Best Materials For Your Kitchens’ Countertops

Countertops are in your kitchen for their functionality, but it doesn't mean that they can't be beautiful. Indeed, it is the addition of countertops along with beautiful cabinets that make your kitchen attractive. It stands to reason why you would deliberate on different materials, considering their looks and functionality. Sure, a countertop contractor will help you make a choice, but the final decision lies with you, so you need to make your choice with careful deliberation.

How To Choose The Best Material For My Kitchen Countertops?

When looking for countertop material, you have to understand that there are things other than affordability and fame. These factors will set the theme and style for your kitchen, so you need to be careful.

According to countertop contractors, these are the things you need to consider when choosing the suitable material for the countertop:

• How does it look?
• Is it durable?
• What is the material’s lifespan?
• Does it complement’s your kitchen’s design?
• Does it complement the cabinets and woodwork?
• What type of style and look do you want for your kitchen? Depending on that, what kind of hues do you need to set?
• Is it fire resistant?
• What is its texture?
• Is it aesthetically appealing?
• Does it have any other features like ease of integration of other elements?
• Can it be molded to include kitchen necessities like sink etc.?
• Does it add any value to your home?
• Can you afford it?

List Of Materials For Kitchen Countertops:

Granite:

Are you a fan of dramatic looks and styles? Well, granite countertops will give you a perfectly dramatic yet elegant look in your kitchen. Although a bit expensive, they don't require much maintenance and have an apparent effect on the resale values of your property.

Granite countertops are perhaps the best option for your kitchen. Not only do they look beautiful, but they also add an element of safety as they are fire-resistant. Additionally, they are hard to scratch, so you will be able to look at those new countertops for a long time. You can get this material in different patterns and colors.

Pros:

• Natural material
• Will always be in style
• Heat resistant
• Scratch resistant
• Low maintenance required
• Higher resale value

Cons:

• Expensive
• If sealing is not done correctly, it can be stained permanently.
• It has to be sealed from time to time to maintain its surface.

Price:

Prices start from $25 and go upwards of $1000 per square.

Lifespan:

They can last for more than a whopping 100 years with proper maintenance. This estimate doesn't consider the gunk and grime that might settle in between gaps.

Engineered Stone:

To be specific, the quartz countertops. This is a much better material than granite, as it lasts for much longer than the other and is more durable. Due to this, quartz countertops have become popular in recent years.

Quartz is perhaps the best choice out of all the other materials, as it has a long list of advantages over others. It is manufactured so that you can get different colors and patterns. Additionally, it has every characteristic you would want from a countertop: heat resistant, scratch resistant, non-porous qualities, to name a few. In conclusion, you would rarely find a better material than quartz.

Pros:

• Non-porous
• Heat resistant
• Scratch resistant
• Stain resistant
• Affordable
• No sealing required
• What you see is what you get (the product will be the same as the sample)

Cons:

• Colors and designs can look a bit artificial or fake

Price:

Starting from $50 to $75 and upwards per square depending on the quality

Lifespan:

You will get a 10 year warranty on them; however, they last for much more, more than granite to be exact.

Marble:

Marble is another excellent choice for kitchen countertops. Most of its characteristics are similar to the granite countertops. It is an elegant, beautiful, and smooth feeling material and resistant to flames. It gives off a luxurious vibe in your kitchen; hence it is an expensive choice.

Marble countertops come in various colors and patterns. However, they are easy to stain and scratch. Consequently, some people do not choose this option for their kitchen. Nevertheless, beauty has always remained the most desirable factor in this material.

Pros:

• Beautiful
• Classic
• Natural material
• Fire resistant
• Cool to touch
• Adds the resale value

Cons:

• Heavy
• Requires high maintenance
• Needs to be sealed regularly
• Not scratch or stain resistant. Although stains can be removed.

Price:

Starts from $40 to $200 and upwards.

Lifespan:

A whopping 100 years.

Ceramic Tile:

Ceramic tiles are not just for walls and floors; they can also be used for countertops. You can recycle an old countertop by laying tiles on it, all by yourself!

Ceramic tiles come in many colors and designs. However, there is a need for significant grouting. More importantly, they crack, so you have to be careful.

Pros:

• Heat resistant
• Moisture resistant
• durable

Cons:

• Tiles can be scratched
• Chipping
• Uneven surface
• Stained grouting

Price:

Starts from $1 to $15 per square

Lifespan:

Anywhere from 50 to 100 years

Soapstone:

Are you tired of easily stained countertop surfaces? Soapstone is the solution to your problem. It's not just their non-porous quality that makes them a preferable choice; it is the fact that they are bacteria resistant. Some bacteria will still be there no matter how much you disinfect the surfaces. Soapstone does not let them develop on its surface, so it has a distinct advantage over others.

