Because kitchen tasks are so varied, no single countertop material perfectly meets every need. Marble?s cool-to-the-touch surface makes it ideal for rolling out pie dough. Butcher block is great for kneading bread. A ceramic tiled counter can handle a hot pan or pot. Glass countertops are impervious to water. With so many different kitchen tasks to consider and so many materials available, choosing the right countertop material for your kitchen can be challenging. This countertop material comparison may help.
Ceramic Tiling Offers Decorative Options
Affordable ceramic tiles have long-been a favorite countertop material, particularly in the West. They?re available in just about every conceivable shape, size and color, offering multiple decorative options. You can surface a countertop in a single color or create a multi-color pattern for a distinctive style.
Ceramic tiled countertops are resistant to moisture, stains and heat, and with a quality glaze, are resistant to scratches as well. Because they can be formed into virtually any shape, tiled countertops can be constructed with a slightly elevated, rounded rim, a handy feature in a busy kitchen.
The only real downside to tiled countertops is keeping the grout looking fresh and clean, but even that aspect is changing. Epoxy grout is becoming a favored alternative to traditional cement grout. Although it?s more expensive, epoxy grout offers greater resistance to stains.
Natural Stone Adds Organic Beauty to the Kitchen
Stone offers durability and high style. Granite is the strongest stone, but other stones like travertine, limestone and soapstone have all the strength that a countertop requires as well. Natural stone countertops come with a factory-applied sealant that keeps the material stain- and water-resistant. Sealants typically need to be reapplied every few years. Natural stone offers natural beauty. Each cut slab of rock has its own distinct coloring, veining and pattern. Although it?s the most expensive option for countertop materials, it?s hard to match stone
for style.
Affordable High-Pressure Laminate
At the other end of the price spectrum, high-pressure laminate is an inexpensive countertop material that offers customizable style as well. Made from layers of resin-saturated paper pressed together under extreme pressure, water- and stain-resistant laminate requires very little maintenance. Laminates are not scratch-resistant, however, and hot pans left unattended can scorch the material.
Self-edged laminate countertops are the least expensive but can leave an unsightly seam line. More expensive laminates are now available with attractive rounded and beveled edges. The big drawback to laminate countertops is that if the surface tears, it?s nearly impossible to repair it. The entire countertop usually must be replaced.
Solid-Surfacing Offers Versatility
Solid-surface countertops cost about the same as natural stone and are nearly as strong and durable. They are made from polyester, acrylic or an acrylic/polyester blend, making them impervious to water, stains and scratches. Although the material can be scorched, burn marks can be buffed out. Because they can be cut into any shape imaginable, solid-surface counters can include custom features like curved shapes, trivets and built-in drain boards. The downside to solid-surfacing is the price. Some people may not care for the material?s synthetic appearance.
Some countertop materials require a substantial financial investment. Some need regular maintenance. The best material will reflect how and what you cook as well as your budget. If your passion is baking, you may find that a marble countertop is worth the extra maintenance and expense. If you?re looking for a material that is not as expensive as natural stone but that offers a more upscale and natural look than laminate, ceramic tiled countertops may be the ideal choice.
DirectBuy can help you remodel your kitchen with beautiful tiles of all types. No matter what your style or your taste, the quality products at DirectBuy are affordable because you won?t be paying high marked up prices.
Tags: Direct Buy, DirectBuy, installing countertops, kitchen countertops, Kitchen Remodeling
Source: http://www.directhomediscount.com/blog/tile/how-does-tile-compare-to-other-countertop-materials/
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