With many kitchen counter tops out there we thought shedding a little bit gentle on the subject could be useful
Here’s a complete listing of the commonest kinds of kitchen counter tops, the benefits and downsides of every, and the approximate pricing.
Laminate –
Generally referred to by the model title Formica, plastic laminate kitchen counter tops are literally made by a number of completely different firms. Formica and Wilsonart are the most well-liked manufacturers. The recognition of laminate counter tops prior to now was on account of its considerably decrease value than stable floor counter tops like granite, quartz, and Corian.
Nevertheless, the worth for laminate tops has gone up over time whereas the price of many stable floor tops has gone down. These days, laminate tops hardly ever make monetary sense.
There’s one exception – You probably have a galley sort kitchen, straight premade laminate kitchen counter tops known as blanks are a lot inexpensive than customized tops. They’ll look similar to stable floor tops and price a fraction of the worth. L-shaped or U-shaped tops are extra sensibly achieved in an affordable granite if you’re attempting to remain on a funds.
Granite –
Granite is a pure stone and may be very laborious to scratch or chip. It doesn’t etch (lose its shine from publicity to acidic liquids like lemon juice) particularly with the inexpensive colours doesn’t stain simply. Granite must be sealed yearly, a simple course of that takes about 20 minutes. Now that almost all granite comes from third world nations, it may be the least costly of the stable floor tops.
There is no such thing as a restrict to how a lot unique granite patterns can value. Degree 1 colours begin at round $43/sq ft in our space. The costlier colours are greater priced not as a result of they’re “higher”, they’re merely much less widespread, extra fragile and more durable to manufacture or mine.
Marble –
Lately marble has change into a preferred stone to make use of for kitchen counter tops. Watch out and ensure you perceive it’s limitations. Marble seems to be stunning however may be very smooth. A dinner plate dragged throughout a high can scratch it. It additionally stains simply and so must be sealed usually.
The largest grievance about polished marble tops is that they etch. Etching is when acids like lemon juice, cleaners, and even ketchup take away the shine from the highest. For those who resolve on a marble high, then deal with it gently and count on it to have a worn and used look over time. Many really feel that is nonetheless stunning, and so long as this pure look is one thing that appeals to you, there will probably be no surprises. Marble pricing begins across the value of stage 5 granite, roughly $85/sq ft.
Quartzite –
Quartzite is a pure stone that may appear to be a marble however has extra of the properties of granite. It is extremely laborious, like granite is troublesome to scratch, chip, or stain. Nevertheless, some quartzite tops can etch (lose their shine) when uncovered to acids. Ask a salesman or higher but take a look at a pattern of your quartzite with lemon juice to see if the colour you’re contemplating etches simply. Quartzite costs begin at across the value of a stage 5 or 6 granite.
Serpentine –
Serpentine is a putting and veiny pure stone generally used for kitchen counter tops. Whereas it may be fairly stunning, it’s going to additionally scratch, chip, stain, and etch simply. It’s also not cheap, and costs begin round the price of the costlier stones.
Quartz –
Quartz counter tops, additionally known as engineered stone, are man-made kitchen counter tops composed of items of quartz, glass, and a bonding resin that glues all the pieces collectively. The resin is a not stone and melts at 440 levels Fahrenheit. So don’t deal with quartz tops like different stone tops, they are often burned. Since quarts tops are synthetic, they’ve some benefits.
Engineered Quartz by no means have to be sealed, can’t be stained, and are virtually as laborious as granite. They’re additionally considerably versatile and don’t want the exacting set up necessities that actual stone does as a result of they’re much less more likely to crack. There are numerous quartz producers similar to Zodiaq, Avanza, Silestone, Cambria, Ceasarstone, and Hanstone. All engineered quartz tops use the identical patented manufacturing course of so the variations from one line to a different are purely aesthetic. Quartz pricing begins at about $70/sq ft with the most well-liked colours costing far more.
“Inexperienced Tops” –
Watch out for the overpriced “inexperienced” and “recycled” tops. The development of those tops varies with the bulk being quartz tops with some recycled glass or paper added to their resin combine. Different sort tops embrace 100% paper tops, Bamboo tops, recycled glass tops, and new ones pop up daily.
Firms making these tops are smaller and fewer dependable than bigger producers and most of the claims to be inexperienced are doubtful upon shut inspection. Most respected fabricators avoid these merchandise though customers ask about them always as a result of they discover the tops by Google searches.
Concrete and resin tops –
These tops will probably be costlier than both concrete or quartz however have uncommon finishes and in contrast to concrete usually are not porous. These tops normally begin at not less than $100/ sq ft.
Concrete –
Concrete counter tops have some stunning acid washed finishes. Additionally they begin at the price of the costlier stone tops and the have to be sealed to be sanitary. Often, bees wax is used because the sealer.
Acrylics –
Corian, Wilsonart Gibralter, Formica, Meganite, HiMax, and different manufacturers make 100% acrylic kitchen counter tops. The distinction in model is simply aesthetic, however the larger title manufacturers undoubtedly have nicer and extra dramatic patterns. Watch out with sizzling pots. The melting temperature for acrylic is simply over the temperature of boiling water so issues taken out of the oven or off the range can’t be positioned on the countertop EVER! Pricing for acrylic tops will vary between $60 /sq foot and $100 /sq ft relying on the colour.
Glass –
Stable glass counter tops may be as dramatic as they’re costly. $200 /sq ft will not be an unusual value for a glass high. Fashionable and Modern kitchens are normally the type that compliments a glass high.
Stable Wooden or Butcher block –
Butcher block and single piece wooden tops may be stunning. They begin at round $80 /sq ft. Significantly putting stable slices of previous progress timber can value twice as a lot as butcher block tops. Wooden tops come polyurethaned or sealed with oil. Tung oil is a standard sealant. For those who plan on reducing or chopping in your high, then use the oil sealant. Wooden tops scratch and burn simply.
Stainless Metal Counter tops –
Customized stainless-steel counter tops are most frequently utilized in restaurant settings. Whereas they can be utilized in residential purposes, discovering an installer that may fabricate customized residential stainless-steel tops could be a problem. Tops begin at over $100 per sq. foot. Out of doors kitchens ceaselessly have chrome steel tops though most are pre-made tops included into the design.
Tile Counter tops –
Ceramic, Porcelain, or granite tile counter tops have misplaced recognition as a result of the prices to construct and set up the tile now not makes these tops inexpensive than lower-level stable floor tops. In case you are making a tile high your self the supplies will probably be cheap however be ready for lots of labor. In case you are hiring an installer, then it’s possible you’ll be spending the identical or extra for what most individuals contemplate a much less fascinating high.
Soapstone –
Soapstone could appear acquainted to you since it’s usually used for highschool or faculty chemistry class counter tops. Soapstone can’t be broken by something sizzling present in a kitchen. It additionally will not be porous and so can’t be stained. Soapstone colours vary from darkish black to gray/black with white or inexperienced veining. Soapstone turns gray over time. Nevertheless, it’s unique end will return when handled with mineral oil. Soapstone can be smooth and scratches and nicks simply, however scratches are minimized when it’s refreshed with oil. Soapstone high costs begin at stage 5 or 6 costs and go up from there.
There are positives and negatives about any sort of kitchen countertop. So don’t be afraid to ask your designer or stone provider inquiries to ensure you are getting the proper high for you.
Hoping your countertop choice makes you as completely happy as our cupboards will ….and naturally…
Bon Appetit!
Paul