Kitchen Counter Tops - An Intelligent decision

KNOWING KITCHEN COUNTER TOPS

Kitchen  Countertops refers to a horizontal work surface in kitchens.  These Counters run along the walls of the kitchen to form work surfaces while providing space below for storage. Plastic, laminate, ceramic tiles, wood, stainless steel, marble and granite can be used as counter top material.

Natural stone : kitchen counter tops are a beautiful choice for any perfect kitchen and will add great value to your home. Natural stone kitchen countertops are known for unbeatable beauty, individuality and strength. Natural stone is considered to by the most aesthetic, eco friendly material on the earth. They are durable, long lasting and available in many styles and blends. Natural stone has the unique look which enhance design, from rustic to contemporary and add elegance to almost any kitchen design. Each type has different properties and attributes depending on the stone you select. Granite, marble, soapstone, limestone, slate, lava stone are the examples of Natural stone which  will help you make better buying decisions. Today, a variety of material are available in the market for kitchen decor but the material that we choose need to be practical and attractive. All the surfaces in the kitchen should be easy to maintain and resistant to heat and abrasion. Work surfaces should also be non -absorbent, since they come in contact with oils and spices.

GRANITE COUNTERS

Granite is the countertop material of choice when there are no other things to think about - like money. The main reason why people select granite is because of its natural beauty. The coloration of the granite will never change and it will be always be bright and vibrant as when the granite was first installed. It defines elegance in a kitchen.  The main advantage of choosing granite is that, it is a scratch resistant material. Granite stone won’t be scratched with the normal use. Only the other piece of granite or diamonds can cut it. In addition to that, it is a heat resistant material and items like oven can be placed on the counter without any problem. Granite is mostly made up of quartz, alkali feldspar, and plagioclase feldspar. These ingredients help contribute to the color of the stone. These colors include: white, pink, or a light grey. The other important consideration about granite is that, each slab is different from the other. So, every kitchen is unique with its natural beauty. The cost of granite ranges from Rs 100 to 300 per square feet for slabs.

There are 2 different kinds of Granite available for most kitchens ---- Consistent and Variegated.
Consistent Granite - Where a consistent pattern exists throughout the slab. This form of Granite has a very uniform appearance and is much easier to match at the seams. Well suited for longer countertop surfaces.
Variegated Granite - This form of Granite usually has a swirling vein through out the slab varying in color. This can make it difficult to match slabs and creates some difficulty in pairing two pieces together. This is not always a draw back as Variegated Granite can lend a very unique look to your kitchen countertops.

PROS :

Holds up to heat; comes in a range of almost 3000 colors; looks permanent and substantial; will last a lifetime;  Second highest hardness rating after diamonds.


CONS : 

Expensive, but becoming more affordable; requires some maintenance; some stones absorbs stains if not sealed; knives can become dull if you cut on it.

MARBLE COUNTERS

Marble is a beautiful limestone that is made up of calcite and dolomite. Marble has been known to naturally crystallize over periods for time. It comes from all around the world, from places like Britain, India, Italy, Spain, France, and China.  It has always been popular with architects because of its strength and aesthetics. Because of its beauty and elegance, marble is often used to make kitchen countertops. Marble requires constant maintenance, as it easily stains. While they do need extra care at times. Marble kitchen countertops are more strong and durable than most other countertops. Marble countertops are also very hygienic, since these countertops trap little or no dirt and prevent the creation of mold. There are many colors to choose from where marble kitchen countertops are concerned. There are bright colors as well as dark, which include various shades ofpink, gray, white, gold, black, blue, purple etc.

PROS : 

Waterproof; heatproof; elegant. 

CONS : 

Expensive; porous; stains easily; can scratch; may need resealing periodically as per manufacturer.

SOAPSTONE COUNTERS
Soapstone is a natural stone product. It’s quarried just like marble or granite. It is a metamorphic rock that contains a relatively high amount of talc, which is why it’s called soapstone. This stone is also ideal for the kitchen. It has a soft warm feel, and it has good resistance to chemicals, water and heat. Soapstone is generally dark blue, green or grey in color and has a smooth feel. It is extremely durable and can lend a beautiful touch to your new kitchen. It is widely used in wash basins, sinks, laboratories and counter tops.

PROS: 

Rich, deep color; smooth feel; stain resistant.

CONS:

 Requires regular maintenance with applications of mineral oil; may crack and darken over time.

