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Selecting Your Kitchen Counter Tops: Best Counter Surface For Your Kitchen
Click Here to Share What Kind of Kitchen Countertops You Have or Want!
Kitchen counter tops are the "crowning-jewel" of a well-designed kitchen and finding the right one can be challenging with all of the choices that you have.
Countertops add color, depth, and beauty to your kitchen and enhance the cabinetry, backsplash, and flooring.
There is not doubt that your kitchen counter tops will give you the look and feel that you want and make a statement in your kitchen.
Being one of the most outstanding parts of your kitchen that you, your family, and friends notice upon entering makes your countertop selection an important decision.
It's difficult to sort everything out with choices that range from lower priced laminates that look like stone to the most decadent granite that is mined on the other side of the world.
But aside from all of the beauty that countertops provide, you want them to be practical, durable, and easy to maintain.
One of the first things that you want to determine is if the countertop that you like is suitable for how you will use it.
Let's look at the most popular types of kitchen counter tops to give you a better idea of your possibilities.
So Many Different Tops to Consider!
Stone Kitchen Counter Tops
If you want the ultimate in elegance, one of your best choices is natural stone countertops including granite, slate, marble, soapstone, travertine, or limestone. Natural stone countertops will last a lifetime!
However, they usually require special maintenance but you'll have a gorgeous top that is totally unique and sets your kitchen apart from the ordinary. Even though stone countertops are one of the most sought after materials, they generally come with a high price tag compared to other tops.
Quartz Kitchen Counter Tops
Maybe you want the look of real stone in a product that requires less maintenance like engineered quartz countertops do. Different makers of quartz countertops include brands like Silestone, Cambria, Zodiaq, and Caesarstone.
Not all surfaces look like natural stone with many being brilliant solid colors. Silestone, for instance, has more then 60 colors to choose from! Just keep in mind that these countertops are priced similar to granite.
Solid Surface Kitchen Counter Tops
Another option is to go with engineered solid surface countertops that are made from acrylic polymer in brands like Corian, Avonite, Fountainhead, and Swanstone.
These products feature seamless construction, integrated sinks, and a huge array of colors. Corian, for instance, is available in more then 130 colors!
Eco-Friendly Kitchen Counter Tops
For the eco-conscious folks out there, you could go with concrete, reclaimed wood, or bamboo countertops. Concrete gives you unlimited design options, colors, and patterns while wood gives you warmth in your kitchen that is hard to match.
You also have many choices in recycled glass countertops from a number of makers including Enviroglas, Vetrazzo, and Icestone. The options for colors are only limited by the different colors of glass that are combined and mixed with cement or resin binders.
Have you ever thought of have a countertop made out of paper? Those are available from companies like Paperstone, where they use 100% recycled paper to produce kitchen counter tops.
Stainless Steel Kitchen Counter Tops
If you want a sleek industrial look, you may want to think about stainless steel countertops. This type of custom-made top will not only make a lasting impression in your kitchen but is one of the most hygienic.
If stainless steel is not your metal of choice, you can also get zinc, copper, pewter, and others metals. Metal countertops have a limited audience since they're expensive, commercial in appearance, and go best with modern kitchen designs.
Tile Kitchen Counter Tops
If you want the ultimate in versatility with a number of textures and materials to choose from, consider tile countertops. There are so many types and sizes of tile to choose from that your possibilities are endless.
Depending on the tile that you select, this can be one of the most reasonably priced tops available. If you're handy, you may even want to consider installing them yourself.
Laminate Kitchen Counter Tops
For those that want the most affordable option, consider a laminate such as Formica kitchen counter tops.
Formica is the originator of this somewhat durable and carefree high-pressure laminate material. Formica comes in over 200 colors that include different patterns and finishes.
Formica has a new product out called 180fx that comes in limited colors and patterns that only repeat every 60"! This was designed to mimic the look of real stone at a much more affordable price.
You can also find other makers of laminates such as Wilsonart and Nevamar to increase your basket of selections. Most laminate countertop makers carry all three of these brands to choose from. If you want a large selection and are on a tight budget, this may be the perfect top for your new kitchen design.
Questions to Consider
The only other finish in the kitchen that offers as wide of a selection in materials is
kitchen flooring.
With such a broad range of prices, materials, colors, textures, styles, and edge profiles, you'll need to narrow your selection down in order to decide on the right kitchen countertop. The following are some questions to think about that will help with your decision-making...
Will the kitchen countertop you like:
Get a lot or a limited amount of use given your lifestyle?
Give you the appearance that you want and fit your budget?
Be combined with other countertop materials to reduce your cost?
Need to have a special edge profile that will cost more?
Perform well given how you'll use it?
Stain easily and if so can the stain be removed?
Damage easily by chipping and scratching and can they be repaired?
