COUNTERTOPS
Choosing Your Options
While there are many brands, styles and materials from which to choose, at Kitchen Expo we can help you make an educated choice.
Whether you have your heart set on granite, or have your eye on quartz surfacing, it's important to do your homework before finally choosing your countertop. Be sure to know the pros and cons as well as the individual characteristics of each countertop you're considering.
Countertop Overview
Generally, natural stone, quartz and solid surface are the most durable. Spills are handled best by solid surface, quartz and stainless steel, and cutting is done best on stone or wood. If you're looking for a wide variety of colors, look to laminate and solid surface. Stainless steel and solid surfacing are good for fashioning decorative shapes and integral sinks. Concrete, when sealed, provides an excellent surface that can be fashioned in a limitless variety of shapes and colors.
A few guidelines to help you choose
Appearance
If you prefer:
- Manmade materials
- Natural materials
- Consistent color
- Veins or speckles
- Integral sinks
- Textured feel
- Decorative edging
- Decorative backsplash
The best choice:
- Natural quartz, laminate, solid surface, stainless steel, concrete
- Natural quartz, stone, tile, wood
- Natural quartz, plastic laminate, solid surface, stainless steel
- Natural quartz, stone
- Natural quartz, solid surface, stainless steel, concrete
- Natural quartz, tile, concrete
- All
- All
Needs
If you need to:
- Slice, dice, chop
- Roll dough
- Set down hot items
- Spill without staining - without sealants
- Perform little or no Maintenance
The best choice:
- Natural quartz, stone, wood
- Natural quartz, stone, stainless steel
- Natural quartz, stone, tile, stainless steel, concrete
- Natural quartz, solid surface, quartz, stainless steel
- Natural quartz, solid surface, laminate, stainless steel
Other considerations when making your decision
- Lifestyle
- Budget
- Durability
- Space Utilization
- Storage
- Textures
- Colors
- Mix Materials
- Difficulty of Installation
- Edge Treatment
- Backsplash Material
