Kitchen Countertop

Today, homeowners have a number of choices for kitchen countertop surfaces. While some homeowners love the look of wood, others are opting for concrete, or even steel, kitchen countertops. Here we explore a variety of potential materials.

Corian
Corian and other solid surfaces like Jetta stone are strong, durable and come in a wide variety of colors. These products make great kitchen countertops as they are scratch, heat and stain resistant.

Tile
Tile can be used to create truly custom kitchen countertops. The homeowner may choose one color or may use a variety of colors and accent tiles to create a look that perfectly represents their taste. (However on a side note, keeping the grout on a kitchen counter looking clean and sparkling can be a challenge.)

Wood
Wood countertops instantly create a traditional or country look in a kitchen. And, with a little care, they can last for years. To ensure that your wood kitchen countertop continues to look its best, it is necessary to seal it every so often with a penetrating oil. Nor should you use a harsh kitchen cleaner to kill bacteria and other germs. Instead, mix a small amount of bleach with a gallon of water to keep the kitchen countertop clean. For those kitchen countertops that have been sealed with a varnish or polyurethane, a mild detergent can be used for cleaning.

Concrete
Concrete can be used to create an unusual kitchen countertop. However, concrete is a porous material and over time it will develop a patina. To ensure that there are no spots or stains, it’s important to clean up spills – especially vinegars, red wines, citrus juice or oils as soon as they happen – as they can leave a permanent mark on the kitchen countertop.

Natural stone
Kitchen countertops can be fashioned from a number of natural stones, including: granite, marble, soapstone, slate, limestone and natural quartz. All of these materials make for beautiful kitchen countertops, although limestone stains fairly easily due to its porous composition.

Stainless steel
Stainless steel is perfect for kitchen countertops in a home that has professional cooks or appliances as it can handle extremely hot pots, is easy to clean, will not stain and is flexible enough to craft an integrated sink from. However, stainless steel may not be the best choice for homes with small children, as fingerprints are extremely visible. And, once you scratch your kitchen countertop, the scratch is there for good.

If you are interested in any of these kitchen countertops, a trip to your local home improvement store is a great way to get ideas and check out new products. And for more personal or custom options - head to a showroom that specializes in high-end kitchens. Often, they will have samples of or information on all the latest options, including kitchen countertop materials.