Choosing the Right Kitchen Countertop

How to choose the right kitchen countertop?

Choosing the right countertop can be very confusing, especially if you can only choose from what is left. However, if you are exposed to all the different kitchen countertops available, your eyes will be open to the different styles we have and this will ultimately give you the best kitchen countertop shopping experience.

A countertop is one of the major components in a kitchen. It is surface where all the food preparation is done. Modern-day kitchen countertops are designed to allow customization by having space where other kitchen components and accessories like sinks, cookers, dispensers, cutting boards etc. can be installed.

What Should You Consider in a Kitchen Countertop?

In choosing a kitchen countertop the material, durability, aesthetic and cost are the typical criteria to consider. If you properly analyze the factors commonly considered, you will notice that the cost, aesthetics, and durability all depend on the material used. Hence, we thoroughly look at the different materials used in Countertops.

Kitchen Countertop Materials

As mentioned earlier, the material used in making a kitchen countertop determines if the countertop will be expensive, durable or add to the aesthetics of a kitchen. There are a plethora of materials for making kitchen countertops.

For the purpose of this article, we will stick to the top popular materials for kitchen countertops. The materials are concrete, soapstone, marble, stainless steel, ceramic tile, laminates engineered stone, and solid surface.

Concrete

Most people who subscribe to concrete countertops do so because of its advantages: It is resistant to heat and scratches; with proper finishes, it will look decorative; it adds aesthetic to the kitchen and it is also durable. While the advantages appear very enticing, there are also some setbacks in using concrete countertops for example; there is a tendency of cracking and it will be porous if not properly sealed.

Soapstone

Soapstone is a rock and it is one of the best materials used in making countertops. This is because it is resistant to stain, has a smooth feel, adds to the beauty of the kitchen and it is also last very long. However, it requires the application of mineral oil from time to time and there is also a possibility of cracking.

Marble

If you want a countertop that is waterproof, heatproof and beautiful then a marble countertop is what you should go for. But keep in mind that the cost of installation is high besides being porous, non-resistant to scratches and getting stained easily.

Stainless Steel

With its durability and customization feature, stainless steel countertops have taken over the kitchens of contemporary homes. Hot pans can be placed on them, they are easy to clean and they are also very durable. The high cost of Installation and the noise it makes when something is dropped on it are a few hitches associated with it.

Ceramic Tile

The ceramic countertop is similar to the stainless steel countertop. It is durable, hot pans can be placed on it, it is easy to clean plus it comes in a plethora of color, design and texture. A few hitches associated with it are: possibility of cracking or chipping, and the surface are not even since tiles are joined at the edges.

Laminates

If you are looking to save money, then the laminate countertop is the best choice for you. Installation is cheap, it is easy to clean, it has a smooth surface, it is durable, and it also comes in a plethora of color. The disadvantages of laminate countertops are: It is not resistant to scratches and there is a possibility of chipping.

Laminates

If you are looking to save money, then the laminate countertop is the best choice for you. Installation is cheap, it is easy to clean, it has a smooth surface, it is durable, and it also comes in a plethora of color. The disadvantages of laminate countertops are: It is not resistant to scratches and there is a possibility of chipping.

Engineered Stone

The engineered stone countertop is durable, resistant to acid and stains and very easy to maintain. However, it is expensive to install.

Solid Surface

Solid surface countertops resistant to stain and they also come in a plethora of colors. You always get to pick a color that suits you. The disadvantages of a solid surface countertop are that it is expensive to install and there is the possibility of being damaged by hot equipment.

Conclusion

You’ve gone through 8 different countertop styles and materials. Without a doubt, you are feeling more confident about how you can install one. If all these appear too overwhelming, contact a professional for solid advice. For more information and Free Consultation please contact us at 408-206-0832