Kitchen Countertop Options
The kitchen countertop is the most used feature in any kitchen. It is the color and design of the countertop that often sets the tone of the entire kitchen. The kind of countertop you get installed in your kitchen also affects the functionality of your kitchen. This article will talk about the various kitchen countertop options that you can choose from.
Granite countertops
You can get granite countertops in many finishes such as polished, flamed, brushed and sandblasted. Granite is really durable and it can also be recycled. Granite countertops are hard, scratch resistant, heat and stain resistant and can be cleaned easily. They come in a variety of colors, but can be a bit expensive.
Concrete countertops
Concrete countertops are a mixture of one part cement to three parts of sand. They are versatile in the sense you can add any color to the mix to match your kitchen design. After finishing, this countertop gives an industrial look to any kitchen. It is heat resistant and can be completely customized by adding glass or stone pieces for added texture.
Stainless steel countertops
Stainless steel is the smoothest and shiniest material for a kitchen countertop. You can have the finish in either glossy or matte style. Stainless steel is 100% recyclable and many of the stainless steel countertops are made from recycled material. It is an extremely strong and durable material and it very easy to clean and disinfect. Also, it can be cut into any shape or length as desired.
Ceramic tile countertops
Ceramic tiles are made from clay that is burned at extremely high temperatures. They are then glazed to give a shiny finish to their surface. Tiles are very easy to customize and you can order them in any shape, size, color and patterns. Ceramic tile countertops are heat and stain resistant. However, it may sometimes get tricky to clean because of dirt accumulation between grouts.
Quartz countertops
Quartz is a relatively newer material that is being used for kitchen countertops today. Quartz can give a flaky or a smooth appearance depending on how it is ground. Quartz countertops are non-porous and extremely durable. They are also resistant to stain and cracks. They come in a variety of colors and can be cleaned easily with soap and a cloth.
Paper composite countertops
These countertops are made from recycled paper and other materials that are held together by a plastic resin. The thickness of these countertops can range from anywhere between ¼ to 2 inches. Even though they are made from recycled material they cannot be recycled further because of the presence of the plastic resin. Paper composite countertops are durable, stain and heat resistant and easy to work with.