Home Construction And Remodeling

If you’re expanding your kitchen, adding an island, or just sprucing up the counters you already have there’s a lot of options to choose from.  Choosing the right kitchen countertops are an essential part of how you’ll enjoy the space, and can even make a difference in the value of your home.  You will want to consider durability, look, style, and price, and what surfaces are available when replacing your kitchen countertops.

Laminate (like Formica) is probably the most widely used material for kitchen countertops.  It’s inexpensive and comes in the largest variety of colors and patterns.  It can also come with a seamless backsplash already fabricated.  Laminate is the most ideal material for someone who is replacing their kitchen countertops on their own, and the easiest to install.  But laminate does have some drawbacks.  For instance, if you have allergies or a breathing problem installation can trigger an attack.  Laminate is also made of layers and sometimes the dark under layer can be visible.  Very susceptible to damage from knives and hot pans, it is probably best to use laminate in less used areas of the kitchen.  Although easily damaged it is not easily repaired.

Ceramic tile is both beautiful and durable and really gives you a chance to exercise your creative side.  The design can be as simple or as complex as you like, you could even design yourself a mural.  This is probably one of the better options for replacing kitchen countertops because it is so easy to replace a tile that gets damaged.  This is unlikely to happen since the tile is also heat, stain and scratch resistant.  However, the grout between the tiles can stain and collect food particles, giving a perfect environment for bacteria.  If you cut things right on the tile surface you can also dull your knives.  It is recommended you not use abrasive cleaners on ceramic tiles since it will ruin a high-gloss finish.

Using a solid surface countertop (Corian as an example) is a bit of a step up from plastic laminate, and the cost reflects that.  It can be made to resemble any surface including glass, granite, or marble.  The color does go throughout the layers, so minor damage is easy to buff out.  Solid surface is difficult to install yourself and is easily damaged.

Granite and marble are high-end choices for a serious cook.  Granite is almost impossible to damage.  Marble must be maintained regularly with mineral oil, but is otherwise perfect for food preparation.  Both surfaces are expensive and difficult to cut and install.  Both can be very expensive to repair and require frequent care to maintain.  The work will be worth it when your new kitchen countertops look as great as always after ten years time.

These are the options that are the most suitable to replacing kitchen countertops in your own home.  Weighing all the pros and cons will assist you in making the decision that will suit your purposes the best.