Kitchen Countertops: Which Option is Best for You?

One of the many design decisions to be made when planning a kithen or bath remodel is the type of countertops to be installed. There are quite a lot of choices for countertops in kitchen cabinets. Because counters cover so much visible space in a kitchen or bath, your choice of counter can add a tremendous amount to the look and feel of the room. Before you fall in love with one, do some research, as some options are substantially more expensive than others. Some of the available counter types are:

Laminate inexpensive and available in nearly endless colors and patterns. Requires no maintenance other than cleaning. It will show seams, though, and is difficult to repair if it is chipped.

Solid Surface, such as Corian or Swanstone a good looking, less expensive alternative to granite, with many color choices
Granite beautiful, popular choice for high end homes. It is fairly expensive and requires regular maintenance.

Engineered Stone, such as Silestone or Cambria Quartz the advantages of granite, but easier to maintain, available in more colors, and more resistant to staining and damage. Still expensive.

Stainless steel unique look for a home kitchen, can handle hot pans, but it may dent and is very expensive. Other metals, such as copper and zinc, can also be used for countertops in kitchens.

Ceramic tile can range from inexpensive to very costly depending on the tile chosen, but choices are nearly limitless. The counter surface will be uneven, but the look is beautiful. If you really want to be creative, tile should be your choice, as it offers the best opportunity for unique design that will make your home a one of a kind.

Concrete being used in more high end homes as new colors and finishes are developed. Very expensive, but durable and unusual looking.

Additionally, marble or butcher block, while generally not good choices for an entire countertop, can be used for portions of the countertop as built in cutting surfaces. Both materials require regular maintenance.

The same choices are available for countertops in bathroom cabinets. The chemicals used in bath products can affect some counter surfaces, so be sure to consider that when choosing.

Countertops are not included in the price of the cabinets unless the bid specifically lists countertops, so be careful to keep track of your budget. The backsplash for countertops also is not automatically included in the price of the counters, because the backsplash may be of a different material than the counter itself. Tile is popular as a backplash on all different types of counters, but any of the counter surfaces can also be used as a backsplash.