Whether you are remodeling your kitchen completely or just updating some features, the countertop is one thing that will make a big differences if changed with new.There are lots of options on the market for kitchen countertops. Our list of top picks gives the pros and cons of the top 10 choices so that you can make an educated choice when you remodel your kitchen.

1. Granite Counters

Granite is the countertop material of choice when there are no other things to think about - like money. It defines elegance in a kitchen. As the use of granite becomes more widespread, the price comes down. The beauty of the stone contributes to the beauty of even the most modest kitchen.
Pros: holds up to heat; comes in a range of almost 3000 colors; looks permanent and substantial; will last a lifetime; new sealers are almost maintenance-free; 2nd highest hardness rating after diamonds; has a high value to home buyers.
Cons: expensive, but becoming more affordable; requires some maintenance; some stones absorbs stains if not sealed; knives can become dull if you cut on it; can crack if stressed or improperly installed.

Call Solution People Inc. at 215-750-2694 for a quote on a beautiful granite countertop for your new kitchen.

Granite Colors

    

    

    

    

    

    

Granite Counter Edge profiles

   

   

   

2. Engineered Stone

Engineered stone is composed of 93% quartz particles. It is available in a larger range of colors than granite and has a nonporous surface that resists scratches. It's easy to maintain, without the annual sealing required by natural stone. Some brands on the market include DuPont Zodiaq®, LG Viatera®, Cambria Quartz, and Silestone®.
Pros: Resistant to stain and acid; easy care.
Cons: Expensive.

3. Solid Surface

Because solid surface counters are just what they're called, solid, any scratches can be sanded out. The countertops are custom-made to your specifications by companies such as Avonite, Corian, and Swanstone.

Pros: comes in a rainbow of colors and patterns; seamless; stain resistant.
Cons vulnerable to hot pans and stains which can damage the surface; can be moderately expensive.

4. Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tile is durable and easy to clean. Add to that inexpensive and you've got a really good choice for countertops for the average home. Because it's installed a section at a time, it can be done by most resourceful homeowners.

Pros: takes hot pans; easy to clean; wide range of price, color, texture and design.
Cons: counter surface is uneven; tiles can easily chip or crack; grout lines become stained; custom-designed tiles are very expensive.

5. Laminates

Laminate counters bear trademarks such as Formica, Nevamar, and Wilsonart. They're made of plastic-coated synthetics with a smooth surface that's easy to clean. The pieces are cut to size and finished on the ends.

Pros: you can buy laminates in lots of colors; easy to maintain; durable; inexpensive.
Cons: scratches and chips are almost impossible to repair; seams show; end finishing and front edge choices can be pricey.

6. Wood or Butcher Block

Wood countertops offer a beautiful warm look and are available in a wide range of colors and finishes. Hardwoods such as maple and oak are most often used as countertop woods.

Pros: easy to clean; smooth; can be sanded and resealed as needed.
Cons: can be damaged by water and stains over time; scratches must be oiled or sealed according to manufacturer's instructions.

7. Stainless Steel Counters

For a really contemporary and industrial look for your kitchen, stainless steel is a good choice. They are heat resistant and durable. Because they're constructed to your specifications, you can have a seamless countertop.

Pros: takes hot pans; easy to clean.
Cons: Expensive; noisy; may dent; fabrication is expensive; you can't cut on it.

8. Soapstone Counters

Soapstone is generally dark gray in color and has a smooth feel. It is often seen in historic homes but is also used in modern homes as both a countertop and sink material.
Pros: rich, deep color; smooth feel; somewhat stain resistant.
Cons: requires regular maintenance with applications of mineral oil; may crack and darken over time.

9. Marble

Because of it's extremely high price tag, marble is not often seen on the countertops of whole kitchens. To get the luxurious look, use it on an island or inset at a baking center. Marble requires constant maintenance, as it easily stains. Some new sealers retard staining.

Pros: waterproof; heatproof; beautiful.
Cons: expensive; porous; stains easily unless professionally sealed; can scratch; may need resealing periodically as per manufacturer.

10. Concrete Counters

If you have countertops in unusual shapes, concrete may be a good choice, as they're often cast right in your kitchen. The high price tag may be beyond most people's budget.

Pros: heat and scratch resistant; can be color-tinted; looks exotic and unusual; new treatments eliminate cracking; additives reduce porosity; new finishes are more decorative.
Cons: mid to high range on cost due to custom work; cracking is possible; can look somewhat industrial; porous but can be sealed.

