Countertops are the decorative pinnacle for a room’s design, whether it’s a kitchen countertop or a bathroom vanity. It’s the finishing touch to all the hours of hard work you’ve put into designing and/or remodeling your space. It can also be a great way to enhance and update a living room and make it truly your own.
Today, the home improvement hobbyist has a wide range of options when it comes to remodeling kitchen counters and bathroom vanities. Countertops, both natural stone and manufactured surfaces, can be found in a multitude of colors, patterns, textures, and styles to suit any budget. Natural stone options include granite, modular granite, soapstone, and marble, while fabricated countertop products include ceramic tile, Corian®, quartz, laminate, recycled glass, and concrete. This plethora of alternatives allows home decorators to do it themselves and make their space especially unique.
Corian® by Dupont(TM) is probably the best known brand of solid surface countertops. Corian® is non-porous and therefore impenetrable to mold, fungus and bacteria. Corian® is available in three types of finishes: matt, glossy and semi-gloss. They work just as well in kitchens and bathrooms, and typically come with a longer warranty than most other types of countertops.
There are three options for natural stone countertops: granite, marble, and soapstone. These are the most expensive solid surface options. They all offer a uniqueness in each individual piece due to the fact that they are all-natural and not factory-produced. Because all three are porous surfaces, they require constant sealing and maintenance.
Quartz countertops are the new, almost maintenance-free alternative to high-maintenance granite. Quartz countertops are a factory-made surface that combines natural quartz (an element found in granite) mixed with a binder resin and colored dyes. Silestone®, Cambria® and Zodiaq® are some of the brand alternatives for quartz countertops. They are waterproof, as well as resistant to heat and stains.
Laminate kitchen countertops continue to be a popular choice for decorators looking for a durable and affordable solution. Laminate countertops can certainly be a budget option without necessarily sacrificing elegance. They offer a multitude of options when it comes to colors and patterns, including simulated wood and stone. Laminate countertops are virtually maintenance free and very easy to install and clean.
Concrete countertops are fast becoming a status symbol for stylish kitchens. Concrete countertops are the most unique option because each one is handcrafted and hand-finished to customer specifications and offers a plethora of color options. Concrete countertops are extremely versatile and can enhance any style, be it traditional or modern.
There really are options for everyone when it comes to countertops. No matter what your style or budget, you can be sure that there is a wonderful option to put your personal design ideas in your kitchen or bathroom.