How to Choose the Right Countertop Material
Counter tops are both functional and decorative, so the material you choose should correspond with the decor of the room while providing an optimum space to prepare food. Expense is a consideration as well, since materials range from inexpensive laminate or tile to highly-priced granite, marble and stone. Durability and ease of care and maintenance should also be considered before ultimately choosing which material, style and color will top your cabinets. Does this Spark an idea?
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Consider the quality and expense of the other elements in your kitchen. If you already have or have chosen to install top of the line appliances and cabinets, and have a flexible budget, eliminate less expensive and lower quality materials such as ceramic tile and laminate. If your home and kitchen are more modestly priced, eliminate more expensive choices such as granite or marble.
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Compare durability and ease of cleaning. Marble and tile grout stain easily; wood or butcher block must be oiled regularly. If you are looking for a no-muss, no-fuss solution, you might want to consider quartz polymer, cast acrylic or granite, which require less care. If durability takes precedence over ease of cleaning, consider butcher block, granite, stainless steel or concrete.
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Determine what style your kitchen will embody. Is it sleek and chic or more down-home and lived-in? Granite, stainless steel, and quartz polymer are more modern depending on the color and pattern, while butcher block, tile and weathered stone look more natural.
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Take the finished look into consideration. Natural stone increases with price as the size of individual pieces increases. If you are going for a seamless look, you may have to compromise and go with a synthetic material that can be cut to size more easily. The style of sink you desire will also play a role, as some sinks can't be mounted to certain surfaces.
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Go with your gut; if you're putting significant time and consideration into choosing a material, you obviously care about the final product. If you have your heart set on a particular look, go with it. If your dream material is out of your price range, find a less expensive look-alike. Most synthetic materials can be made to look exactly like the real thing.
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References
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