite, however, so you have to be careful not to cut on the surface. Granite is also a fairly expensive choice.

Tile is yet another option to consider, and this ceramic surface has many advantages. It is heat resistant, inexpensive and unless you choose a tricky design, tile is easy to install. It can crack, however, and the grout can become stained easily and is difficult to clean. Choosing white subway tiles with white grout is a popular choice today and with the all white surface, you can you use bleach to clean the grout.

Butcher block is another choice and looks beautiful, especially for an island countertop. The surface is smooth and easy to clean, and as it wears down, you can sand it down and reseal it to give it a fresh look. Water and other liquids can stain the surface, and the wood will need to be oiled and sealed from time to time.

Stainless steel is an option to consider if you are going for a sleek, industrial look in your kitchen. Steel is definitely durable and resistant to heat, but it can be dented and you absolutely cannot cut on the surface. It is very easy to clean, however, so that is a big plus.

There are many synthetic choices, as well, and these laminates are often very affordable and offer an abundance of colors and looks. They are easy to clean, but very hard to repair if they are scratched or damaged in any way. Laminates are definitely a cost effective choice, but they don't look quite as professional as granite or other natural materials.




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