The kitchen is the center of the home. It is the part of the house where designers and homeowners take time deciding how they should build it. Cabinets take up the most space but countertops are often the most noticed feature of the kitchen. When it comes to the preparation of food and cooking, read this kitchen countertops 101 to learn which might be best for you and your home.
Countertops are an investment that you want to last. Choosing from all the different types of countertops might be a difficult task. You need to weigh your choices based on the following factors:
- How much use will the countertops take?
- What are your style preferences?
- How much money do you have to spend?
- Will this type of countertop go well with the other features of your kitchen?
Every countertop has its advantages and disadvantages. There is a myriad of different types of countertops that you can choose for your kitchen remodeling project. Read on to learn each type’s pros and cons.
Marble
Marble countertops are one of the classiest choices for any homeowner. Years ago, they were the preferred type. And honestly, you can never go wrong with choosing marble countertops because they are tested and proven durable and aesthetically inclined with all types of house designs.
All marble countertops are unique, and it comes in shades of brown, green, gray, and taupe. But the most popular choice for a marble countertop would be a bright white marble finish. Any kitchen countertops 101 articles would have to include marble.
Compared to other natural stones, marbles are on the soft side. A simple cut can lead to a scratch. Marble is also porous, which means that they are easily stained with an accidental spill of red wine. But there are sealants that can be applied to that make marble less porous.
Marble countertops are a great choice for people who love to bake because it maintains a low temperature, making it an ideal surface to shape dough. And believe it or not, they are also surprisingly affordable.
Quartz
The hottest choice in kitchen countertops today is quartz. Quartz countertops are an engineered stone composite made from natural quartz put together with a resin binder.
This type of countertop is non-porous, durable, and does not need resealing, making it a wonderful choice for an all-around kitchen activity. Quartz is human-made but still has the natural appearance of many granites or marbles.
Granite
For many years, granite countertops were the most popular because of their strength and the beauty of the natural stone. You can choose from a wide variety of different granite countertops—light or dark colors with many varying patterns.
You can have these countertops shaped into whatever edge you want, such as beveled, ogee, square, and half or full bullnose. Granites are desirable because they require minimal maintenance and are easy to clean. They also have a heat-resistant quality that gives you the confidence to place hot pots directly on the surface.
Solid Surface
Solid surface countertops are a combination of resin and acrylic materials. Corian was the first to make a big splash in the home improvement market but there are plenty of other brands and styles available.
One big plus is that they are stain-resistant, seamless, and you can do some sanding basics to damaged areas. Unfortunately, solid surfaces are not very heat-resistant, which will require you to use trivets all the time.
Concrete
Concrete countertops have a bold and striking look, highly suitable for a house desiring an industrial design. Depending on the construction, they can be quite durable. You can even build them yourselves! (Keep in mind that concrete needs many days to cure and requires proper sealant.)
Whatever type of countertop you choose for your kitchen, it should fit nicely to your budget and personal taste. Think of ways to use your kitchen countertops to help you decide on the appropriate material and avoid costly repairs in the future.
