Kitchen Countertops - So Many Choices (September 11, 2009)

Kitchen countertops are wide ranging in both cost, color, and material. Formica is not the only choice anymore.

Before we get to the kitchen countertop materials let's talk about choosing the right countertop for you and your family.

There are five things I take into consideration when choosing a kitchen countertop.

1. Your budget, unfortunately this is the most constraining factor. A good starting point is 10%-15% of a complete kitchen remodeling budget. This helps to narrow down your choices.
   
   
   
   
   
2. How does your family use the tops? Do you bake often or do you cook only occasionally? The most expensive top may not be the most practical choice in a kitchen that doesn't get used very often.
   
   
   
   
   
3. Natural or man-made, the maintenance is more with natural products. Man-made countertops require little maintenance while natural products require regular maintenance.
   
   
   
   
   
4. Also consider combining different materials. Solid surface will be right at home with natural materials and vise versa. This also allows for splurging in one area while compromising in another.
   
   
   
   
   
5. The desired countertop edges. The edges of your countertop can be complex or plain; it all depends on your taste. Please remember the more complex the profile, the more expensive it will be.

This is a good starting point and a way to get focused on that perfect kitchen countertop. A good tip is to go to your local Lowes or Home Depot and browse their selection; but not necessarily buy from them. Shop around you may be surprised what prices are out there from you local retailers.

The Types Of kitchen Countertops

• Formica is a brand name, the true name for this material is laminate. Laminate countertops are similar to laminate flooring in the fact that a "picture" is applied over an MDF backer and pressed together under high heat. Laminate countertops are the least expensive of the professionally installed countertops.
  
  
  
  
  
• Stone such as granite ,marble , soapstone, and slate are among the most expensive, depending on what details and thickness you want. The great thing about stone is the durability and longevity. These countertops will last forever.
  
  
  
  
  
• Tile countertops are a favorite as well. If you can think of it you can do it with tile. Choices in tile are ceramic, terrazzo, stone, glass, and metal just to name a few . Combining two or more of these will give a truly unique style.
  
  
  

  The pattern choices are numerous as well, with running bond, block, and herringbone patterns being the most popular. This link has great information on how a tile countertop is installed. Link opens in a new window.

  
  
  
  
• Butcher block tops are an age old choice. With Hard sugar maple being the most popular due to its beauty and durability. The option of cutting food on a countertop without having to get a cutting board is a real time saver in a busy kitchen.
  
  
  
  
  
• Man-made terrazzo slab countertops are very new and EnviroGLAS is among the newest. Not made from marble but from recycled glass bottles, an environmentally friendly choice.
  
  
  
  
  
• Solid surface countertops are available as well. The solid surface countertops are the same color throughout the thickness of the top. Scratches and the occasional chip can be easily sanded away. These countertops cannot be subjected to high heat, such as a pan that has come off the stove. It will melt and be damaged but it can be fixed by sanding.
  
  
  
  
  
• Concrete countertops are becoming very popular. They don't look like the sidewalks we walk on. The color choices are nearly endless.
  
  
  
  
  
• Quartz countertops are becoming more popular these days due it's lower cost than it's solid stone equivalent. Quartz kitchen countertops are a resin mixed with aggregate (stone). These tops are available in a wide range of colors and can fit any decor.
  
  
  
  
  
• Yet another choice in kitchen countertops is Stainless steel. In a modern contemporary style kitchen these tops have found a home. Not just for restaurants anymore, these add to the austere appearance that is the contemporary style. No need to worry about these tops for they will last forever if the correct material is selected.

As you can see the choices in kitchen countertops are wide and getting wider with new technologies. From a traditional look to the most modern of appearances, it can be found and placed into your kitchen. All that limits you is your imagination.

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