Require an amount of maintenance that's acceptable to you?
Be easy to clean and hold up to various household chemicals?
Hold up well to water exposure and be spot resistant?
Look the same in the long run or age gracefully with use and exposure?
Have an acceptable warranty time frame and is it transferable?
It's best to answer the questions above when you're thinking about the countertop that you like. You want to be totally satisfied with the countertop that you select...
With the lower cost of a laminate or tile countertop you can replace them down the road for something different and not be out a huge amount.
With many of the other types of kitchen counter tops it's more of a long-term investment, so you want to make sure that you'll appreciate it everyday for many years to come.
To learn more about some of the most popular kitchen counter tops selected today, scroll down this page and click on the link of the countertop that interests you! You will find more detailed descriptions about each one...
Slate is a fantastic choice for kitchen counter tops and revered for its natural colors. Varying in color and design, this natural material provides a unique look unlike any other top.
Slate countertops have a rustic and warm appearance that goes well with distressed wood finishes. This easy to care for material will provide a beautiful look at a medium cost. The colors range from black and dark grays to rich browns and greens.
The use of quartz for kitchen countertops has become very popular in recent years as an alternative to similarly priced granite. The array of colors that range from gloss to matt finishes bring out the beauty of your kitchen, while providing a durable and care free surface.
The benefit of this engineered material is its consistent color and pattern throughout. It has a natural luster from the crushed quartz which is the main ingredient it contains. You’ll be amazed by how versatile it is and how well it goes with modern and traditional interiors.
Numerous edge profiles as well as its ability to conform to many surface is a real plus with quartz countertops.
Spectacular in color and pattern, granite countertops are clearly a timeless choice for those with a generous budget. This material is often the perfect starting point for any kitchen design. It will drive your choices in colors for tile, wood, and other finishes.
Granite countertops not only add value to a kitchen but also are a highly durable surface that lasts countless years with recommended maintenance. Mixing different granite styles between island and other surrounding surfaces is one way to add interest and pattern.
Granite goes well with ceramic and natural stone tiles in matte or glossy finishes. The endless options that are available with granite kitchen counter tops will create a dream kitchen that is uniquely yours.
The affordable option of using granite tiles in lieu of a solid granite countertop will add beauty to your kitchen. The countless colors provide a wealth of options to select from.
Tiles can be laid in varying patterns to add visual interest in a way that a solid piece of granite cannot. Tiles can be purchased that are 24" deep and with special edging can fit the depth of the countertop with minimal joints.
Granite tiles are very durable and chip resistant. It's best to keep the grout joints to a minimal size for easier care. Mixing granite tiles with ceramic or glass backsplashes is a perfect way to add design appeal to a smaller space while keeping costs down.
Soapstone is a natural quarried stone that is very dense, making it durable and easy to care for with recommended maintenance. When you use soapstone for your kitchen countertops, you are choosing a material that will deepen in color and provide a unique style to your kitchen.
Available in shades of gray and black, soapstone brings a unique luster to your kitchen. The soft natural shades blend nicely into each other, and a subtle sheen provides a superb appearance.
A velvety patina and richer color develop with age, making a soapstone countertop a perfect companion with lighter finishes of tile and painted woods. Mineral oil applications and regular cleaning is the only care that's required.
See and hear about many different countertops in this video.
A renewed interest in wood counter tops has increased in recent years due to the advances in sealants and the unusual grained hardwoods that are available.
The smooth surface of wood is enhanced with various finishes to play up the patterns of the grain, adding warmth to your kitchen.
With countless options for wood counter tops, this unique look can vary based on the grain. End grains, face grains, and edge grains all have their own individual look and will take stain differently.
Proper care will keep your wood counter tops lasting for years. You will be inspired by the many ways a wood counter top can enhance the look and feel of your kitchen.
The decadent finish that a limestone countertop provides to your kitchen will be unmatched by any material. Limestone has a rich depth of colors and the shades vary in its veining. It's usually found in neutral tones but pale veining of blue, green, pink, and orange can occur.
While proper care is crucial to the protection of this material, it does provide a durable and long lasting surface. If you have the budget for it, this abundant natural stone will give you inspiration for your new kitchen design.
For a one of a kind design in your kitchen, recycled glass countertops is a great choice.
Combined with concrete additives or other pigments and binders, this style of kitchen countertop will provide a lasting surface that requires minimal care.
This is a high quality and durable surface with strength similar to granite. Today’s eco-conscious mindset has inspired many homeowners to embrace this product. Recycled glass colors and ingredients assures that no two counters will be the same. You can choose among different glass colors to give your kitchen a unique flair. Your ideas are only limited by the different glass that you select.
This affordable countertop option allows you to create just about any type of layout or design using varying sizes and types of tile.
