Kitchen Countertops: From Concrete to Wood

If you are planning to replace your kitchen countertops or renovate your cooking space, there are many different types of durable products out there on the market. Some counter products you may want to consider are concrete, granite, engineered stone and wooden. Before choosing your kitchen countertops, make sure you are educated on the installation and maintenance of the product you choose.

Concrete is a trendy choice for cooking spaces. Durable and unique, here are a multitude of different colors, textures and styles available. You will be able to find something that suits your tastes and your cooking space. Concrete can be mixed with recycled glass to give it a translucent look or can be stained to look like wood, marble or granite. Concrete is extremely durable and with the proper installation could outlive your house.

Granite is also a constant fixture in kitchen countertops. Known for its beautiful sheen and its variety in colors, granite is a classic choice in renovations. Many people look for granite counters when placing a value on a home. Granite can up your home value, just because of its look and desirability. Granite is extremely durable. It takes heat from hot pans and has the second strongest rating behind diamonds.

People are also turning to a product called engineered stone when it comes to kitchen building and renovations. Engineered stone is made from quartz and comes in more than 3000 colors. The surface of engineered quartz is less porous than granite and can resist stains and scratches better than most other products on the market. Engineered stone doesn’t need the annual sealing and upkeep that natural stone and other products may require.

Finally, wooden surfaces are also being chosen for kitchen countertops. These butcher-block surfaces are extremely popular because of their instantly antique look. The hard wood, like maple and oak, gives an inviting look to the cooking area. There are many varieties of stains to choose from when coloring the wood. People choose wooden surfaces because they will show age over time. Scratches and surface differentiations will give the counter character that can be sanded and resealed when necessary.

Whether you choose concrete, granite, engineered stone or wooden cooking surfaces, its important to research the choice you make. Don’t base your decision on look alone. Consider the upkeep and maintenance of the product. Some products available on the market require yearly resealing and care, while other hold up to time without much attention. This should play a factor when making your decision.

Also, make certain you are having your new counters installed by a professional that understands the product he or she is installing. Each of the products mentioned above can be harmed, cracked or warped by an improper installation. Research and find someone you can trust to install your counters. They are an investment and with proper care should last a lifetime.

There are many different types of kitchen countertops on the market today, from concrete and granite to engineered stone and wooden. Take a minute to research a product that you like aesthetically and that will fit into your lifestyle.