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What kitchen counter top to choose?
It is very important to choose the right kitchen countertop for your kitchen. Among the variety of countertops, it is sometimes difficult to navigate correctly and choose the right one. Here are the most common kitchen countertops with their main advantages and disadvantages:
- Ceramic
Ceramic tiles are a popular choice for kitchens because they are durable, easy to repair, and come in variety of styles.
Pros:
Resists heat, scratches, and stains.
Damaged tiles easy and affordable to repair
Cons:
Grout can stain or collect food particles
Tiles can crack or chip
- Concrete
Concrete countertops are ideal for unusual shapes because the concrete is cast right in the kitchen.
Pros:
Can be stained a variety of shades
Heat and scratch resistant
Cons:
Must clean spills immediately because wine, lemon juice, and ketchup can stain
Expensive because of custom work
- Quartz
Quartz-surfacing countertops are composed of up to 93 percent quartz. They are just as durable as stone countertops, but don't require all the maintenance.
Pros:
Resistant to heat, stains, and scratches.
Available in a larger range of colors than traditional stone countertops
Cons:
Expensive; priced per linear foot rather than square foot
Visible seams along front edges and deck of the countertop
- Laminate
Laminate countertops are inexpensive and easy to clean.
Pros:
Easy soap-and-water cleanup
Cons:
Susceptible to damage from sharp knives and hot pans Needs to be in a less-used area of the kitchen to prevent showing wear and tear
- Wooden
Wood fibers and resin are pressed into a solid panel to form countertops.
Pros:
Can be made from reclaimed wood for an eco-friendly option.
Cons:
Some raw meat or high alkaline fruit and vegetables (e.g. beets, papaya) can cause stains after extended exposure.
Grout can change the color of the surface, so be careful when installing tile around the countertop area - Stone
Stone works for serious cooks because it's durable, colorfast, and resists scorching. Plus, each piece is unique. The most popular choices include granite and marble.
Pros:
Nonporous: they resist mildew and stains
Scratches can be sanded out because the color is solid throughout
Easy to clean if sealed (although marble is susceptible to stains)
Cons:
Expensive, heavy, and difficult to cut
Can discolor if hot pots and pans are left in place
Require frequent resealing and waxing to maintain sheen
- Stainless steel
Stainless steel is perfect around cooktops and ranges where hot pots and pans often land
Pros:
Tough; impervious to stains and high temperatures
High-tech look; ideal for contemporary kitchens
Cons:
Shows nicks and scratches easily; avoid scouring powders
Needs a solid, firm underlayment or will dent
source: Better homes&gardens