Kitchen Countertop Material:
What Are The Pros And Cons?

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Recycled Glass Countertops

If you want one of the most trendy kitchen countertops with an unusual beauty and character, consider a recycled glass countertop. As with natural stone, you won't find two countertops exactly alike.

Each one has a history based on the glass that is repurposed and used to make them.

The kitchen countertop material that's used is approximately 85 to 95% recycled glass. It comes from a variety of sources including residential curbside pickup to glass from industry to just about any other source where glass would ordinarily be disposed of.

By choosing one of these tops you'll know that you're helping to save the environment because they're eco-friendly.

The options for colors are only limited by the different colors of glass that are combined and mixed with cement or resin binders. Different producers of these tops have there own formula that differs from one maker to the next.

Advantages:

• Extremely dense kitchen countertop material that is very durable
• Totally unique appearance
• Eco-friendly using materials that would go to a landfill
• Cost less then many natural stone or quartz countertops
• Can be made to match most any kitchen color scheme
• Resists bacteria, mold, and mildew
• Easy to clean and maintain
• Withstands heat allowing you to place your pots and pans on the surface
• Requires little or no sealing

Disadvantages:

• Is newer and is not time tested for potential problems
• Trendy

Stainless Steel Countertops:

There are other metal tops available such as copper, zinc, and pewter, which coordinate with traditional or period designs, but stainless steel is the most commonly installed type.

Stainless steel in one of the most stable of the metal tops in that it will not discolor, tarnish, or oxidize under normal conditions.

If you want a professional look that you won't find in many household kitchens and your budget will allow it, this may the surface for you.

Advantages:

• Has a unique look compared to most surfaces
• Nonporous so it resists bacteria, mold, and mildew
• Will stand up to high heat from pots and pans placed directly on the surface
• Sanitary and easy to clean with soapy water
• Will make a statement in the kitchen if you like a professional or commercial look
• Can be made with an integrated sink
• Will not chip
• Can be made into many shapes compared to other materials
• Will make a room look larger with its reflective qualities
• Blends with popular stainless steel appliances and many color schemes

• Expensive compared to other options
• Can possibly dent especially with lower quality installations that don't have an adequate substrate
• Fingerprints, scratches, and water spots are easy to see
• Even though it is called "stainless," it can possibly stain over time. Be careful not to let acidic liquids, foods, or condiments set on the surface
• Is noisy compared to other kitchen counter tops

Concrete Kitchen Counter Tops

Concrete tops can be cast in place at the job site but for the best quality and least amount of mess it's better to have them made at a shop.

With hundreds of colors and designs available, a custom top can be made to compliment most any kitchen interior design. Make sure you choose a fabricator with a lot of experience and a reputation for quality work.

Advantages:

• Heat resistant however caution should be exercised
• Hundreds of available colors and finishes
• Most any shape can be made since it is a poured into a form
• Just about any shape of sink can be made part of the top
• Custom inlays can be placed into the concrete for a unique design
• Has a similar hardness as granite
• Will have a smooth and soft finish when produced correctly
• Easy to clean and maintain
• Resists bacteria, mold, and mildew

• Can crack, chip, warp, and twist especially when not fabricated correctly
• Relatively expensive because each job is custom made
• Availability is somewhat limited depending on where you live
• Quality of top is dependent on the experience of the maker

Glass Countertops

Another of the most stylish and trendy kitchen countertop material available today is glass kitchen countertops. They can give you a completely new look that you won't find in many homes and come in variety of styles, patterns, imbedded textures, and colors.

If you want a sleek and contemporary high-end look for your new kitchen design, put this type of top on your list of possibilities. The kitchen countertop materials used is tempered glass that is from 1 1/2" to 4" thick.

You can get this sophisticated kitchen countertop material in clear, opaque, or colored glass and it can be polished, textured, and comes in many different design patterns.

The edges come in either polished, brushed or textured finishes. For a more dramatic appearance lighting can be added in many colors to illuminate the surface.

Advantages:

• Are often custom made for a one-of-a-kind appearance
• Can withstand high heat
• Resists stains, bacteria, mold, and mildew since it is nonporous
• Easy to and clean with household products
• Many colors and imbedded textures available

Disadvantages:

• Expensive
• Does not have a long-standing use in the kitchen
• It shows fingerprints and water spots easily
• Can possible crack or break if impacted by heavy objects
• Very difficult to repair – replacement may be necessary if damaged

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