Kitchen Countertops

First on the list of kitchen countertops is granite. Without doubt, granite is timeless and elegant. The stone is simply beautiful, helping to define the kitchen while contributing to any kitchen style and décor. The advantages of going with a granite countertop is that it holds up extremely well to heat, is available in many gorgeous colors, and it gives the kitchen a dramatic appearance. However, using granite for kitchen countertops is expensive and it does require a lot of maintenance. That means occasional sealing.  In addition, granite can absorb some types of stains and it can crack.

Next on our list of kitchen countertops is engineered stone. This type of stone is manmade from quartz particles. With engineered stone, you will find a wide array of color choices and because the surface is nonporous, it resists stains and scratches. The nice thing about this type of countertop is the ease of maintenance. Typically, all you have to do is seal the countertop once a year. The only real downside is the price.

Solid surface kitchen countertops are also a very popular choice. Made from solid material, any scratches can simply be sanded out. These countertops are custom made to your specific needs and best of all they come in multiple colors and patterns. With a seamless design and being stain resistant, this is a great choice. Keep in mind that solid surface kitchen countertops are vulnerable to hot things and price can be high although not always.

Next on our list of top kitchen countertops is ceramic tile, a very popular option. Durable, easy to clean, and inexpensive price make this an exceptional way to enhance any kitchen. These kitchen countertops work well with any kitchen layout or design and they can be installed quickly. In fact, while many other kitchen countertops need to be installed by a professional, ceramic tile makes a great home project. This material is great for hot dishes, is easy to clean, comes in a number of colors, textures, and designs, and is a good, all-around choice. The only drawback is that the countertop surface may end up slightly uneven and unfortunately, if not cared for properly, can chip or crack.

Finally, kitchen countertops made from laminate material have been a favorite for years. Today, we see laminate in new exciting colors and patterns, bringing new life to an otherwise tired kitchen. Made from plastic coated synthetics, the surface is smooth and easy to clean.  Kitchen countertops made from laminate are durable and inexpensive but on the downside, they can chip and scratch and the seams will show.