Replacing Your Kitchen Counter

With a new countertop, your kitchen can look and work better. As a home owner, you have a variety of materials to choose from. Also, installation time depends on the material you choose, heavier materials like granite will take longer. Adjustments may need to be made, like if your cabinets are unleveled or if you have unplumbed walls.Countertops that are fabricated during the process may take 2+ days, because the sealing and finishing need time to set.

Here is a look at four materials that are popular among home owners:

Wood/Butcher Block

Natural, and long lasting, wood countertops are the ideal surface for cutting your favorite sensual meats, vegetables and other foods--so regular cleanings are high on the totem pole for these tops if you use them for food prep.

Granite

This material is the most popular stone to conquer countertops. You do not need to worry about scratches, heat, and poor durability, because Granite withstands these, with its strong, heavy composition.

Laminate

Laminate is plastic-based, stain resistant, and a real chameleon- it can be manipulated to look like various materials, including Granite. It runs the gamut of colors, patterns, plus,edges can be shaped-- rolled or squared. Cleaning is easy, but watch out for heat--and try to keep your hot cookware away from Laminate. It is not heat resistant.

Tiles

Creative, and unique, tiles are a great choice if you want your kitchen to be one of a kind. Tiles are usually made from glazed ceramics, which makes them resistant soiling, scuffing and wetness.
Maintenance wise, tiles should be cleaned often to combat mildew.