Whether you are building a new kitchen or refreshing your current one, your choice of countertop will make a huge impact in the look of the finished room. However, this doesn’t mean you should just choose the countertop that looks the most beautiful to you. You actually need to start with some more practical considerations regarding how your countertop will perform. This might take your favorite materials off the table, but in the long run you will be happier because you will not have to deal with the heartbreak of having your beautiful countertop ruined by daily life.
Natural Stone Countertops
Granite is the most popular choice for Stone countertops. It comes in a variety of colours and a choice of either polished on matte finish. The price of granite can vary depending on its availability.
Other natural stones such as limestone, soapstone and marble are also available, however these are softer materials and require a greater degree of care.
Engineered Stone Countertops
If you’re looking for something that is even more durable and easy to maintain, engineered stone countertops are an excellent choice. They come in more colour variations than natural stone and cost roughly the same of granite.
Concrete Countertops
Quickly gaining in popularity, concrete countertops are completely customizable. Pigments can be used to add a variety of colours and it is available in three different finishes including trowel (which is smooth), ground (a sandy finish) and pressed (which will cause veining similar to that in marble). Concrete does however require a greater degree of care and it is recommended that you seal it four times a year and wax every two to three months.
Wood Countertops
Wood countertops such as butcher block give a warm and charming look to a kitchen. It is easy to clean, and although it will scratch, the scratches can be sanded out. Again however, care must be taken with this type of countertop as it can be easily damaged by water.
Laminate Countertops
The most affordable of all countertop materials is laminate which comes in a whole array of colours and styles. Laminate is easy to clean and requires little maintenance however it can be scorched if it comes in contact with hot pans.
As discussed in our previous article, another way to customize your kitchen countertops is through the use of various types of edges which can add another element of design to your kitchen.
Still not sure what type of material will be best for your kitchen countertop? Our experienced design staff will work with you to help you find a countertop that will look great and suit your lifestyle.
Natural Stone Countertops
Granite is the most popular choice for Stone countertops. It comes in a variety of colours and a choice of either polished on matte finish. The price of granite can vary depending on its availability.
Other natural stones such as limestone, soapstone and marble are also available, however these are softer materials and require a greater degree of care.
Engineered Stone Countertops
If you’re looking for something that is even more durable and easy to maintain, engineered stone countertops are an excellent choice. They come in more colour variations than natural stone and cost roughly the same of granite.
Concrete Countertops
Quickly gaining in popularity, concrete countertops are completely customizable. Pigments can be used to add a variety of colours and it is available in three different finishes including trowel (which is smooth), ground (a sandy finish) and pressed (which will cause veining similar to that in marble). Concrete does however require a greater degree of care and it is recommended that you seal it four times a year and wax every two to three months.
Wood Countertops
Wood countertops such as butcher block give a warm and charming look to a kitchen. It is easy to clean, and although it will scratch, the scratches can be sanded out. Again however, care must be taken with this type of countertop as it can be easily damaged by water.
Laminate Countertops
The most affordable of all countertop materials is laminate which comes in a whole array of colours and styles. Laminate is easy to clean and requires little maintenance however it can be scorched if it comes in contact with hot pans.
As discussed in our previous article, another way to customize your kitchen countertops is through the use of various types of edges which can add another element of design to your kitchen.
Still not sure what type of material will be best for your kitchen countertop? Our experienced design staff will work with you to help you find a countertop that will look great and suit your lifestyle.
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