After the cabinets in your kitchen,
the countertops are the most prominent aspect of any kitchen remodel, and as
such, deserve careful consideration when you choose the countertops for your
kitchen. You have many choices in countertops, both material and color.
Countertop Material Choices
Traditionally, Formica or laminate
countertops were your only choice for countertop material. Today you have many
more choices for countertop material, both natural and man made. Natural
materials, such as granite, quartz, and hardwoods are very popular, and add a
touch of elegance to your kitchen.
Granite, especially, offers visual
interest and style to your kitchen, and is one of the most popular countertop materials
in use today. It is very durable, easy to maintain, and will last a lifetime.
Quartz is extremely hard,
non-porous, and very elegant. Hardwood countertops are very beautiful, do
require a little more upkeep, and are more forgiving to dishes if they are
dropped on wood countertops, than granite or quartz.
Man made materials include laminates,
Corian, tile, and concrete. Laminates are inexpensive and durable, though they
can be scratched or burnt relatively easily.
Corian countertops are extremely durable,
more costly, and are an attempt to mimic a natural stone look for a more
affordable price. Tile has been used for centuries and is popular choice in
Europe and South American kitchen designs. If one tile is damaged it can be
removed and replaced without having to replace the whole countertop.
Natural materials come in tile form
also, and are a great compromise in both style and price. Concrete countertops
have been more popular recently, but are losing their appeal, because of higher
upkeep involved and change of consumer taste.
For the Eco-conscious consumer,
there are more choices of recycled materials being used in countertops. One
popular choice is recycled colored glass bits set in a Polynesian matrix
producing an Art Deco look that is colorful, durable, and earth-friendly.
Color Choices
Your choices of colors or patterns
for your countertops are virtually unlimited. You can create whatever
combination you want for your countertops and kitchen.
Natural materials, by their very
nature, have a variety of patterns within the natural material. It is this
randomness, which makes them so appealing to many consumers. Granites,
particularly come in a wide variety of colors, grains, and patterns which can
vary greatly, even in the same slab. While this randomness is appealing, it can
offer a challenge to the installer to make large countertops appear seamless.
One solution to this is using granite tiles to control or accent the
randomness, depending on your preference.
Man made materials can be created in
any color or pattern that the manufacturer can imagine, and then some. Tiles
come in a wide variety of colors and you can create ant pattern that you wish.
In addition to the cost of the
materials, you need to consider the cost of installation of the material you
choose for your kitchen
countertops Maryland. Most countertop installations are best left to
the experts, because they require special tools or knowledge for their proper
installation. This is especially true for natural stone slab countertops and
poured concrete countertops, because of the weight involved. For the
do-it-yourselfer, tile countertops can be relatively easy to install, if you
have a basic knowledge of tile installation.
For advice on the best countertop
material, color, and patterns for your kitchen remodel, it would be worth your
time to consult with a kitchen design expert. They help you achieve the exact
look that you want for your new kitchen and will be able get you the best value
for your money with both the purchase of your new countertops and with the
professional installation.