Countertops
When remodeling your kitchen or bathroom or taking on a new home construction project, one of the most frequently used items is the kitchen countertop and the bath countertop. Countertops come in a variety of materials, colors and styles and making the right choice depends upon your personal style and the way in which you will use these areas.
One of the most widely used and least expensive countertops are Plastic Laminates. They are popular due to their cost effectiveness, stain resistance, grease resistance, low maintenance and they hide scratches and come in a wide selection of colors and textures. They are, however, extremely vulnerable to sharp objects and hot pans. This damage is often times very difficult to repair.
The next option are Solid Surface Countertops, which are higher in price than plastic laminates, but they don’s require an underlayment and they can be custom ordered to hide the seams. Solid surface countertops are durable, but they can be damaged by sharp objects similar to plastic laminates.
Of course, one of the most desirable and most durable countertops is Granite. It is naturally heat-resistant and scratch resistant and is one of the most visually appealing options. It is available in many different colors and natural patterns and no two pieces of granite are the same so you can be assured that your kitchen or bath will be unique. However, when installed as a solid piece, granite is the most expensive option.
Another ideal stone countertop option is Quartz. These countertops are a combination of natural quartz and resin binders which make the countertop virtually indestructible. Since it is not all stone, they are sometimes referred to as “engineered” stone. They don’t require sealants and are naturally non-porous which makes them almost stain-free.
