Custom Kitchen Countertops
Nothing quite makes a new kitchen pop like a high quality countertop. Regardless of what material you choose, a new countertop can help make your kitchen look much more modern and clean. Whether you are doing a full remodel or a more incremental update, it’s definitely worth looking into new countertops to give your kitchen a fresh look.
Natural Stone Countertops
Natural stone countertops are definitely one of the most premium options when it comes to new countertops, but they are also becoming more commonplace wherever you go. Each piece of natural stone has a very unique color and grain to it, which guarantees that your kitchen won’t look like anyone else’s. This material is also highly durable, both to heat and to scratches or dents.
Quartz Countertops
While quartz countertops are also a premium option, it should be noted that it is actually a manufactured stone and not completely natural like some others on this list. Because its synthetic, it is actually much harder because it isn’t porous like natural stone. However while durable to physical force, quartz is quite vulnerable to heat, so be aware of hot pans and cooking materials.
Granite Countertops
Granite is a natural stone comprised of a wide variety of different minerals that each create a unique appearance. While granite high in feldspar will have rich red or pink highlights, higher mica deposits produce brown or black veining. These variations are highly desirable since they give the slab character and differentiate it from others. That being said, it’s important to choose slabs from the same rock when choosing your countertops so that they blend together seamlessly.
Marble Countertops
Simply put, marble is hard to beat. After all, its famously strong and beautiful, just ask the ancient Greeks. Like other natural stone, each cut of marble is completely unique. Not to mention, both white and black marble can give your kitchen that high contrast modern look that is so sought after these days. However nothing is perfect, and you should be aware that marble does have a vulnerability to acids such as lemon juice or vinegar.
Laminate Countertops
Laminate countertops are a great affordable option, and these materials are increasing in style all the time. Rather than a solid material all the way through, laminate features a core and then a surface laminate, hence the name. The printed outside is often made to replicate the patterns of a natural stone to give it a more natural look. It should be noted that laminates should be replaced every so often as they aren’t as durable as a solid stone.
Solid Surface Countertops
Solid surface is a good in between if you are debating between higher end stone and more affordable laminate. Solid surface is a synthetic material, and like quartz it’s non porous which makes it easy to clean and somewhat durable. However, it is vulnerable to high amounts of heat and you should always use heat pads when handling hot kitchen items.