Why Granite Countertops?

When selecting the most appropriate countertop material for the kitchen, bathroom or bar area, you have a wide variety of choices. And a wide variety of price points! Educating yourself on the options and their costs - both initial investment and lifetime value; is going to be an attempt most worthwhile. In this informative article, we shall outline the many options, and explain to you how granite can be quite a high-value option, without the high price.

Laminate Countertops

Let's begin with laminate. Laminate countertops are your basic, low priced countertops. Typically made of a plastic laminate material glued to a pressed wood surface, laminate countertops offer a seemingly limitless array of color and pattern options. Today's laminate will even mimic the design of natural stone with photographic representations of granite, and edges that are similar in style to those you see on natural stone countertops. But because laminate is the lowest priced countertop option, it has its limitations granite countertops . Laminate is easily damaged, and not easily repaired. Knives and other sharp objects can scratch or gouge laminate, and heat from hot pans and dishes can scorch or bubble its surface. Since laminate is like a veneer, there is no room to buff out damage. Laminate countertops won't last a very long time, either. You should expect to need to restore laminate within 10 to 15 years.

Solid Surface Countertops

Next we've synthetic solid surface countertops. The most widely known solid surface countertop product is Corian. Solid surface countertops are composed primarily of plastics with flecks of glass, plastic and other materials to supply color and pattern variations. While solid surface countertops don't seem like natural stone, the do provide a seamless look. Because solid surface countertops could be custom fabricated to near any size and specification, long or oddly shaped countertop areas could be covered with one solid piece. Solid surface countertops are scratch and scorch- resistant, and could be repaired if damaged. Many people believe that solid surface countertops are a'step below'granite from a cosmetic perspective, and therefore its pricing may surprise you. Pricing for solid surface countertops; starting at about $40 per linear foot; is really higher than many granite styles!

Quartz Countertops

Somewhere among natural stone and synthetic countertops is engineered stone, or quartz countertops. DuPont's Zodiaq countertops are a favorite quartz countertop choice, and are available in stunning color and pattern variations. Quartz countertops are made up of ground quartz which can be blended with coloring, synthetic and other materials to create a distinctive, natural look not within solid surface countertops. Quartz countertops are pricey, though. With pricing starting at about $45 per linear foot, it too is really higher in price than some granite.

Recycled Glass Countertops

A fresh countertop option that is gaining popularity is recycled glass countertops. For homeowners choosing to'go green ', recycled glass countertops not only look great, but feels good! Recycled glass is exactly what the name implies. Used glass of types and colors is broken and ground, and coupled with adhesive agents and coloring to create one-of-a-kind colors and patterns. But since there are only some recycled glass countertop manufacturers; and the item is in high demand - pricing is on the high side.

Granite Countertops

And finally, we've our personal favorite - granite countertops. Granite's elegance is second to none. Walk into a kitchen with granite countertops and you'll immediately take notice. Because granite is natural stone, its color variances and random patterns are unmatched by any man-made material or process. Searching for granite is fun, too. To choose the right granite for your house, you can visit quarries and showrooms which have large slabs to see. By viewing the granite slab in its entirety, you can see wide patterns and variations not visible in small swatches. Granite is highly durable and resistant to staining, scratching or scorching. Granite could be repaired n some cases, unless the damage is deep or cracked throughout. Granite is just a solid value, too. Because it is recognized as by most to be a luxury item, granite countertops will add resale value to your home. And what a lot of people don't realize is that'luxury item'can cost significantly less than other less expensive-looking materials.