Soapstone comes in various shade of grey but will darken over time.

Pros:

• Bacteria resistant
• Stain resistant
• Low maintenance required
• Non-porous
• Durable
• Does not require sealing
• Scratches can be buffed with mineral oil

Cons:

• Bit fragile
• You can’t cut any objects on it
• Avoid putting heavy objects

Price:

$70 to $120 per square without installation chahrges

Lifespan:

20 years and more depending on your use

Glass:

Surprisingly, glass is another material that can be used for countertops. The translucent beauty gives off a luxurious look that it is hard to emulate with any other material. Another surprising fact about glass countertops is that they come in various colors, patterns, and designs. However, the installation is a bit expensive, so you can use the glass as an addition instead of the entire look if you are strapped for cash.

Pros:

• Heat resistant
• Non-absorbent
• Stains can be easily removed
• Comes in different colors and patterns
• Durable

Cons:

• Fragile
• Cracks due to heavy objects or blunt force

Price:

$90 and upwards for material, with additional rates for the installation process

Lifespan:

It lasts for more than 50 years with careful use

Laminates:

Laminate is another commonly used material for kitchen countertops. It is a plastic-coated surface that can be made to resemble anything, even granite, so you get a wide variety of colors and textures. It is an affordable choice for those who want quick kitchen remodeling.

Pros:

• Easy maintenance
• Easy installation
• A large variety of colors and designs

Cons:

• Susceptible to water damage
• Difficult to repair
• Shorter lifespan

Price:

$20 to $60 per square

Lifespan:

15 years if you don’t abuse them

Wood:

Contrary to popular belief, wooden countertops are a perfectly safe addition to your kitchen. You can get a variety of colors and textures with these materials. For example, you can either opt for a rustic look with a natural and unfinished surface, or you can opt for classic vibes with finished wood.

Treated woods can adapt the necessary characteristics like durability, strength, etc. however;, through sealing, you can make it heat-resistant and scratch-resistant. But no matter how eye-catching it is, it requires maintenance much more than any other material.

Pros:

• A natural, rustic feel
• Gives a homey vibe
• Recyclable
• Complements many styles

Cons:

• Require heavy maintenance
• Easily damaged
• Needs to be oiled and sanded to erase the wear and tear

Price:

Starting from $60 to $100 per square. The price will increase if you want textures or colorful stains.

Lifespan:

60 years with care, 20 years if you are Hannibal and use the countertop as a cutting board!

How To Find The Best Countertop Contractors Near Me:

Follow the following steps to find the best countertop contractors in your area.

• Ask for recommendations from people you know. Keep in mind that the only viable options are those companies whose services have been availed before by your friends or contacts.
• Limit your search to the local area. You can find many reliable ones in the immediate distance.
• Don't be stingy. Sometimes, contractors who demand high amounts have their service quality to back them up. But that does not mean you need to agree to unreasonable amounts. The same thing applies to materials. The higher the quality of the countertop surface is, the more expensive it will be.
• Hire those contractors who have many years of experience. The more working experience they have, the better their service will be.
• Search for the lists of best countertop contractors near me. You will find a lot of them online. Make sure your location is on when you are doing that. You can also input your location in the search tab.
• Ask for their qualifications. You have the right to ask this, and reliable contractors and companies will be more than happy to provide you with their certifications.
• Ask them if they know the basic safety procedures implemented in your region.
• Ask for their insurance policy. Negotiate who will be paying compensation for any property damage.
• Get quotes from different countertop contractors and material providers. Compare all the estimates, and hire the contractor who will be most suitable for your wallet.

They are also powerful, and fairly affordable in comparison to popular materials such as quartz or granite. But besides their obvious benefits, there are a couple of negatives to bathroom and kitchen countertops made from concrete. Let's take a close look at concrete countertops' pros and cons.

Concrete Countertops: Experts
Particular Beauty
A significant benefit of concrete countertops is their beauty, uniqueness, and contemporary flair. Concrete may be attractively shaped, colored, and textured in an almost endless number of ways. Adding decorative elements or key features (for example, a built-in drainboard) will really personalize the appearance.

Based on the precise dimensions and layout of your countertops, you can attain a smooth seamless concrete coating.

Concrete countertops are easy to clean as long as they have been installed and sealed correctly. Warm, soapy water is the best way to wash up. For heavier cleaning, follow the instructions from your contractor or utilize a pH cleaner that will not damage the sealant.

