If you are currently looking into countertop materials because you are remodeling your kitchen and you need a new top to replace the old, scratched and stained one or you are in the process of adding an isle to your kitchen, the material that you choose will define your kitchen’s functionality as well as its attractive looks for years to come. Here are a few of the best materials for kitchen countertops – materials that have gained popularity for their durability, resistance to impact and scratches as well as for their great looks. Then venture over to one of the kitchen design Denver showrooms for pricing and selection.
Granite
Each slab of this affordable and durable natural material features a unique pattern and it is available in many different color variations, from light and vibrant hues with coarse grains to dark colors that are almost homogenous. Granite is not only a beautiful material – it is also hard and durable, resistant to scratching and staining. However, if you choose this material for your countertop, you must know that you can enjoy the above benefits only if your slab of granite is properly polished and sealed and that you will need to reapply the sealant every few years.
Laminate Material
Laminate countertops have evolved a lot in recent years – if you have memories of dull, badly scratched laminate countertops from the past, forget them, the modern manufacturing and printing technologies used today allow for making a very attractive, very durable countertop material that is a perfect match for your kitchen and costs a fraction of the price of other materials. Modern laminate material is resistant to heat and staining as well, but direct cuts with a very sharp knife can leave permanent marks.
Butcher Block
Wood countertops, also known as butcher blocks, are perfect for any kitchen style – in rustic kitchens, the wood surface integrates seamlessly, while in minimalist, modern kitchens it adds the warmth that is needed to balance the straight lines featured in the rest of the kitchen. Butcher block countertops also age gracefully, but compared to other materials, they are quite maintenance-intensive – butcher block countertops are not sealed because sealed wood is not suitable for areas on which is prepared directly, so you will need to oil your countertop every six months to prevent cracking and running a sandpaper on the surface every now and then might also be necessary if you use the countertop a lot and it gets stained.
Ceramic Tiles
Easy cleaning, resistance to staining, to heat and to scratches, easy installation, affordability and varied design options – these are the qualities that make ceramic tiles such a popular choice for kitchen countertops. You can choose tiles that feature the colors and patterns used in the decorations in the rest of the kitchen or tiles that resemble other materials, such as wood or marble. If you choose this material, try to avoid dropping heavy objects directly on the surface (ceramic material cracks easily) and be prepared that the grout between the tiles can get discolored and you might need to scrub it frequently to maintain its clean appearance.