Take a Look at All These Different Types of Countertop
If there’s one part of the home that truly deserves your attention, it’s the kitchen. It’s a place every member of the family comes together, where you make meals, and have nice, long conversations with anyone and everyone. With that in mind, we want to show you all the types of countertop out there, so you can pick the right one for you.
The countertop of your dreams
Thinking of remodeling your kitchen? Outside of the furnishings, distribution, and appliances, one of the main things people focus on is storage space, lighting, and making sure the kitchen has the right dimensions so that you can move around it comfortably.
But there’s something else we think you should keep in mind for a kitchen remodel. That thing is the countertop. It’s the surface you’ll be using to prepare all your food, and it will give your kitchen a very specific look.
Some types of countertop are more delicate than others. There are some all-purpose types and others that work really well with specific styles. Want to know more about each and every one? Well then, keep on reading!
Types of countertop
Wood
One of our favorite types of countertop is wood. It’s not just because of how beautiful it looks–it’s also an extremely versatile material. That being said, it takes a lot more care and maintenance than other materials.
Some of the main weak points of wood are moisture or the fact that it’s more easily damaged than other materials. You’ll have to scrub, sand, and varnish it every so often. Stains can start to penetrate into it and wear it away, so doing this frequently will help keep it long-lasting.
Natural stones
Granite countertops are one of the most common types in the kitchen. They’re great if you have kids because they’re durable and resistant to heat and most other types of damage. There are other stone options like marble, but that’s one that involves more upkeep.
As far as the disadvantages of stone go, the main thing worth mentioning is that it’s on the porous side. This means that things penetrate into it more easily, and can be very hard to get rid of. That’s especially true with oil.
Stainless steel
If you’re looking for a super durable countertop, this is one of the best types for you. Stainless steel is basically immortal. It’s impermeable to moisture, extremely tough and therefore hard to damage, and can handle high temperatures. Another big strong point is that you can create seamless spaces because it doesn’t need joins.
Stainless steel will give your kitchen an industrial feel that’s great for modern kitchens.
One thing to factor in, though, is that these types of countertop tend to be expensive. This is a quality issue though as there’s a lot of specialized labor involved in making stainless steel.
Synthetic materials
Synthetic materials are a very common countertop option, too. These are generally much cheaper because they’re made of wood laminate and an outer layer that comes in many different options. For example, imitation wood, stone, or steel.
If you choose a countertop made of synthetic material, it’s also easy to maintain it. These are heat-resistant and can weather scratches and other types of damage.
They do have some disadvantages, though. Water can be really bad for them, and they wear away more quickly than other types of countertop. So, these are a good option if you have a relatively small budget. Just be aware that in the long-term you’ll probably have to replace them, and much sooner than you would with other materials.
As you can see, there are lots of different types of countertop. They fit all budgets and needs, too. The only thing you need to do is have a clear sense of the pros and cons of each, and the look you want to give your kitchen. Never make a decision before you’ve figured that out. Here are some IKEA countertops to inspire you.