Kitchen Countertops
Complete Guide To Kitchen Countertop Selection
Selecting the right material for your kitchen countertops is one of the most important decisions for your kitchen remodel project.
The kitchen countertop is the most prominent and visible element of your kitchen interior design. However, there are too many options available for the countertop and you need to make an informed decision.
The countertop material plays an important role in rendering a stunning look to your kitchen. The maintenance and the lifespan of the countertop is another crucial aspect of the kitchen design.
Some of the most popular countertop options include granite, quartz, marble, large format full body tile, stainless steel, laminate, soapstone, butcherblock, nano white G5, G7 and the corian countertops.
The right choice of countertop material can significantly extend the countertop lifespan and reduce the maintenance efforts.
Likewise, the wrong selection of the countertop material can create chronic repair and maintenance issues. Further, replacement of the countertop is an expensive affair and can give sizable dent to your wallet.
Finally, if you are looking for an elegant, durable and long-term option for your kitchen countertop, then you need to seriously consider either quartz, granite or large format full body porcelain tiles. Â Â Â Â
This article will provide you a detailed information about the various contemporary kitchen countertop options, features and the technical specifications.
Kitchen Countertops Complete DIY Guide
Kitchen Countertops
Complete Guide To Kitchen Countertop Selection
Table Of Contents
Types Of Kitchen Countertops
The choice of the kitchen countertop depends upon several factors. It makes sense for the homeowners to understand the technical aspects of each countertop option necessary to make an informed decision.
As a homeowner, you will come across plenty of options. Despite the availability of enough information, most homeowners find it difficult and confusing.
The countertop options can be broadly divided into two main types. The most commonly used first type of countertop is made-up of natural material.
Whereas, the second type of countertops are artificial stone or rather engineered stones. The artificial countertop material is manufactured from crushed natural rocks with some adhesive chemical binders.
A countertop material should offer good comprehensive strength, scratch resistance, stain resistance, heat resistance and water-resistant surface.
Let us now examine various kitchen countertop options and their features.
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Natural Countertops
The pure material countertops are products of nature such as rocks , stone , wood and other such material.
These countertops are prepared in the factory by cutting the rock into thin slabs. One side of the stone slab is polished and other side is left unpolished.
Some of the most popular natural countertops include granite , marble, soapstone, kadapa, butcherblock and wooden.
Kitchen Countertops Complete DIY Guide
Granite Countertops
Granite Is Highly Recommended
Granite Price In USA : 35$ To 85$
The granite stone is a natural stone and considered to be one the toughest, low maintenance and the most elegant stone. It is extensively used in the construction industry for various applications.
The granite stone is an igneous type of rock which is structurally considered to be very strong. And therefore, the granite stone slabs are widely used for the flooring, building surface cladding and countertops.
The granite countertop continues to be the preferred choice for most home owners. The granite countertop offers a combination of stunning looks and the durability.
The granite countertops offer excellent stain, scratch and heat resistance. The granite platform might occasionally need buffing, polishing and refilling of minor cracks.
The granite slabs are sold in the market with one side pre-polished. The unpolished side forms a perfect bond with adhesive during the installation process.
One edge of the granite slab facing the user is molded into a round shape with edge polishing. The granite slabs are installed on the kitchen platform using a special adhesive.
The granite stone is relatively expensive. It needs a skilled workmanship for the installation and also a strong platform structure to support the heavy weight of the granite.
Granite Vs Quartz Kitchen Countertops
Kitchen Countertops Complete DIY Guide
Advantages Of Granite Countertops
- High stain resistance.
- High scratch resistance.
- High heat resistance.
- High impact resistance.
- Good anti-microbial property.
- Easy to clean and maintain.
Disadvantages Of Granite Countertops
- Granite tops are expensive.
- Needs skilled workmanship
- Needs strong base cabinet.
Marble Countertops
Marble Not Recommended
Marble Price In USA : 25$ To 120$
The marble stone is a natural stone and comes in the category metamorphic rock which is type of soft rock as compared to other natural stone options.
Although marble is one of the most elegant stone but it also inherits too many limitations especially for the kitchen countertop option.
