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The choices can be
confusing –there’s so much available in kitchen counters. From natural
stone like granite and marble to synthetics such as Formica, Ceramic
tiles, Corian, CaesarStone - even environmentally damaging products like wood. So
what should you choose, and why?
Ideally, most people (naturally) want to coordinate their kitchen
counter top to the decor and color theme in their kitchen. In addition
to that, they’re probably looking at aesthetic appeal and cost. And
would normally like to get a durable surface with suitable edges, that
is easy to use and clean, has a smooth surface, is heat resistant,
water resistant, chemical resistant, won’t scratch, stain, chip or
crack, and last, but not least, is easily repaired . Taking each option
available on the market today, we can take a look to see if it meets the
criteria vital to the ideal counter top for your kitchen.
Formica
Counter Tops
A thin layer of plastic
joined to a particleboard or wood – that’s what forms a laminate like
Formica. It comes in attractive colors and designs, simulating materials
like granite, is relatively inexpensive and fairly durable with edging
options. Easy to clean, and smooth in surface it is also stain
resistant.
It meets seven of the fifteen criteria identified, but is that good
enough? Few people find Formica aesthetically pleasing. Moreover, hot
objects placed on it melt the surface, and wetting and flooding damage
its surface beyond repair. Cleaning materials you use in the kitchen
damage Formica, making it dull and scratched. Knives scratch the
surface. Remember, you cannot repair it. Additionally, Formica warps and
fades with prolonged use.
Ceramic
Tiles Counter Tops
Ceramic tiles, joined by
grouting tiles together come in an array of designs and colors. Some
homeowners find them attractive, and they are durable, stain, water and
heat resistant and practically scratch proof. Repairable, with a little
difficulty, they’re attractively priced, though more expensive than
laminates,
They need frequent cleaning, though, because grouting easily gathers
dirt, a situation not desirable in a kitchen. Cleaning grouting
frequently is not only time-consuming, but can be very tiresome.
Additionally, ceramic tiles are prone to chipping and cracking.
Ceramic tile counters fare well on most counts, but its major drawback
–that of maintenance –makes it an impractical solution for kitchen use.
Corian
Counter Tops
Corian is made using
acrylic and or polyester plastic. It comes in many colors and designs,
including granite look-alikes, and is available in a matte or glossy
finish. It is water resistant, does not usually stain and is easy to
clean. Unaffected by chemical use in cleaning agents, it is repairable.
However, Corian is not heat resistant. Placing hot pans on it damages
the surface beyond repair. It is expensive, and scratches easily, though
the scratches can be removed through repair. Additionally, being
manmade, Corian is not eco-friendly. But most of all, Corian is not
aesthetically appealing to the discerning consumer. Corian is
essentially synthetic, and its finish cannot match the timbre and
antiquity of natural stone. Its not that its cost effective, either.
Corian meets some of the criteria of a good counter top, but its lack of
resistance to heat and scratching, and its synthetic finish do not offer
value for money to a cost conscious consumer.
Wood Counter
Tops
Wood counter tops, made
using strips of thick wood joined together, are durable with care,
attractive and functional, especially if you chop a lot. They are easy
to clean as well and you can remove scratches by sandpapering.
However, wood counters do not offer much scope in color or design and
need a lot of care. Compared to other counters, they do not last as
long. They are neither heat nor water resistant and scratch easily.
Additionally, their edges warp over time and need treatment. Wood is not
environmentally friendly either.
It is expensive, too. The question facing consumers is, is it worth the
extra care with all its drawbacks at this cost?
Granite
Counter Tops
A natural stone of immense
beauty, granite is available in many colors and finishing styles, from
polished to matte and textured. It is strong, very durable, easy to use
and clean and does not attract dirt. Heat, water and chemical resistant,
granite does not stain or scratch. One of the hardest materials in
existence, it does not usually chip or crack, but is replaceable in the
event of a mishap.
Granite is expensive, but offers many benefits in a high usage area like
a kitchen. Additionally, its aesthetic appeal is unmatched by any other
alternative.
Marble
Counter Tops
Marble is also
aesthetically appealing and hygienic, but can stain and scratch more
easily. It is not as hard as granite and therefore not as durable and
does not react well with chemical cleaning agents.
Considering the facts at hand, granite provides the best option for a
kitchen counter top. The cost of granite is an investment, which more
than pays off over the decades, in terms of ease, convenience,
cleanliness, low maintenance cost, durability and aesthetics.
CaesarStone Quartz Surfaces
Comprised of 93% natural quartz,
CaesarStone Quartz
Surfaces and
Countertops
offer the ultimate combination of form and function, allowing for a more
diverse, durable, and practical countertop surfacing material than
either granite or marble. With its stain, scratch, and heat-resistant
properties, CaesarStone is the ideal choice for care-free countertops.
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what area and mines are being harvested at any time will determine the
color and products that you may have available to you in Costa Mesa.
