There aren’t many aspects to a kitchen or bathroom remodel that offer more pizzazz than new countertops. The sleek, fresh look of new slab countertops are an alluring look that makes you itch to start baking cookies and throwing parties with friends. But with so many options and price points, shopping for new countertops that provide you with the look you want at a cost that fits the budget can prove to be a difficult task. Below we take a look at some of the most popular options, their pricing and features.
Laminate Countertops
Laminate countertops have been around for decades, and these days come in so many designs, that it will make your head spin. Generally, laminate tops are constructed with a layer of laminated plastic or vinyl, glued to solid core like plywood or MDF. The are some appealing aspects with this type of countertop. With the vast array of options available, you are sure to find the perfect idea for your kitchen or bathroom. And you can’t beat the price point. You can have a nice laminate countertop, installed by a professional, for $30 / square foot. Sure you can spend more, but a very affordable option none the less. It’s important to note, however, a couple drawbacks to laminate countertops. In general, potential homeowners don’t view laminate tops as a high end upgrade to a newly remodeled space. In addition, laminate tops are not as durable as some of the other surfaces that we will discuss later. They are prone to chip, scratch or even burn when hot items are placed directly on them. Let’s move on to some other options.
Stone Slab Countertops
In this category you will find options such as marble, granite, soap stone and others. There are many pros to this type of countertop, as well as a few noteworthy things to keep in mind while shopping. One of the features that we love above natural stone, is its uniqueness. No two pieces of rock are the same, and your kitchen or bathroom becomes a work of art because of it. Also, in general with solid stone surfaces, seams in the pieces of stone that combine to make your top are invisible or at the very least very hard to detect. Recently there are some fantastic edge and surface finishes to consider as well, such as honed granite, leathered granite or waterfall edge. However, all these bells and whistles come at a cost! Natural stone countertops start at around $60 / square foot installed, and only go up from there. In addition, it’s important to remember that natural stone is not as durable as it might sound. Marble for instance can be easily scratched or stained, and all natural stones require regular sealing to maintain its look and stain resistance. Let’s take a look at one more option, which is our favorite category.
Composite and Quartz Countertops
These types of countertops share some similarities. They are man-made, and are manufactured to look like or be similiar in appearance to real stone. Composite countertops, sometimes called solid surface, are made from fine stone dust and synthetic materials. They are durable and offer an attractive price point starting at around $40 / square foot, including installation. Some good examples are Corian and Avonite. Quartz countertops offer a few advantages that only recently became available. Quartz is a combination of ground up mineral quartz and resin that binds it together. The result is a highly durable, very natural looking countertop slab, at very attractive price points. Quartz pricing starts at around $50 / square foot installed, and comes in a hundreds of amazing looks and designs. It is by far our favorite, and most recommended product. A beautiful example can be seen in the featured image in this post.
Well, there you have it. An overview of a few of the most common countertop surfaces. There are other options of course, such as concrete, tile or slate. But hopefully this information will arm you with enough knowledge to begin planning that kitchen remodel. Don’t forget to invite us over for your first party!