Kitchen Countertops: 4 Great Options
Deciding on the right material for your countertops is one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make when renovating your kitchen. Finding a strong, hard-wearing and affordable material is no easy task.
It’s also important to remember that because counters are such prominent features, they will have a huge impact on the overall look of your kitchen. To help you find the best option for your home, we’ll tell you all about some of the best materials in this article.
We’ll also explain some of the main advantages and disadvantages of each so that you can avoid any unpleasant surprises later on. By the time you reach the end of this article, we’re sure you’ll find it much easier to find a material to suit your budget and style.
1. Granite counter tops
Granite counters are some of the most popular in the world, and it’s not without good reason. After all, granite is one of the strongest materials on the market.
Furthermore, it’s important to know that they won’t get scratched over time, or lose any of their characteristic shine. Their high damage and heat resistance is one of their best qualities.
When it comes to everyday use, there really are no disadvantages to granite countertops. The only real downside is the price. While they do come in varying degrees of quality, you’ll generally find that granite counters come with a hefty price tag. This is the most common reason that people often end up going for less resistant, more affordable materials.
Despite the price, granite counters are a great long-term investment, especially if you use your kitchen on a daily basis. If you’re interested in this type of counter, you can learn all about the pros and cons of granite countertops here.
2. Wooden countertops
Wooden countertops are a high-quality option that works well in rustic style homes. The grain of the wood creates an incredible effect that will give your home an exquisite look. Depending on the type of wood you choose, you’ll find a whole range of colors and prices.
Perhaps the biggest disadvantage of wooden counters is their low resistance to heat, moisture, and damage. You have to be very careful when placing hot plates on them, or chopping ingredients. However, if you take good care of them, there’s no reason why they shouldn’t stay in great condition.
If you do end up choosing wooden counters, we recommend taking a look at some of the tips in this article on caring for the wood in your home. Follow this advice, and you’ll be able to prolong their lifespan and enjoy your wooden countertops for longer.
3. Fiberboard countertops
Fiberboard countertops come with one great advantage: the price. Their low price-tag is the reason they are found in the majority of homes around the world. Plus, they come with an infinite variety of finishes, making them a versatile option that can be adapted to any taste or style.
The arch enemy of every fiberboard countertop is humidity, so you have to be very careful when cleaning them. Going over your countertops with a damp cloth is usually enough to get rid of any stains. Furthermore, they also have a low tolerance to high temperatures and general wear and tear.
However, just like with wooden counter tops, treating your fiberboard counters with care will help make sure they last longer.
4. Silestone countertops
We couldn’t talk about kitchen counters without mentioning Silestone. These fantastic counters are as beautiful as they are strong.
Silestone countertops are made from a mixture of quartz and resin. The result is a huge range of hard-wearing counter tops, that come in a huge variety of different colors.
One of the greatest advantages of Silestone countertops is how easy they are to clean. They also have antibacterial properties. If you go for this option, you can rest easy in the knowledge that you’ll have a clean and safe kitchen that’s perfect for preparing your favorite dishes.
But, as you’ve probably already guessed there is one slight downside: the price. It should come as no surprise to learn that a quartz countertop that comes with so many sought-after qualities isn’t actually all that cheap. The total cost will depend on the model and finish you choose, but, in general, prices start at $75 per square foot.