Next to cabinets, countertops are one of the main focuses of kitchen design. Whether you’re building new, or sprucing up your existing kitchen, the options for countertops can seem endless and a bit overwhelming.
As general contractors in the Ocala, FL area, we at Tallen Builders can offer some guidance in choosing the best kitchen countertop for your lifestyle. Here are the pros and cons of some popular options.
Natural Stone
Of the natural stone countertops, marble and granite tend to be the most popular. This durable countertop material is ideal for active kitchen users thanks to its ability to withstand scratches and burns. Natural stone is also a classic countertop choice that you don’t have to worry about going out of style. Unfortunately, marble and granite are porous materials, so they’ll need to be sealed and resealed overtime to avoid staining and germ buildup. Natural stone is also costly, and you’ll need to purchase cabinets that are sturdy enough to support its weight.
Quartz Surfacing
Quartz surfacing is a great kitchen countertop for those who want the look and feel of natural stone, but with less maintenance. This countertop is made with resin and quartz chips, and comes in a variety of colors and patterns. Much like natural stone, quartz surfacing is also scratch and heat resistant, so it’s perfect for the fast-paced chef. The downside of this countertop is that because it is engineered stone, it does not have the textures and variations of natural stone. It is also about as pricey as its natural counterpart.
Tile
Tile offers practically limitless options for color and style, so it can work with almost any kitchen design. Tile also comes in different materials, with ceramic and porcelain being some of the best choices. This budget-friendly countertop option is heat, moisture, stain and scratch resistant, but still pretty enough for entertaining. There is a downside though – with too much pressure, tile can be cracked or chipped. And while the tile itself may be stain resistant, the grout is not.
Wood
Wood countertops will give your kitchen a warm, rustic touch. Butcher block is the most common type of wood countertop and has a great natural appeal. Wood countertops are particularly appropriate for meal prep areas of the kitchen, as you can prepare food on top of them as you would on a cutting board. While in some ways wood is tough, in others it’s quite delicate. You’ll need to be careful of moisture, heat, corrosive chemicals and stains.
Laminate
Laminate countertops are made from a thin sheet of resin fused to plywood or particle board. While in the past, laminate got a bad reputation for looking outdated and unstylish, this is no longer the case. Laminate can now be produced to mimic everything from butcher block to natural stone, but at a fraction of the cost. But with this low price comes consequences. Laminate is prone to scratches, burns and peeling, and given the nature of its construction it can be difficult to repair.
No matter what countertop you choose for your remodel or new home, we at Tallen Builders can help you. Give us a call or reach us on our contact form to talk about your new home project. We’d also love to talk kitchen countertops with you on any of our social channels!
Read these tips to find the perfect #kitchen countertop for your lifestyle http://t.co/MPCjoKy7dF
— Tallen Builders (@TallenBuilders) October 30, 2014