kitchen countertops options

Quartz countertops are an engineered stone product made from crushed quartz and resin. Johnathan taught building construction for Rising Sun Energy in Berkeley California. Slate is usually less costly than granite, marble, or soapstone. Because soapstone is rarely used for kitchen counters anymore, they create a conversation piece. So, if your kitchen countertop tends to get dirty, you may want to consider darker colored grout like gray or black. Quartz countertops are highly sought after, creating high resale value in a home. Like all natural stone, granite tiles must be periodically sealed to protect them against stains. Even the resins in these products are green—plant-based rather than petroleum-based. The appearance gives a good simulation of granite or quartz. Can be installed by a homeowner in a weekend or two. Unless you live in a major metro area, it's difficult to find fabricators who will deal with glass counters. Granite tile is the cheapest and easiest of the granite options. Quartz countertops are one of the latest and greatest manmade countertop materials, made popular by brands such as Dupont and Cambria. Many types of natural stone are popular choices for a kitchen countertop, and of these, the most popular option is a countertop made from a solid slab of granite. Granite Countertop Comparison Guide, Cheap and Elegant Materials for Kitchen Countertops. #1 Quartz Kitchen Countertop â¦ In the right kitchen design, these can be very beautiful countertops. Although an interesting new material, recycle aluminum countertops are somewhat unproven for now. Quartz countertops are exceedingly heavy. For kitchen countertops, grout seams make tile a less-than-ideal countertop material, but newer ceramic and porcelain tiles are available in large sizes (1 x 2 or 2 x 2 feet) that can help minimize the number of seams and make for easier upkeep. Further, DIY installation is harder than it first appears. Marble's unique appearance and veined patterns make it one of the most attractive of all natural stones. Vetrazzo, a major glass slab maker, uses 85 percent glass by volume in their slabs, of which 100 percent is recycled. These countertops have an unusual and captivating look that cannot be duplicated by any other countertop material. There are surprisingly few downsides to slate countertops. Requires some research and legwork to find the right materials. For most people, the high expense of recycled glass slab countertops is justified only for the novelty factor, since the same look and performance can usually be achieved in engineered quartz. But tile in any form requires a lot of maintenance, and the many grout seams can be a headache to keep clean. Wow! Choosing a kitchen countertop surface is a major decision in terms of cost, aesthetics and the practical function of your kitchen. These are hard and non-absorbent countertops that resistant to stains and easy to clean. Kropat Interior Design. Acid will etch marble, so you must be careful with common kitchen acids like lemon juice or wine. Because this is a special order item, prices are high and supplies are limited. Solid-surface countertops are more affordable than natural stone and engineered quartz. Warm up any rustic or farmhouse kitchen decor with any of our butcher block countertop options including birch, walnut or maple wood countertops. Before you purchase a countertop, it’s important to take into consideration the type of material, durability and color of the countertop. If you imagine that aluminum countertops resemble solid metal surfaces like commercial stainless steel counters, you're in for a surprise. Ceramic tile countertops are made from individual clay-based tiles adhered over a cement-board core using thin-set mortar adhesives. Must be installed only be experienced installers. There is often a long lead time for delivery and fabrication, as bamboo countertops are still a rare item. A well-chosen countertop makes your kitchen more useful and easier to maintain, and it can also serve as an important design element of your kitchen. Although not as well known as granite or marble, soapstone has been used for countertops for many years. The hardest part is hefting the slabs around. Quartz comes in many different patterns and colors. Often confused with quartz or marble, quartzite is a solid slab natural stone that’s made of metamorphosed sandstone. A less expensive option for homeowners who want granite, or those you want the cost savings of installing granite themselves, is modular granite. Soapstone is a somewhat rare material for countertops, making it a pricey option but one that some homeowners may enjoy for its uniqueness. These are highly unique countertops for a kitchen—a conversation piece. White quartz countertop works great for a modern kitchen and for creating an open and airy look. Here are 10 inexpensive but amazing countertops â¦ Grout seams are easily stained and are hard to clean. Another natural stone option that is in high demand for countertops is marble, although it has limitations that should be recognized in kitchen applications. The aluminum flakes are added in for appearance, not to create a homogeneous surface. Seams between tiles are subject to staining. Solid surface is a manmade material originally created as an alternative to stone, designed to resemble granite and other natural stone. We took a look at six of the most durable countertop materials based on a recent "Consumer Reports" test. The Home Depot offers a variety of kitchen countertops and countertop installation services. These countertops should be oiled periodically to maintain their patina. Johnathan C. Brewer II is a licensed general contractor specializing in kitchen, bath remodels, and general construction with two decades of professional experience. Quartz is rapidly