Choosing Kitchen Countertops

The kitchen countertop has to be able to take a lot of abuse including the heat of pots, cutting from knives and the use of abrasive cleansers. The ideal countertop should be able to stand up to heat and the sharp edge of a knife.

If money is no object, then almost anyone would go for a solid granite kitchen countertop- a natural stone, granite is a popular choice for its classic beauty and durability. Granite is the hardest and densest of the natural stones. It can create a kitchen countertop that is extremely scratch resistant and can keep its luster longer than most other materials. There is nothing like a good quality solid granite kitchen countertop complementing your kitchen cabinets. Elegance does come with a price though. Solid granite kitchen countertop needs a lot of care as it does absorb stains and can crack under duress.
Concrete countertops are another good choice. They are becoming more and more popular in the kitchen. It is a good look for clean, industrial and contemporary kitchen designs. Concrete is a good material for unusually shaped counters. Concrete kitchen countertops are expensive, require a sealant and must be treated with care. The countertop can crack if the concrete should contract. Concrete can be stained any color. The most popular color is a natural gray tone. The top layer can be finished as desired.
And, surprisingly, they are equally at home in a traditional kitchen as they are in a contemporary kitchen. The concrete surface is very smooth and cool to the touch, and available in dozens of standard colors. The color is generally added to the concrete mix before drying which gives the countertop the same color throughout. With integral color, scratches and mars (we know it happens eventually!) are fairly well disguised. Using a cutting board would save your countertop and most definitely your knives. Cutting boards can be inset into the actual concrete countertop if you let the manufacturer know ahead of time the exact location and dimensions.
A concrete countertop is not naturally stain resistant and needs to be sealed correctly - just as granite countertop does. Once sealed, it is as stain resistant as most other surfaces, however, you will need to reseal it at least once a year and for maximum gloss, to wax every four to five weeks. Also, keep in mind that acidic foods and liquids, such as orange juice, may stain the surface if left sitting for very long.
Since concrete is extremely heavy, you may need to add additional support of the floor underneath the countertop to support the additional weight. Your contractor or architect should check this out before ordering the counter. All in all, a concrete countertop will give you years of elegant and durable service.

If you like the professional restaurant kitchen looks, then you might want to consider stainless steel countertops. Then you can pretend that you are a master chef in the kitchen! It can be a bit pricey though so mind your budget. The Advantages of stainless steel include very hygienic, easy to clean, have ability to stand up to extreme wear and heat. Stainless steel can provide a great look for an ultra modern kitchen. Some disadvantages with stainless is that it can be noisy and that scratches can develop.

Slate - Because of it richness and beauty slate is usually used in interior applications such as kitchen countertops, bathroom sinks or fireplace surrounds. It can be used in either modern or traditional kitchens as well as in combination with marble. Slate is durable and strong material, and can withstand hard use. It is less expensive than marble

Tile - Tile surfaces can be tough, hardwearing, takes hot pans, heat and stain resistant as well as beautiful. There are many types of tiles including ceramic, porcelain, quarry, glass, natural stone and mosaic. Available in many colors, sizes and textures. It has good design flexibility. Tile can often be used for trim or backsplashes. The downside of tile is that the grouts can be easily stained. Also the tiles can become chipped or cracked.

Last but not least, is a pure a marble kitchen countertop. Another natural stone, marble is considered to be the height of elegance and will last longer than most kitchens. Beauty is guaranteed. It is however, is very expensive and requires some care: acidic foods such as orange juice will etch the finished surface of a marble kitchen countertop.