One of the most contemplating decisions in interior design resides in choosing a countertop.  The decision may appear relatively simple, but the extreme variety of prices, surfaces, and options within each countertop style may surprise you.  Consider your budget along with the atmosphere you are trying to create in your kitchen.  Also, look for functionality, feel, and design.  Here is a brief summary that might help you cut through the clutter involved with looking for a new countertop.

Stone Countertops

The granite countertop is definitely today’s most popular countertop because of its durability and luxury. With granite, you have hundreds of colors, patterns, textures, and designs to choose from; no two slabs of granite are the same. Also, granite countertops are extremely easy to clean and if they are sealed twice a year, they will hold their shine for many years.

Another stone countertop that is gaining popularity is quartz. With quartz, you are limited to 40 to 60 colors, but this countertop has many of the same advantages as granite. For example, quartz is especially recognized for being a very hard and stain resistant surface. Other stone countertops include marble, onyx, slate, limestone and more.

METAL COUNTERTOPS

Although metal countertops are not mainstream, they are making their way into many kitchens across the country. One form of metal countertops is stainless steel. Stainless steel countertops resist heat, stains, and scratches quite well. The newest metal countertop out there is the copper countertop. This softer metal isn’t as durable as stainless steel, but some people prefer the unique rustic look that copper offers. Copper countertops will gather scratches, browning, and plenty of fingerprints overtime, but this is all part of the copper look.

LAMINATE

If you are looking for affordability and simplicity in your countertop, look no further than laminate. Inexpensive laminate countertops provide you with a variety of styles and you can install them on your own. Laminate is the chameleon of countertops as it can imitate the look of virtually any other countertop surface. Initially laminate countertops came with a lack of durability and an unfinished look, but their ability to replicate high quality surfaces has improved tremendously over time. Would you have guessed that the countertop shown to the left was laminate? Although laminate doesn’t provide superior durability and eminence, it will likely fool the naked eye. Since laminate is a relatively inexpensive option, it’s less painful on the wallet to replace it a few years down the line.

OTHERS

Corian countertops are a composite with acrylic polymer and alumina trihydrate. These popular surfaces are very solid and durable. Also, they can be custom configured for seamless fits.

Finally, you can even consider a concrete countertop.  Surprisingly, concrete provides many color and design options.  Also it can be poured into place to meet the dimensions and contours of any countertop.  Concrete is a cheaper surface than many others out there, but the increased amount of labor brings the price back up to the status quo.

At Cypress Homes, we want you to tell us how to build the home of your dreams.  If you have any questions, we are more than happy to help you along the way.  When it comes to countertops or other interior options, we have a professional interior designer in our office that is here for you.  Please feel free to stop by, give us a call at (920) 734-2324, or visit our website at www.callcypresshomes.com.

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