How to Choose the Correct Material for New Countertops

Installing new countertops can be an easy and inexpensive way to upgrade your kitchen. Older homes often times still have the original laminate countertops. While they are an inexpensive option that provide a range of color options, over time they can become dull, chipped, and stained. Simply by installing a new custom countertop, you will be able to breathe new life into the most important room in your home.

Inexpensive Options

Ceramic tile and laminates provide the best options if you are looking for an inexpensive option.  Ceramic tile allows you to truly show off your personality. Because they come in so many colors, sizes, and shapes, you can let your imagination and creatively shine through. However, they can create an uneven surface. Ceramic tile can chip easily if it is not maintained properly. The grout (the cement that holds the tile in place) can also become stained.

Similarly, laminates afford a range of color and design options. Brands like Formica have been making high quality countertops for decades. They remain popular because they are durable and easy to maintain. While they can be inexpensive, they are nearly impossible to repair and finishing the ends and front edges will add to the cost.

Granite Counters

Granite counters are quickly becoming the go-to option for both new homes and remodels. Granite, while expensive, has come down in price in recent years. It can afford you a range of colors and unique patterns. New sealers help it resist stains. Most importantly, properly installed granite counters can last a lifetime and add both real and perceived value to a home.

While granite has many pros, it is not without some downsides. Quality granite does come at a cost. And if installed incorrectly, it can crack. Because it is natural stone, special cleaners need to be used to ensure that it keeps in luster and does not become stained.

Other Options

Engineered Stone, Wood, and Stainless Steel are all also popular options. Engineered stone is an artificial quartz composite. A relative newcomer, it is easy to maintain and can resist stains but it can be very expensive. Wood countertops can give your kitchen a rustic look. However, they are very difficult to maintain. Scratches must be oiled or sealed before food particles can become ingrained. Stainless Steel countertops have become very popular in modern kitchens. The can give a space a more industrial look. However, they are expensive to fabricate if you have a non-standard space and they can be noisy, they can dent, and you cannot cut on them.