Kitchen Countertop Options

Redecorating a home kitchen can be an exciting and, yet, frustrating time for many homeowners. For many homeowners, installing new kitchen countertops is a crucial part of the beauty and durability of the kitchen adding value to the home. The following is an overview of the various kitchen countertop materials commonly used in homes in the United States and around the World:

Ceramic Tile:

Kitchen countertops composed of ceramic tile provide for an effective option in design and decor. While many homeowners can install this countertop relatively easily, the ceramic kitchen counter tile is considered a feasible option for the budget conscious consumer, adding a unique design to the kitchen counter tops. Easy to clean, the ceramic kitchen counter tile is an excellent choice in counter top tile for families with small children.

Granite:

As a scratch resistant surface, granite has been highly speculated as a kitchen countertop material in which bacteria can easily flourish. With further scientific research, these findings are not substantiated. In fact, granite counter top tile offers a high quality counter top composition in the home with life long durability. Although the counter can be stained, the stains are easily removed with the right materials. For homes with children, this is also a feasible option although slightly more costly than ceramic kitchen counter tops.

Laminate:

As the least expensive product for kitchen counter tops, laminate provides the budget conscious shopper with a variety of options in color and design. While seams can be troublesome after many years of use, many cabinet installation companies can install counter tops with little to no visibility of seams. As a non-porous surface, bacteria can not easily formed within the laminate countertop materials when installed correctly. In homes with children, laminate kitchen countertops are a perfect selection for the price.

Butcher Block:

Usually made from hard maple or red oak, the butcher block kitchen countertop adds a natural beauty to kitchen with countertops sealed with an oil finish which is easily cleaned with a wet cloth. Unfortunately, stains or scratches in the butcher block kitchen countertops are not easily removed and usually require a sanding, re-staining and re-sealing process to ensure a restored look to the kitchen countertop. In homes with children, the butcher block kitchen countertop may not be a feasible option.

Marble:

While one of the most beautiful kitchen countertop materials, marble is not a highly recommended product in homes with kitchens that will be commonly used or exposed to high levels of traffic and small children. As a material that is easily scratched and stained, marble kitchen countertops require routine maintenance and buffing. While the marble kitchen countertop adds significant beauty and value to a home, the marble top must be professionally installed making it one of the most expensive compositions on the market.

As with any new home modification, researching costs of installation, costs of material and costs associated with maintenance are crucial to determining the correct product to choose. With kitchen countertops, in homes with children, consider these options will provide for a more effective choice while still adding value to the home.