Construction, Home & Lifestyle

Kitchen Countertop Materials

Top-end, high-quality kitchen countertop materials are an important part of any kitchen remodeling project. Choosing the right countertop material depends on a number of factors, including cost, durability, appearance, and level of personal preference. A well chosen countertop can make your entire kitchen more functional and efficient, and it may also serve as a major design element of your overall kitchen. Countertop materials such as solid surfaces, laminate and tile, engineered slabs, stainless steel, or natural stone are available in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and textures. These materials are used for countertops in commercial kitchens, as well as in residential kitchens.

Formica countertops are an example of high-end countertop. These countertops are made from a special type of composite that is resistant to scratching and gouging. The popularity of this countertop has been steadily increasing over the past few years, and many homeowners prefer to use Formica in their kitchens. Formica kitchen countertops are usually installed by a skilled Formica installation specialist. Formica is a very popular countertop with chefs because of its non-stick properties, which make it easy to cook with. Many people also prefer to use Formica because it is easy to clean, and it does not retain the grease from expensive gourmet ingredients.

Laminate kitchen countertops are very attractive and durable. In fact, they can last for twenty years or more, if properly maintained. Laminate countertops have the look of real wood but are made from synthetic materials that are durable and relatively easy to clean. Laminate also has a sleek and modern look that some find very appealing in their kitchens. Unlike granite, which is a more traditional material for kitchen countertops, laminate does not absorb heat like granite. This means that your food will not be burned when using an electric or gas range, such as a stovetop.

Quartz is a beautiful, smooth material that makes an excellent kitchen countertop. It is very durable, scratch-resistant, and won’t chip, break, or stain. There are two different kinds of quartz – one that is in the slab or chip form, and the other that is in a solid-surface piece. In a slab, the crystals are arranged in straight, evenly spaced lines. With a chip quartz, the crystals are more irregular in shape, and each piece has a different thickness. Either type of quartz is great for use on countertops.

Granite has long been a favorite countertop material because of its resistance to heat and staining. Granite is non-porous, which means it will not absorb liquids that could stain the stone, and is highly resistant to bacteria and mold. It is a natural countertop material, so homeowners can rest easy knowing that it will not change color with the use of liquids. Because it is resistant to heat, homeowners can choose a warm or cool look for their kitchen countertop. Granite surfaces also stay cool to the touch, which means they are easier to clean and maintain.

Marble has long been the material homeowners love for its beauty and durability. It is easy to take care of, but has a somewhat coarse appearance that some do not like. Homeowners can opt for a honed marble countertop that is slightly less coarse. Honed marble is more uniform in color and texture and may be less susceptible to staining. Finally, some homeowners prefer a colored variety of marble for their countertops, since there are so many shades to choose from.