FEBRUARY 19, 2012 CATEGORIES: ALPHARETTA KITCHEN REMODELING, COUNTERTOPS, DUNWOODY KITCHEN REMODELING, GWINNETT COUNTY KITCHEN REMODELING, HOME IMPROVEMENT, HOME REMODELING, HOME RENOVATIONS, JOHNS CREEK KITCHEN REMODELING, KITCHEN REMODELING, NORM HUGHES HOMES BY ADMIN 0 COMMENTS
Top 10 Kitchen Countertops
There are lots of options on the market for kitchen countertops in Alpharetta, Johns Creek, and Dunwoody, Georgia. Norm Hughes Homes lists the top 10 choices so that you can make an educated choice when we take care of your Gwinnett County kitchen remodeling project.
1. Granite Counters
Granite is the kitchen countertop material of choice. Granite countertops define elegance in a kitchen. As the use of granite becomes more widespread, the price comes down. The beauty of the stone contributes to the beauty of even the most modest kitchen.
2. Engineered Stone
Engineered stone countertops are composed of 93% quartz particles. It is available in a larger range of colors than granite and has a nonporous surface that resists scratches. It’s easy to maintain, without the annual sealing required by natural stone.
3. Solid Surface
Because solid surface countertops are just what they’re called, solid, any scratches can be sanded out. The countertops are custom-made to your specifications by companies such as Avonite, Corian, and Swanstone.
Pros: comes in a rainbow of colors and patterns; seamless; stain resistant.
Cons: vulnerable to hot pans and stains which can damage the surface
4. Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile countertops are durable and easy to clean. Add to that inexpensive and you’ve got a really good choice for countertops for the average home. Because it’s installed a section at a time, it can be done by most resourceful homeowners.
5. Laminates
Laminate countertops bear trademarks such as Formica, Nevamar, and Wilsonart. They’re made of plastic-coated synthetics with a smooth surface that’s easy to clean. The pieces are cut to size and finished on the ends.
6. Wood or Butcher Block
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.
7. Stainless Steel Counters
For a really contemporary and industrial look for your kitchen, stainless steel countertops are a good choice. They are heat resistant and durable. Because they’re constructed to your specifications, you can have a seamless countertop.
8. Soapstone Counters
Soapstone countertops are generally dark gray in color and have a smooth feel. It is often seen in historic homes but is also used in modern homes as both a countertop and sink material.
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 countertops require constant maintenance, as they easily stain. Some new sealers retard staining.
10. Concrete Counters
If you have countertops in unusual shapes, concrete countertops may be a good choice.
Granite Countertops – Compare and Contrast Kitchen Countertops
Granite is a natural product harvested from quarries. Colors and patterns vary depending on the geological processes in the region where they are quarried.
Granite is fairly resistant to heat and scratches. If damaged, it may be possible to polish the countertop, since it is made of the same material throughout. The material must be resealed about every five years to protect it from stains, and careful attention must be paid to the natural stone seams.
Marble Countertops
Marble is another 100% natural product. It is not as popular as other kitchen countertop materials, because it’s lime-stone base makes it less resistant to stains from oils and acids.
Like granite, marble comes in slabs that are always different because they come from a natural source.
The cost of marble is a little higher than granite, and the seam and sealing processes are identical.
Quartz, or Engineered Stone
This is one of the newest countertop products, and is becoming increasingly popular. Quartz is actually a quartz composite, made of quartz, colored pebbles, polymers, and epoxy. About 97% of the composite is quartz. The other 7% is pigments and resins. Natural granite is only about 50% quartz, which is very high on the hardness scale – only diamonds, topaz and sapphires are harder!
Quartz comes in many more colors than natural stone and has a more even pattern.
The cost is very similar to granite. It doesn’t need to be sealed, and is more resistant to stains, scratches, and other damage. Seams are less noticeable due to the consistency of the pattern.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is also becoming a popular option in higher-end homes. It is one of only a few countertop materials that can be safely bleached, and heat will not hurt it.
Brushed and/or textured finishes are available to help hide scratches. In some cases, the sink can be created with the countertop for a totally seamless one-piece installation. All this comes with a price tag – steel countertops cost about twice as much as granite.
Norm Hughes Homes specializes in Gwinnett County kitchen remodeling. For your Johns Creek kitchen remodeling, Alpharetta kitchen remodeling, and Dunwoody kitchen remodeling projects, we can walk you through the costs when you plan your home, so you can decide what kind of countertop you want to live with.
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