A Wealth of Kitchen Countertop Materials Provide Form and Function

by John MacGregor
HomeOwnerNet Columnist

Countertops must perform many functions, including the first impression of your kitchen. With so many choices, how will you pick the best option for you?If you're thinking about a kitchen makeover, countertops offer a wild new world of choices. You should try to weigh the costs and benefits of a variety of materials so you can be confident in your purchase. Top choices include:

Granite and marble: They provide the biggest wow factor with their natural beauty and shine, but if unsealed they can stain easily. They do require some maintenance and are among the most expensive options.
Concrete and engineered stone: They offer striking, seamless surfaces with higher durability than other options, but they aren't cheap. Concrete can sometimes crack and must be sealed to prevent staining.
Wood: It lends a feeling of warmth to the whole kitchen and has natural properties to protect against bacteria, but it can scratch - and you have to be careful with hot items.
Stainless steel: It oozes with the hipness and performance of a professional kitchen, but it can be noisy and impersonal - not mention show every fingerprint.
Ceramic tile and laminates: If you grew up in Middle America, chances are you're familiar with these two inexpensive and functional options. Ceramic tile resists hot items, but the grout can be stained if not sealed regularly. Laminate countertops are easily cleaned and come in many colors, though they do scratch easily.

You can spend anywhere from $30 to $100 per square foot to have new countertops installed. Talk to an expert about all your top choices, and get ready to enjoy a whole new look!

Source

BobVila.com

About the Author
John MacGregor is a freelance writer and real estate investor with degrees from the University of California in Comparative Literature and Law. He has bought and sold several homes for profit.