When looking for kitchen countertops, there are many different options. Provided below, is a list of countertop options including brief information about each for when you are ready to remodel your kitchen. Each one is different and has its own specific advantages and disadvantages.
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Granite Countertops: Granite is a beautiful countertop material and with the amount of granite suppliers, the price is not as expensive as it once was. Granite is a natural stone and embodies the image of beauty in a kitchen. Because we use a lot of granite in our kitchen designs, we are able to get high quality at a great price. From small to large kitchens, choosing granite will make a big impact. Granite is heat resistant and will virtually last a lifetime. Because it is natural, it comes in a range of many different styles and colors. An investment in granite means added value to your home for any potential home buyers. We seal all of the granite we install with special sealants that make it virtually maintenance free.
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Engineered Stone: Engineered stone is a man-made stone countertop that is composed of a natural substance (quartz) and materials to ensure its longevity. Because it is engineered, it is available in a vast color palette to match the style of any kitchen. And, unlike stone, the surface is non-porous so it resists stains and scratches. Once installed in your kitchen, no sealing is required. The brands we carry include Silestone and Zodiaq among other popular suppliers.
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Solid Surface: A solid surface countertop is a single unified solid block. Because the solid color runs the entire way through the counter, any scratches or nicks can be sanded out without damage to the countertop adding to their versatility. These kitchen countertops are custom made for your specific remodeling project. The vendors we use include Swanstone and Corian. The advantage to the custom build is there are no seams in the counters and the color can be custom made to match your kitchen. Though versatile, this type of countertop is vulnerable to heat.
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Ceramic Tile: Ceramic is a great inexpensive choice for counters. They are inexpensive, come in a variety of styles, are durable, and very easy to clean. Whatever the style of your kitchen, we can find the right texture and design to compliment it. And, ceramic is not susceptible to heat like many other counter materials. Our remodelers are careful to prepare the surface of your counter so each tile will be even and we seal the grout after we are finished to ensure your grout will not become stained through use.
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Laminates: A laminate countertop is very easy to clean and is made by a variety of manufacturers including Formica and Wilsonart. The laminate is basically a plastic like material with a very smooth surface usually laid on top of layers of compressed plywood or particle board. Laminate comes in sections, a variety of colors, is long lasting, and is very easy to clean and maintain.
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Wood: Wood countertops (also known as butcher block countertops) give a very warm country look to any kitchen. The grains and patterns in wood are very unique and range from soft lines to very powerful grains and all come in many colors and finishes. The most common wood for countertop woods is maple because of its strength but other woods such as oak, bamboo, and many other woods are also being used. These counters are easy to clean and if they scratch, can be sanded and resealed back to their original beauty.
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Stainless Steel Countertops: There is nothing more suited for a modern kitchen then a stainless steel countertop. It gives a powerful look while still being functional. Stainless steel is used in restaurant kitchens because they are resistant to heat and extremely durable. For a residential kitchen, these can be constructed to be seamless. The steel material is also very easy to clean and will not stain. If you are looking for a modern look, this is your countertop choice.
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Soapstone Countertops: Soapstone has not been seen too much as a countertop material but is gradually making a comeback. The actual material is bluish gray in color and very smooth. Many historic homes have soapstone countertop kitchens and it is making a comeback to modern homes because of its richness and deep color tones. Over time, the countertop will actually darken and gain richness. If you are interested in this countertop material, it does require some maintenance in the form of applications of oil at regular intervals throughout the year. Beauty does not come without some labor.
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Marble: As granite countertops drop in price because of their wide availability, marble countertops continue to be one of the most expensive kitchen counters available today. If you like the look of marble, we recommend using it as an accent piece rather than your entire kitchen such as used on a kitchen island. Our contractors will professionally seal your marble to make is stain resistant but may still need periodic resealing. Marble is a beautiful accent look to any kitchen.
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Concrete Countertops: Concrete is the new kitchen countertop of choice. The countertops are fabricated right in your kitchen and can be styled to any shape, color, or pattern – and we do mean any. And, because they are poured right in your kitchen, they will always be seamless. While you may not think of concrete as an expensive countertop, it does come with a high price tag because of the skill and artisan craft that goes into each cast of stone. While it is quite expensive, no one will ever have the same countertop as you as each one is unique.
As a Design+Build General Contractor, I offer my clients a one-stop shopping approach to all of their home remodeling projects. I work with my clients from initial conception of a project through its completion. Every aspect of the job is managed by me and my professional crew. You will be included in every step of the design process until the final drawings are completed. No detail is left to chance. General Contractor Specializing in Kitchen & Bathroom Design and Remodeling Throughout the Los Angeles area.
Written By:
Offer Steuer
President
OTM Designs & Remodeling, Inc.
For more information you may contact us via email at service@otm1designs.com or you may call us at 888-981-1415. Our website is www.otm1designs.com.