Countertops continued

There are other natural stone materials, like marble, limestone and soapstone which are softer than granite and require delicate use and greater care. All stone countertops must be sealed periodically.{{more}}

Engineered stone countertops are just what they are called: “engineered”. They are made to do what granite can’t do, they come in more colours and are more durable. Costwise, you could see yourself paying just about the same thing for either this or any natural stone. So it is a compromise.

Solid surface countertops have a lot of appeal. They come in countless colours, are seamless, resist stains and scratches can be buffed out. One word of caution, though: Hot pans can damage solid-surface countertops.

Concrete: Concrete countertops have come a long way since it first became an option for ccountertops. Concrete these days can be customized with colour pigments to add different textures etc. But like everything else, it has its good and its bad. It’s cheaper to begin with, but it can be easily damaged by extreme hot or extreme cold, and it can also be discolored. You would have to seal it a few times per year to maintain it for a long time.

Wooden countertops add value to certain types of home. For example, if it’s a cottage, wooden countertops are perfect. So, to add value to the home using wooden countertops depends on the type of house it is being installed in. Other than that, wood adds warmth to any kitchen space. They can be sanded for maintainance in case of scratches. If not properly joined, however, they can split very easy and provide spaces for bacterial infection. Water can damage them quite easily. So, like concrete, be prepared to seal and then oil regularly.

Laminates: This counter top has been around for ages. I want to believe that it was a model for solid surface in terms of the colour selection options. It is the cheapest of all countertops. While it is non porus to some extent, its very easily damaged, it adds value instantly and can be installed quite easily.

Whatever countertop you choose to put in your kitchen, see it first, feel it, get to know the pros and cons about it and then make a decision and discuss your choices with your contractor!

Angelica and Rayan James

Exclusive Kitchens

494 2579 / 532 6756

www.exclusivekitchensvc.com