-
Planning and Ideas
-
How-To and Repair
-
Supplies and Materials
Videos
-
Home Improvement Photos
© 2010 HomeownerNet.com Inc. All rights reserved.
Selecting the Right Kitchen Counter for Your Home
November 11, 2008
Kitchen counters aren't just surfaces for chopping onions and brewing coffee, they can also add a creative spark to your kitchen's design. Before selecting your kitchen counters' material, you should first consider your kitchen's style, layout design, and color scheme. You might also contemplate each potential counter material's durability, ease of installation, and cost. Here are some common kitchen counter ideas to keep in mind while shopping.
Engineered Stone
Engineered stone countertops, created by pressurizing quartz and silica sand, are extremely durable and flexible. Not only can engineered stone countertops mimic granite, marble, and travertine, engineered stone comes in many vibrant colors. Also, engineered stone resists stains, scratches, and chips. The deal breaker for some homeowners may be engineered stone's price: this material can cost up to $100 per square foot.
Laminate
Laminate countertops have been a standard in American kitchen design for many generations. Due to cheap prices and a bright spectrum of color choices, laminate countertops are a versatile option for interior decorating. While laminate countertops are stain resistant, they can be melted and scratched, and don't offer the durability of engineered stone or granite. Installing laminate can be a tricky project, not one that many homeowners want to take on themselves.
Ceramic Tile
At $11 to $30 per square foot, ceramic tile is one of the less expensive interior decorating options for kitchen countertops. In addition to its budget-friendly price, ceramic tile resists damage from heat and liquids. Ceramic tile requires frequent upkeep: its grout should be regularly sealed to maximize stain resistance.
Many other kitchen-countertop designs are available, including granite and other natural stone, stainless steel, concrete, and wood. If you're stuck for kitchen ideas, you can always search for more kitchen design and interior decorating choices at home and garden shows. Home and garden shows allow homeowners to preview innovative kitchen ideas and new interior decorating options without spending bundles of money.
Sources:
"Countertop Options," BobVila.com
"Decorating: Countertops," HGTV.com
|
Related Searches |
|
Related Videos & Photos |
|
 |
1950s California Ranch Bathroom Remodel |
 |
See What's Going Down with a Glass Sink |
