Which Common Countertop Materials Are Right for You?

The right countertop material is not only functional but complements a room. Check out a few common countertop materials used on kitchen cabinetry and more.

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Which Common Countertop Materials Are Right for You?

Posted by Gary Ashton on Monday, June 24th, 2019 at 10:43am.

Common Countertop MaterialsThe right countertop material is not only functional but complements the rest of a room. While some may find a granite or marble countertop an attractive option, others may be open to laminate, concrete and other types of countertop materials. Check out a few of the most common countertop materials used on kitchen cabinetry and more today.

Granite Countertops

Homeowners may find that granite countertops help with the resale value of a home as they are often an elegant touch to a luxury home. Expect granite countertops to be more expensive than many other options. This durable material is made from natural stone, quarried from igneous stone deposits. Many people like the beauty of a unique stone surface. It is also heat and scratch resistance. The material needs to be properly sealed to avoid staining or the harboring of bacteria. Corners can chip or break.

Marble Countertops

Like granite countertops, marble countertops are an appealing countertop material in higher-end homes. They are also made of a natural stone material and will offer a unique pattern. Marble continues to be a classic choice for kitchen and bathroom countertops. Marble comes in many variations which can offer a buyer unique coloring and veining. Marble requires more maintenance than other options and must be resealed often. With proper maintenance, it provides outstanding durability and heat resistance.

Concrete Countertops

One of the more recent alternatives, concrete countertops are becoming more common in kitchens and bathrooms. Homeowners may want to personalize their concrete material with special stamping and staining techniques. Concrete is a durable and hard material and is hard to chip. The ability to customize the concrete and option for on-site pouring of the material means that concrete can work well in spaces that are oddly sized. It is easy to achieve the perfect color to complement the rest of the area. Concrete countertops are relatively expensive and must be sealed regularly. They are porous and are vulnerable to staining.

Laminate Countertops

Laminate is an affordable option found in many kitchens and bathrooms and comes in a wide range of colors and patterns. Laminate or plastic laminate countertops have plastic laminate layered on top of particle board. Some laminate choices can look just like marble or granite. There are no pores in the sold surface, making cleanup easy. Other countertop materials are more resistant to scratches and heat. Individuals with a limited budget may want to look into some of the attractive laminate finishes suiting their needs.

Butcherblock Countertops

Butcherblock and wood countertops continue to be popular with homeowners. They may be used in addition to other surfaces. A butcherblock countertop may often be seen on a work island as it is useful for food preparation. Buyers may look at eco-friendly choices when reviewing all the options available. Butcherblock may be composed of a variety of types of wood. Depending on the wood used, the cost can vary greatly. Many homeowner like the warmth of natural wood countertops. People who enjoy baking and cooking often find it an ideal choice for a kitchen. The surface is easy to clean and is not prone to cracking or chipping, but does need to be periodically sealed and regularly oiled. Avoid exposing butcherblock countertops to water for a long period.

Selecting Your Countertop

Nashville home buyers and sellers may want to consider material and installation costs, as well as maintenance requirements when choosing a countertop material. With the wide variety of options currently available, it is hard not to find a countertop material to meet specific requirements.

 

Gary Ashton

The Ashton Real Estate Group of RE/MAX Advantage

The #1 RE/MAX team in the World!

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