Countertops and the type of stone for countertops are essential for not only the appearance, but also for the performance.
Granite is one of the oldest and most durable stones to choose for the kitchen countertop in your home. Granite has become a popular choice for today's luxury homes, because of its beauty, elegance and performance. Since granite is a porous stone, it can be prone to stains and harboring germs, therefore, it needs a protective sealant. This sealant is applied to the stone in the fabrication process. Another thing to consider is that granite is also on the expensive side; however, you get what you pay for, as granite is resistant to heat and almost as solid as a diamond. You don’t have to worry about setting hot pots and pans on its surface, or breaking or scratching it. The color range for granite countertops ranges from black, beige, red, green, and blue, and the natural waviness and array of pigments can be quite magnificent. When choosing granite, remember it is not easy to install as it comes in large slabs. Neptune Construction cuts the slabs and fabricates the edge detail to custom fit your design and your kitchen cabinetry.
Another interesting choice for your countertop is Concrete. Concrete countertops are also heat and scratch resistant like granite and come at a high price tag like granite. Concrete comes in unique shapes and can be color tinted to fit your taste and style. What you may want to consider is concrete can crack, is not easy to install, and is porous.
If you want to go a more natural route than concrete, Butcher Block is a more suitable choice for your countertop. Butcher block is the most common wood countertop used. Butcher block may not sound warm and inviting due to its name, but the use of wood, such as maple and oak can give you a better idea of the material used. Butcher block has a couple of downfalls that are important to know such as being ruined by stains and water over the span of time. If the butcher block gets scratches, it needs to be sealed and possibly oiled. Using that sharp knife to chop those veggies won’t be a problem on butcher block, for it is a suitable and convenient for that use. Knife marks can be taken care of by oil, which needs to be done periodically. And butcher block is eco-friendly as well as a lower cost choice averaging $40-$150 per square foot - better for your pocket than some other materials.
Quartz has the best of both worlds. Not only is quartz practically an indestructible material, it also provides a natural look and finish. I am happy to report that quartz is non-porous; therefore, spills and stains cannot interfere with the beauty that quartz has to offer. I also want to point out the fact that quartz is hygienic and germs don’t like to live there. Quartz, not only has a consistency in color, but it can also be worked in a decorative cut; however; do not use an abrasive cleaner to clean quartz surfaces, but a mild one with warm water, as it will loose its shine. You will pay approximately $75 - $350 per square foot with quartz.
Corian countertops are essentially the most popular brand of solid surface countertops. Corian is an engineered stone countertop under the brand name of Zodiac. Corian comes in a variety of color choices. Corian is synthetic so it’s easy to clean, but it is not heat resistant and not practical for hot items or for cutting. Unlike granite and quartz, since corian is easy to clean, abrasive cleaners are okay to use. Corian countertops also scratch easily and can be prone to dents. If what you are looking for is the appearance, then corian is okay, but if you cook and use the countertops frequently, corian is like a show piece. Corian can be sculpted into any shape making it a good choice for contemporary kitchens. It is considered hygienic and sleek looking with exquisite colors to choose from but it comes at a hefty price tag,
When all is said and done, Formica, a laminate countertop, is more affordable and easier to install than most any other countertop surface material mentioned. However, it is not the real deal, as it’s a replicate of natural stone such as granite. Color! Color! Color! The color range is across the board with Formica, ranging from black, white, metallic colors and a variety of shades that spice up your area of installation. Again, if you are looking for durability such as granite, you will not find it with Formica. Formica is also not easy to clean and is easy to scratch, scuff and mark. In general, laminate countertops are not heat resistant, so you will leave permanent burn marks if you place something hot on Formica countertops - and who wants to be burned? With a price tag ranging $7-$20 per square foot, this is much lower than most any price tag as far as laminate countertops go.
We are positive that any of these surfaces would fit your needs better then the old grouted tile you are working so hard at trying to maintain. Neptune will be happy to send one of our project managers to measure your countertop and provide you with a free estimate for replacing it with one of these fine materials .