LIMESTONE COUNTERS


 Limestone countertops make an interesting counter top. It is velvety smooth, like soapstone.   It offers a unique weathered look to the kitchen but it has a tendency to stain due to its more porous nature. The various shades of limestone and the embedded fossils look great. Limestone can be a durable kitchen countertop material when it is selected from the harder and denser types.  Limestone kitchen countertops should be sealed.

PROS: 
A durable countertop material. The harder, denser types, especially those quarried in France & Germany. Its functionality is as similar to granite and are appropriate for use in the kitchen.

CONS : 
Soft, porous limestone can scratch, stain, and etch more easily than the denser varieties. Sealing these softer stones will help to prevent staining but will not stop problems with etching and scratching. 



SLATE COUNTERS


This natural stone material has been used for centuries because of its natural beauty and strength. slate is a fine-grained metamorphic rock that is derived from sediments of clay and fine silt. Slate kitchen countertops are durable, hard and fireproof. Slate can provide an elegance and sophistication to kitchen countertops.
Many people might associate slate as just a material for roofing and outdoor walkways, however slate can be an excellent material for use in kitchen countertops, primarily because slate has a low absorption rate. What this means is that slate kitchen countertops are more stain resistant and less likely to provide a breeding ground for dangerous bacteria.
 Most slate can be darker stone, it is also available in earthy shades of red, green, blue, and purple. There are different types of slate countertops with different price ranges. Black slate is usually the most expensive, with red slate not far behind. Brown, green, grey and blue or purple-toned slate are all used in countertops. A fine-grained natural stone, slate provides a smooth, sleek appearance.
 Slate kitchen countertops are elegant and can be cleaned very easily. They should polished regularly to maintain the shine of the natural stone. Slate kitchen countertops are great for cutting vegetables, preparing, and serving the food. The slate material is extremely strong and dense, hence after sealing the material, acidic substances cannot cause a harm and the slate will remain maintenance free. It is resistant to heat and etching.
Slate kitchen countertops can also be oiled to create a glossier look. Exotic, colorful slate is imported from overseas, as its domestic cousin has a tendency to remain in the less than exciting shades of grey, green, and plum. Since it is inexpensive, the slate countertops are available at a reasonable price as compared to that of granite counter tops. 

PROS :    
Acidic substances will not harm its surface and once sealed it remains virtually maintenance free. This makes a slate countertop easy to install and almost maintenance free once it is in place. 
If there are any kind of scratches present on the slate surface, then they can be patched up easily with matching tone polymer.
CONS : 
Squared corners of the slate can chip easily hence, this point should be considered while designing the kitchen and hence, rounded corners should be opted. Slate does not give a glossy finish to the countertops. In order to make the countertops glossy, you will have to use an additional material .Since slate countertops are soft, rounded edge is the best option. This material being brittle, cracks easily.

LAVA STONE COUNTERS

Enameled lava stone is a highly luxurious product extracted from volcanic lava stone and glazed with enamel. This product is fired in a kiln at 1300 degrees to create a beautiful, smooth crackled finish. Enameled Lava stone is a relatively new product in the market which is extremely customizable, unique in texture and design and of course, a very classy product. Enameled lava stone is a highly durable and low maintenance product. It is extremely stain and heat resistant and does not require a sealant. It is mostly produced in France by a limited amount of suppliers and due to the lack of manufacturers involved in glazing this stone, it is a very expensive product, well over 10000 a sq. ft installed. It can be made into any shape through laser cutting technology, in seamless slabs up to 48" x 96".
As this stone is enameled, it can be available in a range of colors. Enameled lava stone is available in matte finishes if you are not fond of glossy look; however they are limited. Because it can look very similar to glass, it reflects light beautifully over large surface areas. Lava stone is heating things up in more ways than one, like - Many Kitchen counter tops, bathroom counter tops, bar tops, wash basins and sinks are being designed from an enameled lava stone. It has also been known to be used in outdoor areas because of its resistance to extremely cold temperatures. Since this product is enameled it becomes a pretty hygienic material rejecting mold and mildew easily.

PROS : 
Enameled lava is very durable, shiny and stain repellent. You can put hot pots on it. A great choice material if hygiene is a concern in your home. You can enjoy enameled lava stone for a life time.
CONS :
Very expensive and hard to find.



