Have you ever wanted the sleek, smooth countertops that permeate your favorite kitchen shows? Have you ever dreamed of getting a bright countertop to make your workspace appear larger? Or have you ever yearned for a countertop with enough marble to rival an Italian museum?
Come to think of it, what are countertops for? And what are the countertops made of?
Countertops generally refer to the horizontal surface that covers kitchen countertops, as well as other areas where food is prepared. Countertops also refer to any worktop as they are installed on top of any surface and usually sit on the bottom of cabinets.
Countertops can be made from a wide variety of materials. The selection of countertops depends on the cost of the material, its appearance, its durability and strength, and the ease with which it can be worked and installed.
Some common materials for making countertops include the following.
o Polished and rolled granite, or other natural softened stones: These are generally cheaper than most other materials, as they are readily available and easy to work with. However, they are more difficult to replace once they are chipped or damaged.
o Marble – Marble countertops are expensive, but if skillfully crafted and maintained, they can last a long time. Depending on its color and vein patterns, marble countertops can also make a room look elegant.
o Wood – Although not often used, wood can add a homey feel to a room. However, it is not recommended to permanently install wood on kitchen counters as it can harbor bacteria, especially if it is used constantly as a butcher block.
o Stainless Steel – Most modern kitchens, especially restaurant kitchens, employ this durable material as it is easy to clean and maintain. Stainless steel also resists most cracks and scratches. Stainless steel is also strong enough to stand on its own and won’t require cabinets to support it. However, this material also easily takes on the temperature of its surroundings, so children should be kept away from it, especially if the stainless steel worktop is part of a cooking system.
o Plastic – An inexpensive alternative to expensive stone and steel, some countertops can be made of plastic, especially if the work to be done on them will not involve cutting or slicing.
o Formica: This mica-derived material is perhaps the most widely used in home kitchens, as it is relatively inexpensive, durable, and can resist scratches.
o Synthetic Stone – Some countertops may be made from stone and resin blends. A strong variety of this material consists of a plastic substrate enclosing quartz crystals.
o Laminates – Another form of countertops include plastic laminates. These are produced by gluing a thin sheet of laminate onto durable materials such as fiberboard or concrete.
o Tile – Another common countertop material is the ever-reliable tile. However, tiles can collect mold and mildew and can be difficult to clean.
Countertops are built based on their end use. Kitchen countertops, in particular, are shaped in such a way that they have a backsplash or raised edge that will prevent spills from falling into the cabinets. The faces of the countertops can also be decorated, from minimalist and simple to elaborate, depending on the wishes of the user.
Whether you’re looking for the “homey” feel of wood or the elegant sheen of marble, choose a countertop that suits your needs, and isn’t just an eye-catcher. After all, you can be inspired to work harder and better if your room looks nice, and discouraged if the surface you’re working on is more of a hindrance than a welcome sight.