The material that covers your kitchen counters is one of the most visible and noticeable features of your home. It helps to set the layout and color theme. Today there are new options in countertops and the old ones are making a comeback. Here are a dozen countertop options for you to consider:
Granite: This has been the most popular option in recent years. Granite is a strong, heat tolerant, and stain resistant countertop. Its natural appearance is inherently beautiful and makes a strong statement. To reduce the cost, tiles can be used instead of granite slabs. On the downside, color selections are limited, cost is high, and the bright polished surface is less in demand than before.
Marble: Marble offers more color options than granite and is available in a variety of tile sizes, such as 16 x 16 and larger. There are various surface finishes for marble, from brilliant polished to matte honed and rustic polished. The polished matte surface is smooth, cleans easily, and makes a good kitchen workspace. Marble is slightly more porous than granite and must be sealed after installation.
Soapstone: Soapstone is a very durable, non-porous stone with a matte finish, but the color is limited to grey/black.
Limestone: Various types of limestone are available, such as Jerusalem stone. They may be too porous for the high-use environment and food stains of a kitchen counter. Frequent sealing may be required for maintenance.
Board: Slate is used for flooring and has been used as a natural stone countertop. However, some might find the texture too rough for the kitchen counter.
Ceramic tiles: Ceramic tile offers a wide variety of colors and textures. It is worth considering new options. Tile has lost popularity in recent years as the go-to countertop, but it could fit well with some kitchen styles. Grout joints in ceramic tile are wider than those in stone tile.
Stainless steel: Stainless steel is an interesting option and could be perfect for some kitchens. For others it may be too modern.
Concrete: Concrete is getting stronger in many areas. It offers a soft color palette, but there are questions about stain resistance and durability.
plastic slab: Plastic slab material, such as Corian, is very hard, easy to clean and practical. It was popular, but has fallen out of favor in recent years due to its manufactured appearance.
Plastic sheet: This is an affordable and colorful option that is making a comeback in some townhouses.
Engineering Stone: Engineered stone, such as Silestone, is a slab material made of pieces of stone held together by epoxy plastic. This is similar to Corian, but with quartz and other stones added for a more natural look.
Glass: Various types of glass composite countertops are gaining popularity. One, like EnviroSlab, is made of plastic-wrapped glass shavings. Another, like Icestone, is a colorful countertop made of glass chips bonded with concrete. The green movement brings them to the forefront because recycled material can be used.
Nothing updates a house more than a new kitchen counter, and nothing gives a house more date than a poor one. The kitchen counter is a feature that can add immediate value to your home. But, before making this update, make sure your new countertop is compatible with the overall design style and colors of your home.