Everyone Loves A Beautiful Kitchen Countertop!
Replacing your countertops or installing new ones is one of the best upgrades you can make in your kitchen. You’d be amazed how sleek, stylish and inviting any kitchen becomes when you have a brand new countertop installed.
You can also use your new custom countertops as a starting point to create your own custom kitchen design. There are a lot of great countertops out there to choose from, but the following ten options are the top choice for home owners.
1. Quartz
There are numerous types of stone used in countertops, and nearly all of them are high-quality and very popular, but quartz is currently becoming a favourite among all of the stone options.
Quartz has many benefits over other stone options. For instance, it’s not porous, which makes it incredibly resistant to stains and very hygienic. Since it is not porous, you also won’t have to seal it on a regular basis.
Quartz is one of the most durable countertop options, and it comes in a wide variety of colours and patterns to match the style of virtually any kitchen.
2. Granite
Despite the rising popularity of quartz countertops, granite has been one of the most popular stone countertop options for many years now. Granite is extremely durable, stylish and it is more versatile in design than you might think.
You can order many types of finishes that will give your particular countertop a very unique look. Some styles available are flame, leather, and honed to name a few.
There is some moderate maintenance required with granite countertops, and although it’s very strong it’s not as durable as quartz, but it is still a fantastic option for fans of the stone aesthetic.
3. Soapstone
Soapstone is unique among the other stone options in that it has a soft texture and a soft looking appearance, but don’t let that softness fool you. Soapstone is just as durable as any other stone countertop.
Soapstone is very pliable, it’s non-porous, it’s resistant to cracks, stains, scratches and chips, and it’s very easy to clean. It is however, quite limited in design and colour options.
4. Stainless Steel
Stainless steel countertops are most popular in the kitchens of restaurants and bakeries, but they’ve also been exploding in popularity in home-kitchens in conjunction with other stainless steel appliances.
Stainless steel is very durable, non-porous and resistant to heat. While it may be susceptible to fingerprints, stainless steel is also incredibly easy to clean with any normal kitchen cleaner and a moist cloth.
While many other countertops may have imitators, nothing is really able to mimic the unique and sleek look of stainless steel.
5. Terrazzo
It may seem like a new trend, but terrazzo countertops have actually been around since the 1970s. Utilizing a combination of recycled glass and environmentally friendly epoxy resin, terrazzo countertops are currently shooting up in popularity as more people are deciding to make greener choices when it comes to home improvement.
Terrazzo countertops are also known for being able to come in a very wide array of colours and patterns, and they’re quite durable and easy to clean. One potential drawback for some homeowners is that they may require occasional sealing for maximum protection.
6. Composite
Like terrazzo, paper composite countertops are made by combining materials with an environmentally friendly epoxy resin. However, unlike terrazzo, composite countertops use paper and wood fibres instead of glass.
The inclusion of paper products leads many people to believe that these countertops are not as durable or long-lasting as stone countertops, but the opposite is true.
Composite countertops are actually incredibly durable and can withstand more weight and pressure than most stone countertops can.
Composite countertops are harder than wood countertops, non-porous, stain resistant and hygienic. They’re also one of the easiest countertops to install due to the light weight of the material it’s made with.
7. Reclaimed Wood
There’s no denying that wood has an incredibly warm and rustic style to it that is very appealing in kitchens. Many homes have wooden cabinets, which are easily complimented by wood countertops.
However, wood countertops are not very eco-friendly since they require cutting down trees and chemically processing them. Reclaimed wood countertops solve that problem by only using wood obtained from old broken down barns, fallen trees, warehouses and other fallen wood structures.
With reclaimed wood, you not only gain the aesthetic and durability benefits of traditional wood countertops, but you create an even more unique style since reclaimed wood is already weathered and aged.
Sadly, reclaimed wood countertops have become so popular in recent years that it’s getting increasingly difficult to replenish the supply, and prices are increasing as a result.
8. Porcelain
Although porcelain countertops have been extremely popular in Europe for many years, they’ve only recently started gaining traction in America. Porcelain is very durable, resistant to heat, stain resistant and non-porous.
A very unique feature of porcelain countertops is that they’re also resistant to UV light, making them an excellent choice for outdoor kitchens or kitchens with a lot of light exposure.
The main downside of porcelain countertops is that the finish, colours and designs on porcelain are only added to the surface of the material instead of being engrained like stone or wood. If the surface gets damaged, the original colour will show through, and it will require the assistance of a professional to get the damage repaired.
9. Concrete
With the rise of modern styled kitchen styles has come a massive increase in the popularity of concrete countertops. They’re easy to install (even as a DIY project), they have a unique and rustic look that isn’t matched by stone or tile, and they’re extremely cost-effective.
There are some drawbacks with concrete countertops. The main problem with concrete is that, while it is very durable, it’s not very resistant to scratches, and it’s susceptible to stains from substances such as grease, wine and coffee. They can be sealed for added protection against scratches and stains, but staining will still be a major issue over time.
10. Ceramic Tile
Known for its classic look and affordability, ceramic tile has been one of the most popular countertop options for decades, and it’s still going strong.
They’re certainly not the most durable options available, but if you are careful there’s no comparison when it comes to versatility.
You can get ceramic tiles in a nearly endless array of colours, styles, shapes, sizes and even textures. Ceramic tile countertops are very easy to install, easy to clean and easy to replace.
The one drawback for some people with ceramic tile countertops is the grout. The grout is a problem area since it’s porous and may stain easily or collect germs, but the grout can be sealed on a regular basis or replaced if needed.
The Take Home
There you have it! If you’ve ever wondered which types of countertops would be great for your home, or if you’re interested in a new project, don’t hesitate to contact us for a quote and we’ll give you the best advice and service in Brantford – hands down!