CONCRETE COUNTERS


Concrete is an extraordinary material that is practical, expressive, and aesthetic all at once. It's a new and improve alternative for kitchen countertops. Many people like concrete because it is very moldable. You can shape it into anything and the masters of concrete make doing a concrete countertop look really easy. Most concrete countertops are precast in molds built to the customer's specifications so they can be formed and finished under controlled conditions. The colors and textures are endless like they can be adorned with botanical imprints from real leaves or embedded with colorful stones, seashells and even fossils.
Concrete is inexpensive, durable, eco- friendly, much more customizable than any other solid surfaces. It looks like a natural stone and there is no limit of innovative customization. Concrete can be very cost effective as the majority of the costs will go into the labor of forming and pouring the concrete. The actual cost of the concrete is very minimal compared to the cost of granite and marble.

PROS :

The biggest advantage of concrete countertops is that it is durable or long lasting. You will not have to bother about it once it is installed. As concrete can be molded into different shapes, you can even make an angular counter top of concrete. Concrete countertops are more resistant to heat, scratch and stains as compared to counter tops of other materials. You can easily place hot pots and pans on a concrete countertop without causing any damage to it. Another highlighting feature of a concrete countertop is that it can complement a traditional as well as modern kitchen. Cleaning concrete countertops is also very easy. All you need to do is to wash it with soap and rinse with water.

CONS :

The biggest drawback of concrete countertops is that installing them is expensive. Another common complaint of concrete countertops is that they do not look the same after a few months as they look at the time of installation. Concrete countertops work best only when they are properly sealed. As they are porous, they can be damaged or stained if not sealed properly.

HIGH-PRESSURE DECORATIVE LAMINATES

High pressure laminate countertop, often referred to as "plastic laminate countertop" is a material more of a wood product.  It is made from layers of resin-impregnated kraft paper topped with a decorative melamine surface, and then pressed into sheets under extreme pressure and heat. Laminated kitchen countertops have been used in homes for many years. They can be easily clean and are easy to install. These are available in literally hundreds of colors and dozens of patterns, including many that resemble stone, wood, steel and leather. Laminates with only matte or fine-matte finish should be applied to countertops and heavily used tabletops. High Pressure Laminates are high quality decoration materials, which are widely applied to kitchen countertops, cabinet, cupboard, furniture, windows, door skin, wall lining, partition etc.

These are available in various sizes 4’X 8’, 4’-3” X 9’-3”, 6’ X 12’ and with thickness of 0. 5-1.0 mm. Most plastic laminate counters are custom-made by kitchen installers and cabinetmakers, ready-to-install post-formed laminate counters are also available. They feature seamless construction. The front edge, top surface and backsplash are all heat-molded from a single sheet of laminate. These sheets are comprised of many finish like : matte, suede, glossy, horizontal and vertical waved fine line, and other special finishes.

PROS :

 It is cheaper than many other materials that can be used and it comes in a huge range of colors and styles. Outstanding resistance to abrasion, high temperatures, dirt, shock, and stain resistance. 

CONS :
Laminate is vulnerable to cuts and heat – meaning that you cannot place hot pans directly on the surface, nor can you prepare food directly on the laminate. It is not as durable as some other materials, like stones or composites.  It cannot be stand for more than 10 years.



ENGINEERED STONE


Engineered stone kitchen counter tops are extremely tough, easy to maintain, heat resistant, the most durable surface material and is uniform in color, pattern and texture. The stone is available in a larger range of colors than granite and has a nonporous surface that resists scratches. Engineered stone kitchen counter tops are made mainly from rock particles with a little resin and pigment added.
They are easy to install and flexible. You can also choose a color and style that best suits your kitchen from the more natural looking engineered stone to pastel shades. The resulting slabs are free of fissures and cracks and are impervious to water, moisture, and harmful bacteria. In order to clean and maintain engineered stone kitchen counter tops it is recommended that you take the usual precautions to prevent burning or stains and use cleaners that are recommended by the manufacturer of your kitchen counter tops. These countertops should be installed by professionals since they can minimize the amount of broken slabs and waste.

The toughest engineered stones, including Silestone, Cambria, and Dupont's Zodiaq line, are made from quartz. They won't scratch or stain. Others, derived from marble and other stones, are softer, and may need sealing.

PROS :
Engineered stone is available in a larger range of colors than granite and has a nonporous surface. Countertops made out of stone are some of the strongest countertops on the market and engineered stone is even stronger because of the addition of resins to the stone during the manufacturing process. It require very little regular maintenance to keep the countertop looking brand new.
CONS :
Because the engineered stone countertops are created and installed in solid slabs, there will be visible seams along the placing edges of the countertop. This provides a place for water and contaminates if the homeowner is not careful. After time, the water and contaminates collected in the seams of the countertop will begin to smell, which may require professional cleaning to get rid of. The price is another consideration for some people as engineered stone kitchen counter tops are not cheap.




