Kitchen countertops is an important decision that needs to be made in the beginning of a kitchen renovation. As I go through my own kitchen renovation project, I hemmed and hawed about what type of countertop to choose. By reading this blog, it should help clarify or bring you out of the fog, if you will. Read on if you are interested in educating yourself about the different kitchen countertop ideas for a kitchen renovation.
Various kitchen countertop options are available in the market today. It can become very overwhelming with all the choices, not only with material but also color, texture and durability.
Every kitchen countertop material has its pros and cons. You can either choose natural kitchen countertop materials like a wood countertop and natural stone countertop or opt for man-made kitchen countertop materials like glass, ceramic tiles, laminate and concrete. Keep in mind resale value should you be thinking about selling anytime in the near future. Also important to consider is your kitchen countertop budget. Naturally (no pun intended) natural countertop materials will cost you more than man made materials.
Here is a breakdown of kitchen countertop ideas with materials available to you:
1.Stone kitchen countertops
Stone kitchen countertops such as marble and granite are a popular choice for a kitchen countertop. Of the three, quartz countertop is the hardest and least porous, followed by granite countertops and then marble countertops. Hardness ensures durability and less pores which allows less chance of growth of bacteria ensuring hygiene. They are not only a durable and attractive kitchen countertop, but also increase the value of your home. Quartz is another option costing around same as granite or marble. You can expect to pay anywhere from $45-90/sf for most of your average stone countertops.
2. Wood Kitchen Countertop
Oak, maple, Teak and cherry are popular species of woods used for kitchen countertops. Although cost may vary according to the type of wood used it comes down to personal preference. Wood requires regular maintenance, so if you don’t mind a bit of occasional maintenance, wood is a great choice for kitchen countertop surfaces.
3. Stainless Steel Kitchen Countertops
Stainless steel is another good kitchen counter option and is gaining popularity. It is particularly popular in commercial kitchens because they are durable and stain and heat resistant kitchen countertops. Being non porous, such surfaces are also very hygienic. Stainless steel countertops are known for obtaining scratches. You can opt for textured or brushed finish stainless steel countertops.
4. Laminate and Ceramic Tile
Laminate kitchen countertops and ceramic tile countertops come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Making it very easy for you to match the countertop to the rest of your kitchen décor. The cost per square foot for laminate can be a lot less than a stone, wood or even ceramic tile. The low maintenance requirements of a laminate countertop make them a popular choice and they are certainly the lowest cost kitchen countertop option available. Laminates have come a long way with “stone look alikes” and seamless edges.
5. Concrete Kitchen Countertops
Although beautiful, concrete kitchen countertops can weigh several hundred pounds and are usually poured onsite. Concrete kitchen countertops can come in a variety of colors and can cost more than granite per square foot. Let it be known that concrete is a porous material and has the ability to retain stains. Concrete countertops require a top sealant to prevent staining and early deterioration. Although pretty offering a sleek clean contemporary look it’s not the best choice in a kitchen.
6. Glass Kitchen Countertops
Another great but costly option is glass kitchen countertop. Glass is known for its eye-catching, translucent beauty, and is as durable as most other countertop materials. Read more about glass countertops.
The choice in kitchen counter top material is varied. Based on factors such as aesthetics, ease of cleaning and maintenance, and price be sure to make your selection carefully. Currently, the most popular choice remains to be granite. Prices have come down with low cost imported pre cut pieces available. Granite can offer a clean high end look and it works well with modern and traditional kitchens.
Please feel free to contact AAI if you should have any questions or need assistance in choosing the right countertop for your kitchen.
Until next week~ Happy decorating!