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Countertops are a focal point in a kitchen or bathroom. You have many choices of material, each has advantages and disadvantages learn which is best for you!

Concrete

Concrete countertops are generally produced by casting them in custom made molds matching the size, shape, and cutouts of the customers requirements at the manufacturers premise. The concrete is then allowed to cure and is surface finished. Some manufacturers will actually cast the countertop at the customers premise, by building a mold on the base cabinets. This avoids the problems that are encountered in moving a large slab of concrete from the manufacturers facilities to the homeowners kitchen or bathroom. As all concrete countertops are custom molded each one is unique.

Concrete countertops allow for a great deal of customization in finish, texture, shape, edging, and color. As an example, a butcher block cutting board can be recessed into the countertop during molding. The variations are endless and are only constrained by your imagination.

Sinks can be installed as under-mount, surface mount or can be molded as an integral part of the counter top. A cutting board should be used as the concrete will dull knives instantly and it can scratch.

Maintenance: As concrete is a porous material it should be sealed yearly with a penetrating sealer and waxed every six months. Spills should be cleaned up immediately as some will produce stains if left to sit on the counter. Use a non-abrasive cleaner.

Cost: $75-$200/sq. ft., installed

Granite

Timeless beauty with unique natural stone that is what a granite countertop will provide! Granite countertops are cut to size, and polished at the manufacturers facility and then installed on your base cabinets. Available in a vast number of colors and grains it can be purchased to match any kitchen or bathroom dcor.

Sinks can be under-mount or surface mount, and a cutting board should be used to protect the surface as granite can scratch.

Maintenance. Granite is a very porous material and must be sealed with a penetrating sealer at least twice a year. A non-abrasive liquid detergent with warm water should be used for surface cleaning.

Cost: From $100-$200/lin. ft., installed

Laminate

Considered by many to be the poor mans countertop, laminate has recently developed a following by some top designers. The primary reason is the hundreds of colors, patterns and textures that are available, which can be used to enhance the dcor of any room.

Laminate countertops can be ordered preformed with integral back splashes and rolled front edges to prevent liquids from spilling down cabinets and onto floors. Almost any reasonably competent handyman or handywoman can create and install a laminate countertop on-site.

Laminate countertops do not lend themselves well to under-mount sink installation hence it is recommended that sinks be surface mounted. Laminate does scratch so a cutting board should be used. Laminate does not stand-up well to high heat, so some sort of protection should be placed under hot pots.

Maintenance: Use a non-abrasive cleaner and rinse to avoid leaving soap residue. Laminate does not require any sealing.

Cost: $25-$60/lin. ft., installed

Natural Stone

The most common of the natural stone countertops are marble, soapstone, and Jerusalem stone. Marble is considered the best surface for needing dough and serious bakers will always have a slab of marble in their preparation area. Although natural stones have an elegant, rich appearance, they do not make the best countertops from the standpoint of day-to-day usage. Natural stones stains easily, are soft and there is a tendency for the material to chip.

Sinks can be installed as under-mount or surface mount. A professional should make all cutouts and holes in the material.

Maintenance: Cleaning should be liquid detergent and warm water. Marble and Jerusalem stone should be sealed every year with a penetrating sealer. Soapstone should have mineral oil applied twice a month during the first year and four times a year thereafter.

Cost: From $75-$200/lin. ft., installed

To see the advantages and disadvantages of other materials view part 2 of this article or follow the link below.

For additional information on kitchen and bathroom remodeling, visit Renovation Headquarters