Types of Kitchen Countertops

Modern kitchens made use of solid-surface countertop materials because they are durable and can raise the value of the home. Some of these materials are naturally occurring substances, but there are modern countertop materials that are still man made.

History

Popular materials for countertops once included flimsy materials such as plastic laminates and formica. Hot pots or plates could damage these countertops and leave scorch marks on the counter. These materials also came apart as they aged and often became discolored over time. And because they came in outlandish colors, they tended to become dated quickly. The avocado green formica of the 70s quickly became old fashioned when the brighter colors of the 80s became popular. The classic look of natural materials can help homeowners to avoid this problem.

Function

Natural materials make durable, attractive countertops. These are extremely popular because they hold their value and make a kitchen look updated. When using any of the durable materials that are common in new construction homes today, the countertop can be used without placing a pan on a trivet or using a cutting board. Many of these materials are so tough that hot pans can be placed directly on the countertop and the surface can also be used to chop vegetables.

Types

Granite and marble are extremely popular for kitchen countertops because they are heat resistant and will not scratch. Granite is close to the strength of diamonds and is extremely difficult to chip. Marble is also durable and has a classic look that has never gone out of style. Both granite and marble come in a wide range of colors, making it easy to find one that goes with the colors of a kitchen. Marble and granite countertops also have the advantage of being unique. No one else will have the exact same marble or granite pattern.

Features

For a beautiful countertop that is smooth, durable and shimmery, there is quartz. This rock is available in its natural, mined version as well as a man-made, lab-created version. Because both marble and granite can be porous and prone to oily stains, some people prefer to use quartz for its more less-porous surface. Quartz made in a lab can be made into any color and is less expensive than mined quartz.

Identification

Corian is a man-made countertop surface that is an engineered stone. It is not heat resistant but it does have a better resistance to stains than marble and granite. Corian is made by DuPont by mixing plastics with stone particles. The result is a countertop that retains some of the hardness of stone but that is softer than other solid-surface countertops.

Considerations

Because many solid-surface countertops can be so costly, there are alternatives that can make a kitchen look updated on a lower budget. Tile countertops are generally inexpensive, and a homeowner can install the tile to further save money. Another inexpensive choice is a concrete countertop. Concrete can be made to look like natural stone or tile, and it costs less than either of those options.