Choosing the Right Countertop for Your Kitchen Remodeling Project
When starting a kitchen remodeling project, customers can feel overwhelmed with the wide range of countertop products on offer. Depending on the look the client is trying to achieve, using a beautiful, high-quality countertop surface can complete a very attractive design. Designers can use laminate, solid surface, granite, and various other materials.
Laminate countertops are a synthetic product made mostly of plastic that is heat glued onto a wood base. Laminate material is made by several different producers, including Wilsonart, Formica, and Pionite. These covers are custom fabricated, can have loose or one-piece backsplashes, and come with a wide variety of edge profiles. One of the greatest strengths of this style of countertop is its cost effectiveness. However, laminate tops are not as resistant to water, scratches, or stains as many other materials, which should be considered in the decision process.
Plastic countertop materials are also available in solid surface form. These tops are constructed from select plastic compounds and are molded to fit any stage. Because solid surface countertops are molded, they can offer customers a consistent look throughout the kitchen and bathroom, including leak-proof sink applications. Like their laminated counterparts, these tops are available from a wide variety of manufacturers and in a great selection of colors. Although solid surface tops tend to lose their shine over time, they have the added benefit of being re-sanded and re-polished to replenish their finish.
If a client is looking for a cleaner, more natural look, granite countertops could be the answer. Granite tops are made of stone, probably quarried from the side of a mountain, and can be collected from all over the world. The raw material is sent to the manufacturer in very large slabs, which can be cut in different thicknesses. For any project, the 1-inch thickness will always outlast the thinner options some dealers offer.
Once the owner selects a slab, it is cut into pieces and polished to a high shine. For shipping and installation purposes, most granite countertops will have seams in the final application. Very attractive stainless steel undermount sinks can add the finishing touch to a beautiful remodeling project. Maintenance is a concern for granite countertops. If initial baked-on caulk is not an option for a customer due to cost increases, annual caulking is highly recommended to help with stain and mold resistance.
Whichever countertop material is selected by a remodeling client, the most important aspect of the project is undoubtedly the installation. Finding a trusted and licensed installer will ensure countertops are level and secure, with any and all safety precautions taken into account for years to come.