The marble stone is a metamorphic type of rock that is structurally considered to be a porous soft rock. This major limitation can create major repair and maintenance issues if it is not used at the right place.
It can easily stain due to its porous body and very difficult to maintain especially as a kitchen countertop. It also tends to develop random cracks over a period of time.
And for this reason, the marble is not recommended for the kitchen countertops. You can use marble for other countertops excluding the kitchen platforms.
The use of marble for countertops has gradually declined due to the advent of artificial engineered stones such as quartz and nano G5 , G7. The artificial stones now offer the strength of the granite and the elegant looks of a marble.
However, despite these limitations marble stone is still widely used for the low usage flooring, building surface cladding and for the bathroom countertops.
The marble stones are widely available in various color shades, designs and sizes. The most common size for the marble slab is 8 feet by 4 feet. The granite slab thickness varies from 15 to 20 millimeter ( mm ).
Kitchen Countertops Complete DIY Guide
Advantages Of Marble Countertops
- Marble countertop looks elegant.
- Marble is easy to cut and mold.
- Wide range of colors and designs.
Disadvantages Of Marble Countertops
- Low stain resistance.
- Low heat and scratch resistance.
- Marble tops are expensive.
- Needs skilled workmanship
- It can easily develop crack.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz Is Highly Recommended
Quartz Price In USA : 55$ To 150$
The quartz is an artificial engineered stone. The quartz is manufactured into the factory as quartz slabs. The quartz designs can mimic exquisite marble finish, granite finish and pure white countertops.
The quartz engineered stone products were specifically designed and created  to overcome the limitations of the marble and granite countertops.
Both marble and granite countertops have some limitations being a natural stone and lacks the uniform look and feel. The variations in color, pattern and thickness are very common in case of natural stone countertops.
However, the quartz being a purely artificial stone offers a major advantage in terms of superior strength, durability, designs and the consistency.
The quartz offers an excellent resistance to stains, wear and tear, impact and heat. It can easily withstand the rough usage which kitchen countertops are subjected to under normal working conditions.
The quartz is made-up of quartz mineral ( up to 90% ) , other minerals as pigments , polymer resins and some chemical binding adhesive. The quartz is a type of hard, crystalline mineral composed of silica ( silicon dioxide ).
The quartz countertops are manufactured in the factory in various patterns, designs, sizes, thickness and colors. The engineered stone manufacturing technology has evolved in the last few decades.
The latest range of quartz countertops are far superior and refined product. The latest range of quartz engineered stone products launched by leading quartz brands are available in the latest trendy designs.
The quartz countertop surface offers a highly water resistant, non-porous and hygienic surface. It is very easy to clean and maintain the quartz surface with just light soap solution.
Most quartz slabs are specifically designed with full body uniform design pattern. And therefore, the quartz slab edges can be molded into the desired shape with edge polish as per the requirements of the kitchen design.Â
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Kitchen Countertops Complete DIY Guide
Advantages Of Quartz Countertops
- High stain resistance.
- High scratch resistance.
- High heat resistance.
- High impact resistance.
- Good anti-microbial property.
- Easy to clean and maintain.
Disadvantages Of Quartz Countertops
- Quartz tops are expensive.
- Needs skilled workmanship
- Needs strong base cabinet.
Laminate Countertops
Selective Use Recommended
Laminate Price In USA : 15$ To 45$
The laminate countertops are another very popular and affordable option for the kitchen platform countertops.
The laminate countertops are essentially a manufactured countertop that is made-up of a laminate pasted on the waterproof wooden board.
Different types of wooden boards can be used considering the availability and suitability for specific region. The commonly used wooden boards for countertops include either MDF board, plywood or blockboard.
The laminates are artificial surface veneer which offers a protective shield on the wooden surface. The laminates are manufactured in different colors, designs, textures and thickness.
The latest generation of laminates are far more durable, scratch and heat resistant. However, the laminate countertops are not comparable in terms of durability and offered by the quartz and granite countertops.
However, the laminate countertops can be selectively used in the kitchen interior such as side platforms that is not subjected to any rough usage.
The selective use of laminate countertops can achieve substantial reduction in the overall kitchen remodel cost.
