One of most effective and most visible ways to modernize a home is to start in the kitchen. In most homes the kitchen is often located close to the living and guest areas and is a very visible. For this reason a clean, functional and aesthetically pleasing kitchen area is a must.
Today the most prevailing remodeling trend in kitchens starts off with the countertop. The countertop sets off the entire kitchen so the choice of material is crucial. Durability, stain resistance, beauty, and of cost are for most of us the main features we are looking for when choosing a material for a kitchen countertop. Here are some things to consider when choosing your new countertop.
Probably the most inexpensive material is laminate. Laminate is a low maintenance alternative to pricey stone and solid-surface countertops. Laminate is also available in styles that can closely mimic the higher priced surfaces. The down side is that laminate is not very resistant to heat and can scratch unlike stone materials. Tile is another low cost alternative.
Quartz composite countertops are mid-range in cost and are becoming more popular because of their natural look and enhanced durability. This is an engineered stone product and because of this often come with a warranty unlike natural stone. Solid-surface is another mid-range option and comes in many styles and colors. Although solid-surface countertops are not heat resistant and can scratch they can also be sanded and repaired.
Because of it’s elegance and durability, granite is currently one of the most popular materials on the market. Granite offers all this strength and beauty at a cost however as it can be included on the higher end of the cost scale.
One of the priciest options for a kitchen countertop has to be marble. Marble offers an elegant luxurious workspace for preparing food but can also stain and scratch if not sealed properly.
Granite is another popular and sometimes pricey alternative. Granite is often preferred because of it’s rich color variations and easy cleaning, especially when treated with a special protective sealant.
The choices are many so it pays to do your homework and shop around in order to get what you want at a reasonable price.