Choosing Counter Tops For Kitchen Remodeling
added 11/26/2007
There are innumerable options that are available
in the market for kitchen countertops. Depending upon the
budget and the tastes and the preferences, you can get a real
makeover for the kitchen. The costs are dependent upon the
kind of material used for counter tops, the sizes, polishing
of the surfaces, installation time taken, the cornices and
the moldings.
Granite
Granite is the ultimate for sheer luxury. Granite is available
in many colors and not just black and red. There are many
shades and textures available. It can absorb a lot of heat,
wear and tear. Its not seamless, therefore pieces need to
be joined together. The maintenance of granite is simple as
it can be washed with detergent and water.
Engineered Stone
The various kinds if engineered stones available in the market
are DuPont Zodiaq®, Cambria Quartz, Portifino and Silestone.
This is also as expensive as granite. This stone is easy maintenance
and doesn’t crack easily as it’s less porous as
granite and is resistant to acid. It also doesn’t require
any sealing as granite.
Ceramic tiles
Ceramic tiles come in different shapes, sizes, materials,
thickness, durability, colors and patterns. You can opt for
a rough or a smooth finish. Depending upon the finishes, ceramic
tiles can be very cheap or near about as expensive as granite
and other special stones. Grouting between the tiles is expensive
and they can chip and crack over a period of time. Remember
to put only heat resistant ceramic tiles for the counter tops.
Stainless steel counters
Stainless Steel counters look great and make a kitchen look
futuristic. These counter tops are durable, scratch resistant,
heat resistant, and cool to touch and won’t stain. You
can even incorporate the draining boards as well as the kitchen
sinks in stainless steel to match the counters. But they can
be hard to clean as finger print marks, dust and dirt will
easily show. Non directional stainless steel finishes are
also available which will lessen the effect of finger print
marks, scratches and dust. These counters are very expensive.
Wood
Various types of woods have been used for cabinets and now
you can use them for counter tops too. Remember to combine
with other materials especially near the sink and drain board
area. Wood needs to be polished regularly. It also shows up
scratches and knife marks easily.
Lavastone
it’s the latest and is made of glazed volcanic
rock. It’s heat resistant (but of course), stain and
scratch resistant. It’s a very tough stone and is the
latest for countertops. It’s more expensive than granite.
Glass
Glass surfaces are also been used. The glass has been toughened
and made heat resistant. But it can’t be used as a chopping
board. The edges can also be smoothened out. Very expensive
but looks great. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions
for maintenance and cleaning of the surfaces.
Semi precious surfacing
Semi precious stones are used along with its binder to set
the counter top to give a smooth finish. Looks great and is
very expensive. Only install if you don’t have kids
in the house. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer
for cleaning and maintaining the surfaces.
Please refer to our Kitchen
Remodeling Firms section to find a great contractor near
you.
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