Scratching your head on choosing which countertop for your kitchen is the best? Well, scratch no more because I've found the TOP TEN KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS! Though my kitchen countertops are made of tiles, my future dream kitchen would have a granite one. A lot of people would choose Granite which is No. 1 on the list.
Stainless Steel Countertop
So I found this at About.com (http://interiordec.about.com/od/kitchencounters/tp/tp_countertops.htm). You can go to the site and search for more info on each type countertop. I tell you this has great info on the countertops because it provides the advantages and disadvantages of each type of countertop so you can choose the best and the most affordable one.
Different people may have different taste or maybe some would choose based on their kitchen design. Some may prefer laminated tops for a Modern feeling or some may prefer Marble as they create an elegant look to their kitchen. Here are the bottom 5 top ten kitchen countertops.
6. Wood or Butcher Block (See above pic)
Wood countertops offer a beautiful warm look and are available in a wide range of colors and finishes. Hardwoods such as maple and oak are most often used as countertop woods.
Pros: easy to clean; smooth; can be sanded and resealed as needed.
Cons: can be damaged by water and stains over time; scratches must be oiled or sealed according to manufacturer's instructions.
For a really contemporary and industrial look for your kitchen, stainless steel is a good choice. They are heat resistant and durable. Because they're constructed to your specifications, you can have a seamless countertop.
Pros: takes hot pans; easy to clean.
Cons: Expensive; noisy; may dent; fabrication is expensive; you can't cut on it.
Pros: takes hot pans; easy to clean.
Cons: Expensive; noisy; may dent; fabrication is expensive; you can't cut on it.
Soapstone is generally dark gray in color and has a smooth feel. It is often seen in historic homes but is also used in modern homes as both a countertop and sink material.
Pros: rich, deep color; smooth feel; somewhat stain resistant.
Cons: requires regular maintenance with applications of mineral oil; may crack and darken over time.
Cons: requires regular maintenance with applications of mineral oil; may crack and darken over time.
9. Marble
Because of it's extremely high price tag, marble is not often seen on the countertops of whole kitchens. To get the luxurious look, use it on an island or inset at a baking center. Marble requires constant maintenance, as it easily stains. Some new sealers retard staining.
Because of it's extremely high price tag, marble is not often seen on the countertops of whole kitchens. To get the luxurious look, use it on an island or inset at a baking center. Marble requires constant maintenance, as it easily stains. Some new sealers retard staining.
Pros: waterproof; heatproof; beautiful.
Cons: expensive; porous; stains easily unless professionally sealed; can scratch; may need resealing periodically as per manufacturer.
If you have countertops in unusual shapes, concrete may be a good choice, as they're often cast right in your kitchen. The high price tag may be beyond most people's budget.
Pros: heat and scratch resistant; can be color-tinted; looks exotic and unusual; new treatments eliminate cracking; additives reduce porosity; new finishes are more decorative.
Cons: mid to high range on cost due to custom work; cracking is possible; can look somewhat industrial; porous but can be sealed.
Stainless Steel Countertop
Soapstone Countertop
Part 2 of the last 5 Top 10 Kitchen Countertops will be posted next. See you there!
