How to Choose Kitchen Countertops

Today’s kitchens are quite sophisticated. Throughout the years, they have become larger, taller and have many new high-tech features to offer. Today’s kitchen is not just a place to cook, it’s a place to entertain.

One of the most important decisions to make when it comes to kitchen remodeling and redesign is the right countertop. A countertop is more important than most homeowners care to admit. There are great differences in countertops. Each style can drastically change the look and feel of your kitchen. It is also important to know that countertop materials vary in durability and the way that they should be maintained. When choosing countertops, value in the long run, rather than the immediate cost, is of much greater importance.

One of the most difficult decisions to make when it comes to designing your home is choosing between beauty and function. You may find a countertop that you absolutely fall in love with, one that perfectly works with the color scheme and design of your kitchen. But is it a good choice? There are quite a few countertops that can absorb a stain easily and permanently. Or maybe you have decided on a wood surface that you’ve stained yourself, only to find out later just how toxic stain is. Handling food on a toxic surface is dangerous for your family, so what once seemed like an inexpensive fix can become an expensive and frustrating experience. And even if you decide on wood, is it really a good idea to use around a kitchen sink? Or maybe you have chosen tile for your countertop surface, but now you are having a hard time cleaning the grout? As you can see, choosing the right countertop is very important. The following is a brief overview of some of the most common countertop styles that will help you choose the one that best works for you.

LAMINATED COUNTERTOPS (ALSO KNOWN AS FORMICA) - Laminated countertops are very common in today’s kitchens. For families who are up for a weekend renovating challenge, laminated countertops are a great project that is both easy to do and easy on your wallet. Home improvement stores provide already finished countertops that are priced per foot. The beauty is that unlike natural stone that is too hard to cut, a laminated surface can be cut using a jigsaw that most handy husbands already have in their garage. Once the cutouts are done and the countertop is positioned correctly, it is time to think about the edge. Choose a laminated surface that resembles granite, marble or other luxurious stone and add a unique edge in a color that will pull the entire kitchen together.
PROS: least expensive; self-installation possible using inexpensive tools
CONS: hot pans can mildly burn surface; minor scratching possible
WOOD COUNTERTOPS - A butcher block is a unique look. It is best for kitchens that are used by the occasional chef, not someone who cooks every day.

PROS: inexpensive; self-installation possible, scratches can be sanded over; easily cleaned
CONS: must be covered with oil regularly, finish is unsafe for food; not recommended around sinks.
TIP: Be careful to buy heavy, hardwood butcher block. Stay away from “lightweight” versions.

SOLID SURFACE COUNTERTOPS - Solid surface countertops don’t just come in basic white, but they can also mimic the veins in marble or the speckles of granite.

PROS: can be custom made to show no seams; its strongly packed and uniform construction allows it to resist water damage; scratches and blemishes can just be lightly sanded
CONS: very expensive; hot pans can leave a permanent mark

STAINLESS STEEL COUNTERTOPS - For fancy gourmet restaurants or contemporary kitchens alike - a stainless steel countertop simply is the ideal look. But is it functional?

PROS: resists heat and staining
CONS: scratches and dents are unrepairable; difficult to install

CERAMIC TILE COUNTERTOPS - Ceramic tiles are a popular choice when it comes to countertops. Why not, tiles are quite easy to install.

PROS: easily installed using common tools; inexpensive; easily withstands hot pans without being scorched
CONS: stains and bacteria can settle into grout; grout pieces can chip off and get into food; harsh cleaners may take off tile finish; tiles can break

CULTURED MARBLE COUNTERTOPS - Many people believe that cultured marble is a synthetic material. Not quite. Most of cultured marble is made using actual marble dust that is pressed together and finished off with polyester resin. Nevertheless, not all cultured marble is of top quality. Some may contain more synthetic material than they should. Beware of new subdivisions and home builders that sell homes with cultured marble. Always ask about its composition first to make sure that their cultured marble is of top quality. Low quality cultured marble loses its sheen after a few years, well after home warranties expire. Cultured marble is cool to the touch and has the same feel as marble does. It is mostly found in a solid white or beige version with subdued striations.

PROS: resists heat and staining; more dense and less porous than actual marble - better resistance to discolorations; great around sinks; proper maintainance by using specialty cleaners and polishers can maintain its sheen for many years
CONS: scratches must be fixed professionally using a gel; may lose its sheen after a few years if it is not maintained or is of poor quality

GRANITE COUNTERTOPS - Granite is a beautiful and very durable choice. It comes in thousands of different looks and is one of the toughest and hardest materials out there when it comes to countertops.

PROS: heat and scratch resistant, easy to maintain, long lasting and of great quality - one of the best values out there (price has been going down in recent years)
CONS: you get what you pay for - granite has a corresponding price for its quality; must be sealed to avoid stains

MARBLE COUNTERTOPS - If you thought granite was high-end expensive, then take a look a marble. Marble countertops simply equal luxury kitchens.

PROS: unique look that is rare; heat-resistant
CONS: expensive; its porous composition allows stains to easily penetrate if surface is not sealed well

ENGINEERED STONE COUNTERTOPS - Engineered stone is very similar to cultured marble. However, it is mostly composed of quartz particles. Quartz is very strong, even stronger than granite, so you can imagine the cost.

PROS: its tough, durable and non-porous composition makes it one of the most stain-, scratch- and heat-resistant surfaces
CONS: expensive