What’s The Best Countertop For Your Kitchen?

There are many different types of countertops for the kitchen available on the retail market today.  There are countertops made of stone, countertops made of laminate, even countertops made of concrete available for homeowners to purchase.  So how does the homeowner determine which is the best countertop for their kitchen?  The best countertop for the homeowner’s kitchen depends on the needs of the homeowner.

The many different types of kitchen countertops all possess different qualities which may or may not be needed by the homeowner.  The best countertop for the homeowner will possess all of the qualities that the homeowner needs at a price that the homeowner can afford.  The goal is to obtain the best possible product at the most affordable price.  The price for custom countertops for an average sized family home can be quite expensive, so it is best to have a budgeted amount in mind before you begin to shop for a countertop.

The most inexpensive option for kitchen countertops is a laminate countertop.  These countertops are made of a plastic based synthetic material and are some of the most popular countertops in the United States.  It is not the price alone that makes these countertops more popular, but the fact that they can be purchased in a wide variety of designs, colors, and styles.  Laminate countertops can also be purchased from any home improvement store and installed by the homeowner, thereby saving the homeowner even more money.  Laminate countertops are easy to maintain and come clean easily with a damp sponge and some mild soap.  Although laminate countertops are very durable, they are not heat resistant and will burn easily if they come into contact with a hot object.  Many homeowners consider a laminate countertop to be the best countertop for their home because of the price and the ease of maintenance.

Another inexpensive option in kitchen countertops is the ceramic tile countertop.  These countertops also come in a wide variety of colors and designs and can be styled to match the décor of any home.  Many homeowners choose a ceramic tile countertop as the best countertop for their home because they are heat resistant, are easy to clean, and are comparable in price to a laminate countertop.  The main drawbacks to obtaining a ceramic tile countertop for the home are that the tiles can crack under heavy usage and the surface of the countertop is uneven, resulting in spills and broken items if the homeowner is not careful.

Wooden countertops add a certain charm to the kitchen that they are installed in.  The colors are warm and inviting and they can be finished to match almost any décor.  Some individual choose wooden countertops as the best countertop because any nicks or scratches that appear in the wood can be sanded and sealed by the homeowner, resulting in a product that will look new for many years to come with the proper maintenance.  Any nick or cuts in the surface of the countertop must be sanded and sealed quickly to avoid staining the wood or allowing water to be absorbed by the wood which may cause the wood to rot.

Many individuals that are not very concerned about the price of their countertop choose stone countertops as the best countertop for their needs.  Although stone countertops are expensive, the beauty of the stone cannot be beat.  There are several different types of stone that are commonly used to create a custom kitchen countertop.  These include granite, soapstone, concrete, marble, and engineered stone.  Concrete is technically not a stone but because it possesses many of the properties of stone in its finished state, it is often placed in the same category as other stone products.  Concrete countertops costs about the same amount as stone countertops as well.  Stone countertops are strong, heat resistant, and water resistant, but some types have a tendency to crack under pressure or heavy use.

The needs of the homeowner will determine the best countertop for their home.  With the many different types to choose from, the homeowner is sure to find the one that suits them the best.  By carefully assessing the needs of the homeowner and researching the qualities of each type of countertop, the homeowner can make an informed decision about which type of countertop to purchase.