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5 Different Types of Kitchen Countertops

5 different types of kitchen countertops Kitchen countertops are often the focal point of any kitchen. Great care needs to be taken when deciding what will look the best in this busy room. Here are five different types of kitchen countertops and what to expect from them.

Stainless Steel

If you are an avid cook, or just a germaphobe, then stainless steel countertops are an innovative way to stylize your kitchen. While they are most often found in restaurants and industrial kitchens, stainless steel is slowly creeping its way into residential kitchens.

The positive side of stainless steel is that it is extremely easy to clean. It is also hardy and indestructible and will last a long time. However, stainless steel can scratch and dent, so the aesthetics may not be what you want over a long time. They are also quite expensive so it’s important to know you want them in your home for a long period of time in order to get your money’s worth.

Butcher Block

Butcherblock, made of different types of wood, gives a nice, warm, and inviting look to a kitchen. Options include bamboo which is sustainable, and maple, which is hardy. There are many different types of designs you can make with butcher block countertops, depending on the type of wood you use and the placement of the grain.
The biggest issue with butcher block countertops is that they require a fair bit of upkeep. To keep them sanitary, they will need to be sealed which has to be reapplied. They also get their fair share of scratches and stains.

Tile

One of the lesser used types of countertops is tile, but because of this, when you see it, it really packs a visual punch. Tile countertops can be all manner of style and material.

With tile countertops, its important to keep the grout intact and clean. Grout can also become discolored over time, so be sure to clean it with water and vinegar. If a tile piece becomes cracked or lose, it is relatively easy to fix, as long as there are extra tiles around.

Natural Stone

Natural stone is considered as on of the more premium types if countertops. Stone types such as granite and quartz need very little upkeep and add a dazzling shine to your kitchen. Marble can also be used, and while its natural design is a great focal point, it is more likely to crack or chip.

If you have the budget for a complete kitchen reno, natural stone is usually where that money ends up in.

Solid Surface

If you want the look of a high-end natural stone countertop, but don’t want to invest in the expensive materials, then a nice alternative is a solid surface countertop. These products are man-made to look like their natural kitchen countertops. They can be found in a variety of styles and colors to suit all kitchen décor. Solid surface countertops are easy to clean and will last for a long time.

Design Choices for Kitchen Sinks

Now that you have your new solid surface countertops picked out, it’s time to move on to an important piece of kitchen hardware – the sink. There are a wide range of possible sink options to choose from. Some blend in seamlessly with the countertop, designed to be an inconspicuous as possible. Others stand out and become a feature of the kitchen itself. The sink you choose depends on your style choices and what you practically want to do with your kitchen – there isn’t a right or wrong choice. Here are some of the options available.

A seamless sink blends in with its environment, and doesn’t detract from the surrounding accents and features. When you’re talking about solid surface countertops, you’re usually talking about a solid surface sink. When your sink is installed alongside the countertop, the seamless finish means that there are no cracks or crevices for mold or mildew to grow – it’s an ultrahygenic option. Solid surface sinks are scratch-resistant, easy to clean and set the industry standard for durability.

If you want something a little different to break up a solid surface countertop, stainless steel is a contemporary, trendy choice that can work quite nicely. It’s a generic enough material that it blends with almost any type of surface, with any color or pattern. It’s also fairly maintenance free; they’re difficult to crack, chip or stain, which is what you want in something that’s going to see as much use as your kitchen sink.

Stylized sinks become features of their own – they stand out and can become the centerpiece of your kitchen. Farmhouse sinks are very popular – it’s an oversized sink with an overhanging lip. It draws attention to itself, and can be a functional and beautiful addition to your home. They’re not just available in porcelain anymore – you can get farmhouse or apron sinks in copper and stainless steel now, giving you more of a selection.

We do recommend that you stick with undermount sinks. Top-mounted sinks build up grime along their perimeter edges – that’s unsanitary and ugly. We also recommend avoid acrylic sinks; they’re prone to chipping and wear, and won’t last as long as a good solid surface or stainless steel option. Also, don’t get too crazy with fancy shapes. Standard sink shapes are standard for a reason: they work!

Whatever your sink choices are, we recommend our high-quality solid surface countertops to surround them. Contact us today to see what we can do for you!