Types Of Countertops To Choose From
Countertops are some of the most used areas in your kitchen. Discover the options for countertops and top companies for installation and repairs.
One of the best aspects of owning your home is choosing the decorations. Each room has different considerations, with the kitchen being particularly tricky for many homeowners. When decorating your kitchen, you want to pick options that look good without sacrificing practicality. An important consideration is what you use for your kitchen countertops.
While it is easy to overlook, your kitchen countertops are frequently the part of your kitchen you use the most. Whether you are temporarily storing groceries or setting up food to cook, your countertops provide much needed space. There are many materials you can use for your countertop, each with their own advantages and disadvantages, as well as varying costs. To get the most out of your countertops, you want to keep them clean and keep up with proper maintenance. Listed below is everything you need to know about the most popular types of countertops for your kitchen.
Granite
Granite is often considered the go to material for countertops. Granite is not only an elegant material that looks well in any kitchen, but it is strong and durable. Granite is also impervious to heat, a useful trait in the kitchen where it may be exposed to hot pans and other items. Granite also comes in a number of appearances, with thousands of colors and styles to choose from.
The biggest downside of granite countertops is the cost. Granite is more expensive than most other options, costing on average between $40 to $60 per square foot. Depending on the size of your kitchen, you may spend anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000 to install granite countertops. It is also not a material you can easily install on your own, requiring professional installation. However, granite countertops are so sought after, they often add to the home value. If you want to invest in your home while enhancing your kitchen, it is worth saving for granite countertops.
Soapstone
Soapstone has a deep gray color which looks well in most kitchens. It also has a smoother feel than other materials. While soapstone was more popular in the past, it started becoming rarer in recent days. However, it has seen a popular resurgence as an alternative to granite. Soapstone is naturally heat resistant and is also difficult to stain, both positives for kitchen countertops. It also has a sophisticated look.
Like granite, soapstone is too complicated to install on your own. Cleaning soapstone is also harder than other materials. For the best results, you want to use mineral oil. Failure to clean soapstone regularly not only results in stains settling, but it can also cause the color to darken. Soapstone and granite are similar in price, but soapstone has a wider variance, costing anywhere from $45 to $100 before installation fees.
Ceramic Tile
Another popular option, especially if you are on a budget, is ceramic tiles. Ceramic tiles are easy to clean and significantly less expensive than natural stone. The tiles are available in a wide range of colors and styles, so you can always find a look to fit your kitchen. Ceramic tile is also easy to install, with many homeowners doing the work themselves to cut down on installation fees. On average, ceramic tiles cost between $3 to $30 per square foot.
Concrete
If you want truly unique countertops, it is hard to beat concrete countertops. Concrete is a heavy material and must be made custom for countertops. Because it is so complex to install, you must hire a professional service. There are many decorative textures and colors to choose from with concrete. In terms of durability, concrete is one of the strongest materials. It is resistant to heat and scratches and fairly easy to clean. Before installation fees, it costs around $70 to $125 per square foot.
Laminate
Laminate is another good material if you are on a strict budget. Laminate is popular because it is highly customizable. There are a number of laminate designs to choose from, including options to mimic other styles, like natural stone or wood. Laminate countertops are not as durable, but are fairly easy to clean. Scratches are common, but if you use new sealants, you can greatly increase the life of your countertops. Laminate countertops normally cost between $25 to $50 per square foot.
Home Depot
Whether you are looking for a professional installer or need repairs for your countertop, Home Depot is an excellent choice. They are one of the largest hardware providers, available all across the United States. Home Depot has competitive rates and are experienced with nearly every type of countertop material imaginable. You can speak with one of the experts either online or at the store for advice on which materials best suit your home. Not only do they have one of the largest stocks of materials, but they also offer custom styling and installation. They also have several payment options, so you do not have to pay the entirety of the costs all at once, which is particularly helpful if you choose a more expensive countertop material.
Mr. Handyman
Mr. Handyman is a relatively new hardware service, available in both the United States and Canada. Part of why the company has become so notable is their six month guarantee on all countertop installations. They also hire only the best, with even new experiences having around 10 years of experience with home improvement. They are also willing to match prices if you find less expensive countertops sold by their competitors. The company is primarily known for countertop repairs, but they have plenty of installation options as well.
