Choosing Countertops

Whether you are re-modeling or building from scratch, a kitchen project can bring tears of both kinds.  A beautiful place to make meals and entertain is often the heart of the home, but gourmet comes at a price that may leave you feeling a little well done.

Every piece of the kitchen is a decision based on quality, vision and budget, including the countertops.  Here are some pros and cons of the most common choices that may help in your decision:

• Laminate:  Made of plastic coated synthetics, laminates are one of the least expensive choices.    Laminates come in an endless amount of colors, are durable and easy to maintain.  The downside is that scratches and chips are next to impossible to repair, seams show and edging can be costly.
• Granite:  Seen as an elegant choice, this is a popular one for home renos and home buyers.  Granite stands up to heat, comes in almost 3000 colors and will last a lifetime with the 2^nd highest hardness rating after diamonds.  The downside is that it is expensive, can stain if not sealed properly and can crack if stressed or improperly installed.
• Butcher Block (Wood):  Maple and Oak can make for a gorgeous looking counter.  The wood is easy to clean and can be sanded and resurfaced down the road.  The downside is that it can be damaged by water and stains, and it will scratch which will also require repair.
• Stainless Steel:  If you are going for a modern, industrial look, this may be the counter for you.    Stainless is great with heat and easy to clean, but has numerous cons such as denting, expensive, it’s noisy and you cannot cut on it.
• Marble:  The luxury of the countertop scene.  Marble is waterproof, heatproof and stunning.  The con is the hefty price tag, it is very porous and will stain easily and may require periodic resealing.
• Concrete:  This is great for a kitchen requiring unusual shaped counters, but beware, the custom work comes with a custom price tag.  It is however heat and scratch resistant, can be color tinted and there are tons of styling finishes making it very unique.
• Ceramic:  A great fit for ease of cleaning and budget as well.    Sturdy ceramic is good with heat and comes in a wide arrange of colors and styles.  The biggest con is that grout stains easily and the tiles may chip or crack and require replacement.

There are so many options when it comes to countertops, throw in having to also choose a color and the only recipe you see may be for a headache.  Speaking with a professional for advice on what will work best for your home and needs is always a wise bet.  As with any reno, thinking ahead for the future is important, not only so you are not re-doing your re-do down the road, but for re-sale as well.  Happy entertaining!