Countertop 101
You’re remodeling your kitchen and needing to choose countertops. You head to your local store and quickly realize there are a lot more options than you thought. What one holds up the best? What one is most cost effective? What one requires maintenance? Is there one that withstands heat? Well below you’ll find the answers to all of these questions and more!
Laminate
This is an oldie but a goodie option if you are in need of a cost effective option for your project! Laminate is a great option for a DIY project. Laminate is easy to clean and is difficult to stain. It comes in many different patterns ranging from marble looks to fun and funky colors. Laminate is not heat resistant and can be scratched or damaged. There is no way to repair laminate so replacement would be the only option.
Butcher Block
Butcher block countertops are a beautiful look. They add warmth to any kitchen and give a raw and natural feel. Butcher block can be a great cost effective option, but you must be prepared for how they age. Like any wood butcher block can stain and be damaged by water and scratched by rough surfaces. You have to seal your butcher block countertops often with a food safe sealant. Some people feel that butcher block ages like copper, that the patina is the best part. Others would say that the visible changes and damages would drive them crazy. It’s really up to what you believe would be best for your kitchen!
Concrete
Concrete countertops are very customizable. You get to select the color, edge detail and finish. Concrete countertops are very durable when mixed with fiberglass they can be strong and lightweight. A downfall of concrete is staining and the need to reseal and wax often. Pricing can vary depending on labor costs.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that is durable and is one of the most cost effective options for natural stone. Granite comes in a wide array of colors and patterns varying from solid colors to large scale patterns. Granite has to be cut and installed by a countertop fabricator that has the machines to precisely cut these large slabs to exactly the right size. Because granite is heat resistant you can place hot pans and other items directly on the countertop without having to worry about discoloring or other damage to the surface. Granite does need to be resealed every so often to protect the stone from stains and other damage since it is a natural porous material.
Quartz
Quartz is one of the most popular options for countertops. Ground quartzite and a binding product are used to manufacturer this material. Quartz has become a fan favorite for many reasons including the wide array of colors and patterns it comes in and the durability of the material itself. You can find Quartz that mimics many different types of natural stones including marble. You can now have the look of a rare natural stone without the high maintenance and the high price.
Porcelain
Porcelain is one of the newest on the market and also one of the most expensive. It is also one of the most durable and stain resistant materials on the market. Because of it’s strength porcelain can be much thinner than any other stone making it easier to work with and the ability to be installed in many different areas (showers, backsplash, countertops, etc.)
