by Dave Logan
There are many options available today for home kitchen countertop surfaces and designs. Essentially, you can accomplish just about anything within your imagination and…your budget! The following are five popular kitchen countertop options and a few pros and cons of each.
1. Granite Countertops Granite is probably the most popular choice of countertop surface material when price is not an object. Having said that, we’ve seen prices coming down as supplies increase, making the granite coutertop option more accessible to everyone.
What’s good? Thousands of available colors, totally heat resistant, elegant look, lasts a lifetime, low maintenance, wide appeal for buyers.
What’s not so good? Expensive, can absorb stains if not properly sealed, cracks can happen during installation, your nice cutlery will dull if you cut on it.
2. Concrete Countertops Concrete is becoming more popular as well given its wide versatility and consumer appeal. Like granite, there are thousands of available colors and you can experiment with stamped concrete options and textures as well. If your counter space demands unique shapes or cuts, concrete is great because you can set the molds and cast the surfaces right on the spot.
What’s good? Thousands of available colors and texture treatments, unique and original appeal, dynamic for unusual shapes, high heat and scratch resistance, can be molded and applied right in your kitchen.
What’s not so good? Custom work is expensive, cracking is possible during installation, porous (but this surface can be sealed).
3. Stainless Steel Countertops If you have an industrial, modern flare and crave uniqueness in your home, then stainless steel may be the perfect option for you. Stainless steel countertops are highly heat resistant and extremely durable.
What’s good? Heat resistant, original/unique, easy to clean, seamless installation and appearance.
What’s not so good? Expensive, can scratch or dent, increased noise, cannot use your cutlery directly on the steel surface.
4. Ceramic Tile Countertops Ceramic tile looks great in almost any kitchen, it’s easy to clean, and it’s pretty solid as well. A big plus is that it’s relatively inexpensive compared to the above options, making it a great choice.
What’s good? Highly heat resistant, easy to clean, inexpensive, multiple colors, textures, and designs available.
What’s not so good? Cracking tiles, custom designs can still be expensive, grout lines get stained over time.
5. Butcher Block Countertops Butcher block countertops are beautiful, practical, and available in tons of different colors and finishes. Obviously a butcher block countertop must be made of a hardwood, so oak and maple are the two most common types.
What’s good? Affordable, beautiful appearance, useful for all cutting, easy to clean, can be sanded, refinished, and resealed as appropriate.
What’s not so good? Prone to damage from water and stains, easily scratched from cutting and everyday kitchen acitivities, sanding, oiling, refinishing, and sealing may be too arduous for some homeowners.
