Kitchen Countertops and the Confusing Number of Options Consumers Face Today

Many consumers have put aside large remodeling projects and have instead opted to make changes with as little money spent as possible. One such project is to reface cabinets and simply change kitchen countertops instead of actually constructing an entirely new kitchen. As consumers reach the decision to focus on countertops, they realize that the options have dramatically improved and are uncertain as to which ones are in or out of their respective budgets.

The most common material for kitchen countertops is granite. It is available in many colors and is considered to be a medium-cost material. The advantages of granite are its beauty and natural variations. However, a disadvantage is the fact that the material is porous and susceptible to stains over time. Granite is a very popular first decision for most homeowners and can make any kitchen look spectacular. The two factors that can put home owners over the top and make granite look prohibitive are thickness of the granite and exotic variations. As long as you stay with 3/4" to 1-1/2" variations of granite and standard variations like uba-tuba, granite counter tops should be affordable for most.

A second material to consider is engineered stone, also referred to as quartz counter tops. This material for kitchen countertops is considered superior in many aspects, but is also one of the most expensive of the available options. Unlike granite, quartz is a man made material that is not porous. This makes engineered stone countertops anti bacterial in its properties. Additionally, the material is perfect for a kitchen in that it is stain resistant and chemical resistant. Finally, the material is manmade and its color is determined by pigment measurements and variations. This means that you can purchase quartz in just about every color imaginable.

Marble will be an additional consideration for your kitchen counters. Marble is typically white with gray or pink veining through the surface. The variations really depend on the country of origin and the quarry location. Marble is slightly more expensive than granite, so it is considered a medium-cost material. It is slightly softer than granite, which means that it is more susceptible to staining and damage. More specifically, marble is appropriate for traditional kitchens that incorporate farm house sinks or white and linen cabinetry. Due to the fact that its only available in white, it is not as flexible as other countertop options from a design perspective.

The most inexpensive and affordable options for kitchen countertops are ceramic tile, laminate and solid surface counter tops. Solid surface is commonly referred to by its trade name such as Corian, Swanstone, and Avonite. This is a fiberglass based material that is manmade. The advantage of this surface is that it is extremely light. That means you do not need to think about reinforcing your countertops to support the weight. Additionally, the material is very strong and durable. Finally, it is non-porous so it has great properties for a kitchen. A negative aspect of solid surface is its ability to handle very hot materials. You will damage your kitchen countertops if you put a hot pan on top of a solid surface product.

Ceramic tile and laminate countertops are complementary products. Both are considered as entry point products at the least expensive price points. If you plan on installing ceramic tile, you will typically lay the tile on top of a laminate countertop. There are countless options available for ceramic tile and even in extremely decorative products such as glass tile. It's important to check that the tile is appropriate for handling hot materials. Typically porcelain, vitreous china tile, and terracotta tile will be the most resilient materials for kitchen countertops.

Kitchen Counters

Different materials to consider for your kitchen counter
Marble Countertops
Want to add a royal or regal feel to your kitchen or bathroom? Try Marble countertops