The countertop is the kitchen design choice that ties all the other components together, and you have more choices in material today than ever before. Take advantage of the wide expanse of horizontal exposure and opt for a modern material to bring a little personality to your kitchen.
Granite is a timeless countertop material that adds class to your space and is universally appealing should you decide to sell your home down the road. “Consistent” granite is the most widely available and frequently used pattern, offering, as the name implies, a consistent grain throughout. “Variegated” granite is characterized by sweeping veins of intense color, and chosen properly can be a real conversation piece. Granite is naturally scratch and stain resistant, but care should still be taken with acidic liquids and hot pans, particularly with lighter colored granite. Granite, like any natural stone, does require special cleaners formulated specifically for stone, and should be sealed at least once per year to maintain the finish. Finish options for granite countertops include polished and honed, which is a satiny low gloss finish. Your granite installer may also offer custom finishes including leather, brushed or flamed. Edge options are virtually limitless with granite, but square, round and bullnose are the most common. Upgraded edges and finishes will add to the overall cost of the granite.
Solid Surface Countertops
Solid Surface countertops are created by bonding thermoplastics, acrylic resins and mineral compounds, and are sold under the brand names Corian, Avonite, LG Solid Surfaces and Livingstone. While solid surface counters are touted as being stain, scratch and heat resistant, this is simply in comparison to laminate countertops. You cannot place hot pans on any solid surface countertop, nor can you use them as a chopping board or allow spills to set. The advantage solid surface countertops offer over other materials is seamless installation and the ability to repair damage. Solid surface counters require specially formulated but readily available cleaners to avoid to dulling the finish, but never require sealing. Deciding between solid surface countertop manufacturers will come down to color choices and local availability, as pricing tends to be similar and differences in durability are essentially non-existent. Corian is available in 130 colors and LG Solid surfaces in 122, while Avonite offers 50 colors and Livingstone only offers 32. Check with your local countertop installer before deciding on a manufacturer as most installers deal only with a single brand of solid surface countertop.
Concrete Countertops
Concrete countertops are a relatively new concept and offer the most flexibility for customization. The poured in place nature of concrete kitchen counters allows for the introduction of a number of built in accessories, including recessed butcher blocks, integrated drain boards and trivets, decorative tile accents, and stamped or etched texturing. Concrete can be dyed or stained any color, with additional options such as acid washing and color blending for a truly one of a kind look. Poured in place concrete countertops may have sinks and backsplashes integrated seamlessly, though hairline fractures can develop at weak points. While concrete itself can handle hot pans the sealers required to prevent stains on concrete will be damaged by high heat. Concrete should be sealed several times per year and may be cleaned with simple soap and water, though abrasive cleaners and bleach should be avoided.
Countertops and Surfaces Material Comparison – Keidel.com
Polished, Satin and Honed Granite – NaturalStoneInteriors.com
Caring for Concrete Countertops – The Portland Cement Association – concrete.org
