Within this article we look at the various materials used for countertops and discuss the reasons for choosing them for your kitchen Whether its durability, hygiene or cost, you can find both the advantages and disadvantages of each material belowLaminate WorktopsThis in expensive option is a very popular choice for kitchen countertops and it comes in a variety of colors and textures It isn't that hard wearing and can get scratched or burned, and gets dirty very easily It is not built to last If you do choose laminate you can protect your surfaces with trivets and chopping boardsAdvantagesFairly InexpensiveA wide range of colours and patterns to choose fromEasy to apply fancy edgesStain resistantDisadvantagesNot wise to use as a cutting surface or to place hot pans upon
Cannot be repaired if it gets damaged It must get replaced
Noticeable seams because of a dark backing sheet This is most apparent with light coloursGranite WorktopsGranite is the most common type of stone used for a countertop Granite is quarried worldwide, with colors and patterns that reveal the region and the geological conditions that created it Each slab is unique, with random and inconsistent patterns for a great character and look It is highly durable, it doesn't scratch or burn, and it keeps its color Unfortunately Granite is a very expensive material though the finished look is often well worth the costAdvantagesA variety of colours of natural stoneExtremely durableHeat resistant and hard to scratchDisadvantagesExpensive
To prevent staining it will need to be resealedStainless Steel WorktopsOften associated with professional kitchens, stainless steel is stylish and contemporary Steel is highly durable and can be shaped in many ways to fit your kitchen The backsplash and the sink can be made out of the same piece of steel, ensuring that there are no awkward corners or gaps for food to get lost in Stainless steel is hygienic and is the only surface that can be safely bleachedAdvantagesThe only surface that can be safely bleachedCorrosion proofVery durableSinks, draining boards and backsplashes can all be fabricated into the counter topHeat proofAll the joints can be polished for a seamless effect (may cost extra)DisadvantagesCan scratch and dent (though newer designs can include textured finishes that can hide the scratches)
A high maintenance option
ExpensiveWood and Butcher Block WorktopsWood will always give a great look and add character to your kitchen On the countertop, however, it is highly susceptible to scratching and cutting Hot pans will burn it or leave marks, and it can be unhygienic if meat or poultry is prepared on it However, it is one of the only surfaces that will not damage your knives Oak, maple, cherry, red beech, walnut, teak, and mahogany are all hardwoods favored for countertop applicationsAdvantagesIdeal for cutting onOnly surface that will not damage your knivesVery attractiveDisadvantagesDeep cuts will show but can be sanded out
Hot pans will burn it or leave marks
High maintenance Use mineral oil to renew surfaceQuartz Surfaces: Zodiaq, Cambria and Silestone WorktopsQuartz delivers a great natural look to any kitchen It is highly durable being resistant to scratches, stains and heat However this flexibility comes at a price and you can sometimes encounter prices up to 10% higher than that of granite Quartz surfaces are hygienic because the material is non-porous and so bacteria and mould have nowhere to hide Three brands to note of are Zodiaq, Cambria and Silestone Zodiaq comes in 26 colors and has a 10-year warranty Cambria is made in the USA and is available in 34 colors which are all the same price Silestone is made by the Spanish company Consentino and is available in 46 colorsAdvantagesScratch resistantStain resistantHeat ResistantLooks greatDoes not need to be resealed every few years (unlike granite)DisadvantagesExpensive (about 10% more than granite)
Set on backsplashes onlyCorian, Avonite and Other Solid Surfaces WorktopsA countertop that consists of a solid plastic all the way through is said to be a solid surface countertop (as opposed to those built up in layers ie laminate) They are similar to quartz in that they're also hardwearing They are resistant to scratches, scorching and heat If you do manage to do damage to the countertop you can easily repair it You can expect to spend about three times more than you would for laminate, and twice as much for wood A wide range of colors and styles are available to choose from and most suppliers will give you a good guarantee
Corian is the most famous brand (has been around for 30 years) Avonite has unique color choicesAdvantagesLarge variety of colors and edge stylesYou can create your own design on the deckBacksplashes can be any height and coved to deck for a very clean lookSeams are virtually invisibleThe material is renewable and repairableMost all brands offer a full, transferable, 10-year warrantyDisadvantagesCost is high when all available options are used
Barry Dunlop is the Founder of Kitchen-Buyers-Guidecom - The site that promises you lots of tips, advice and help to plan, design and buy your dream kitchen! Find out more at his website: http://wwwalmostimpartialguidecouk/kitchenshtm
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