The heat resistant surface provides a long lasting option with minimal upkeep. If you're creative with the many colors and styles available, you can design kitchen counter tops that are uniquely yours. Ceramic tiles are a very practical choice and lasts for years with proper installation and upkeep.
If you are looking for a kitchen countertop material that is not only sleek in style but anti-bacterial then look no further than stainless steel. A stainless steel countertop provides these features while giving a modern look to your kitchen that will make a statement.
They can take on just about any shape allowing you to have a countertop that may not be possible with other materials. With any type of kitchen countertop design, professional installation is a must. While being simple to clean with household products, stainless steel does show fingerprints rather easily.
While this type of countertop material is perfect for modern kitchen designs, it will brighten up any kitchen if you want that look and are willing to pay the high price for this type of surface.
The allure of bamboo countertops gives your kitchen a unique surface that is easy to care for. Bamboo is harder than oak and maple, and has a warm golden color.
While fitting in well with rustic and contemporary homes, bamboo has a wide appeal depending on your taste.
Bamboo countertops vary in color from a soft natural tones to alternating light and dark hues to rich dark colors.
Whatever your taste, you will delight in the ability to mesh bamboo with other materials while enjoying its natural grain. This renewable resource is a perfect material for today’s eco-friendly kitchens.
One of the most affordable options for kitchen surfaces is the Formica countertop. This hard, stain resistant surface is made from layers of resin soaked paper with a realistic printed finish. Available in over 200 colors and patterns, this type of countertop is very popular.
Formica countertops are readily available and are built with a short lead-time. You will love the worry free surface that they provide. Only simply wiping with a damp cloth or kitchen cleaner is all that is required.
With numerous edges to choose from, you can have a custom look without the high price that you'll find with other kitchen counter tops. Keep in mind that it will not have the long-term durability of most other countertops.
If you want one of the most popular and highly durable kitchen counter tops, Corian may be perfect for your new kitchen design. It has a rich look and is a consistent solid material. Its ability to resist moderate heat and stains makes it one of the most desired materials for kitchen counter tops. You will also love the fact that it is very difficult to see seams in the top.
With more than 130 colors to choose from including satin to high gloss finishes, the options seem almost unlimited. The Corian brand can be formed in a number of shapes and also has several edge styles. Sinks are easily built-in using the same material, giving a sleek seamless appearance to your kitchen.
Silestone kitchen countertops are made from quartz material in a stunning array of colors. This highly durable and care free surface will have your creative juices flowing with all the options available. The makers of this material promote it as being as dense and durable as granite, more hygienic, and requiring less care.
From matte finishes to highly polished surfaces, Silestone meshes well with the rustic look you want in a country kitchen design to the sleek look found in modern kitchen designs. The quartz material provides uniform color and pattern, all while having an anti-bacterial surface.
If you desire the look of granite, but not the cost or waiting time, then a Granite Transformations countertop may be perfect for you. This engineered countertop is designed to slip over your existing countertops with no tear out and little mess involved. You can choose from granite to recycled glass based materials.
Granite Transformations are available in a wide variety of colors and edges to give you a custom finish. It blends well with tiles and other backsplash materials, giving you a high-end look in a fraction of the time and prices that are competitive with other upscale kitchen counter tops.
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What Did You or Would You Use For Kitchen Counter Tops?
Do you have a story about Kitchen Counter Tops? Please share!
Questions to Consider:
What types of countertops have you considered for your new kitchen?
What type of countertop did you use in your kitchen?
Are you glad that you used the type of countertop that you did?
How does you countertop stand up to wear and tear?
Is there any special maintenance for your top that you wished you didn't have to do?
Which would you choose, "man-made" quartz or granite?
What Others Have Said About Their Kitchen Counter Tops
Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...
Kitchen Granite Countertops Won Us Over
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I had considered kitchen granite countertops for my new kitchen design. I would prefer a granite countertop in my kitchen because of its elegance, but ...
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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 ...
So Many Choices For Kitchen Counter Tops
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For me perhaps the most difficult feature of my newly redesigned kitchen was the choice of kitchen counter tops. In the era in which my house was built,...
Ceramic Tile Kitchen Countertops
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We wanted to have a ceramic tile kitchen countertops after deciding that this was in our budget. We also wanted to do the work to save money.
I used ...
Our Beautiful Quartz Countertops!
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When my husband and I were searching for our first home, we were sold on this particular house because of the magnificent kitchen skylights.
Kitchen counter tops are the "crowning-jewel" of a well-designed kitchen and finding the right one can be challenging with all of the choices that you have. 
Solid Surface Kitchen Counter Tops
Laminate Kitchen Counter Tops
It's best to answer the questions above when you're thinking about the countertop that you like. You want to be totally satisfied with the countertop that you select... 
