Kitchen Countertops
|
 |
Kitchen countertops are hard-working surfaces that more or less act as the kitchen's 'workbench'. However any functional similarity with their garage counterparts ends when you consider the myriad of material choices that are available.
There's probably no other surface in the house, other than flooring perhaps, that matches the range of product types and styles available for kitchen counters.
Years ago you had a few choices for countertop surfaces. In case you haven't been paying attention lately, the world is practically your oyster when it comes
So where do you begin? Well, let's first start out by learning a bit more about these hard working surfaces. This web page is broken down into the sections shown below. You can click on any that interest you or continue reading down the page to eventually get through them all.
What Are My Choices?
What Should I Know Before Choosing Kitchen Countertops?
What Are The Positives And Negatives?
Editor's Picks
This is the fun part, sort of like countertop shopping, where you get to browse the seemingly ever-expanding range of countertop products. Take some time to get familiar with the choices, dream a little, and then take a look at the pros/cons table to get a better feel for whether they fit your requirements.
If you want more in depth information on any particular countertop surface, click on the appropriate link in the pros and cons table below.
Laminate
Well known by trade names such as Formica®, these countertops have stood the test of time. New innovations make for a broad range of colors and patterns and more recently, the addition of textures.
Solid Surface
Solid surface is basically a plastic but that's where the blandness ends. Many styles and colors are available and the seamless characteristics work well for expansive countertops and integral sinks.
Natural Stone
Granite, slate, soapstone, quartz, marble, gemstone... . Natural stone has an inherent beauty but there is some maintenance involved in keeping them 'healthy'.
| Granite countertops have been called into question regarding the possibility of emitting radon into the home. Find out what this is all about in this article. |
Engineered Stone
Predominantly a quartz material that's been crushed and combined with resins to form a hard surface like stone, but without the maintenance requirements like periodic sealing. Some of the colors and patterns do a pretty good job of mimicking natural stone.
Wood
Wood countertops no longer mean just butcher block. There are plenty of style options involving wood species and edge treatments and even the option of using reclaimed wood for those who want an eco-friendly countertop. There are plenty of wood countertop sources too so finding a supplier shouldn't be a problem. There is some maintenance involved to keep them looking good however so it's worth investigating further to know if it's right for your kitchen.
Metal
Stainless steel is probably more widely known but if that's too clinical for you, picture your kitchen countertops in the rich color of copper, which gain a unique patina over time. Or consider the interesting gray pallet of pewter countertops.
Concrete
Concrete offers endless design options since they're fabricated to your specifications, either right in your home or in a design studio and then shipped to your kitchen. Concrete offers a smooth surface in just about any color along with a stoutness that embodies solidity.
Composite and Recycled Materials
Composite and recycled countertops deliver some interesting alternatives for kitchen countertops. Some are made from recycled paper combined with resins to form a surface that's hard yet warmer than stone. Other choices include the use of recycled crushed glass and porcelain that's mixed with resins or cement. The result is a durable but distinctive terrazzo-like surface. The eco-friendly nature of these choices may also give you the satisfaction of having helped the environment.
Lavastone
Lavastone is volcanic lava that's hardened into a stone-like consistency. Most Lavastone countertop material is covered with a hard enamel that makes the surface similar to tile, except you don't have to deal with grout lines like you do with a tile countertop. It can be expensive but you have a virtually unlimited supply of colors.
Tile
Tile's another choice that's been available for years but you're not limited to just the basic 4-inch squares anymore. Natural stone tiles like granite are available and come in large sizes which means you could have a granite countertop with just a few grout lines for less cost than a granite slab.
Glass
Glass countertops offer a sleek, modern style that's unique and usually custom-designed so there's little worry of having a kitchen just like everyone else. There's a world of choices in textures, styles and colors so there's virtually no limit to the level of distinction you can put in your kitchen. Glass countertop sources include architectural glass fabricators and glass art studios so there's bound to be a design that's right for you. Glass countertops are sturdy enough to stand up to their role but you'll still want to be sure you avoid dropping something large and heavy on them. They will scratch and they're not immune to cracks or breaks.
What Should I Know Before Choosing Kitchen Countertops?
