Kitchen Countertop Shakedown: The Top Three Countertops Money Can Buy

You’ve dutifully sat down and assessed all of your options. Your floors will be done in ceramic tile, the paint will be a rich earth tone, and the kitchen cabinets are being installed on Thursday. You’ve ordered new appliances (that are due to arrive tomorrow), and the windows and blinds have been replaced as well. Without question, your kitchen is brand new.

Well, almost. Now you’ve got to sit down and determine what your countertops are going to be. Brace yourself, as the sheer number of options and varieties out there can get pretty intensive. Save yourself a bit of frustration and take our advice- you’ll be thanking us later.

1. Granite countertops

When you close your eyes and picture your dream kitchen chances are good that granite is the material of choice. It’s deep, luxurious look and timeless appeal is the reasons that it has been the top choice for countertops for decades.The most notable thing about granite is its price: the cost of admission is quite high. Of course, many people consider the admission fee to be akin to the cost of a country club membership- granite countertops seem to be the single most desired item in any home.

Granite does well when faced with a variety of foes: heat, liquid, age, and humidity. It does not flex or warp when heated/cooled, does not stain easily, and it will last as long (or longer) than the house. It is a very stable and solid countertop material and is one that is sure to enhance the appeal of your kitchen. It should be noted that granite becomes less expensive when you order more of it.

However, you will have to seal the granite every now and again in order to ensure that it remains stain resistant. If you don’t seal it the granite is apt to stain. As well, placing too much stress on the countertop can cause it to stress, and trust us, that is not a cheap repair.

2. Corian countertops

Corian countertops are one form of solid countertops, and the actual brand “Corian” is owned by DuPont. It is becoming increasingly popular due to the variety of colors available, its lower cost (when compared to granite or slate), and the high availability of it. It is a very durable material- it is resistant to stains, scratches, and other blemishes. With the right finish it can look absolutely gorgeous, so expect plenty of compliments from your friends and family. Be careful when placing hot pans/pots on top of it, however, as it may damage the surface.

3. Laminated countertops

This is arguably the most common type of countertop around. They can be made to fit just about any mold, are attractive, and are much less expensive than other countertop materials. They are dent/scratch resistant, though any scratch/dent/chip that it experiences will be nearly impossible to repair. The lower price tag also means fewer features (unfortunately). Seams will show, and without the proper installation the lifetime of laminates is only a few years. If you don’t have a ton of cash to invest into countertops they are an attractive and economically friendly option.