A lot goes into choosing a kitchen countertop. A kitchen countertop must be able to take a lot of manipulation including the heat of pots, cutting, knives and abrasive cleaning products. The ideal countertop should be able to stand up to heat and the sharp edge of a knife.
Let us look at 7 of the most popular kitchen countertop materials.
Granite
A natural stone, granite is a popular choice for its classic beauty and durability. Granite is the hardest and most dense of the natural stones. It can create a kitchen countertop that is extremely scratch resistant and keeps its luster longer than most materials. Granite slabs are the most expensive of all kitchen countertop surfaces, although it is still considered a very practical material that it is virtually indestructible.
Marble
Another natural stone, marble is the height of elegance and will last longer than most kitchens. On the other hand, it is very expensive and requires some care. For instance, acidic foods such as orange juice will etch the finished surface of a marble kitchen countertop.
Slate
Because of its richness and beauty, slate is usually used in interior applications such as kitchen countertops, bathroom sinks or fireplace mantles. You can use it in either modern or traditional kitchens as well as in combination with marble. Slate is durable, strong, and can withstand hard use. It is also less expensive than marble.
Concrete
Concrete is one of the biggest trends in kitchen countertops today. It is a good look for clean, industrial and contemporary kitchen designs. Concrete is a good material for unusually shaped counters. The kitchen countertops made by this material are expensive, require a sealant and must be treated with care – contractions forces in the concrete can crack the countertop. In addition, concrete can be stained any color. The most popular color is a natural gray tone.
Corian
Corian is a solid surface material that became popular in the 1990’s. It is highly recommended by kitchen countertop experts, is a totally manmade product and is not porous. As a solid surface, scratches and burns are easy to repair.
Stainless Steel
Advantages of stainless steel include that it is hygienic and easy to clean, and has the ability to stand up to extreme wear and heat.
Also, stainless steel can provide a great look for an ultra-modern kitchen. Some disadvantages are that it can be noisy and that scratches can develop.
Tile
Tile surfaces can be tough – they can withstand heat, and are stain resistant as well. Not to mention, they have a beautiful aesthetic. There are many styles of tile including ceramic, porcelain, quarry, glass, natural stone, and mosaic. Tiles are also available in many sizes, colors and textures. You can often use tiles for trim or back splashes. Some drawbacks of tile include that stains may affect the grouts of the tiles, and it can become chipped or cracked.
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