Kitchen Countertops Comparison
Kitchen countertops are one of the most important aspects of your kitchen, and here we shall have a look at its many types.
Granite Countertops
The granite countertops give a charming and elegant look to the kitchen. The granite countertops are easy to clean and regular washing is possible with these countertops. Stones give a classic look to the countertops and the granite countertops lasts for a lifetime. You can find various colors in granite countertops and require minimum maintenance and do not get damaged due to heat. Keeping hot utensils on granite has no effect on the granite countertops. These granite countertops are expensive and sometimes develop cracks when not installed properly and are prone to getting scratched.
Engineered Stones
The engineered stones are made artificially, using quartz and are used to make kitchen countertops. These are resistant to scratches, acid and stains. If you opt for a large or odd-sized kitchen countertop made of engineered stone, the furrows or lines joining the stones are clearly visible, as these stones are made artificially. These are heavier than the granite countertops and need to be professionally installed.
Ceramic Countertops
Ceramic countertops are easy to install and they are resistant to heat. The ceramic tiles are more prone to scratches and may even crack or chip sometimes. The ceramic tile countertops are available in a wide range of colors and prices. The hand-painted ceramic tiles or custom ceramic tiles are very expensive. As against this, the usual ceramic tiles are inexpensive and also give an elegant look to the kitchen.
Marble Countertops
Marble countertops are one of the most expensive options, and they have qualities similar to those of granite countertops and usually, washing a marble countertop is easier. They have a rich and classic look.
Laminate Countertops
Laminate kitchen countertops are the cheapest countertops of all. They are artificially made and are available in a variety of colors and shades. They are durable and the installation of laminate countertops is an easy task. The biggest disadvantage of these countertops is that the material is not heat resistive and sometimes, the colors of the laminates may fade over a period of time. The seams or furrows are easily visible in the laminate countertops. The cuts, chips and scratches on the laminates cannot be repaired. The seams of the laminates must be sealed properly. Else, the water may seep through inside the laminate causing swelling and crumbling of the laminate in the long run.
Glass Countertops
These are one of the popular trends these days. The glass countertops are available in translucent colors. Opaque glass countertops have an opaque coating on one side (usually backside) of the glass. The glass countertops are in the 'in-thing' these days, but cleaning them and keeping them spotless is an herculean task. They are durable and robust, as they can carry a lot of weight. However, the cracks and scratches cannot be repaired and if an object like a pan or skillet is dropped on the glass countertop, it may chip the glass permanently.
Concrete countertops
The concrete countertops are expensive and they need professional installation. These countertops also have seams and they must be properly sealed because the concrete is porous by nature. The greatest advantage is that if handled properly, they are long-lasting. They are likely to get discolored if exposed to heat.
Kitchen countertops are available in myriad options and colors. The only thing to be considered is that you have to be creative while choosing the best countertop for your kitchen.
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