Friday, July 2, 2010

Countertops - the biggest bang for the buck to recreate a kitchen

Kitchen Countertops

Countertops are horizontal work surfaces and form an essential part of kitchens, food preparation areas, bathrooms, lavatories and work rooms. They are positioned at an ergonomic height for users, and the particular task for which its designed. Countertops may be constructed of various materials, both natural and man made. Each has its particular attributes with respect to functionality, durability and aesthetics.

Quartz is one of the most sought after countertop materials. Quartz countertops are used in kitchens, bathrooms, table tops, flooring and wall paneling. Both natural and engineered quartz are used. Engineered quartz slabs are manufactured from 93% quartz and polymer resins, compacted under intense vacuum, vibration and pressure. They are then cured, gauged to precise thickness and polished. Available in a wide range of colors, quartz countertops retain the cool tactile qualities of natural stone, while offering design freedom. They are extremely smooth, tough, durable, non-porous and resistant to heat and scratches.

Countertops are the focal points of kitchens and bathrooms. As such, the functionality, the durability and possibly most importantly; the appearance of the countertop is of critical concern. As the centerpiece of the kitchen or the bathroom, the countertop must both enhance and match the style of the room.

In modern homes, the kitchen countertop is the center of the busiest of rooms. In the past, Kitchen Countertops made of formica and plastic laminates ruled the roost. However, with changing tastes and budgets, kitchen countertops are nowadays made from granite, quartz and concrete. Kitchen countertops made from granite are of high quality, tough and durable. They are matchless in toughness, scratchproof and heat resistant. They are available in an impressive variety of colors; from ruby red to verdant green and to jet black. Although expensive, off late more and more average people are using it.

Quartz is growing in popularity as kitchen countertop material. As quartz is crystalline, it adds shimmering depth and beauty to any kitchen. Available in a wide variety of colors, it’s is exceptionally smooth, hard and non-porous. Both natural and engineered quartz are used. Although engineered quartz cannot quiet match the variety of texture and grain of natural quartz, it mimics the natural one closely and requires less maintenance.

Polished concrete kitchen countertops are very beautiful and quiet affordable. One can make ones own concrete countertop. Available in many colors, they have an attractive glossy finish.