Kitchen countertops can be made of a wide array of materials. When making the choice of which material to use, two things need to be taken into consideration. First thing – is the material lasting? You don’t want it to become scratched, broken, or stained before the time comes to replace it, many years in the future. The second is beauty, which, as we know, is in the eye of the beholder. Since you will have to live with it for these many years, you want to make sure that what you like now will be what you still like then. Zinc counter tops are really popular in kitchen decorations these days. They are similar to the color of bullet alloys. Other favorite counter top materials are granite, ceramic tile, laminates, wood, stainless steel, marble, engineered stone, solid surface, soapstone, and concrete. A few of them are discussed below.
Zinc – It is a favorite material now, as mentioned. Zinc can be purchased in flat sheets. They can be cut to size and molded to fit the space to create the backsplash & front curled edging. Zinc provides a shiny metal surface that will give your kitchen the look of a professional or restaurant kitchen. It matches the professional-looking kitchens with matching ranges & refrigerators many people enjoy.
Granite – Yet another countertop that has been standard for the last few years. Many people love the natural stone look of a granite countertop. These counter tops are hard and durable, too. It is heat resistant, thus overcoming the main problem of several other counter top materials. The material can almost become maintenance free if you apply a sealer to it. The dull colouring & high price would most likely be its only downsides.
Ceramic Tiles – Another favorite choice. Many say ceramic tiles give a kitchen that old-fashioned, retro look. They come in an almost infinite range of colors and textures. With some training, you can design and install your own countertop because the tiles are small & installed individually. This material is sturdy, and resistant to heat & scratching. The main turn offs are that a tile can be broken if a heavy object is dropped on it. Also, the grout can become stained over time, demanding a session of cleaning grout.
Formica – A good, old-fashioned laminate choice is Formica. This countertop material has been available for approximately fifty years. Laminate is a good choice ’cause it is inexpensive and comes in many colourings. It is just another area where you can express yourself using colours. Sadly, the surface can be scratched fairly easily, and it can be tricky to finish the front edge.
Wood or Butcher Block – Yet another beautiful choice that lends a rustic look to the kitchen. This type of counter top is available in a range of natural earthy colourings. Even though it can be damaged by water or heat, it can be sanded & resealed as needed.
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