Phoenix Home Improvement Services

Types of Countertops

Whether for the kitchen, bathroom or outdoors, countertops are available in a variety of surfaces and styles from stylishly elegant to extremely functional. Because countertops sustain constant use, spills and cleanings they need to be durable, stain resistant and easily cleaned. The best counter tops can withstand heat from hot pans and are scratch resistant. It’s a plus if they are attractive to look at and will add value to your home.

Countertops are priced by lineal or square foot with additional cost for special cuts, edges, finishes and the size of the hole cut for the sink. Always ask for installation charges too, especially for special countertops that you will not be able to install yourself. Because countertops can cost from $15 to $100 per square feet it is important to understand the styles available and how well they sustain use. Below are ten trendy kitchen countertops to consider.

1. Granite - Granite countertops are everything wrapped in one, elegant, beautiful, durable, scratch resistance, heat resistant and they will last a lifetime. However it is also the most costly of all the styles of countertops. Granite is graded by its density, acid resistance and water resistance. The higher the grade of granite, the higher the price you pay. There is some maintenance required, such as periodic sealing, and granite can crack if stressed. Find out how to clean and maintain granite counter tops. Granite countertops can be a practical choice, if money is no object, because of its durability and the value it adds to your home. Cost can be anywhere from $50 to $100 per square foot and higher for complicated installations.
2. Marble - Marble is a natural stone and is generally used for its elegant appearance. It is less stain resistant and more porous than granite and can scratch easily. Acidic fruits and juices can damage the finish on marble too. It is waterproof and heatproof but does require constant maintenance and needs resealing often. Because of its high cost people tend to use marble sparingly. It can be used as the countertop on a kitchen island or as an inset for a kitchen baking area. The cost of marble countertops range from $50 to $100 per square foot.
3. Engineered Stone - Engineered stone is composed of quartz composite, colored pebbles, polymers and epoxy to create an extremely durable countertop. It is heat resistant, stain resistant and scratch resistant and does not require constant upkeep or sealing. Engineered stone also does not crack or chip and can last a lifetime. It comes in a wide variety of colors that can integrate with any kitchen style. Engineered stone countertops are costly, from $45 to $100 per square foot, but their style and durability make it worth the high price.
4. Solid Surface - Solid surface countertops are durable, non-porous surfaces that can withstand nearly all abuse except high heat. This man-made product is stain and scratch resistant, seamless, easy to clean and comes in a variety of colors and patterns. This is the only style of countertop that can also be made with the sink molded right in for a seamless, watertight finish. It can be scorched if installed too close to a stove or burners or if a hot pan is placed directly on the surface. These countertops can also crack if not installed properly but do not crack under normal circumstances. Prices range from $40 to $60 per square foot and can depend upon color, pattern or cut.
5. Ceramic Tile - Ceramic tile is economical as well as durable and beautiful. It is scratch, stain and heat resistant as well as easy to clean. The only downfall to ceramic tile is that grout can stain and be difficult to clean and may need to be replaced often. But with so many colors of grout available now you may find a darker grout will keep the stains to a minimum. Ceramic tile can come in the most basic squares and colors to exotic styles, patterns and colors and can match up with any kitchen style. Cost ranges from $10 to $30 per square foot depending upon the style of tile you choose. It can also be an easy do-it-yourself project for the ambitious homeowner.
6. Laminate - Laminate countertops are made of a plastic-coated synthetic material that is glued onto a particleboard base. They are very economical but do not last for a long period of time. They are also easy to clean but are not stain or scratch resistant and the surface can bubble if a hot pan is placed on it. Laminate is a good choice if you remodel your kitchen often but not for the long-term. Laminate is very affordable at $12 to $20 per square foot.
7. Wood or Butcher Block - Wood always makes a room warm and appealing and the kitchen is no exception. Wood countertops can be made of maple, cherry, walnut, teak, oak or red beach, hardwoods that can withstand heavy use. It is also one of the most sanitary countertop materials due to its inherent properties to protect it from build-up of bacteria. Wood countertops are durable and long-lasting and can be sanded down and refinished when necessary. There is maintenance required such as using mineral oil regularly to protect the finish, especially around the sink. Hot pans should not be placed on wood countertops to prevent scorching. Wood countertops generally range in price from $60 to $100 per square foot.
8. Stainless Steel - Stainless steel countertops are generally for high-use kitchens or for those who want a sleek, contemporary design. Stainless steel is water and stain resistant but can be scratched easily with knives and utensils. Brushed or textured finishes are available to hide scratches. It can also sustain hot pans and can be very sanitary. The down side is that stainless steel is very expensive and can be noisy and dent easily. Stainless steel countertops become less noisy if it is attached to a wood substrate. Cost can range from $100 to $200 per square foot.
9. Soapstone - Soapstone was used quiet regularly many years ago for sinks and countertops but is also still available today. It is a natural stone that comes in darker shades such as blue/gray or charcoal gray but can turn much darker with the use of mineral oil. Soapstone is actually quite durable; its non-porous surface makes it water and stain resistant as well as resistant to acidic products. It can literally last a lifetime and also be refinished if necessary. Soapstone is quiet expensive ranging from $100 to $200 per square foot.
10. Concrete - If you are looking for something more unique concrete countertops may be for you. Concrete can be poured in unusual shapes and styles and can even be cast right in your kitchen. It can be color tinted to your desired specifications and is heat and scratch resistant. Concrete is highly porous and absorbs stains easily and needs to be sealed on a regular basis. Concrete countertops are also expensive costing about $100 per square foot.

There are a multitude of kitchen, bathroom and outdoor countertops available that will fit every style and budget. By doing a little homework and asking some important questions you are sure to find a kitchen countertop that will suit your needs and liven up your lifestyle.

Phoenix Area Countertop Installers.

Choose from a wide variety of Phoenix counter top installers including granite countertops, ceramic tile countertops, marble countertops, laminate counter tops and other natural stone and synthetic options. Also see countertop repair specialists.