Choosing the Right Countertop for Your Needs
Many countertop options are available. This article discusses several different countertop materials to help you choose the countertop that is right for you.
Granite is currently the the number one countertop choice for many people, and with good reason. It is a natural stone product that is not only beautiful, but heat, scratch, and dent-resistant as well. It is available in several colors and unique patterns.
Granite countertops increase the value of your home. In order to keep granite looking its best; it must be treated with care. Special cleaners and sealers made for granite should be used to maintain the beauty of your granite countertops. Ordinary household cleaners are too harsh and may damage the surface. Spills should be wiped away immediately to avoid staining.
The cost of granite can range from $30 to a $175 a square foot or more. While granite may be the most expensive countertop option, it can be the right choice for its beauty and durability.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops, also known as engineered stone, are another great countertop option. These countertops are made by combining natural quartz with epoxy resin binders to create a countertop material that does not need to be sealed, while still maintaining the look of natural stone.
Quartz countertops have the advantage of being non-porous, which makes them more hygienic. The available colors and patterns are much more uniform than granite, which makes it easier for buyers to know what they are getting. Quartz must also be cleaned following the directions of the manufacturer to avoid damaging the surface.
Quartz is a somewhat expensive product and can cost anywhere from $30 to $125 per square foot or more. Quartz can be the right choice if you are looking for a countertop with the look of stone, but with a more uniform color and a non-porous surface.
Solid-Surface Countertops
Solid surface countertops are a 100% human-made product. These countertops are a popular choice because the material is consistent throughout, which permits surface scratches to be easily repaired by a light sanding. Solid surface countertops are also the only countertop option that allows for an integrated, molded sink with no seams. With the added option of a built-in seamless backsplash, a watertight seal can be created.
They are also stain and scratch-resistant, durable, non-porous, and easy to clean, but they can still be damaged. Solid surface countertops can be discolored by heat, and may even crack after cooling down from a hot pan. It is important to follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer to keep your countertop looking its best.
Solid surface countertops can be your best choice if you are looking for a smooth, seamless surface that is non-porous and more affordable than granite or quartz at approximately $40 to $80 a square foot or more.
Laminate Countertops
Laminate countertops come in a wide range of colors and patterns. They are also affordable, and easy to maintain. Llaminate is made by saturating sheets of decorative and core paper with resins, then pressing them under high heat, fusing the layers into a single sheet.
Surprisingly, a sheet of laminate is only 18% plastic resin; the rest is paper!” This material is then bonded to a substrate, such as plywood to give it strength and substance. Laminate countertops are fairly easy to work with and can be installed by the homeowner. Laminate is inexpensive, ranging from $10 to $20 per square foot. This is a great countertop option for the homeowner who needs both durability and affordability.
These are just a few of the countertop options available. With so many choices, you are sure to find one that fits your needs.
References:
Read more at Suite101: Kitchen Countertop Options: Choosing the Right Countertop for Your Needs | Suite101.com http://homerenorepair.suite101.com/article.cfm/countertop_options#ixzz0YkqsRBGg
Tags: bar sink, granite countertop, platinumsinks.com, solid surface countertop, stainless steel undermount sink, zero radius sink
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