Countertops Information, Cost & Free Price Quotes

Kitchens tend to be considered the most important room in a house. This is true mainly because so many routine activities take place in the kitchen. It has been proven over and over again that one of the best ways to improve or raise the property value of a house is to remodel the kitchen. There are four main areas of the kitchen that generally undergo renovation during a kitchen remodel, and countertops are among those four. Replacing your current kitchen countertop material with a new one can drastically improve the appearance of your kitchen and make it more functional, as well as increase the value of your home.

The first step with any major renovation is to take your budget into account. You will need to consider how much you want to spend on your new countertops. The overall cost of new countertops will vary depending on the performance of the material, the availability of the material, and the difficulty of installation. You will need to research each material, figure out the cost of material and installation, consider how much time and money you’ll need to spend to maintain your new countertop and calculate it all into a total cost.

Of course the appearance of your countertops is important as well. If the countertop doesn’t look good then it definitely isn’t going to enhance your kitchen. You’ll want to seriously consider the style and look you want in your kitchen. Keep in mind, the type of countertop you install will be the focal point of the entire room so make your decision wisely.

There are many countertop materials to choose from which include granite, tile, stone, acrylic, concrete, stainless steel, laminate, and even wood. Of these options, granite happens to be the most popular choice. Below you will find a detailed description of all of your countertop options.

Granite Countertops

Granite countertops are the most well-liked but also the most expensive. The reason granite happens to be so expensive is because it is a quality material that offers great benefits. Not only is it a beautiful surface, granite is also extremely heat and scratch resistant, very durable and it incredibly long lasting. Not to mention the fact that granite will never go out of style so there is rarely a need to replace it. If you are trying to resell your house, granite countertops are one of the first things potential home buyers will notice and be happy about it. The value of your house is instantly increased with granite.

On the downside, you have to keep in mind that granite is a natural stone which makes it porous. In order to prevent staining, you will have to seal your granite countertops. Furthermore, if you are looking to save yourself some pennies, consider installing granite tiles in place of a massive slab. You will save yourself a great chunk of change by doing so. Lastly, you will want to avoid cutting on a granite surface because it will dull the finish and possibly ruin the knife as well.

Natural Stone Countertops

Granite is included in the natural stone countertop category, but it often gets its on category simply because it is so popular. The other natural stone options include quartz, marble, limestone, soapstone, and slate surfaces. All of these stones are very popular today.

• Marble countertops are becoming a popular choice because of their exceptional and stylish look. Marbles appearance is smooth, cool and offers natural accents. It is also perfect for food preparations. As far as durability is concerned, marble falls short of granite and it also requires more sealing maintenance to protect it from staining.
• Slate stands out in a kitchen because it is very durable and has such a unique surface. Unlike granite and marble, slate doesn’t require much sealing protection, but some maintenance is still required.
• Limestone needs to have an eye kept on it because it is very porous and spills must be caught and treated quickly to prevent staining. Some people really enjoy Limestone’s natural, weathered look that deepens and darkens over time.
• Natural quartz compares to slate in appearance, but does not stain or scratch as easily. You also have the option of installing engineered quartz which has been gaining popularity as well. However, the costs are considerably more. Engineered quartz consists of a quartz composite product mixed with epoxy, polymers, and small stones or pebbles.

Tile Countertops

Tile countertops consist of glazed ceramic and porcelain tile. Both of these options have been popular in kitchens for decades. Tile is available in an array of colors, sizes, shapes, and designs. Tile countertops are durable and also have heat and scratch resistance qualities. Keep in mind; porcelain tiles are more durable than ceramic tiles and also more expensive.

On the downside, tile can chip easily and it is more expensive than laminate alternatives. Some owners dislike the fact that the grout stains easily and requires constant cleaning to maintain a fresh look. Furthermore, it is best to leave the installation work to a professional because of the grout issues, the ability for the tiles to break and chip easily, and the overall cost.

Concrete Countertops

Concrete countertops offer many benefits to homeowners. For starters, the concrete is pigmented and can be polished into a smooth and shiny surface that can bear a resemblance to any natural stone. It can also be made into any shape and have any thickness. Like natural stone, concrete is heat and scratch resistant. Lastly, the counters can be molded in a factory or cast on site and can be made in a variety of colors and textures.

On the down side, concrete is rather porous and needs to be regularly sealed in order to resist stains. However, the sealer is not the only protection needed. You also need to wax the sealer every one to three months to prevent stain and water damage. So all in all, concrete requires some extensive maintenance. Furthermore, you must avoid cutting on the concrete surface unless you plan on leaving marks. Lastly, concrete is expensive compared to other countertop options.

Stainless Steel Countertops

Stainless steel is a popular choice for restaurant kitchens because the material is extremely durable, stain and water resistant, low maintenance, and it is available in an array of size and shape choices. Additional qualities include the fact that stainless steel is easy to clean and can handle hot plates and pans on the surface without damage. For these reasons, stainless steel is becoming popular for residential use.

On the down side, some homeowners dislike the look of stainless steel. If you are looking for a warm kitchen feel, stainless steel may not be the best choice because it has an “industrial” look to it. However, they do look well in contemporary kitchens. Another drawback is the fact that it costs a lot. Stainless steel can be rather expensive to have made. Furthermore, you should avoid cutting on it because it will leave marks.

Wood Countertops (Butcher Blocks)

Ever heard of Butcher Block Countertops? I’m sure you have, especially if you are into cooking or know someone that is. Butcher block countertops are made from strips of maple or oak that has been glued together. They are perfect for people that do a lot of cutting on the surface of their countertops because they can be sanded and resealed in the event of any deep cuts, scratches or stains. In addition to maple and oak, bamboo countertops are also becoming increasingly popular.

In general, wood counter material brings a warm look and feel into your kitchen. Wood creates a beautiful look and it can come in a variety of shades and textures. Wood countertops can also be installed very easily and the prices are reasonable. On the downside, wood can burn, scratch, or dent and the material is not very hard. Furthermore, the wood can warp or turn black if exposed to water so to avoid this it must be sealed properly.

Laminate Countertops

If you are looking into laminate countertops you will most likely come across the name Formica. Formica is the most common name for laminate counters. Plastic laminate countertops consist of thin layers of plastic that are glued to particleboard or wood. They are stain-resistant, inexpensive, lightweight, and available in an endless supply of colors and patterns. Laminate countertops are also very easy to clean and easy to install.

On the downside, the durability of these countertops does not last forever. Unfortunately, laminates are not heat or scratch resistant and they can become dull and scratch easily with tough abrasives. Furthermore, excessive water exposure can lead to warping or water spots and the color or pattern can fade with time.

Solid Surface Countertops

Solid surface countertops are smooth, durable, easy to clean, available in many colors, and water resistant. They are manufactured tops that are custom-made for any application. They are made of solid synthetic sheets that are formed by mixing a mineral compound with polyester and/or acrylic resins. When it’s finished it offers the look of stone, but without color variations. Well known companies include Corian, Avonite, and Swanstone.

On the downside, solid surface countertops are easily discolored by heat and heavy impacts, they require a good strong cabinet base, and they are known for being quite expensive. Also, they may potentially crack after cooling down from a hot pot or pan touching its surface. When it comes to cleaning solid surface countertops, pay attention to the manufactures instructions. In most cases, dirt can be removed with soapy water or an ammonia-based cleaner, but it’s always better to check first.