Countertop Options - 8 Popular Countertops
If you are considering new countertops, explore your options. Granite countertops have been the most popular during the past 10 years, but other countertop materials are rising in popularity. Here are 8 of the most installed countertops.
Granite
Granite is available in several
grades: the better the grade, the higher the price. Granite is a natural
stone that creates a beautiful and elegant
look for any kitchen. It's extremely durable and resistant to heat. Granite
countertops are available in a wide range of colors.
Wood or Butcher Block
Wood or butcher
block countertops are a great choice for a rustic-themed kitchen. Maple and oak
are most often used, and they are sealed to prevent staining.
There is more maintenance involved with wood countertops than most other
countertops. They need to be sanded and resealed
about once a year (more or less, depending upon use).
Concrete
Concrete is a great countertop option for those who seek a one-of-a-kind
look for their kitchen. There are many benefits to installing
concrete countertops, but be aware that they can cost $65-$100 per square foot.
Benefits include durability - they resist all
types of damage including chipping, cracking, and scratching; simple maintenance
- they need to be resealed about once a year; eco-friendly- concrete is a
widely available and renewable resource,
which makes it the preferred choice for homeowners seeking an eco-friendly
countertop option. Additionally, concrete countertops can be formed on-site,
which eliminates
seams in the countertop.
Engineered Stone (Quartz)
Engineered stone countertops are composed
of quartz particles mixed with colored pebbles, polymers, and epoxy. They cost
about the same as granite. The advantage
over granite is that engineered stone is available in a larger range of colors.
The countertops resist scratches
and require annual sealing.
Soapstone
If you are looking for an extremely
smooth and sleek countertop, then soapstone could be for you. It has an impressively
smooth feel and is available in deep colors. It does not stain, and no liquid
can permeate its surface. Soapstone is a cost-efficient
choice in that it can be installed by a beginner DIYer. Because soapstone is a
soft stone, it can be cut and shaped without any special stone-working tools.
Many homeowners choose soapstone
for DIY
countertop projects.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is heat-resistant,
durable, and easy to clean, making it a smart countertop choice. Stainless
steel countertops are often used in contemporary
kitchens. A sound-dampening undercoating is necessary to reduce noise associated
with the countertops. They are stain-resistant and can be safely bleached.
Marble
Marble is extremely
expensive and is not a common countertop choice. However, it is more commonly
used for islands and baking centers. Marble has some great qualities including
that it's waterproof and heat resistant.
Ceramic Tile
Many average homeowners are choosing to install ceramic tile
countertops. They are durable, easy to clean, and cost-efficient. There are many color
choices, and tile can be installed by a DIYer. Some of the disadvantages
include that the surface is not smooth, and regular maintenance is
required. Maintenance includes cleaning the grout
and fixing chipped tiles.
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