6 Most Popular Countertop Materials

A well-made countertop can improve the look of your kitchen and also make it a great place to work in terms of convenience. For curious shopper the market holds many kinds of materials which if broadly taken boils down to six basic varieties. Each of the varieties has its own pros and cons and reasons for being used in any kitchen. While selecting looks do matter as much as the price tag so keep a cool head and weigh your options before placing the order.

Natural stone

Natural stones have been one of the top picks for constructing the table top for years. They are expensive but they last really long. The varieties include slate, soapstone are soft while granite is more durable than the other two. Granite is available in a number of shades but for slate and soapstone only a few shades can be found. Once upon a time most homeowners preferred granite because of its multiple shades and durability. Maintenance is not too difficult either you simply have to clean it with a stone cleaner. Soapstone is however chosen by most for making the stone sinks found in the kitchen. The soft porous material is great for stain, bacteria and chemical resistance and can last for years.

Solid Surfaces

Solid surfaces are engineered and the best suited for durability and longevity. Some of the well-known ones include corian solid surface, avonite and gibraltar all of which are of a combination of acrylic and polyester. They are stain and scratch resistant as well as repairable and renewable when they get bad in the course of time. Also the materials are available in variegated colors which are amazing because you will get them in shades that go with your kitchen décor.

Plastic laminate

This is made primarily of kraft paper and resins and is one of the hardest materials around for making counter tops. The materials are extremely resilient and are available in a wide range of shades and prices. But then the range is less that the solid surface pricing.

Ceramic tile

Tile kitchen counters are incredibly durable and an affordable choice. Ceramic can be maintained easily because only simple cleaning is necessary for them. It can be used for making secondary surfaces like peninsulas, wet bars, islands and eat-at counters. They can be used along with plastic laminate countertops or plywood substrate.

Wood

This one has been used traditionally for making countertops but maintenance can be an issue. Adequate polish should be used to make the appearance sleek but it has to be maintained from time to time. Rock maple is the best for the purpose because of its hardiness. But then teak, cherry, oak and walnut are also used. They are quite expensive and can compete with the best quality granite counters.

Concrete

Concrete counters are one of the most popular and can look like natural stone. The precast counters are used in most cases but cracking can be one of its problems. A particular variety uses steel fibers and wire mesh with it which can ensure lesser cracks and stronger counters.

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