March 15, 2024
Types of Kitchen Countertops
May 17, 2017
The kitchen counter may not seem like a big deal until you’ve moved into your first home. After you’ve settled in you begin to realize your countertops set the tone for your kitchen. Whether your home has dated, textured countertops that won’t come clean no matter how hard you try, or you just can’t understand why the previous owner selected that color, your options for replacements are endless. When you are ready to move forward with a kitchen remodel, you have many factors to consider. But what are your options exactly? Let’s look at some of the most popular selections for kitchen countertops.
Low Maintenance Countertops
If you don’t want to worry about damage from heat, staining, or general wear and tear, granite and quartz countertops should be your go to when considering counters for your Maryland kitchen remodel. Granite is beautiful and resistant to heat, water, and stains; making it a good choice for homeowners who don’t mind investing the money in something that will last. Granite will stand the test of time, but it does need to be sealed on a regular basis (about every six months) to insure it does not stain.
Similar to granite, quartz is an excellent choice, being one of the most durable kitchen countertop materials available. Unlike granite, quartz is refined, ground, and combined with a resin that is then formed into a countertop piece. Because of this refining and recreating, colors and patterns can be put into the quartz to give homeowners more options. Be sure ask your Maryland kitchen remodeling company about the option you have available.
On the other end of the cost spectrum, but high on the durability scale, is laminate. Laminate countertops are sealed to prevent dings, stains, and most wear and tear. Additionally, laminate countertops come in wide variety of finishes and patterns because they are man made.
High End Countertops
When one thinks of high end countertops, usually the first thing that comes to mind is marble. Marble is stunning, it definitely takes your kitchen to the next level, but it doesn’t offer the same durability as granite and quartz. Marble is strong, heat resistant, and unlikely to be damaged by minor dings and scratches, but it does not hold up to stains well. Like with granite, marble also has to be sealed on a regular basis to help minimize staining and bacteria.
Alternative Countertops
In more recent years a couple of alternative countertop options have risen in popularity. Recycled glass countertops are made up of just what you’d think, recycled bottles, mirrors, glasses, you name it. These pieces of recycled glass are combined with concrete to create beautiful countertops that truly are a piece of art themselves!
Another, older, type of countertop that is making a comeback is soapstone. Soapstone counters are durable, heat and water resistant, and offer a more rustic look. Soapstone does have a tendency to show minor scrapes and scratches, but they only add to the charm of this rustic, farmhouse style countertop.
If you are ready to begin your kitchen remodel and are anxious to select a new material for your kitchen counter, give Bath Doctor a call today! We’d love to go over all of the options with you and help you determine which type of kitchen counter is the best fit for your style, your home, and your life.
