If you’re considering new countertops, explore your options. Granite countertops have been the most popular for the last 10 years, but the popularity of other countertop materials is increasing. Here you have 8 of the most installed countertops.
granite
Granite is available in various grades – the better the grade, the higher the price. Granite is a natural stone that creates a beautiful and elegant look for any kitchen. It is extremely durable and heat resistant. Granite countertops are available in a wide range of colors.
Wood or butcher block
Butcher bock or wood countertops are a great choice for a country-style kitchen. Maple and oak are the most commonly used and are sealed to prevent staining. There is more maintenance involved with wood countertops than with most other countertops. They should be sanded and resealed about once a year (more or less, depending on usage).
Concrete
Concrete is a great countertop option for those looking for a unique look for their kitchen. Installing concrete countertops has many benefits, but keep in mind that they can cost anywhere from $65 to $100 per square foot. Benefits include: Durability – Resists all types of damage, including chipping, cracking and scratching; simple maintenance: they must be resealed once a year; Green concrete is a widely available and renewable resource, making it the preferred choice for homeowners looking for an environmentally friendly countertop option. Additionally, concrete countertops can be formed on site, which eliminates countertop seams.
Engineered Stone (Quartz)
Engineered stone countertops are made up of quartz particles mixed with colored pebbles, polymers, and epoxy. They cost about the same as granite. The advantage over granite is that engineered stone is available in a wider range of colors. Countertops resist scratches and require annual sealing.
Soapstone
If you are looking for an extremely smooth and elegant countertop, then soapstone could be for you. It has an impressively smooth feel and is available in deep colors. It does not stain and no liquid can penetrate its surface. Soapstone is a cost effective option as it can be installed by a beginning DIYer. Because soapstone is a soft stone, it can be cut and shaped without special stoneworking tools. Many homeowners choose soapstone for DIY countertop projects.
stainless steel
Stainless steel is heat resistant, durable and easy to clean, making it a smart choice for your countertop. Stainless steel countertops are often used in contemporary kitchens. A sound deadening underlayment is needed to reduce noise associated with countertops. They are stain resistant and can be safely bleached.
Marble
Marble is extremely expensive and is not a common countertop option. However, it is more commonly used for islands and baking centers. Marble has great qualities, such as impermeability and heat resistance.
Ceramic tiles
Many average homeowners choose to install ceramic tile countertops. They are durable, easy to clean and cost effective. There are many color options, and the tiles can be installed by a DIYer. Some of the disadvantages include that the surface is not smooth and regular maintenance is required. Maintenance includes cleaning grout and repairing chipped tile.