Types of Kitchen Countertops
Kitchen countertops are the show piece in a kitchen. There is a countertop surface for all types of tastes and kitchen budgets. One important factor when deciding what countertop surface you want is to know how you plan to use them. Take into effect if you have kids, do you love to cook, is the kitchen a “flip” to sell. There are so many questions you can ask yourself when choosing the best kitchen countertop surface. Here a few kitchen countertop surfaces and the benefits they bring to a kitchen.
Granite is a natural stone, quite rough and textured, but when it is polished during the countertop manufacturing process it takes on a smooth surface with a rich luster. A granite countertop is resistant to scratches and damage from heat.
Marble is one of a kind in unsurpassed beauty. The stone has a rich spectrum of colors and veining which fits well with most design styles from classic to modern. Marble is a natural stone which offers outstanding durability when properly cared for and has excellent resistance to heat.
Quartz is one of the toughest countertop materials available. Quartz countertops differ from granite and marble countertops because quartz is an engineered product. The composition of quartz countertops is about 93% quartz and 7% binder and color. The hard surface of a quartz countertop is resistant to scratches.
Concrete countertops are one of the newest types of kitchen countertops which are quickly rising high on the rating of “loves” for kitchen design. Concrete countertops are mixed from newer blends of concrete with additives, which means they can be made thinner and therefore lighter, and yet maintain the strength needed for durability. Concrete countertops are usually framed and poured right in the kitchen. These popular countertops are very durable and will not easily chip.
Recycled glass countertops are 80-90% post-consumer glass from both commercial and domestic sources. Recycled glass countertops features pieces of glass held together with a cement binder. These kitchen countertops are popular with Eco-friendly consumers.
Butcher block countertops continue to be a popular choice in kitchens. Butcher block counters are excellent for food preparation and are sometimes used in conjunction with other surfaces such as quartz or granite. These countertops are crafted from woods differing in color. The wood is then brought together to form an attractive pattern. The wood is glued together, sanded and sealed to form a smooth countertop surface. These long lasting countertops do a good job of hiding cuts and scratches.
Laminate countertops remain a very popular option for many kitchens because they are affordable. These countertops contain a hard particle board core with layers of plastic laminate bonded over the top of it. For cleanup there’s nothing easier because the surface is solid and without pores.
Solid surface countertops are made from solid synthetic material. These are very hard, very durable countertops. Also know as Corian or Swanstone countertops, these are available in over 100 different colors as well as many patterns. The surface is solid, tough and non-porous, making them very easy to clean and maintain.
No matter the type of surface you want in your kitchen we have a countertop support bracket for your kitchen countertop. Supporting your countertop overhang is essential to supporting the weight of the countertop.
Years ago there was nothing but wood legs and corbels to help hold the weight, but today we offer a line of hidden countertop support brackets.
No wood corbels needed and this offers more leg room and no knocking of the knees when entering and exiting your kitchen bar.
Have questions on which bracket would work for your kitchen countertop surface just give us a call. We have years of countertop installation experience – so we know countertops and now hidden countertop supports are our specialty.