When choosing the right countertop material for your kitchen, bathroom or bar area, you have a wide variety of options. And a wide variety of price points! Learn about the options and their costs, both the initial investment and the lifetime value; It will be a worthwhile effort. In this article, we’ll outline the various options and show you how granite can be a high-value option, without the high price tag.
Laminate Countertops
Let’s start with the laminate. Laminate countertops are your basic, low-cost countertops. Typically made from a plastic laminate material glued to a hardboard surface, laminate countertops offer a seemingly limitless variety of color and pattern options. Today’s laminate can even mimic the look of natural stone with photographic renderings of granite and edges that are similar in style to those seen on natural stone countertops. But because laminate is the lowest-priced countertop option, it does have its limitations. Laminate is easily damaged and not easily repaired. Knives and other sharp objects can scratch or pierce the laminate, and the heat from hot pans and dishes can burn or bubble its surface. Since laminate is like veneer, there is no room to buff out damage. Laminate countertops won’t last a lifetime either. You should expect to have to replace the laminate within 10 to 15 years.
solid surface countertops
Next we have synthetic solid surface countertops. The best known solid surface countertop product is Corian. Solid surface countertops are made primarily of plastic with flecks of glass, plastic, and other materials to provide color and pattern variations. While solid surface countertops don’t look like natural stone, they do provide a seamless look. Because solid surface countertops can be custom built to almost any size and specification, long or oddly shaped countertop areas can be covered with a solid piece. Solid surface countertops are scratch and burn resistant and can be repaired if damaged. Many people believe that solid surface countertops are a “step below” granite from an aesthetic perspective, and therefore their price may surprise you. Solid Surface Countertop Prices; starting at about $40 per linear foot; it is actually taller than many styles of granite!
quartz countertops
Somewhere between natural stone and synthetic countertops is engineered stone or quartz countertops. DuPont Zodiaq countertops are a popular choice of quartz countertops and are available in stunning color and pattern variations. Quartz countertops are made up of ground quartz that is mixed with dyes, synthetics, and other materials to form a unique, natural look not found in solid surface countertops. However, quartz countertops are expensive. With a price starting at around $45 per linear foot, it also commands a higher price than some granites.
Recycled glass countertops
A new countertop option that is gaining in popularity is recycled glass countertops. For homeowners choosing to ‘go green,’ recycled glass countertops don’t just look good, they feel good! Recycled glass is exactly what its name implies. Used glass of all types and colors is broken and ground, and combined with bonding and coloring agents to form unique colors and patterns. But because there are only a few manufacturers of recycled glass countertops; and the product is in high demand – the price is high.
granite countertops
And finally, we have our personal favorite: granite countertops. The elegance of granite is second to none. Walk into a kitchen with granite countertops and you’ll notice immediately. Because granite is a natural stone, its color variations and random patterns are unmatched by any man-made material or process. Buying granite is also fun. To choose the right granite for your home, you can visit quarries and showrooms that have large slabs to view. By viewing the granite slab as a whole, you can see broad patterns and variations that are not visible in small samples. Granite is very durable and resistant to stains, scratches or burns. Granite can be repaired in some cases, unless the damage is deep or completely cracked. Granite is also a solid value. Considered a luxury item by most, granite countertops will add resale value to your home. And what most people don’t realize is that this “luxury item” can actually cost less than other seemingly less expensive materials.
save on granite
Save On Granite offers 10 of the most popular granite styles for just $35 per square foot installed. Of the countertops mentioned above, when it comes to price, granite countertops come second only to laminate. How is that of value?
So after doing your homework, visiting a few showrooms or quarries, and talking to others about their experiences, consider granite countertops for your kitchen, bathroom, or bar remodel. You will be glad you did!