If you are lucky enough to buy a new home, and to have the interior design should consider carefully not only the design but also the materials used for cooking and, especially, countertops as these are usually one of the areas of greatest job in a kitchen.
There are many possibilities, from marble or granite (the most expensive) to wood or concrete for those who prefer not to spend much. Here are some tips to consider when deciding.
Before choosing a material for the countertop, we must ask ourselves what purpose we used it. Some kitchens combine a countertop where food is prepared with a bar where we eat. Other tops are simply surfaces where things are prepared. Others have to be large enough to keep tools.
There are many options for countertops on the market. Here are some of the materials used for countertops with their pros and cons:
Granite: It is the best choice if we do not care about money. It is elegant and its beauty helps even the most modest kitchen. Pros: It maintains the heat; it is in nice colors. Cons: Very expensive; it requires great care; absorbs dirt; it may crack; the range of available colors is limited.
Modified stone: This material composed of 93% quartz particles, it is available in a wider range of colors than granite, it has a non-porous surface that is scratch-resistant and requires little maintenance. Pros: Resistant to dirt and acids; easy care. Cons: Expensive.
Solid surface: it is solid and does not scratch. It usually buys to measurement. Pros: It is in multiple colors and patterns; seamless; dirt-resistant. Cons: Vulnerable to heat, which can damage the surface; it can be a bit expensive.
Ceramic tiles: These are long lasting and easy to clean and are not expensive, so are a good choice for an average household. Pros: Resists heat; easy to clean; wide range of prices, colors, textures and designs. Cons: Uneven surface; tiles can crack easily; the separation between tiles accumulates dirt; custom designs are very expensive.
Wood: It provides a warm look and available in numerous colors and finishes. It is the ideal complement to a rustic kitchen with wood cabinets. Pros: Easy to clean; soft; it can be sanded and repaired. Cons: It can damage the water and dirt over time.
Steel: It provides a contemporary and industrial look. It resists heat and it is durable. It can be customized as avoiding the joints. Pros: Resistant to heat; easy to clean. Cons: Expensive; noisy; it can be dent.
Marble: Less common due to its high price. It stains easily and requires continuous maintenance. Pros: Waterproof and heat resistant; it is beautiful. Cons: Expensive; porous; it stains easily unless it is sealed thoroughly; it can be crack.
Concrete It is a good choice if you want a countertop with unusual shapes, but its high price does not fit the budget of most people. Pros: Heat resistant; it can be tinted; exotic and unusual aspect; additives reduce porosity; the new finishes are more decorative. Cons: High price; it can crack; it may seem Industrial; it is porous, although it can be sealed.