Sunday, December 25, 2011

The Best Materials for Your Countertops

Countertops

When it comes time to redo your kitchen’s countertops, you will find that you are inundated with choices as to what to make them out of. This is not a choice that should be made lightly either. You will be stuck, so to speak, with the new kitchen countertop for many years to come. So, while it may seem that this decision is not all that important, it really is important to the overall look of your kitchen and, considering how much it will cost to redo, you really can’t afford to get it wrong.

The first decision that has to be made when it comes time to get new countertops is what material they will be made out of. Here you will find that you have several choices including:

· Solid surface – This countertop is made out of acrylic and is the most common type that is found in most homes and apartment buildings. The material is very durable and can withstand stains and all of the rigors of daily living. Another plus to this type is that you can get them in almost every color imaginable so they are easily matched with the colors of your current kitchen if you do not plan to change them.

· Granite – For those with more money and who want fancier looking countertops, you can have them made out of granite. This type can definitely make the kitchen look classier. The only problem, other than the cost of making them, is that they have been known to absorb certain stains and, once that happens, there is no getting the stain out.

· Ceramic tile – Some people prefer ceramic tile for their countertop material. It can definitely make the kitchen look nice and clean and, much like with solid surface ones, you can get the tiles in all sorts of colors to match your kitchen. The only thing is that the tiles do not tend to last as long as other material types so you may find yourself replacing them in a couple of years.

The next decision you need to make is who is going to make and then install your new countertops. You want to make sure to choose someone who knows what they are doing and has been in the business for a while. Even a properly cut countertop can become messed up if it is not installed correctly. They cost far too much, even those not made of stone, for you to hire someone who is just going to mess them up. Sure, you may have to pay a bit more for a more experienced counter person, but it will be worth it in the end.