Countertops -- On the Surface

People often take kitchen surfaces for granted. They just want to make sure that their countertops are durable, clean, and functional. But if you need new ones, this is often when people start researching more about countertop materials. There are a lot of options out there, and the one that's right for you may depend on what you plan to use it for. This is why it's important not only to do your research, but also to make a list of the things you want to be able to do on this surface. Taking these steps can help you to get the right product for the job.

Tile is a popular choice for countertops in both kitchens and bathrooms. It's pretty inexpensive to install, and you can choose from a wide variety of colors and tile types. You can even add some style with decorative tiles or patterned tiles. It's relatively durable and, even if you do chip a tile, it's easier to replace one tile than to have to replace an entire countertop. The only drawback for a lot of people is that tile comes with grout, and grout can be rather difficult to clean. Fortunately, there are other options.

Natural stone is also a popular material for countertops. This material is beautiful, natural, and very hardy. The most popular stone types for this application are usually granite or marble. You can get a variety of different styles or stone types. A granite countertop in particular can handle a lot of abuse. You can put hot pots directly on the countertop. Because stones retain coolness, it's also an ideal surface for rolling out pie dough or pasta. And because there are no grout lines to contend with, just a single solid surface, clean-up on granite or marble is a snap.

But one thing about natural stone countertops is that they're prone to scratching. You may not need to replace the entire countertop, but you may need to buff out scratches on a regular basis. The alternative to natural stone is engineered stone. These engineered surfaces combine quartz with polyresin in order to make a beautiful surface with a natural look that's much more scratch-resistant than granite or marble. These materials can range in price but are typically considered top-of-the-line materials. If you want beauty that will last a lifetime in your kitchen, then it is an investment worth making.