TILES


Tile is known for its heat resistance and beauty. Various types of tiles can be used in the kitchen. It comes in several forms, sizes, and colors. Incorporating kitchen tiles into the design of your kitchen is a good way to bring out the beauty of your countertops, flooring, walls, cabinets and backsplashes. The selection will depend upon the price you are willing to pay, the design of your kitchen, the style you want to create, and so on.

CERAMIC KITCHEN TILES

Ceramic tiles are thin slabs of clay, in the form of shale, gypsum or sand, converted into a material known as bisque. This bisque is given the shape of tiles and hardened, through the process of firing, in kiln with temperature up to 2500 deg F. Their production process makes the tiles quite tough and heat resistant. This is one of the main reasons why these tiles are best suited for countertops. Since ceramic tile are porous in nature, they are often coated with glaze. The coating is followed by firing in the kiln, to make the glaze hard and sturdy. Ceramic tile is made in numerous colors and can be customized to fit a certain color. These tiles are extremely durable and can be cleaned by investing minimal time. Best known for their durability; these tiles are also very cost effective and add to the beauty of a place. You can easily place hot pots on a ceramic countertop, without worrying about any damage. 

PORCELAIN TILES

Porcelain tiles are extremely dense because they are made of clays characterized by a low water absorption rate. They are fired at extremely high temperatures. The porcelain tiles support the notion of 'go green' as these are made out of products that are natural and are totally recyclable. Being environment friendly the porcelain tiles are good for hygiene as well. The major advantages is that the tile it is made from the same material on top as well as bottom. This makes it quite resistant to scratches and chips. Porcelain tiles are typically 11 to 14 inches square. Porcelain tiles can be used to resemble real stone because the tiles are similar in shade and texture.

Porcelain tile is more expensive than ceramic tile. The durability and ease of maintenance are great benefits to having porcelain tile in the kitchen. 

GLASS TILES

Glass tiles are the obvious choice for kitchen backsplashes and wall art. backsplashes can be created from a variety of different materials. Marble, granite, ceramic tile, glass, stainless steel ;the possibilities are endless. Installing a back splash creates a dynamic central focal- point in a kitchen, integrating color, style and design. Glass tiles play with light and make the most of the brightness of the space. Because many glass tiles are translucent, light shines through them, amplifying their natural beauty and illuminating nearby surfaces. They are available in many shapes, sizes and finishes. Because the colors and combinations are as limitless as your imagination so these tiles pair well with ceramic and stone. Therefore, you can mix them up for a truly unique look. Rather than doing the entire backsplash with them, you can use the tiles to create a border for the other types of tiles you use. Use the small mosaic tiles with stone or ceramic for a custom look.

 

METAL TILES

Metal tiles are extremely durable in nature. One of the main advantages of having metal tiles in your kitchen is that it is very easy to clean as well as maintain. If they are installed properly and taken proper care of, these tiles might even last for decades at a time. These tiles are available in a wide range of color options. Being water, allergen as well as bacteria resistant, metal tiles are perfectly suitable for kitchen backsplashes. Metal backsplashes have a definite functional appeal being easy to clean up the grease and grime, spills and splashes of everyday cooking. Hot water, soap and a sponge will most often do the trick. You could tile the entire backsplash in one style of metal tile, mix in other metals or stone and glass as well. Apart from being environment-friendly, they add a versatile and textural design element to your kitchen making them just perfect for a modern kitchen Decor. A metal backsplash can be one of the most expensive backsplash materials in the market. Copper tiles and bronze tiles are frequently made by laying a thin layer over a ceramic backer. Solid bronze or copper tiles are available as well, but in smaller decorative tile forms.

VINYL TILES

Being  a very cost-effective, vinyl tiles are very popular amongst those who are planning to renovate their kitchen on a budget. It's affordable, compared to ceramic, stone or porcelain. Peel and stick vinyl tile backsplash is another easy to use option. It is recommended that you start off by creating a template of the backsplash area. Play and synchronize around with the colors and patterns before you finalize a design. Installing a vinyl tile backsplash is very simple and easy. If possible, go with the peel and stick variety of vinyl tiles. Before starting the installation, it is advisable to create a template and play with the designs. This way, you will know exactly what pattern you want for your backsplash.