The countertop is one of the hardest working surfaces in the home. So how do you know which direction to turn when it’ time for a replacement? With so many choices on the market, it can be hard for folks to know what’s right for their family, their lifestyle and their budget. So let’s look at a few popular options and hopefully shed some light on the issue.
One of the most popular options in tops is granite. Once an option for only the highest end kitchens, over the years granite has become much more affordable. With prices ranging from $50 per square foot to $80 per square foot on average (up to $200 or more for the more unique options) it’s easy to find something beautiful at the right price. A few things to keep in mind… your final granite project is only as good as the people who fabricate it! There are a lot of folks out there who think just because they have a wet saw, they can fabricate a top. Remember the old adage, you get what you pay for. Be sure of who you are hiring to handle one of the most important and expensive parts of your kitchen remodel. As for the material itself, granite does need to be sealed periodically. Darker, more uniform colors may only need to be sealed once every few years. Lighter colors are more fragile and porous and will need more regular sealing. I like to tell my clients, when you change the batteries on your smoke alarm go ahead and seal your stone, you can’t hurt it.
The next product I’d like to look at is engineered stone, or quartz. This combination of natural and man-made materials is one of the most durable countertops available. Made by combining natural stone and acrylic, quartz takes on the look of granite but keep the stain resistant properties of acrylic and never needs to be sealed. These tops are also the best choice for heat resistance with many being able to withstand up to 700 degrees. There are many brands to choose from including Cambria, Silestone, Zodiaq, Caesarstone and Viatera. The best reason to choose one over the other comes down to style and what each has available in terms of color, pattern and finish.
Another increasingly popular option is concrete. Although I obviously love concrete… it’s what we do… concrete is not for everyone. Priced from around $80 to $100 per square foot, contrary to popular belief concrete, is not an inexpensive option as it takes by far the highest degree of labor hours and skill to do it right. One of the best properties of concrete is it’s flexibility. The options for color, shape and edge style are virtually limitless. We are able to infuse basically any color into the top itself. We can then stain or dye the finished material to create a one of a kind work of art for your countertop… a singular expression of your own personal style. We often use recycled glass aggregate or multi- colored stones in the mix, grinding on the surface to reveal the materials within. And contrary to popular belief, concrete is often used in a traditional setting not just in urban lofts. When done right, concrete is durable, crack resistant, stain resistant and heat resistant. Unfortunately concrete has gotten a bad rap because there are so many well-intentioned people out there who just do not understand the complex chemistry and physics required to make a proper concrete top. We have spent years perfecting our formulas to be the best in tensile and compressive strength and stain resistance. Again, the vision and experience of your concrete artisan are the most important factors in your decision to use concrete.
And the last choice I want to look at here is solid surface. Commonly referred to as Corian (actually a specific brand name) solid surface refers to tops that are made of 100% acrylic material. Ranging in price from $35-$80 per square foot, this is your most economical choice in countertops. The biggest benefit of solid surface is it’s stain resistance. These tops are completely impervious to stains and are rated to be used on operating room tables! And with seams that are virtually invisible, they make for a very sterile countertop option. One of the drawbacks however is their lack oh heat and scratch resistance. Acrylic by its nature is a very soft material. And since the main ingredient in acrylic is a white material, when it is scratched, the scratch will read as white. These scratches can easily be buffed out with a scotchbrite pad and some softscrub, but if you opt for a dark colored top, be prepared to be buffing out scratches on a fairly regular basis. Along with Corian, you will find brands such as Formica, Wilsonart, and LG Hi-Macs to name a few. And although I may sound like a broken record, the best way to the best top is to choose the best fabricator!
We here at kitchensETC have forged strong, long lasting relationship with the best fabricators in Richmond so you know you’re getting a top that will be installed properly, in a timely fashion and with proper coordination. So shop with confidence and let us handle all the details of your new countertop installation.
