As a designer I constantly speak with customers who want to redo their kitchen into an area that is more pleasing to the eye, and also more useful. In the average home the kitchen has become the most important room in the house. Family interactions and activities center here, while mom and dad prepare meals, clean up, or just simply sit to talk.
Where does one start with this process of replacing the kitchen counter tops? What materials are available? Can I get the look I want? Is there something that will fit within my budget that looks nice and meets my needs? A good kitchen designer at your local home improvement store can answer all of these questions. We help people make these choices every day.
The first thing you should do before visiting your local design center is to think about your current counter tops. What do you like most about them? What do you dislike most? It is important to understand that each material has distinct characteristics. You should work towards improving the aspects that you least enjoy about your present counter tops.
Knowing the characteristics of each product before you go to the home improvement store will save you time, and help the designer focus on the material that will be right for your home.
Take note of each of the most common materials used today. Think about the good and not-so-good points of each. Which material best meets your needs?
Granite
Granite is a natural substance mined from the earth in most countries of the world. Each piece is distinctive and no two pieces are identical. Granite is taken raw from the earth and polished much like a diamond.
Granite counter tops, while very popular, are not for everyone. Color and pattern can be very inconsistent. Inconsistency of pattern while attractive to some is not attractive to others. If you like an earthy, natural look, granite may be an option for your kitchen.
Granite will usually have seams located somewhere in the counter tops. The weight of the material and the ability of fabricators to carry it into your kitchen determine the size of pieces and presence or absence of seams.
Several well known companies like Sensa offer up to a 10-year limited warranty. The product has a wide selection of colors and is sold by the square foot. Backsplash is included in the square foot computation.
The eased edge is usually standard, with other edge profiles such as ogee, bullnose, or bevel, available for an additional charge.
Caution: Granite is a porous substance and can stain. It is recommended that granite be sealed at least three times per year to reduce staining. Also, pitting can occur if spills such as orange juice are left unattended for a period of time.
Quartz
Often called "man-made granite," Quartz has all the benefits of real granite without any of the negatives. Quartz is very consistent in pattern and color and is hard enough to be used as a cutting board and can handle hot items on its surface. Unlike natural granite, Quartz does not need to be sealed and will not stain with normal use. Seaming will be very similar to granite.
Quartz, sold by companies under names like Cambria and Silestone, usually carries a 15-year limited warranty. The product has a wide selection of colors and is sold by the square foot. Backsplash is included in the square foot computation.
The eased edge is usually standard, with other edge profiles such as ogee, bullnose, or bevel, available for an additional charge. Many quartz products often include a free 18-guage stainless steel sink.
Note of importance: Neither granite or Quartz have the mitered corner seam that is characteristic of laminate products.
Acrylic Counter tops
Acrylic counter tops are popular because of the ease in cleaning and maintenance. With many colors available, it is often used in both kitchens and bathrooms. Among the key selling features are its "no visible seam" and the capability of integrating the sink directly into the counter top. Parents with children love this product and come back to it again and again.
The best known brands of acrylic counter tops are produced by DuPont and LG, under the trade names of Corian and HiMac, respectively. Each product has a wide array of colors and styles, with a variety of edge treatments. The eased edge is usually standard, with other edge profiles such as ogee, bullnose, or bevel, available for an additional charge. Both Corian and HiMacs carry a 10- year limited warranty. The products are sold by the square foot. Backsplash is included in the square foot computation.
Caution: Acrylic products can scratch or scorch. Scratches or burns usually can be removed with mild abrasives such as Comet or Ajax.
Post form laminates
The most commonly used counter top material, post-form laminates come in hundreds of colors and finishes and is the least expensive option for redoing kitchen counter tops.
Laminates are sold per linear foot, making laminate cost about one-third the cost of any of the solid surface options. New laminate options by DeepStar and Sedona are much tougher and resist scratching more than previous product offerings. They both give a textured finish to laminate.
Post form laminates can only accommodate top mount sinks and lengths over 12 feet will have additional seams. Use of a non-stock color may result in customers purchasing product in 8', 10’, and 12' sections to account for waste. The backsplash comes included in the price.
The waterfall edge is usually standard, with other edge profiles available for an additional charge. The Euro-round and Euro-square edge profiles will shorten the backsplash approximately ¼" and provide a nice look by wrapping the laminate under the front edge.
Caution: Laminates will always have the corner mitered seams and are subject to scratches and scorching. When damaged, laminate counter tops are not repairable.
Conclusion
New counter tops can not only improve the look of your kitchen, but add value to your house. Choosing a solid surface counter top will add immediate value, and repay your investment within five years. An excellent video about how to choose a counter top is available at HomeGuide123.
Be sure to take the measurements of existing counter tops before you go shopping so the kitchen designer can give you an estimate. Pick a material and color you like, and your kitchen can see a dramatic change in as little as three weeks.
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