In any kitchen remodel most of the attention will be focused on the cabinets – at first. The next major concern is the countertop which is not only the major work area of the kitchen but also ties together the theme like the styling of a sports car.

Countertops also account for around 12% of the kitchen budget. They began as workstations for cutting and preparing food and were usually the tops of benches washing areas, chopping blocks and even stoves. In other words anywhere the homeowner could find a flat surface could be called a countertop. Later on tile also became popular because of its solid surface and color availability.

Formica changed the way countertops were portrayed as much as television, which brought viewers into kitchen settings like never before. The marble-patterned, hard surface could be bought in many colors and it was nosed with a stainless-steel strip which matched the chrome suite kitchen table sets of the time. The main draw was the ease of cleaning and low maintenance as many kitchen counters were still the varnished wood variety. Today laminate has replaced formica and arborite but other materials have come to the forefront as the surface of choice for many homeowners.

Laminate Kitchen Surfaces

Believe it or not laminate is made from layers of paper which are stamped with the pattern and fused with a hard epoxy. This compressed sheet is then adhered to a particle board backing complete with raised backsplash. It is immensely popular because it is available in a huge selection of styles and colors, it resists abrasions and stains and, more importantly, it is inexpensive. As a matter of fact a home owner could change out 3 laminate countertops for the price of one granite surface.

Ceramic Tile

A surface which has been around a long time is ceramic tile. The old drawback with tile was that the grout got dirty and had to be cleaned regularly. As well, iit stained and had to be redone often. However, new sealers have made this job redundant and tile is making a comeback. Granite and marble are also becoming popular choices for a tile countertop and a very inexpensive way to have the luster and finish of these great surfaces. The 12" squares can be purchased for between $15 and $20 each and by doing it yourself the cost comes out to be around what a professionally-installed laminate product would be.

Granite, Marble and Natural Stone

There is nothing that can compare with the luster and richness of a countertop made with a natural stone like granite, marble, travertine or soapstone. The only drawback is that all have to be regularly sealed as they are porous materials - and they are expensive. The thickness of the countertop will determine much of the price but is is advisable to get one at least 1 1/4" thick for durability and wear. The counters will come in long, polishes slabs cut to fir the exact areas need for counter surfaces. It is the length of these slabs that also has an effect on the price as shipping them safely takes a lot of care and packaging.

Concrete

There is a new niche in the countertop market that calls for more personalizing of the area. This is accomplished with smoothed concrete, an innovative way to get color, style and durability in one swipe. The concrete countertop can be fabricated in a shop or right on site with special, smooth forms. The color is added to the cement mix and the patterns can be stamped or added when the concrete is setting. Then the surface is honed to a smooth finish and sealed because cement is porous. Afterward the homeowner has a counter surface that is a once-of-a-kind. because of the labor involved concrete is slightly more expensive than granite but weighs the same depending on thickness.

Rock Composite

Another product that is becoming popular as a kitchen surface is a composite rock and epoxy mix. Granite or other rock dust and small chips are mixed with epoxy and smoothed to a solid, non-porous finish. It resists staining and hot pots. In addition, it can be fit right over another counter surface so does not have to be as thick as regular granite or stone.

Engineered Surfaces

Unlike rock composites these countertops contain more acrylic or polyester resins. Available in a large variety of styles and colors they are very attractive and are seamless after installation. The installer heat treats the joints and smooths them over so that the seam disappears. However, these counters do not like hot pots or stains like orange but they are getting better.

Wood Countertops

One of the old materials is making a comeback for countertops. Wood, especially exotic hardwoods, are beginning to once more grace the kitchens of the country and add a complimentary buffer for the cabinets. Many homeowners like the butcher block look, which are 1" X 3" strips glued together on edge, and prefer them unfinished for cutting. For those who like the look but feel uncomfortable with unfinished wood around food can have the polished with an acrylic or urethane. Other types of wood include planks which have bee reclaimed from old barns and buildings. These slabs are planed and finished showing their rich grains. Some designers are incorporating the wood counter with an old apron-sink design for a truly retro look of a farm kitchen.

Metal

Stainless-steel sinks are common in commercial settings and bring a restaurant look to the home kitchen. Some homeowners like the ease of use and easy-cleaning aspects of stainless steel having many of the other commercial fixtures like a deep sink and restaurant-ready gas stove. For more exotic tastes there is copper and bronze but these, of course, would be for show. Any cutting would be done on portable cutting boards.

For more information on countertops contact Renovation Experts.