Kitchen Countertops - Material and Color Choices

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.