Countertops


 A.) Ceramic Tile
Glazed tile seems to be the number one countertop material used in the 80's and the 90's. Glazed tile can be used to decorate counters, back-splashes and walls. Tile is easy to keep clean and it can't be burned by hot pots and pans. Tile comes in many sizes, colors, patterns, designs, shapes and from all parts of the world. There are two kinds of finish tiles, the glazed and unglazed. Glazed tile can be matte or highly polished depending on your choice of look. Glazed tile are coated with a material that makes them water, spill and stain resistant. Unglazed tiles are not sealed and always have that matte natural look. Usually used only on walls. Well maintained tile should last a lifetime. But the grout joints must be resealed or re-grouted periodically.

B.) Natural Stone
Granite, marble and slate are the countertop material of the present decade. Granite being the most popular because of it's beauty, natural color and because it cannot be hurt by heat or moisture. And will not stain if sealed and finished properly. Marble is usually used in the bathrooms. Slate has the most natural look of he three. But is also the least used on countertops because it can be scratched easily and does not take a polish. Therefore it is used primarily on floors and bathroom walls and shower stalls.

C.) Plastic Laminate
Plastic laminate is usually the least expensive of countertop materials. Plastic laminate comes in hundreds of colors and patterns. It is a smooth easy to clean material. It scratches easily with knives and utensils. Hot pans will discolor and burn it. Laminate stands up well to everyday wear and tear if some care is used while working in your kitchen.

D.) Wood
The most common and beautiful wood used on kitchen countertops is butcher block. Butcher block is a hardwood laminated under pressure and sealed with mineral oil. Mineral oil is a finish that is called food safe. Wood countertops are beautiful but very hard to protect from scratches and standing water, and of course hot utensils, pots and pans.

E.) Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is used very often in a kitchen to give that professional, sophisticated look. And of course this surface can take most hot pans straight from the stove. It is easy to clean but can be noisy to work on.