Kitchen Countertops

Granite Countertops

Granite is a coarse-grained igneous rock that was once molten and formed as it cooled within the earth. Available in a variety of colors, minerals within granite appear as small flecks throughout the stone. Some types of granite have veining similar to marble. Granite comes in a variety of finishes and its extremely hard surface can be highly polished. Granite is a popular choice because of its durable, hard-to-scratch surface. However, you'll want to blot up spills immediately before they penetrate the surface. Be sure to clean your granite counter with a few drops of neutral cleaner like stone soap, or mild dishwashing liquid and warm water. If you take good care of your granite countertop, it will stay new-looking for years.

Concrete Kitchen Countertops

Concrete counters are a dynamic product that shows off texture and detailing unlike other solid products. However, it’s porous in nature and absorbs stains and must be sealed on a regular basis. Since concrete kitchen countertops are engineered, they are poured and cured prior to installation. Concrete kitchen counters should be washed with mild soap and water. Cleansers and abrasive pads that contain solvents or abrasives can harm or scratch your concrete countertop. Wipe up acidic liquids like wine, vinegar and other substances like lemon or tomato juice immediately.

Laminate Counters

Laminate counters offer an economical choice and a host of colors and patterns for renovating your kitchen. However, they are not built to last. They are not scratch or heat resistant, but are stain resistant. For cosmetic revamps, you can glue sheets of laminate to an existing particleboard substrate. If you looking for a lower-cost option for updating the look of your kitchen, laminate countertops may be the right choice.

Soapstone

Soapstone kitchen countertops are a natural, non-porous material. They don’t stain and are resistant to chemicals, acids, stains and heat. Soapstone has a warm, soft feel. If you do find a scratch on your soapstone counter, light sanding should remove it. Soapstone has a blue, green, or gray cast when mined. If it is treated with mineral oil, the color deepens to its more typical rich, veined, charcoal gray.

Wood Counters

Warm wood counters have a lustrous appeal and complete the look for a country kitchen. Hardwoods like oak, maple, cherry, red beech, walnut, teak, and mahogany are preferred for countertops. Wood counters are one of the more sanitary kitchen countertop choices. Wood's natural properties work to protect it from bacteria build-up. However, required maintenance starts with regular mineral oil treatments, especially near the sink. Extra caution is also required with extremely hot cookware.

Stainless Counters

If you’re looking for a contemporary look for your kitchen, stainless steel provides a chic look. Unlike stone counters, this stain-resistant surface can be bleached, but it does scratch. Newer brushed and textured finishes help camouflage scratches.

Corian Counters

Man-made solid-surface kitchen countertops like Corian provide a lifetime of easy care. The solid beauty of Corian travels all the way through the counter, so surfaces are completely renewable. If you have minor cuts or scratches, they can be removed. Corian kitchen countertops are available in three types of finishes:

• Matte/satin
• Semi-gloss
• High gloss

Care of Corian counters is easy and doesn’t require special cleaning products. Soapy water, ammonia-based cleaners or commercially available cleaners designed for solid-surface counters remove dirt and residue from all three finishes. Corian is available in more than 100 colors. Varying hues may require more frequent cleaning to maintain a uniform finish. Darker colors have a tendency to require more attention than lighter counters.

Tile Counters

Ceramic tile is a popular, economical kitchen countertop option. It is scratch and heat resistant, but requires high maintenance since the grout needs to be sealed regularly for optimal stain protection.

Choosing the Right Countertop

When considering your kitchen remodeling costs, you have more countertop choices than ever to choose from. High-end materials like stone have come down in price a bit and less expensive. Some synthetic counters are being designed to look more like stone. Right now, the natural look is popular, along with bright, bold colors available with engineered stone and concrete.