overcoming solid-surface material as a convincing alternative to natural stone for countertops. The beauty of granite is that no two pieces are alike. Fabricators and installers are unfamiliar with the product and may be reluctant to work with it. Modular granite can be described as large tiles pieced together to form a countertop. Tiles are thinner than slabs or modular granite, and hence more susceptible to breaking and cracking. Thousands of colors and patterns are available. Happily, there are lots of options in a wide range of prices. It is porous and must be properly sealed and periodically resealed if used in the kitchen. Concrete countertops are very, very heavy, requiring special bracing. Trend #1. Many unique colors and patterns are available. The edges of the countertop â¦ Quartz was introduced as a high-end alternative to granite, check out our granite vs quartz â¦ Innovative manufacturers are constantly experimenting with new materials, and one such countertop is commonly called paper, although more accurately these should be considered paper composite countertops since they made of paper heavily impregnated with resins. So many amazing budget-friendly ideas for DIY countertops in your home. Like granite, marble is available in three forms—solid slabs, modular marble, and marble tiles. Granite countertops are a durable option that, when properly sealed, are easy to clean and perfect for food prep. Our color options range from white granite and gray to beige and even dark â¦ Another unusual countertop surface is zinc—formed by applying zinc sheets over a base core material. While modular granite does offer DIYers an opportunity to install granite countertops, they are somewhat inferior in look and performance to solid slabs. Quartz is comprised of about 90 percent waste by-products from quarrying or the natural stone manufacturing processes. Countertops are a major element in any kitchen renovation. Like other natural stone countertops, quartzite does need to be sealed for stain resistance. That vision is partly true: if you don't keep up on the constant maintenance, wood will rot quickly. Like many other types of natural stone, granite requires periodic sealing in order to protect it from stains. No-seam countertops are usually possible. Cambria. The many grout seams make upkeep and maintenance difficult. Many different colors and styles are available. Top-end, premium kitchen countertop materials are a significant part of a kitchen remodeling budget. Stainless steel is germ-resistant and very sanitary. This is probably not a great choice unless you are determined to have unique countertops and can find an installer interested in working with them. Professional kitchens use stainless steel countertops, and many serious home chefs want that â¦ A hard, durable stone, slate countertops hold up very well. The more esoteric materials, such as bamboo, zinc, and stainless steel, may prove to be too expensive and hard to maintain for most people. Although most people think of slate as a dark gray or black stone, there are types that have shades of green or pink within them. Granite is not a DIY-friendly material—it must be installed by pros. Wood countertops are green and eco-friendly, highly unique and impart a classic look in your kitchen. Wood countertops are the epitome of green and eco-friendly. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. Stainless steel kitchen countertops have now officially left the restaurant and entered the home. Wood requires significant sealing with tung oil. Modular granite occupies a niche halfway between solid slabs and granite tiles. It is made mostly of blends of synthetic acrylic and polyester materials, sometimes with a small amount of natural stone dust blended in. Thanks to this manufacturing process, quartz countertops are more durable and less prone to chipping than a natural slab stone like granite. Prohibitively expensive for most people, stainless steel is really suitable only for upper-end homes where the look of a commercial kitchen is desired. Will be easily recognized as a DIY countertop by prospective home buyers. Glass tiles are not durable enough for kitchen countertop use and should be used instead for backsplashes. 10 Inexpensive but Amazing DIY Countertop Ideas. A new countertop in your kitchen will instantly brighten the room and add value to your home. Whether it's reclaimed wood like SF Architecture's beautiful bar counter or a butcher block countertop as seen in the other images, wood provides a warmth to any style kitchen. When looking to get a quality kitchen countertop for your kitchen renovation, you have to look at the proper wide variety of surfaces that fit in well for your needs like a granite â¦ These countertops give kitchens an antique look. With so many possibilities to choose from, itâs hard to know which options you should consider. Laminate countertops can feel hollow and lightweight compared to other materials. Spoiler alert: quartz is still king of kitchen countertops. We install granite countertops, engineered quartz countertops by Zodiaq and Silestone, solid surface countertops from Corian and Hi-Macs, and laminate countertops â¦ Soapstone is rather expensive, sometimes costing more than granite. Marble countertop is a kitchen favorite of bakers and chefs. Think about your budget, your design taste and how your family will use your kitchen â¦ One of the most popular tile options for kitchen countertops is granite. Another quarried stone, soapstone has a warm, milky appearance that allows it to complement other design features without overwhelming them. Whether it's your kitchen, bathroom or laundry room, I think you'll find ideas â¦ Countertops have an attractive wood-like appearance. These are small, manageable tiles that resemble ceramic tiles and are installed in much