kitchen countertops options

Bamboo gives your countertops "green" cachet, but this material is difficult to find. They are made of waste aluminum flake, solid surface scrap, and recycled acrylic. The aluminum flakes are added in for appearance, not to create a homogeneous surface. If you … Don't overlook laminates until you see what is available. A twist on popular polished granite, honed granite gives a soft, matte finish instead of the traditional glossy look. They include granite, marble, quartz, and more. This can be considered a "green," eco-friendly alternative to that other more common composite countertops—laminate. Like all natural stone, granite tiles must be periodically sealed to protect them against stains. The many grout seams can be easily stained and are difficult to clean. Cambria. With wood being an organic material that does not mix well with water, most homeowners envision rotting, moldy wood that needs to be replaced after a few years of use. Thanks to this manufacturing process, quartz countertops are more durable and less prone to chipping than a natural slab stone like granite. Vetrazzo, a major glass slab maker, uses 85 percent glass by volume in their slabs, of which 100 percent is recycled. Laminate is the most affordable of all kitchen countertops. The many grout seams make upkeep and maintenance difficult. Slate countertops warrant consideration for homeowners looking for something unusual but subtle. It's also the only type of countertop that can be used as a cutting surface. Granite tiles offer some degree of prestige, though not the same as solid stone slabs. The material is held together with resins and shaped into slabs for use in countertops. Granite. Pros and Cons of Popular Bathroom Countertop Materials, 8 Surprising Things About Quartz (Engineered Stone) Countertops, Solid Surface Countertop Basics to Know Before You Buy, Solid Surface Countertops vs. Quartz Countertops, Laminate Sheet Backsplash: What to Know Before You Buy, Corian vs. Silestone: What to Know Before You Buy, Solid Surface, Quartz, and Granite Countertop Comparison Chart, Corian Solid Surface vs. The more esoteric materials, such as bamboo, zinc, and stainless steel, may prove to be too expensive and hard to maintain for most people. The range of materials that can be used for kitchen countertops is amazingly diverse, and some materials on the list may be surprising to you. When looking to get a quality kitchen countertop for your kitchen renovation, you have to look at the proper wide variety of surfaces that fit in well for your needs like a granite … Granite is very strong and durable and … Installation is an easy DIY project when you install pre-fabricated (post-form) countertop sections. Seams between tiles are subject to staining. The appearance gives a good simulation of granite or quartz. Huge both in terms of cost and in their impact on the aesthetics and practical function of your kitchen. It is porous and must be properly sealed and periodically resealed if used in the kitchen. Solid granite slabs make very heavy and durable countertops. While glass countertops do have high tensile strength, they are still glass—and can crack. These are very beautiful countertops due to the inclusion of quartz crystals and other natural minerals. So many amazing budget-friendly ideas for DIY countertops in your home. Our color options range from white granite and gray to beige and even dark … Quartz is rapidly overcoming solid-surface material as a convincing alternative to natural stone for countertops. These are small, manageable tiles that resemble ceramic tiles and are installed in much the same way, adhered with thin-set adhesives to a core of cement-board. They are usually fabricated and poured on-site by a specialist crew who creates forms to match the space. Think about your budget, your design taste and how your family will use your kitchen … Fabricators and installers are unfamiliar with the product and may be reluctant to work with it. We took a look at six of the most durable countertop materials based on a recent "Consumer Reports" test. Tiles are thinner than slabs or modular granite, and hence more susceptible to breaking and cracking. The beauty of granite is that no two pieces are alike. No two pieces of granite are alike, making each countertop entirely unique. As with granite, solid slabs are the best choice for countertops. Because each slab has slightly different veining, each marble countertop will be entirely unique. A hard, durable stone, slate countertops hold up very well. 10 DIY Countertops That You (and Your Wallet) Will Love Subject to wear and tear day in and day out, kitchen countertops must be updated eventually. Quartz countertops are quite expensive—on a par with natural granite. These countertops are more durable and less susceptible to scratching than a solid surface. A well-chosen countertop makes your kitchen more useful and easier to maintain, and it can also serve as an important design element of your kitchen. One of the most popular tile options for kitchen countertops is granite. We install granite countertops, engineered quartz countertops by Zodiaq and Silestone, solid surface countertops from Corian and Hi-Macs, and laminate countertops … Recycled aluminum countertops are expensive and still rare in residential applications. Although once considered the black sheep of the countertop industry, laminates are now available in such diversity that they are making a big comeback. No-seam countertops are usually possible. Like granite, marble is available in three forms—solid slabs, modular marble, and marble tiles. Requires some research and legwork to find the right materials. Grout seams are easily stained and are hard to clean. After starting his own general contracting firm, Brewer Builds, in 2008, Johnathan began his TV career as an on air carpenter and has been featured on HGTV’s “Super Scapes”,“Curb Appeal the Block”, “Elbow Room”, DIY Network's “House Crashers”, "This Old House", and OWN Network's Emmy award winning show “Home Made Simple”. These are highly unique countertops for a kitchen—a conversation piece. There are fewer color options than with other materials. Slate is usually less costly than granite, marble, or soapstone. However, there are some recycled glass slabs that offer a true one-of-a-kind look. You can take green remodeling a step further by installing reclaimed wood counters. Although often lumped together with wood, bamboo is actually a grass, and the slabs used in countertops are made from shredded bamboo fibers blended with resins. Explore your options beyond the typical granite and laminate, from unusual materials like … Kropat Interior Design. Marble is porous and can be easily stained unless it is