5 Tips for a Beautiful Kitchen Backsplash
Tile is the perfect choice for a well designed Kitchen Backsplash

As the visual point of many modern kitchens, homeowners today are looking for unique ways to add stylish touches to their homes.  An ideal place to add a nice touch of design is the kitchen backsplash.

The kitchen is often a prime gathering area in many homes either while entertaining guests or just spending family time together while preparing a meal.  Due to the fact that the kitchen backsplash is positioned vertically right in the line of sight of most visitors to this area of a home, a nicely designed backsplash will liven up a kitchen and is a budget conscious way to spruce up and update one’s kitchen.

 The following five tips can be used by any homeowner to design and update their own kitchen:

1. Choose the right materials.

The most popular choice by far for kitchen backsplashes is porcelain or ceramic tile.  The last several years have seen a large increase in the variety of styles, colors, shapes, and designs that are offered by tile suppliers and they are readily available either online or at your local home center store.  Secondly, tile is very easy to clean and maintain with many off the shelf cleaning solutions thereby supporting tiles status as the most popular choice for kitchen backsplashes.

Aside from ceramic tile, there are other materials that also would make a nice choice for any kitchen backsplash design.  They are:

Glass Tile:

This material in either mosaic sizes or field tile sizes is always a good choice for the kitchen backsplash area of the home.  Glass tile is easy to clean and maintain and is a great way to add a bit of color to any kitchen.  The colors available with glass tile make a nice match with many of the popular countertop choices out there, especially with granite counters or any nice porcelain tile.

Natural Stone Tile

Travertine and tumbled stone in various sizes are gaining in popularity as backsplash material especially in the west and southwestern parts of the U.S..  The only downside in using natural stone as a kitchen backsplash is that this material is porous and must be sealed every 12 – 18 months to prevent any permanent staining.

Metal Tile

Metal tile can be installed as an entire backsplash in a modern or contemporary kitchen.  Or, metal decorative tiles look great as accent pieces in a ceramic tile or natural stone backsplash installation.

2.  Match Color to Decor in the Kitchen

When selecting a backsplash material, it is important for it to match the fixtures  in your kitchen such as the faucets and the lighting, though not the appliances.  Fixtures are generally more permanent items in a kitchen while appliances are more likely to change over time.

If planning an entire kitchen remodel, it is wise when choosing cabinets to again choose a neutral color because of the permanence of these items.  Good choices might be Ash, Birch, or Maple.  Color in the kitchen can be added as desired to floors, countertops, and of course, the backsplash.  Select one color as the “base” color then select one or two (no more) “accent” colors as complimentary components of your kitchen design.

3.  Think twice if choosing a porous tile or unglazed tile near sinks or cooktops

Food and grease will often splatter up and on the backsplash above a cooktop or near a sink, so choosing a porous or unglazed tile in these areas generally is not a wise choice.  In the example of natural stone, these tiles can be sealed during installation but if over time the homeowner forgets to go back and re-seal the material 12 – 18 months after the initial installation and re-seal the natural stone then permanent staining or discoloration can occur.  Take this in to careful consideration when evaluating any backsplash material choices.

4.  Choose a design pattern and material that fits in with your Kitchen’s theme.

In selecting tile as the backsplash material, one way, and the simplest way to proceed with such a project is to choose the same tile for your backsplash as you’ve chosen for your floor – just in a smaller size.  While this is easy and doesn’t require a lot of thought, where is the fun in this route?  In many kitchens today, a tile floor with a granite countertop and a complimentary backsplash material such as glass tile makes for the best-looking kitchen in the neighborhood.  Several design suggestions would include installing tile on a diagonal which is a nice touch for any kitchen backsplash.  Ceramic tile in Subway Tile sizes of 3” x 6” or 2” x 4” installed in the classic “staggered brick” pattern is always a favorite.  A cost effective idea to add a distinctive backsplash accent piece is to purchase mesh-mounted glass mosaic tile and cut it in to either 3” or 4” strips and use these strips as a liner to complement your tile.  Finally, with natural stone or any nice tile, use metal tile decorative pieces spaced every few tiles to “break up” a plain tile-only installation.

 

5.  Laminate Counter and Backsplash. Add under cabinet lighting for an extra sparkle to any tile  backsplash

Lighting can be an important element in emphasizing color and shades in a kitchen backsplash.  Recessed under-mount cabinet lighting can bring about different accents in the tile colors and can make for a stunning display in any kitchen.