Many Beautiful Materials For Your New Kitchen Countertops
Consider the pros and cons of these commonly used materials
for kitchen countertops. Your choice is important
as the countertops are a very prominent design feature in your kitchen. New benchtops will add value as well as beauty
and glamor to your home.
There are 3 things to consider above others:
clean-up
maintenance
durability
Then balance these with your budget, and your decision will be easier!
The big trend in kitchen countertops is STONE. .
Let's look at stone types:
Engineered Stone
Engineered stone is composed of 95% quartz particles. It offers the natural look of stone without the
annual sealing of natural stone. There are many color options. It is stain and scratch resistant,
impervious to heat, and resistant to stain and acids such as lemons and coffee. You'll find a wide range of prices, so shop around.
Natural Stone / Granite
This is coverted for its beauty and the glamor it gives to a kitchen countertop. Still expensive, it is hoped that the price will drop as
it becomes more widely used. Equally beautiful are marble and slate. Granite comes in thousands of colors, textures and grains, which
means that it blends well with any style. Granite is heat and stain resistant, but marble may stain and scratch.
Both are almost maintenance free and very hardwearing. Avoid using strong chemicals - paint removers etc. for a long period of time.
But, crockery and glassware will break if you drop it into stone! Cost? Expensive!
Concrete
This is a growing trend and although very expensive, is hardwearing, but it can crack or stain. A concrete kitchen countertop looks exotic because you
can add stones, pebbles, shells and other decorative items into it. It is heat and crack resistant, and there are any
colors you can imagine.
Acrylic
Acrylic is available in a wide array of colors and is very versatile. For a seamless look and modern accent, acrylic is hard to beat!
Laminate
A much less expensive option...laminate comes in so many colors and simulations of textures that it is possible to blend with almost any style. The laminate is bought in sheets and can be glued to a wall which is easy.
Before you buy, bring home samples and color swatches to decide which kitchen countertop looks best with your decor. If you prefer,
a design consultant will come and show you what will enhance your kitchen and give you more ideas!
Go to Kitchen Islands for lots more free information
See the options for lighting above your island bench
More free information about the designing of kitchens
Further thoughts before designing a kitchen island
Go to Contemporary Materials for lots more free information
The latest options in designing and choosing materials for cabinets
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