The countertops of the kitchen get a lot of use. Small appliances are placed there, food preparation is completed there, they also often hold the canisters, the cookie jar, and the cookbooks. If the kitchen has an island or breakfast nook, homework is done there, friends gather for coffee and conversations, crafts may be completed, and a television or computer may take up a spot as well. That means, in addition to looking great, countertops also have to be durable, easy to clean, and resistant to stains and damage. There are many options for kitchen countertop materials, so homeowners have several choices.
Wood countertops, for example, are beautiful and durable, but can be difficult to keep clean. Sealants can help to some degree, but the wood can splinter or crack and allow bacteria to grow. Water damage can also cause the wood to deteriorate prematurely, or rot altogether. Heavy objects, hot pots or pans, or sturdy knives can also cause damage to the surface. Laminated tops are cheap in cost, will look great when initially installed, and are available in hundreds of colors, patterns, and textures. There are laminates designed to look like wood, marble, brick, and even granite countertops. The trouble with cheap laminates is that customers do get exactly what they pay for. Laminates are easy to clean, but are not durable at all. They can peel, bubble, crack, and fade quickly, leaving the countertops looking terrible. Frequent replacements may be an opportunity to try a different pattern or color, but will end up costing a lot of money over time.
Natural stone, such as marble, granite, or quartz countertops, are the most popular materials for kitchen countertops because they are durable, stunning, and resistant to chipping and cracks. The combination of minerals in the stone provide textures, patterns, colors, and a shine like no other material found. Pricing will be higher than laminates and wood, but more cost-effective for the life or the countertops. Advanced technologies for cutting and installing quartz and marble countertops have made the materials more affordable over the past decade, so there are countertops that will suit most any budget.
There are also things homeowners can do to reduce the costs. They can seek out a fabricator and supplier that offers installations. Getting the material direct will save money. Granite tiles are also a more cost-effective option that buying granite slabs. Another alternative to real granite countertops maryland, is engineered stone countertops. These materials are made up of quartz and a polymer resin that makes them less porous than natural stone. They require less maintenance and are more resistant to acids and stains. Some engineered stone will cost as much as natural stone, but there are brands that are more cost-effective.
Quartz Countertops 