the same way, adhered with thin-set adhesives to a core of cement-board. Solid Surface Made of a combination of acrylic and resin, this â¦ Installation is an easy DIY project when you install pre-fabricated (post-form) countertop sections. Not readily available at your local kitchen design center, these will require a special order. After starting his own general contracting firm, Brewer Builds, in 2008, Johnathan began his TV career as an on air carpenter and has been featured on HGTV’s “Super Scapes”,“Curb Appeal the Block”, “Elbow Room”, DIY Network's “House Crashers”, "This Old House", and OWN Network's Emmy award winning show “Home Made Simple”. Granite. This can be considered a "green," eco-friendly alternative to that other more common composite countertops—laminate. Look in architectural salvage yards for raw materials. It is a surprisingly good material for countertops since it is relatively non-porous and resists stains well. Solid granite slabs make very heavy and durable countertops. Gray quartzite can work as a neutral in most kitchens and pairs well with practically any type of decor. It's also the only type of countertop that can be used as a cutting surface. Are you willing to take on the upkeep? Kitchen remodels can get expensive, though, and high quality countertops come with a hefty price tag. But it's best to rule nothing out until you learn a little more about each option. Certain solid surface colors mimic the look of quartz and natural stones like granite and marble. Hundreds of colors and patterns are available, making this a very versatile material for kitchen design. Like most natural stone, marble is a rather expensive material for large expanses. If You Like Stainless Steel, Try Formica DecoMetal Laminate Countertops. Ceramic tile is brittle and prone to cracking. These countertops are more durable and less susceptible to scratching than a solid surface. You will need to apply a food-safe oil to the countertops every few weeks. Made up of assembled wooden boards, a butcher block is warm and inviting. The time may not yet be right for paper countertops. A more realistic DIY option for homeowners who want granite is to build a countertop from granite tiles. Although once considered the black sheep of the countertop industry, laminates are now available in such diversity that they are making a big comeback. New, high-tensile glass can also be formed into slabs for countertops. Most quartzites are white or light-colored due to their quartz content, but vivid colors of quartzite are also available. DIY, of course! White marble is a popular color choice and offers a luxurious, modern look. Granite tile countertops are generally less admired than solid granite or even modular granite countertops, but they are an option for homeowners seeking to save money by installing the countertop themselves. Like polished granite, honed granite is just as resistant â¦ That said, choosing the right countertop â¦ However, wood countertops require proper sealing and plenty of maintenance to keep them food safe and looking great. Butcher block countertops will dry out if not properly maintained. The final natural stone commonly found in countertops is slate, which is quarried straight from the earth, cut into slabs, and surface-grinded to a matte finish. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series. If not carefully maintained and sealed, wood countertops can harbor germs. The concrete can be colored and textured, if you wish, or the concrete can be highly polished to a shiny gleam. Granite comes in a variety of colors, including black granite and brown granite. If you want to transform your kitchen into a modern Farmhouse, butcher block countertops are the way to go. You can take green remodeling a step further by installing reclaimed wood counters. Beginning life as a quarried â¦ Laminate is the most affordable of all kitchen countertops. A well-cared-for butcher block countertop will last for years and never go out of style. Zinc countertops may be found frequently in Ernest Hemingway novels set in Paris bars, but the high cost makes them impractical for most residential kitchens. Unlike recycled glass slabs, laying tile is a good DIY project. Many types of natural stone are popular choices for a kitchen countertop, and of these, the most popular option is a countertop made from a solid slab of granite. A laminate countertop is formed from a thin layer of plastic laminate material bonded to a core of particleboard or MDF (medium-density fiberboard). Like solid granite, periodic sealing is necessary to protect against stains. Recycled aluminum countertops are expensive and still rare in residential applications. The "unfitted" kitchen design style exemplified by Johnny Grey may also include detached and/or varied countertop â¦ A better choice might be granite, an engineered stone, or solid-surface material that resembles marble. While glass countertops do have high tensile strength, they are still glass—and can crack. Inexpensive Countertop Options Finding a beautiful, inexpensive option comes down to your choice of countertop material which can range from $20 to $200 per square foot. A twist on popular polished granite, honed granite gives a soft, matte finish instead of the traditional glossy look. They're not difficult to clean either. Laminate countertops are lightweight, easy to install and offer a moderate level of stain and scratch resistance. A good DIY project when you install pre-fabricated ( kitchen countertops options ) countertop sections and a..., very heavy, requiring full replacement of damaged tiles and maintenance difficult zinc kitchen countertops of prestige, less! And natural stones appearance that allows it to complement other design features without overwhelming.! 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