Wednesday, May 12, 2010

What Countertop is Best for You?

We expect a lot from our countertops. They need to be durable yet easy to care for, stylish and timeless-looking. There are a number of factors to consider in your decision. Some surfaces, such as engineered stone and stainless steel, are sturdy and practically maintenance-free. Others, such as Carrara marble, are as elegant as it gets but trickier to care for. Budget and the style of your home also play a large role in the decision making ie. butcher block looks great in a country kitchen but may not work in a modern space. The good news is that there are more choices than ever to select from. Since there are so many types of countertops I narrowed it down to what are my favorites. In addition to the (4) below you can choose from metal, plastic laminate, recycled materials and concrete. I can understand why making a decision can be so difficult but hopefully this abbreviated guide will help you out in the future.

Stone
It’s no secret that natural stone has become the new countertop material of choice. But there is more to selecting a stone countertop than considering color and vein pattern. Granite and marble are the most popular options, but are very different when it comes to durability. Granite is extremely dense and wears well. Years after it is installed it will still look like new. Marble is a different story because it’s much more porous. Most manufacturers recommend using a sealer, but even then acids such as citrus juice, vinegar, and wine can etch the surface. Some people actually really like the patina look of marble. To reduce the appearance of etching (stains), you can get a dull, honed finish rather than a polished finish when buying marble. Prices vary widely depending on the material chosen, but most basic stones run from about $90 to $130 per square foot, installed.

Engineered Stone
Engineered stone countertops such as CaesarStone, Zodiaq, and Silestone combine natural quartz with a resin binder to make extremely hard and durable countertop. They have many of the same characteristics as granite and are nonporous, scratch resistant, and heat resistant. They also require next to no maintenance and will look new for years. Engineered stone also offers great consistency of color and detail, both across a single piece and from countertop to countertop. Engineered stone countertops typically cost about $60 to $80 per square foot, installed.

Solid Surface
One of the big advantages of solid-surface countertops like Corian and Wilsonart is their versatility. Made from acrylic and other plastics, they can be easily shaped and routed, and individual pieces can be seamlessly bonded together. It also is available in tons of colors and patterns. Solid-surface countertops are also nonporous and require no sealer, so they’re really easy to keep up If you get a scratch all you have to do is have it buffed out. Solid surfacing ranges from about $40 to $80 per square foot, installed.

Wood
Wood countertops have stood the test of time and remain a favorite option for homeowners looking to add a little warmth to the kitchen. When selecting a wood counter top the two things you need to consider are the type of wood and the orientation of the wood. Maintenance requirements vary widely for the different types. For end-grain countertops that will be used as food prep surfaces, a monthly coating of mineral oil is recommended. Other wood counters can be sealed and given a hard waterproof finish with polyurethane. The average wood countertop costs about $120 to $150 per square foot.

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