Concrete Countertops: Disadvantages
Setup Issues
Before starting, you need to ensure your base cabinets are sturdy enough to support the weight of a concrete slab. If you decide to have concrete countertops poured in place, you will need to manage a mess. The choice is ordering countertops to be precast offsite and transported to your house, but especially thick or long countertops will be awkward and heavy to move.

Non-structural hairline fractures happen in almost all poured-in-place concrete countertops. Expert installation by a trusted concrete contractor will minimize those cracks, but cannot stop them altogether. Normally, the cracks are barely noticeable; some homeowners feel they improve the expression of the counters. Proper care and maintenance of your concrete countertops can help prevent hairline cracking.

Placing scalding hot pots or pans straight onto concrete countertops could damage the surface along with the sealant. Instead, maintain a trivet handy to protect your countertops. To avoid the issue completely, some homeowners have chosen to include built-in trivets for their concrete counters. Not only is it a practical alternative, but in addition, it adds a handsome customized appearance to the countertops.

Spills have to be consumed promptly, particularly if they're oily or acidic such as vinegar, lemon juice, red wine, etc.. Even exposure of only a couple moments is capable of causing a blot on some concrete countertops. Protect your countertops with a concrete sealer and reseal every 1-3 years.

Although concrete resists scratches due to normal wear and tear, cutting with a sharp knife right on the bare countertop isn't recommended. Knives can cut through the sealant and make weak spots. Much like trivets, cutting boards can also be installed directly into the countertop for a blend of design and functionality.

Wondering why there is a section called"Concrete Countertops: Pros AND Cons"? Ironically, a few concrete countertops' best advantages sometimes become important disadvantages.

Durability
Concrete is among the most durable of all building materials -- the foundation of our houses and roads. When you put in concrete countertops, you won't need to be concerned about replacing them for decades. But if in a few years you decide you don't care for the design or just need a new look, eliminating concrete isn't straightforward. It requires a group of several skilled people to uninstall the countertops without damaging the cabinets beneath. You are left with the issue of recycling or disposing of the cement.

Styling Options
From color to glow to stunning finishes, the design possibilities are endless using granite countertops. You can employ a concrete specialist to replicate the appearance of marble or granite or incorporate modest chips of glass, colored stone, or seashells, terrazzo-style. In addition, it is possible to create almost any shape you can dream of for the counters and their borders. The downside? While plain concrete countertops are less expensive than many other materials, the more elaborate your layout, the higher the cost

How to Find the Best Countertop Contractors in Walnut Creek

Kitchen Countertop contractors in Walnut Creek is a work surface for the kitchen or other food preparation, for the lavatories, bathroom and another kind of workrooms in general. The top part is the work area while the bottom portion can be used as a cabinet for the accessories and other materials in the area. They are built with different materials and may have built-in appliances to fit the area.   

Kitchen countertops companies in Walnut Creek may include a detachable countertops surface to support structures. They are typically designed as well to fit for reaching other objects at the back of the counter. The surface and edges can be decorated with plain to a very elaborate design. They are also often designed with the sink, cooktops, ranges and or other cooking materials to fit every single corner of its design.

Laboratory countertops are used in the field of science by doing experiments and other science projects. The design of its countertop depends on how its purpose should work for a particular lab like a chemical lab, microbiology lab, food and science lab, biology lab and other labs. It should have the characteristics of being strong, water or chemical resistant, durable and able to resist acids and high temperature for doing experiments. 

What kinds of materials are used for countertops contractors in Walnut Creek?

Depending on the uses and purpose of the countertop, the materials needed are:

• Natural stones like granite, marble, limestone or slate
• Silicate materials like quartz and travertine
• Wood like hardwood or softwood
• Crafted glass
• Laminates like soft-edge or wood-edge laminates
• Tiles
• Concrete materials
• Solid surface materials
• There are a lot of materials uses for creating the countertop design for a certain purpose. It will determine how it should work for a period and how it was built.
• How to find the best countertop contractors?

It would be easy to decide on how to find the best countertop contractors in Walnut Creek when these categories are considered:

Ask for recommendation – a recommendation from a friend or family whom countertops are in great shape. This will help the client be at ease for the contractors when it is recommended by someone close to clients.

Compare different contractor – this will help the client decide who has the best offer in the market

Ask for estimation – the client should lay their budget and design to contractors so that both agree on how the countertop should be.

Look for credentials and permits – the contractor should comply with the necessary licenses for their business. It will determine that the contractor follows the regulations of their field.

Ask for the warranty – they should at least offer a guarantee to the project if specific problems exist within a period from its installation.

When the client has determined the necessary factors for categorizing the best countertop contractors, it will help them decide to choose the best contractor with the best offers in the market. If the client has trusted the company to build for them the project, at least checking with the above feature will also assure them that the project is done with high-quality and assurance.