regularly sealed with a top-quality sealing product. A less expensive option for homeowners who want granite, or those you want the cost savings of installing granite themselves, is modular granite. Made up of assembled wooden boards, a butcher block is warm and inviting. Laminates are made by many manufacturers, including Formica and Wilsonart, and hundreds of color and style options exist. Beyond Granite: 20 Kitchen Countertop Alternatives Stuck in a countertop rut? Your kitchen should reflect your style. Quartz countertops are available in a broad range of colors—think blue, green, red, and orange as shown in this kitchenby Kropat Interior Design.The firm based out of San Francisco, California, went with a glossy, quartz countertop by Silestone in Orange Cool. Although an interesting new material, recycle aluminum countertops are somewhat unproven for now. A relatively new option, recycled glass slab countertops are made from a blend of recycled glass melted down into slabs for use in countertops. Gray quartzite can work as a neutral in most kitchens and pairs well with practically any type of decor. It's formed from a thin layer of plastic laminate material bonded to a core of particleboard or MDF (medium-density fiberboard). Concrete countertops are not for everyone, but they may be appropriate for very high-end homes where a truly unique, modern look is required. Soapstone has been used in kitchen countertops for centuries and looks particularly natural in a farmhouse-style kitchen (which happens to be a major design trend). So, if your kitchen countertop tends to get dirty, you may want to consider darker colored grout like gray or black. Laminates can peel up, chip, and scorch easily. Quartz is Here to Stay. These are very expensive countertops, requiring the work of custom craftsmen. A well-cared-for butcher block countertop will last for years and never go out of style. Johnathan C. Brewer II is a licensed general contractor specializing in kitchen, bath remodels, and general construction with two decades of professional experience. Whether it's your kitchen, bathroom or laundry room, I think you'll find ideas … Quartz countertops are one of the latest and greatest manmade countertop materials, made popular by brands such as Dupont and Cambria. The edges of the countertop … Repair is difficult, requiring full replacement of damaged tiles. Kitchen remodels can get expensive, though, and high quality countertops come with a hefty price tag. Quartzite countertops are nearly indestructible and can withstand kitchen acids such as lemon juice or vinegar. Replacing a scratched, scorched, stained, or just plain unattractive countertop can transform any kitchen. Tile is second only to laminate as an inexpensive countertop material. Considered a premium building material, granite countertops tend to improve home real estate values. Although not as well known as granite or marble, soapstone has been used for countertops for many years. Granite Countertop Comparison Guide, Cheap and Elegant Materials for Kitchen Countertops. But tile in any form requires a lot of maintenance, and the many grout seams can be a headache to keep clean. White marble is a popular color choice and offers a luxurious, modern look. Soapstone is a somewhat rare material for countertops, making it a pricey option but one that some homeowners may enjoy for its uniqueness. While modular granite does offer DIYers an opportunity to install granite countertops, they are somewhat inferior in look and performance to solid slabs. For most people, the high expense of recycled glass slab countertops is justified only for the novelty factor, since the same look and performance can usually be achieved in engineered quartz. Modular granite occupies a niche halfway between solid slabs and granite tiles. Wood countertops are green and eco-friendly, highly unique and impart a classic look in your kitchen. Few countertop fabricators are equipped to install this special material. The "unfitted" kitchen design style exemplified by Johnny Grey may also include detached and/or varied countertop … Quartz countertops offer the best of all worlds—a countertop with the beauty of natural stone and the flexibility of solid-surface material. Narrow down these kitchen countertop ideas to find the right choice for your kitchen. Marble's unique appearance and veined patterns make it one of the most attractive of all natural stones. Solid surface countertops are very versatile and give a reasonable and much more affordable alternative to granite and engineered quartz. The common fitted Western-style kitchen, developed in the early 20th century, is typically an arrangement of assembled unit cabinetry covered with a more-or-less continuous countertop work surface. Granite tile is the cheapest and easiest of the granite options. Wow! These countertops should be oiled periodically to maintain their patina. This is an eco-friendly material—bamboo is a completely renewable resource. Further, DIY installation is harder than it first appears. Few companies know how to fabricate glass slab counters; they must be certified. Minor scratches can be sanded or buffed out with fine sandpaper. However, wood countertops require proper sealing and plenty of maintenance to keep them food safe and looking great. Marble countertop is a kitchen favorite of bakers and chefs. If you want to transform your kitchen into a modern Farmhouse, butcher block countertops are the way to go. If You Like Stainless Steel, Try Formica DecoMetal Laminate Countertops. Ceramic tile is relatively easy for a DIYer to install. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. Palazzo Kitchens and Design. Happily, there are lots of options in a wide range of prices. It's a huge decision, choosing a material for your kitchen countertop. Solid surface is a manmade material originally created as an alternative to stone, designed to resemble granite and other natural stone. The metal achieves a beautiful patina through age and wear. The result will be a truly unique countertop with a number of virtues. The time may not yet be right for paper countertops. In the right kitchen design, these can be very beautiful countertops. Ceramic tile countertops are a good option for DIYers seeking to save money, and newer porcelain and glass tiles give a much wider range of design options than ever before. Soapstone has a warm feeling and milky look, due to the high amount of talc in the stone. Glass tiles are not durable enough for kitchen countertop use and should be used instead for backsplashes. And the materials and options you choose, whether indestructible composite slabs or handmade tiles, are for utility as much as for style. 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