Best Kitchen Countertop - And the Winner Is?
As with most decisions in redesigning, the "one size fits all" simply doesn't do it. There is no pat answer on which ledge material is ideal but this article should get you pointed the correct way. Each ledge material has its own upsides and downsides so it pays to do your research before you make your final decision and horse up the mixture. Ultimately, it is a matter of personal inclination but regardless of which ledge decision you make, there are three main considerations that you will require before making your ledge decision: They are: Cost - Design - Utility.
I place these in a specific order for a reason: Your spending will ultimately decide the material decisions you will have. Next is the design: Achieving your design/style goals can usually be achieved at all the various value focuses. The final decision is utility. Nowadays, durability (like design) can be achieved through all ledge materials. Alright, we should begin:
Wood: Yes, you heard right "Wood". The vast majority of us have seen "butcher square" island cabinets of a bit of butcher square incorporated into the ledge, but there is a totally different universe of wood ledge arrangements if you have the cash. Estimating on these countertops make granite resemble a bargain! If you want a "Stand-Out" kitchen, this will unquestionably do it.
Cost: Prices (only for the materials range from $100 sq. ft. to $500 sq. ft.!
Design: The decisions of wood species are extraordinary: Just to name a couple... Cherry, Bamboo, Beech, Black Walnut, Canary, Hickory, Maple, Chestnut, Red Oak, Reclaimed Redwood, Teak, Zebrawood (among others).
Utility: Incredibly, this decision is quite durable. Other than re-oiling the tops each 9 to a year or thereabouts, there is next to no maintenance. Waterproof: One provider (Craft-Art) categorically states that all of their countertops are "absolutely" waterproof. As well they are stain resistant, food safe, heat resistant and scratch resistant.
Granite: This is right now the most popular ledge on the market. Beautiful, durable and low maintenance summarizes this decision.
Cost: Affordability (or lack thereof) is the main issue with granite as you can easily burn through $70 to $150 per square foot contingent upon the quality and scarcity of the stone. Different factors that decide cost is the thickness of the stone (2 or 3 centimeters widths) as well as the amount of pits and flaws. There are typically 2 to 3 quality levels relying upon which slab yard you go to. This can have a substantial impact on the final expense.
Design: Styles and shades of granite are plentiful. A few estimates are in the 3,000 range. You need only to go to a couple of slab yards to see that "anything is possible" with regards to available decisions.
Utility: Granite is truly durable and holds-up well to heat. Although it is important to seal the granite a few times each year, overall care and maintenance is relatively minor.
*** Note: There has been (of late) a great deal of press about the "radon gas" issue with granite. A large portion of the discoveries state that while there are a few degrees of radon, it doesn't represent a health threat. Additional information is available by going the to the Marble Institute of America website.
Marble: Using Marble in kitchen applications creates various issues that may block you from making this decision; anyway it is generally utilized in Italy (and other European nations) as a standard ledge material.
Cost: The expense for Marble is high - comparable with granite.
Design: There are adequate shades of Marble to achieve the shading and style you are looking for notwithstanding, it may take additional time and exertion than with granite.
Utility: Marble holds-up well to heat anyway it is an exceptionally permeable stone. Therefore, it is helpless to staining scratching regardless of whether you seal it on a regular basis. As well, this material will change tone after some time. While a few people will appreciate this, most want to have their countertops to glance as good in 10 years (sparkly and new) as it looks the day they install them.
Refined Marble: This item is made from squashed marble, pitch and shades (for shading). While it is generally for countertops in bathrooms, it is not utilized in kitchen applications. Thus, it is not shrouded in this article.
Limestone: As with Marble, Limestone can be utilized for kitchen countertops, there accompanies it, various issues that you have to know in advance so you don't get yourself lamenting the decision.
Cost: Typically more affordable than marble or granite but it is as yet natural stone and can get expensive.
Design: There are less decisions (compared to granite) anyway limestone comes in some vibrant blue shadings that marble doesn't. Canada is the main wellspring of limestone in North America.
Utility: While Limestone is profoundly resistant to humidity, it in any case an exceptionally permeable material that stains easily and can disintegrate after some time. Legitimate sealing is an absolute should and is profoundly helpless to disintegration from juices, fruits and nourishments that contain acidic properties.
Quartz: You may recognize the most popular industry names as Cambria, Zodiaq, Silestone or Cesarstone. While these quartz items are appx. 93% natural stone, they are in fact an "engineered stone". Pitch and shades make up the remaining 7%.
Cost: While Quartz is an engineered item (in contrast to Granite) it is in any case expensive. Costs can reach the cost of the lower-end of the granite range.
Design: Due to the fact it is "engineered" you can discover a shading to address your issues with little difficulty.
Utility: This engineered fabrication affords extremely high durability anyway it will chip with high impact or sharp items falling on it.
Strong Surface: The most commonly known name Corian. Corian is made by DuPont and is a non-permeable, engineered material. It has lost some market share throughout the last couple of years to granite and quartz anyway it actually discovers favor with property holders who like the "seamless sinks".
Cost: Pricing for this material is more affordable than granite but will be more expensive than tile.
Design: Corian comes in 130 different shadings and 3 different surface sorts (Satin, Semi Gloss and High Gloss) so there will be no issue finding a shading and finish to achieve the style you are looking for.
Utility: Corian is entirely durable and most stains and spots can be cleaned off with soapy water or an ammonia based cleaner (no window cleaners however). For more difficult stains, use CLR or Lime Away. It is not recommended to place pots or pans straightforwardly from the stove
Tile: This material dates back nearly 4,000 years so it is safe to say that longevity is something you won't have to stress over. While it has lost a portion of its radiance (figuratively speaking) it actually discovers favor in the marketplace.
Cost: Very savvy for basic tile anyway custom tile can bring the value point up significantly.
Design: Literally many shadings and styles to browse including ceramic, porcelain and granite.
Utility: Very durable and heat resistant anyway is defenseless to chipping or breakage if heavy or pointed items dropped on tiles
Stainless Steel:
Cost: Price focuses for stainless are reasonable anyway stainless steel comes in different qualities. It pays to go with the better qualities as the more affordable alternative has a propensity to scratch easier.
Design: Great for contemporary look but best if utilized related to another surface with the goal that it doesn't become excessively sterile.
Utility: Very heat resistant and durable anyway will scratch with sharp items.
Concrete: While not generally known, concrete is becoming a popular decision for kitchens... the counters and sinks are "poured in place" so they can achieve designs and styles not afforded by the other ledge materials. If you have an "irregular" kitchen shape, cement may be a good decision
Cost: Equal to or more expensive than granite and engineered stone (as a rule) anyway relying upon the style and amount of labor included, it can get pricy.
Design: Since it is a poured item, you can get exceptionally creative with regard to shapes, shading and flair.
Utility: Concrete is extremely permeable but can be sealed. This material requires regular maintenance to lessen the chance of staining. Cracks and chipping are also possible if heavy or sharp articles are dropped on the counters.
Laminate: New laminate items have really changed the view of the old Formica. New designs and an exponential increase in shadings and patterns make it a great decision at the lower cost point.
Cost: Hands-down the most savvy counter material on the market today
Design: Multitudes of shading and pattern decisions.
Utility: Very solid with a high resistance to scratching and staining. Fairly resistant to heat anyway it can consume if pots or pans are placed on the surface when taken right out of the broiler or from the cooktop.
