The Kitchen Countertop Site - Galleries, Remodeling Ideas, DIY Tips

Welcome to the Kitchen CounterTops site ? We have Information on all your countertop options including tips for installation, care and maintenance. So what are you options?

The choices are confusing ? there are so many options available in kitchen counters. Our site will help you can make an educated choice when you remodel your kitchen. Under each of the categories below there is advice about countertop materials, surfaces and tips for usage and common installation practices.

Granite is the most popular choice for kitchen counter tops, especially when the size your budget isn?t a consideration. A solid quality countertop can define a kitchen. The inclusion of a granite counter top will add class to the most modest of kitchens. They are available in a number of colors and are extremely durable (although periodic sealing is usually a must). Although there is some maintenance involved, granite kitchen counter tops are elegant and timeless.

Engineered Stone Counter tops

Engineered stone is not as popular as granite but is often confused for a granite finish. Engineered stone has all the pros of granite but is probably easier to maintain (it differs from brand to brand the quality of the stone). Engineered stone counter tops are composed of quartz particles and they are available in a larger range of colors than granite ? an additional benefit is a nonporous surface that is scratch resistant. Some popular brands on the market are DuPont, and Silestone. Engineered Stone is often more expensive than a granite finish.

Let?s get this out of the way ? marble has an extremely high price tag and is not often used for countertops or indeed anywhere in kitchens. While marble is luxurious and instantly recognizable, it requires maintenance and it easily stains. Sealers are required to retard staining and scratches. Please be sure to read all of our great articles before choosing to buy.

Solid Surface Kitchen Countertops

Solid surface counters are just what they're called, solid. Most scratches can be sanded out. The countertops are custom-made to your specifications by companies such as Avonite, Corian, and Swanstone. Visit our directory for links to these suppliers. The biggest advantage with solid surface counters is the range of colors and patterns? you just have to make sure you are careful with hot pans and everyday mishaps which can leave marks and/or stains.

Ceramic Tile Counter tops.

Ceramic tile is extremely durable and usually easy to clean. It?s also relatively inexpensive ? a great choice for average kitchen renovators. Ceramic counters are usually installed one section at a time and most people can easily work with the materials. Ceramic finishes are excellent because they take hot pans, are easy to clean and are available in a number of different textures. The only downside is that the grout in between the tiles can be difficult to clean (if poorly designed) and the surface can end up uneven. Both of these pitfalls can be avoided with a professional installation.

A contemporary and industrial can be achieved with a stainless steel counter. Stainless steel is extremely heat resistant and durable. This choice of countertop is usually constructed precisely to your specifications so you can expect a seamless finish. While they are easy to clean, they can also appear clinical, they are noisy, very expensive it?s difficult to modify the fabrication yourself.