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PVC Edge Banding Machine
The factory-made laminate countertops offer some major advantages in terms of finish, workmanship, laminate options and the superior product quality.
The laminate countertop comes with a wooden base that can be easily installed on the top of the base cabinet with the help of screws.
The base cabinets for the kitchen platform can be readily purchased from any furniture shop or online furniture store brand like ikea.
Kitchen Countertops Complete DIY Guide
Advantages Of Laminate Countertops
- Very affordable prices
- Wide range of colors and designs.
- Good anti-microbial property.
- Easy to clean and maintain.
Disadvantages Of Laminate Countertops
- Low stain resistance.
- Low scratch and heat resistance.
- Needs skilled workmanship
Concrete Countertops
Concrete Top Is Recommended
Tile Price In USA : 25$ To 55$
The concrete countertops are made-up of concrete and constructed on the site itself. The concrete countertops are very sturdy platforms.
The concrete countertops are durable, elegant and offer good stain, scratch and heat resistance. The combination rustic concrete countertop and wood finish cabinets creates a beautiful interior design.
The concrete countertop surface can be given any desired color and finish as per the kitchen interior design. The concrete countertops can also be coated with special epoxy sealer coat to render the glossy finish.
Readymade slabs ( 2 inch ) thick are also available in the market made up of light weight concrete. These concrete slabs can be directly installed on the base cabinet. However, the base cabinet structure should be strong enough to support the weight of the concrete slab. Â
The concrete is essentially a mixture of cement, fine aggregates ( sand ), course aggregates ( gravel ) and the water mixed in the desired proportion.
Some additional admixtures can be added to the concrete while casting the countertop. These admixtures are added to enhance the finish of the concrete slab after casting.
However, a readymade concrete mix is readily available in any home improvement store. This mixture can be directly used after adding the water in the recommended proportion.
A fiber mesh or steel mesh is placed as reinforcement in the concrete while casting the countertop slab. The reinforcement mesh is readily available in the home improvement shop.
If you are planning to execute this as home improvement DIY project then please read the detailed article with step by step explanation.
Kitchen Countertops Complete DIY Guide
Advantages Of Concrete Countertops
- Concrete countertops are durable.
- Can be casted to desired shape.
- Stain, scratch And heat resistant.
- Good anti-microbial property.
- Easy to clean and maintain.
Disadvantages Of Concrete Countertops
- Low stain resistance.
- Low scratch and heat resistance.
- Needs skilled workmanship
Full Body Tile Countertops
Selective Use Recommended
Tile Price In USA : 20$ To 65$
The use for tiles for kitchen countertop was not a desirable option few years back due to the inherent limitations of the tiles.
However, the tile manufacturing technology has gone through a technological transformation with the advancement in the technology.
The use of full body large format tile offers an excellent option for the kitchen countertop. This trend is catching up vary fast due to its price tag.
The full body tile has a uniform material and finish throughout the body of the tile. And therefore, the full body tile edges can be molded into the required shape and polished for the seamless finish to the kitchen countertop. Â Â
The large format tiles are available in large size ( 4 feet by 8 feet And 5 feet by 10 feet size ). Due to full body structure, these tiles can repolished after few years of usage to retain the gloss finish.
The large format full body offer an excellent resistance to scratch, abrasion, wear and tear, impact and heat. These tiles are extensively used at the airport, railway stations, and shopping malls for the flooring option.
In terms of pricing, the full body large format tile will cost you a fraction of the amount. The estimated expenditure is one fourth ( 25% ) as compared to the price you might pay for the granite and quartz countertop.
The large format tiles offer excellent resistance to cracks despite its thin size. These tiles can be easily glued to concrete surface, wooden board or even on the existing platform.
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IMPORTANT
The success of the use of large format tiles for the kitchen countertop depends upon the quality and the technical properties of the tile. Please ensure that you select only full body tile with desired features manufactured by any reputed brand.
Kitchen Countertops Complete DIY Guide
Advantages Of Laminate Countertops
- Very affordable prices
- Wide range of colors and designs.
- Good anti-microbial property.
- Easy to clean and maintain.
Disadvantages Of Laminate Countertops
- Low stain resistance.
- Low scratch and heat resistance.
- Needs skilled workmanship
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