Kitchen Countertop Ideas——————
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Which countertop is right for you and your new kitchen?
Whether it’s an update or complete remodel new countertops can give your kitchen a much-needed face lift. Before you make that final choice it’s important to know what each material offers in terms of durability and ease of maintenance.
Countertop material is subject to constant use and sometimes downright abuse. You still want it to look good 10 years down the road. The type of counter material you choose will depend on your budget and how you want to use it. You will be seeing it every day from early morning to late at night so choose something that is visually appealing to you.
If you already have fallen in love with a certain granite or a laminate color then work the rest of the kitchen around it. If you don’t really care about the counter and the cabinets are the star of the show for you choose a counter in a neutral, contrasting color to the cabinets to make them the standout feature of the kitchen. Researching kitchen countertop ideas can inspire the look of your new kitchen.
Here’s a overview of the most common countertop materials plus the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Laminate
- most popular of all countertop materials
- made of plywood, chipboard or medium-density fiberboard topped by thin plastic laminate
Advantages
- solid, durable material
- inexpensive
- wide range of colors, textures and patterns available
- cleans easily with soap and water
- water resistant
- resistant to most stains
Disadvantages
- dark backing may be visible at seams on lighter colors
- can chip or scratch over time
- cannot be used as a chopping surface
- can be damaged by high heat
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Solid surface
- made of cast plastics such as polyester, acrylic and mineral fillers
Advantages
- highly resistant to permanent damage; markings can be sanded away
- seams are barely visible
- can be molded into unified counter and sink
- cleans easily with soap and water
- is nonporous, stains do not penetrate the surface
- with proper cleaning, resists the growth of mold, mildew and bacteria
- is also heat and scratch resistant.
- durable
Disadvantages
- expensive
- lower cabinets may require reinforcement
- dark colors will show nicks
- looks artificial
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Marble
- luxurious stone available in a variety of colors and patterns
- surface suited to baking, candy making and rolling out dough
- requires a sealant to prevent staining
Advantages
- water and heat resistant
- beautiful, natural material provides a smooth, cool surface
- hard wearing, durable
- cleans easily
Disadvantages
- expensive
- lower cabinets may require reinforcement
- may not be practical for entire kitchen; better for one work area
- stained by lemon juice, sugar, alcohol and oil
- will dull knife if used as a chopping surface
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Granite
- elegant, polished stone available in a variety of colors
- surface suited to baking, candy making and rolling out dough
Advantages
- water and heat resistant
- immune to stains, resistant to most alcohol, oil and lemon juice
- cleans easily
- aesthetically pleasing and functional
Disadvantages
- expensive
- lower cabinets may require reinforcement
- will dull knife if used as a chopping surface
- seams are visible
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Slate
- dense, fine-grained stone available in black and muted shades of green, grey, purple, red and blue
Advantages
- less expensive than marble and granite
- water and heat resistant
- surface damage can be removed with sandpaper
- easy to clean
Disadvantages
- lower cabinets may require reinforcement
- limited color choices
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Tile and mosaic
- high-fired, dust-pressed clay available in a variety of colors,designs and textures
- best to choose glazed ceramic with textured surface or matte finish
Advantages
- water and heat resistant
- resists scratching
- easily cleaned
- will not burn, stain or discolor
Disadvantages
- grout between tiles is difficult to keep clean although there are new stainless grouts available
- hard on glassware and china
- lower cabinets may require reinforcement
- cannot be used as a chopping surface
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Wood or butcher block
- warm, natural material
- hardwoods like maple, teak and beech are best
- surface should be finished with clear varnish or oil
- wood cut across grain wears most evenly
Advantages
- excellent chopping surface
- easy on glassware and china
- resistant to moderate heat
- easily cleaned
Disadvantages
- avoid using near sink, moisture will blacken surface
- may contract in dry conditions
- can scratch and scorch
- wet metal kitchen equipment left on surface will leave rust stains
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Stainless steel
- available in matte, patterned, sandblasted or polished finishes
- strong material; appropriate for areas in contact with water
Advantages
- waterproof, heat resistant
- durable
- easy to clean
- extremely hygienic
Disadvantages
- noisy and cold
- fabrication is expensive
- will dull knife if used as a chopping surface
- difficult to maintain shine and keep free of marks
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Quartz
- also referred to as engineered stone, made from 93% natural quartz and 7% resin pigments and binders
- strong material
Advantages
- mold, mildew, heat, crack and scratch resistant
- impervious to stains
- does not need to be sealed
- extremely hygienic
- available in different looks such as imitation granite and stone or in a variety of colors
Disadvantages
- seams are visible
- very heavy — must be installed by a professional
- lower cabinets may require reinforcement
You can find kitchen countertop ideas at model homes, home renovation stores and magazines. Choose a material that you can live with, something tried and true like laminate, granite or solid surface from a reputable company.
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Check out all these other great idea pages to help you design your new kitchen.
