Kitchen Countertops: Choosing Which Option Is Right For Your Kitchen Cabinet Countertop

By Author: Gary Nealon
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Choosing a countertop for your kitchen cabinets can be overwhelming. Depending on your taste and budget, kitchen countertops can be a very expensive investment. Laminate countertops that have been the industry kitchen cabinets standard for decades, but now there are a wide variety of solid core, stone and butcher block countertops to choose from.

Let's talk about Laminate Countertops. This is by far your least expensive option. The typical laminate countertops for kitchen cabinets now are up to 400% more durable than they were just ten years ago. They are more resistant to scratching scuffing and burning. They also come in a huge variety of colors, textures and patterns and finishes. The drawback to laminate is that they CAN be affected by excess heat, say from a pot, and the edges will be exposed. If you are looking for a clean look and durability, laminate countertops will not be your best choice.

Let's talk about finishes. There are three main types of finishes. Gloss, semi-gloss or satin and textured.

Gloss finish is very shiny. It can mimic with great success, stone like polished ...
... granite and marble on your kitchen cabinets. It is, though more durable than in the past, the finish that is most prone to scratching and scuffing. It also can show wipe marks more often. So, using this finish above your kitchen cabinets in front of a window or strong light is not usually a good idea. Using a light color will help hide wipe marks. This is a finish you would prefer in an area where your kitchen cabinets get the least amount of use. Using counter protectors on your kitchen cabinets is a good idea with this finish.

Semi-gloss or satin finishes on your countertops are more durable and easier to keep clean because they don't show wipe marks as easily and are more resistant to scratching and scuffing. This finish is the most popular for today's kitchen cabinets. Expect to get many years of service out of a laminate counter with this finish on you kitchen cabinets countertops..

Textured finishes on your countertops can add a lot of interest, but are harder to clean if the texture is very deep. In a deep texture, dirt and grime can settle into the bottom of the grooves, wrinkles or patterns and be a nuisance to clean. Another problem in high use areas is the tendency to wear on the high spots of the texture. This finish on your kitchen cabinets countertops works best in a low light, warm setting like bars and game rooms.

Let's move on to Solid Surface Countertops. Solid core or solid surface countertops are used mainly where you want to eliminate any visible seams in your. They are as durable or more durable than laminate kitchen cabinets countertops but lack the obvious seam line that laminate kitchen cabinets counters inherently have. Sinks and drop levels can be incorporated into one visibly seamless kitchen cabinets countertop. They can also be repaired. This is because the color and pattern goes all the way through the surface. Expect to pay more for this kitchen cabinets countertop material.

Wooden kitchen cabinets countertops, or butcher block tops, are obviously not as durable as other materials. While they are not as durable, they actually get better looking as they get older. As scratches and wear begin to take their toll, butcher block counters become more interesting and warm feeling. They are re-finishable and can last for many years. We recommend still using a cutting board for slicing meat and vegetables, since it is much easier to scrub the bacteria out of a cutting board than out of your kitchen cabinets counter. Be fore-warned, there will be some upkeep with butcher block kitchen countertops. Follow the manufacturers recommendations on care. This material goes well with country or rustic lodge style kitchens.

Another option for your kitchen cabinet countertops would be tile. The options for tiles are endless.... from ceramic, to porcelein, to marble, each one will offer it's unique properties and challenges. While this is a cost effective solution when looking for a countertop for your kitchen cabinets, it also presents some of the biggest maintenance issues. Ceramic tiles will tend to crack if something hits them or if they are not laid properly. You also have to worry about grout lines, which need to be sealed and cleaned properly, since they will have a tendency to accumulate dirt and debris. It also makes it harder to wipe down your kitchen cabinet countertops.

Stone kitchen cabinets countertops usually are you most expensive but most durable. Nothing says wealth and class like stone or marble on your kitchen cabinets. The most important aspect of stone is the installation and finishing. Choose a contractor with lots of experience and a excellent reputation.

Once of the newest trends in kitchen cabinet countertops is concrete. Concrete kitchen countertops provide the durability of solid surface or stone countertops, a wide variety of stains and finishes, and a more attractive price than stone. It can also be poured in unique designs to match the flow of your kitchen cabinets. With concrete kitchen countertops, it is important to find a contractor who has poured and installed them before, since the concrete will crack if not installed properly.

With so many choices for kitchen cabinet countertops, you can really make your kitchen a one of a kind centerpiece for your home.