Home Remodeling - Most Popular Kitchen Countertops

With so many kitchen counter tops to chose from, your next home remodeling job should be a snap! Choose the one that fits your decorating taste, budget, and convenience.

For most women, the kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the entire house! And when in the kitchen, countless hours are spend working over a counter top: chopping vegetables or fruit, stirring cookie or muffin batter, and even drying dishes that don't fit in the dishwasher. With that said your kitchen counter top probably falls in third place behind appliances and cabinets in the "most important elements of the kitchen" lineup! So, what are your kitchen counter top options when you're looking into a home remodeling project?

Granite

One of the most expensive options, granite provides a beautiful high-quality counter top that will last for a lifetime. With a wide range of patterns, this practically maintenance-free option is one of the most popular choices for modern kitchens. Even in small kitchens, granite adds a touch of elegance that every homeowner will enjoy.

Engineered Stone

These counter tops are scratch-resistant and practically maintenance-free. It's made of 93% quartz particles and is available in a wide range of colors and patterns. The only downfall to engineered stone is the expense.

Ceramic Tile

Most individuals who've done home remodeling in the past have considered ceramic tile for their floors, but did you know it can be used for kitchen counter tops too? Ceramic tile is ideal for counter tops because it's easy to clean, can withstand the heat of casserole dishes without the help of potholders, and they're available in a wide range of colors, textures and patterns. On the other hand, the surface is uneven since the tiles are installed separately and have grout filling in the space between tiles. Custom-design options can be expensive.

Laminates

Laminate counter tops are the most popular inexpensive option today. Laminate comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns, giving the appearance of stone or a solid colored counter top. Unfortunately, once the surface is chipped or scratched, these counter tops are virtually impossible to repair.

Wood or Butcher Block

While they require more maintenance than stone, wood counter tops can provide a gorgeous counter top option. Usually hardwoods like maple or oak are used and can be stained and sealed with just about any color. Wood can be re-stained and resealed if the counters become too scratched or sustain other surface damage.
Marble

Marble is one of the most expensive kitchen counter top options on the market. Because of its high price, marble is usually only used on part of the counters or as counter top for a small island. It is waterproof and heatproof, but stains easily, requiring constant maintenance.

Stainless Steel

If you're going for a modern look, stainless steel counter tops are a great option. Hot pans can be placed directly on the counter and it's extremely easy to clean, especially if you use one of the many stainless steel cleaners available. As with any material, stainless steel also poses some disadvantages: it may dent and scratch, so you should definitely use a cutting board when cutting bread, vegetables, or any other type of food.

You'll be living with your new home remodeling options for many years, so you'll want to be sure and choose kitchen counter tops that you love!

Article Tags: Home Remodeling, Most Popular, Kitchen Counter, Wide Range, Counter Tops, Stainless Steel