Countertops can be found in various forms, starting from a sleek stainless steel look, to colorful surfaces. Prices of the countertops also vary, depending on the texture, pattern, shape, color of the seems. Heavy counter tops, can be fixed to the kitchen with the help of fixatives, whereas others can be fixed with the help of screws.
The type of counter tops, you want to choose, will depend on its durability, maintenance, longevity and of course on your budget. Concrete counter tops have been found in the kitchen ever since the olden days. It is hardy and solid and it is porous in nature, so that it can absorb stains easily.
The only difficulty, is when you want to remove the countertop, you have to demolish the whole of it. Natural stones, like granites, need to be seemed to avoid stain and damage. Marble on the other hand is less stain resistant and porous. So any sort of acidic food can damage it easily.
Engineered stones are made by the mixture of quartz, rocks, and pebbles and so on. Although the look of the stone is the same as real stone, it is ore durable and it also has resistivity to heat. It serves the two fold purpose of using it as a work surface as well as eating.
It is more expensive that a stone but it has various color options. If you want a sleek, modern, unique look to your countertop, then you should go for stainless steel. It is easily maintained, rust proof and it is also stain resistant. Stainless steel countertops match well with wooden furniture and it also gives a shiny look to the kitchen.
Wooden countertops made of various types of woods like teak, mahogany, maple, cherry, gives a warm feeling to our kitchen. The only disadvantage of a wooden countertop is that you have to maintain it regularly with mineral oil treatments. Moreover placing extra hot cooking utensil on the wooden counter top is not very advisable.
The cheapest of all is the laminate countertop which is available in various colors and designs. Although it is cheap, it is neither durable, nor scratch free nor heat resistant. Ceramic tiles are another economical option, although you have to maintain it regularly to protect it from getting damaged from stains. Installing these tiles is also very difficult.
