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Choosing the Right Kitchen Counter Tops
by Jennifer
I am currently in the process of remodeling my kitchen and have been debating what kind of kitchen counter tops to get. Some of the the choices range between laminate (Formica), to kitchen granite countertops, marble kitchen counter tops, ceramic tile kitchen countertops, and even cement countertops. While Formica countertops are cheap and are less appealing, you have the advantage of being able to choose from a huge variety of colors to fit your kitchen color schemes. As Far as Granite and Marble, they can really add a touch of class to your home, if they fit into your kitchen remodeling budget. Plus, they are a one-of-a kind slab of natural stone. You can really get a luxurious look if you can afford them! I have however, read that natural stone does require special maintenance which concerns me. The nice thing about ceramic tile kitchen countertops is that there are so many colors, shapes, and sizes to choose from that you can really customize your kitchen counter tops. You can also find coordinating kitchen backsplash tile designs that look great! I have found out that if you use ceramic tile though, you want to use a good sealer on the grout joints. One of the things that worries me is that the grout joints can hold bacteria. That makes me believe that ceramic tile kitchen countertops are the hardest to clean and maintain. I'm not real sure. Just a hunch.... Other types of kitchen countertops can be cleaned with a regular household cleaners for the most part. Just be sure not to use abrasive or harsh chemicals from what I've read. The last one that I have looked at is cement countertops. Though it is very heavy, cement countertops are probably the most customizable surface out there. It can be framed and molded to almost anything you want. There are loads of colors for staining the tops to your hearts desire. You can really be creative but do need to think ahead. You need to add the holes for the kitchen sink plumbing. Once I decide on which of the acrylic kitchen sinks that I want, I will of course have the remodeling contractor form the opening for that. Cement countertops are really customizable. You can, for instance, add small grooves for draining dish water back into the sink. The limit is your imagination with these types of kitchen counter tops. After looking at my possibilities, I like the idea of the cement countertops since they are not only beautiful and unique, they are also eco-friendly. It is a great idea, in my opinion, to make a countertops from a natural material that is locally available. |