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Kitchen
Counter Tops - Options & Material |
With the number of choices in kitchen
countertops, it’s no wonder consumers have a hard time
making a choice. One word of advice is to bring your samples
home and try them next to your cabinets in your home’s own
light. If you are looking to install a new countertop in
your kitchen, here are a few of your choices:
Laminate (Formica) countertops have been the standard
in kitchens until recent years. Laminates are durable and
easy to clean and the least expensive of all countertops.
They average in price from $15 to $30 per square foot,
although adding end finishing and different edge choices can
also add to the price. Laminate comes in just about any
color you can imagine, so if you are looking for an
inexpensive counter and want color in your kitchen, this may
be your answer. The downside of laminate is it does scratch
and show knife marks; and it has seams that show in the
corners.
Ceramic tile is the second least expensive option in
countertops. Prices range from about $11 to $80 or more per
square foot. It is durable, easy to clean, and will take a
hot pan; plus it comes in a wide variety of colors and
styles. You can install tile yourself, but it is a harder
job than you may imagine. The tile must be perfectly level
or you will end up with an uneven countertop. Tiles can
crack or chip easily if cans are dropped on them, and grout
can take stains and discolor with time and use. You can put
a warm pan on the surface, but it can scorch with an
extremely hot pan. The choices of tile run the gamut from
pure white to slate. When choosing your tile, you will want
a smooth surface that will not collect dirt and grime.
Wood or Butcher Block adds a warm look to your home,
but the price jumps to about $50 to $100 per square foot.
Contrary to what you may have heard, wood is actually a very
sanitary choice, as it has natural properties that protect
bacterial buildup. Your choices of wood include all
hardwoods such as oak, cherry, teak, mahogany, maple and
more, so you have a wide range of colors to choose from.
Wood is very durable and scratches can be sanded out. It
must be oiled or sealed according to manufacturer’s
instructions.
Solid Surface Countertops are sold under the names
Corian, Avonite, Gibraltar, or Swanstone. They are
manufactured to your specifications and are seamless. Your
kitchen sink can be a seamless transition from your
countertop. This countertop can range from a low price of
$20 per square foot for a flat surface to $40 to $85 or more
for custom work. This product will show knife scratches, but
they can be sanded out because the surface is solid. Solid
surface counters come in a rainbow of colors and patterns,
and may be your answer if you are looking for a specific
color to enhance your kitchen. It is vulnerable to hot pans
and stains, but again, it can be sanded out.
Engineered Stone is about the same as granite ($50 to
$100 or more per square foot) and is manufactured under the
names DuPont Zodiaq, Cambria Quartz, and Silestone. This
product has actual quartz particles within it to make a
hard, durable surface. It has a larger range of colors than
granite, and the store samples may be more reliable than
granite, which has individuality in each piece, however
engineered stone has a more uniform look to it. Engineered
stone’s nonporous surface resists stains and scratches and
the big plus is it does not need to be resealed. It is easy
to clean, but it is vulnerable to hot pans. This product is
fairly new and I would certainly talk to someone who has it
in their kitchen to see how they like it before I committed
to buying it.
Granite is timeless and elegant and a popular choice
in today’s homes. It is expensive ($50 to $100 or more per
square foot) Granite is quarried and because it is an actual
piece of stone, the colors and patterns may not be exactly
like you see in the store. Some stores allow you to choose
the actual piece of stone you want to prevent mistakes.
Granite is somewhat more limited in colors and patterns than
other options. One word of caution: Many people prefer the
classic look of black granite, and it is a beautiful choice.
Black, however shows dust and fingerprints easily. I have
been to a friend’s house who had black granite and even with
small specks of silver or white within it, dust and
fingerprints still showed, so keep that in mind as you
decide your color choices.
Granite does absorb stains and can crack; plus it must be
resealed periodically so it is not totally maintenance free.
It does add elegance to a kitchen like no other product, and
is great for resale in today’s market.
If you are looking for a less expensive alternative, try
granite tiles or a 3/4 inch sheet of granite applied to a
substrate. This option will also decrease the weight on your
cabinets.
Stainless Steel is for you if you like an industrial
modern look. This is what they use in chef’s kitchens
because it is very easy to clean and is heat resistant,
durable, and seamless. It can be very expensive, not because
of the cost of the steel, but because of the cost of
fabrication. ($100 to $200 per square foot) Stainless steel
is the only surface that can be safely bleached, but you
can’t cut on it without scratching it. However, the new,
brushed surfaces do resist scratching. It is prone to dents,
and can be noisy. You can absorb the noise by attaching the
steel to a wood substrate, or insulating it with foam.
Soapstone is dark gray in color and has a smooth
surface. This option is sometime used in historic homes to
maintain their old integrity. It is somewhat stain
resistant, but may crack or darken over time. The
maintenance for soapstone is regular application of mineral
oil.
Concrete is another option if you like a contemporary
or industrial look. The cost is fairly high ($80 to $120 per
square foot installed), but this is a good choice if you
have odd shaped counters, as it can be poured to your
specifications. Concrete is heat and scratch resistant and
can be tinted to add color to the countertop. Cracking is
possible with time, but the newer concrete treatments
prevent cracking. Porosity can be reduced with a sealer.
Marble runs about $40 to $100 or more per square
foot. It needs constant maintenance because it is fairly
porous. Sealed marble will resist most stains, but because
of it’s porosity, acidic foods may damage the stone. This
product must be sealed periodically. Marble can scratch and
it may chip. It is resistant to heat. Marble comes in a
variety of finishes and patterns, and is an elegant choice
for your kitchen. |
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