Kitchen Countertop Bliss

People now have a choice of sleeker and more classy kitchen countertop materials. They range from affordable to expensive, but considering that the kitchen is one of the most-used rooms in a home, it’s only logical that you invest in functional but sturdy kitchen countertop materials. Among the most poular choices are granite, soapstone, laminates, tiles, wood, engineered stone, stainless steel and even glass. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages, but there’s surely one that’s perfect for the dream kitchen you have always dreamed of.

Zenith Bits And Pieces For Your Kitchen:

Whether you are building a new home or remodeling an older one, kitchen planning and the countertop you will be using should be at the top of your list. Kitchen countertops are one of the most used items in any kitchen. First of all let us take a look at the different materials available today for building that perfect countertop. Formica countertops have always been an old stand by and are used in many new homes today, they are easy to clean and come in a wide selection of colors, not to mention less expensive than some of the other materials.

Granite countertops are also very popular. Granite is second only to diamonds in hardness, so they are more scratch resistant than most any other countertop material, and can take a hot pot without any protection. They will be somewhat more expensive, but in my opinion, well worth it if this look fits your plans. The look of granite has always been a favorite with many people. One reason for this is because of the highly polished designs. Wood counter tops are also very popular; they offer a feeling of warmth and are available in many colors and finishes. Maple and oak are the most popular woods used as counter tops, but can require a bit more effort to care for.

List of Materials:

Laminate Countertops – Some good things about laminate countertops are you can install them yourself, they are inexpensive, they are low maintenance, and you can find them in all kinds of colors. On the other hand, you need to be careful with knives and hot pans because once a laminate countertop is damaged it is almost impossible to repair. Ceramic Tile Countertops – These countertops can also be easily installed and they come in lots of colors and patterns, they are heat resistant, and easy to clean.

But ceramic tile countertops can be a tough surface to chop on and they can crack or chip. Stone Countertops – These countertops are very durable, look great, and the granite ones also clean up quite easily. On the down side you must regularly seal and polish them so they look good, and if your stone countertop is made of marble you need to be extra careful because of staining.
Stainless Steel Countertops – Stains are not a problem and the counter can take high temperatures without damage. But you have to take some care when installing stainless steel because if they are not extremely well supported they can dent. They also are prone to showing scratches and nicks.

Butcher Block Countertops – They give your kitchen that warm feeling that only wood can give, your knives wont dull, and you can smooth out any scratches with sandpaper. On the other hand you must use vegetable oil regularly to treat the wood and keep it looking good. Also too much water exposure can stain and rot the counter. Solid Surface Countertops – Lots of plus’s here, you can find a ton of patterns and colors and some styles look like granite or other stone choices, it is very durable, easy to clean, and with this type of countertop you can easily install custom integrated sinks.

Install With Care:

But you will need a licensed contractor to install this type of countertop or you will void the warranty and you must be careful with your hot pots and pans.
Soapstone Countertops – These are very beautiful and they don’t stain. Hot pans are also not a problem. You do need to seal them with mineral oil quite often, and they are more likely to be scratched than granite. Lava stone Countertops – Awesome countertops, they can resist water damage, scratches, and hot pans superbly.