Want Custom Countertops? Materials to Consider
You want beautiful, custom countertops to give your kitchen a luxurious feel. Consider the following materials; each one offers your kitchen the unique upgrade you desire.
Stained Concrete
Concrete is a porous yet durable material that is very versatile. For countertops, concrete is an ideal choice if you want custom-hued counters that are elegant and will last through many meal preparations.
A special acid stain is often used to create stained concrete countertops. The stain mixes a variety of color tints to achieve a realistic marbled effect. Stained countertops can be designed in nearly any hue — from a subtle gray to a rich coffee brown. Turquoise and gold are also colors to consider with stained concrete countertops.
Granite
Granite is another countertop option that is popular among homeowners. Granite is a natural stone that is durable and heat-resistant, which makes the material ideal for kitchen use.
Granite comes in a variety of colors, with mineral grains threading throughout the stone for a unique effect. You can select granite in tones that are subtle pink or a rich gray, among other hues.
Keep in mind that that granite, like most natural stone countertop surfaces, will need to be sealed periodically by your countertop specialist to protect the material against chipping, stains, and scratches. Granite, in general, requires little maintenance. To clean the granite, use a soft rag and a pH-balanced soap or mild dish detergent.
Wood
Wood countertops are classic in design and give your kitchen a rustic, charming appeal. You can select wood from a variety of tree species, such as hickory, oak, maple, and other hardwoods. You can also choose butcher's block wood for your countertops for an old-fashioned yet incredibly durable countertop surface.
For further customization of your countertops, consider using reclaimed wood or barn wood for your kitchen countertops.
Since wood is porous, the material will need to be stained and sealed so your kitchen counters will last for as long as possible.
Laminate
If you are on a tight budget but want to have a wide choice of color and design options for your countertops, then consider laminate. Laminate is made of hard particleboard pieces with a thick plastic surface. The plastic part of laminate comes in many varieties of colors and patterns: checkers, imitation marble, tile, and other designs are popular among laminate countertop installations.
Laminate can warp and tear under heavy use, so make sure to never use sharp knives directly on laminate surfaces and wipe away spills immediately. Laminate is otherwise relatively easy to care for and can last a long time with regular care.
Quartz
A natural stone that is very durable against acidic foods and beverages is quartz. Quartz is similar to granite in design but has different inflections of mineral grains to give your kitchen an elegant, streamlined appeal. Quartz is known for its reliable pattern structure, which makes it ideal for your kitchen if you love natural stone but want a more patterned effect for your countertops.
There are other types of countertops you can consider for your kitchen as well to give your space a custom feel, such as stainless steel, marble, ceramic tile, and even recycled glass. You can speak to your countertop specialist about all of these options.
Remember, in order to make your custom countertops last, you should have your counter surfaces sealed as instructed by your installation specialist. Avoid placing hot pans directly on counter surfaces and never use harsh chemicals to clean your countertops.
For all your custom kitchen needs, rely on the services of Aurora Plumbing and Electric Supply, Inc. Come see our splendid showroom for kitchen remodeling ideas today.
