Countertops
Updating your kitchen is quite a project that can easily become quite expensive. No matter what your budget is, you'll want to make sure you're getting the right products for your taste, lifestyle and pocketbook. One of the biggest expenses in any kitchen remodel is the countertop. Even if replacing your existing countertop is the only thing you can afford to do, don't worry. By changing out your countertops you can give the entire kitchen a completely new look. There are many options to choose from and you are guaranteed to find one that is in your price range.
With so many choices you should get some professional advice from either your local home improvement store, from a custom cabinet shop, or from your licensed contractor. All will have samples and ideas to help you get the new countertop that will be perfect in your kitchen. Even if your contractor doesn't have samples, he or she should without a doubt, accompany you to the stores (stores with their experience and knowledge to help you on your search.) and help you on your search.
After you have made your selection, have your contractor take a sketch of the existing counter you want to replace. They will make sure to include all the measurements. The countertops can not be ordered without exact measurements. The reason for the sketch is because they need to see exactly what is involved. For example, is your kitchen counter top a straight line, or does make more of an “L” shape?
Countertops are made from a variety of materials, you have natural material such as granite and soapstone, or you can choose man-made products like quartz, Corian, laminate, or stainless steel. Each type has some pros and cons.
Granite
Granite is a natural material and is very durable. It is now becoming more reasonably priced and there are a variety of colors to choose from. One of the biggest downfalls of using granite is that it is porous and needs to be sealed once or twice a year.
Corian
Corian is an acrylic that is man-made. The best part of Corian is that it is easy to take care of and if you should happen to burn or scratch it, you can easily restore it back to mint condition. The only downfall to using Corian is that it is still priced higher than most other options.
Laminate
Laminate has been around for a long time. Laminate countertops are more versatile than any other, as they come in a vast array of colors, finishes and patterns. There are even corner and edge treatments that give them a different feel. One of the biggest cons for using laminate is that if you scratch or mar the laminate in anyway, it is not repairable. They’Äôre also very reasonably priced. The name Formica is often used to describe laminate, but Formica is actually a name brand, much like Kleenex.
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Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is starting to be used more and more in the home. It is very sanitary and stain resistant. It is still a little pricey for the average homeowner and you are somewhat limitedin the different designs you can make.
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Stone
The stone category includes a lot of countertop materials that have been very popular in the last several years. Marble is equally popular and expensive, but it's not quite as durable, in fact it's considerably softer than granite.
Stone compound countertops are the industry’Äôs response to the (rabid) granite and marble trend, and give the user a solid, sturdy surface that resists wear, and is more cost effective than its stone counterparts. Stone compounds (are created from pulverized quartz blended with polyester binding and) come in a variety of different colors and patterns.
An attractive countertop solution is to use ceramic tiles. Tiles are moderately priced and fairly durable. The tiles can chip, but having one tile replaced is fairly inexpensive. The biggest complaint people with ceramic tiles have is the grout can be difficult to clean. The best part of ceramic tiles is their versatility, as you can mix and match almost any color in any pattern you want.
(Another product that often goes under a specific brand name, Corian, but there are several companies that make countertops out of solid surface materials. This alternative is very durable. They resist germs and clean easily. They also come in a large variety of colors, but can be quite pricey.)
Butcher's Block
Butcher’Äôs Block is an old favorite that wears beautifully and has its' own charm and character that no other countertop can match. But a solid block of wood is not the most practical kitchen surface; it mars easily, holds in germs, and stains.
Concrete
Concrete is the newest trend in countertops, in fact, not only in countertops but in floors as well. Concrete is seen as a durable surface that can be stained, combined with aggregate, stamped with patterns, blended with pigments, or inlaid with gems or trinkets. The expense depends on what technique you decide to enhance the product with. The durability is similar; generally it's incredibly strong, but if you have it inlaid with fragile items those items stand a good chance of breaking over the years.
(By using the information listed above you should be able to, at least, narrow down your choices and begin researching the patterns, colors, and prices that best suit your home’Äôs needs.)
"Design is not making beauty, beauty emerges from selection, affinities, integration, love."
- Louis Kahn
