Choosing the Best Countertop Material
Posted by | Posted in Home Based Business | Posted on 28-09-2009
It is said that the kitchen is one of the most important parts of the house. Its not simply a cooking area but a social space where the people congregate to entertain friends and family. If a survey would be conducted to see what part of a house people like the most, the kitchen would definitely be among the top in the list. Its no wonder then why people take great lengths to make sure that they have a kitchen that suites their taste. Since this is a place where they spend most of their time, every detail is not to be missed.
Kitchen countertops are therefore no exception. Since it is one of the core elements of a kitchen, one should therefore be prudent in choosing the right material. There are various countertop materials available. One could choose from formica, ceramic tiles, corian, granite or marble, each material having its on advantages. However, a growing number of home owners and interior decorators are choosing granite and marble as their countertop material.
Experts have considered Formica as a brand of laminated countertop that is often chosen because it could be cleaned and maintained easily. However, it is not resistant to heat and very hot objects would likely damage the surface. Aesthetically, they dont look quite as good or as elegant compared to granite and marble countertops. Ceramic tiles on the other hand have also been widely used especially in old apartments. Though it is durable and stain resistant, it is quite tedious to maintain because the grouts easily gather dirt. Corian on the other hand is made of acrylic or polyester plastic.
The wide variety of colors which it provides makes it a popular option among home-owners. However, it can be scorched by flame and be burnt by hot pans and pans. Moreover, since it is a synthetic material there is a good chance that its appearance will fade through use. Thus, even though corian has been used to simulate the appearance of granite, wear and tear would eventually take its toll.
Granite and marble however easily outmatch the advantages of formica, ceramic tiles and corian. Because it is a natural stone, granite kitchen countertops is designed to resist heat and wear and tear. Not only is it strong and durable, it is aesthetically pleasing as well. Its wide variety of patterns, textures and colors could easily satisfy a home owners taste. Moreover, granite gives the kitchen an elegance that is unmatched by any other material. Thus it is no wonder that granite and marble is gaining recognition as the best countertop material.

























