SOLID WOOD
Characteristics
- Adds lots of warmth to a kitchen; goes well with other very contemporary materials.
Pros
- Decorative.
- Usually maple, but available in a variety of richer woods too, like cherry, oak, mahogany or walnut.
- Low maintenance.
Cons
- Because it's varnished, this kind of counter definitely does not double as a cutting board.
- Vulnerable to knife cuts and heat.
Cost
$75 to $100/sq. ft.
STAINLESS STEEL
Characteristics
- Gives kitchen a contemporary look.
Pros
- Durable, heat-resistant and, because there are no joints, hygienic.
- Buffing takes care of most problems.
Cons
- Can be scratched or scored, but such marks are a little less visible on sanded or matte finishes. A drop of water or a fingerprint shows instantly.
Cost
$120 /sq. ft.
CONCRETE
Characteristics
- Provides the increasingly sought-after industrial look; especially popular for lofts.
-Grey or brownish, but it can also be personalized with colours, imbedded objects or etched designs.
Pros
- Heat-resistant and very durable. Extremely customizable, as form is poured on-site.
Cons
- Requires a coat of sealer.
Cost
$80 to $90/sq. ft.
BUTCHER BLOCK
Characteristics
- Very popular for preparing and cutting food.
- Made with hardwood (maple, oak or wild cherry).
Pros
- Perfect for work surfaces; like one big cutting board.
- Knife marks can easily be eliminated with sanding.
Cons
- Average resistance to wear and heat.
- Should not be installed close to surfaces exposed to water.
- For protection and to prevent drying out, should be treated regularly with mineral oil.
- Varnish should not be used.
Cost
About $75 to $100/sq. ft.
MARBLE
Characteristics
- Highly resistant; makes for a very elegant-looking kitchen.
Pros
- Pleasant to the touch. Very heat-resistant.
Cons
- Can scratch or stain.
- As a natural stone, it is porous and requires regular resealing (twice a year).
Cost
$90 /sq. ft.
Twitter
Facebook
Youtube
RSS
4 Comments
I have a arborite counter top, that have some burn marks on it and I would like to give it a facelift, (am renting my apartment) is there anything that I can do my name Jeannie Palladino user name giopalli giopalli2325@yahoo.ca
I was just speaking to the paint associate in Home Depot about painting laminate counter tops. He did so in his own home to make it appear like granite. He had to re-paint an area once after placing a hot pot on it. He told me it looked genuine and otherwise held up well through the 4 yrs. he continued to live there. Here's what he told me to do: You would need-- -a sand block -paint brush -sponge -1 qt/L of clear sealer -a quart/litre of primer -1 qt/L of high gloss for base coat -1 pot each of 3 other coordinating colours -1 pot of glaze. This comes in qt/L and gallons. Since you will need to mix glaze:paint in a 4:1 ratio, calculate what you'll need. Thoroughly clean the laminate, Lightly sand it. Prime it and let dry. Apply base coat and let dry. Sponge on first faux glaze. Repeat for other 2. When all is dry, coat with a clear sealer. Voila...faux granite!
I recommend that you should buy <a href="http://www.cornerstonehd.com/prefab-granite" rel="external nofollow">prefab granite</a> because it has quality, it has the strongest tab and it will last long. I used it at home. :)
Nowadays solid surface countertops become very popular, so I think those and quartz are the best options http://www.livingstonesurfaces.com