Before letting emotion completely take over, identify or write down your goals on what it is you want to achieve with your new kitchen or remodel. This will help you identify certain types of kitchen countertops that fit your objectives or needs.
Despite the wide range of countertop choices available, each has their own distinct advantages and disadvantages. Take time to ask yourself the following questions to help focus in on a short list of options:
- Are you going strictly for a look and feel that you have your heart set on, regardless of any other decision factors?
- Are you looking for practicality and something that is easily maintainable and affordable?
- How do you intend on using your kitchen countertops? Do you do a lot of cooking and food preparation or will your countertops see less use?
- What kind of long term durability are you looking for? Do you want your kitchen countertops to look the same 10 years from now, with no visible signs of aging, wear or patina?
- What level of maintenance are you willing to put in?
- Do you want surfacing that is more environmentally-friendly?
Once you've put some thought into these questions you should be better equipped to sort through the various kitchen countertop choices that are available. Here are some additional points to keep in mind before you choose your kitchen countertops:
- Stone countertops such as granite are naturally porous and will need to be sealed in order to maintain their stain resistance. Stone is also heavy so your cabinets and supporting structure will need to handle the weight.
- Edge treatments play a large role in the overall cost of your kitchen countertops. Fancy or intricate edges typically require more labor which drives up the cost, particularly with materials that are harder to work and cut like stone. Think about going with a more standard or less elaborate edge. It might allow you to get the countertop of your choice while staying within your budget
- Laminate kitchen countertops are durable, affordable and can be found in a multitude of different colors and patterns, some that mimic the look of natural stone. There are also edge treatments such as a wood edge or beveled edge that virtually eliminate the dark line typically seen on square edges of laminate countertops.
- No kitchen countertop material is perfect although some come close from a durability and minimal-maintenance perspective. But don't think that they're indestructible. Understanding that a little care and maintenance is required should help avoid disappointment down the road.
- Countertop surfaces vary in their strengths and weaknesses so take advantage of that. Don't be afraid to mix up materials within your kitchen. Use butcher block for a dedicated cutting area and a more delicate natural stone like marble for less-used areas you'd like to show off.
Positives and Negatives
The table below lists the high points and low points of the various kitchen countertop products. Click on the Countertop Type to get more in-depth information and additional resources associated with that countertop material.
Keep in mind that the kitchen countertop choices listed here are primarily categories. Within each category there are numerous other options available to you. For example, there are multiple solid surface manufacturers, each with their own design formulas, styles and innovations. Once you narrow your choice down to a few countertop categories, spend some time exploring the various choices within each option.
Pros | Cons | |
| Laminate |
|
|
| Solid Surface |
|
|
| Natural Stone |
|
|
| Engineered Stone |
|
|
| Wood |
|
|
| Metal |
|
|
| Concrete/Cement |
|
|
| Composite/Recycled |
|
|
| Lavastone |
|
|
| Tile |
|
|
| Glass |
|
|
| Editor's Picks Before I show too much favor I'll just cop out and admit that I don't have one single kitchen countertop preference. But in my own defense, here's the reason: it really does depend on what style you're looking for, the type of duty your kitchen countertops will see and of course, the size of your pocketbook. So different products satisfy different needs. I'll go with my top 3 choices and the reasons why. Natural Stone I'm a maintenance-oriented guy so the concept of periodically sealing a granite countertop is no big deal. Somehow the natural but rugged qualities of stone resonate with something inside of me that wants it real. Sure, my house provides me with shelter from the outside, but somehow I still want some connection to the earth we live on. Engineered Stone It's a perfect marriage between nature and man's brainpower. The natural quartz crystals bound up in the resin matrix add a depth and translucence that you see with some stones like granite. But the fact that it's virtually non-porous eliminates the need for sealing and the worries of staining. Pretty nifty idea. Composite/Paper Based These products have a warmer feel than natural or engineered stone yet the the black-colored products have a striking resemblance to slate, another favorite of mine. As much as I like stone kitchen countertops, they can feel pretty cold sometimes. These paper-based products offer a warmer alternative. |
Return to the HomeStyleChoices Homepage from Kitchen Countertops
Not finding what you need? Looking for more information?
Search this site here.
 Custom Search |
