Susan Newberry Designs

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Kitchen Design - Choosing Countertops

So once your cabinets are chosen, your next step is to select your countertop.  I must warn you there are many choices out there.  There's something for every budget.  So how do you choose?  Today's blog will discuss seven of the top choices in countertops.

Granite: Granite is still America's top choice for countertops.  Granite is a natural stone and both durable and beautiful but it comes with high price ranging anywhere from $50 - $200 per square foot.  The disadvantage to granite is that it has to be sealed periodically but that is something that the homeowner can take care of herself. 

Granite

Quartz: Another popular choice is quartz.  Quartz is a manmade stone composed of quartz particles.. It is easy to care for and stain and acid resistant. Unlike granite, it is permanently sealed and can cost anywhere from $40 to $125 per square foot.

Silestone Quartz

Solid Surface: You may know it as Corian, but there are other brands as well. Solid Surfacing is manmade, and non-porous. Solid surface is solid all the way through making it possible to sand out any scratches and they come in an array of colors and patterns. The cost ranges between $40 - $100 per square foot.

Corian

Wood or Butcher Block: Wood is available in a wide range of colors and finishes and is easy to clean.  It can be sanded and resealed as often as needed. The cost ranges between $50 to $200 per square foot.

Houzz

Ceramic Tile:  Ceramic tile is durable and easy to clean.  However, grout can become stained and bacteria is easy to set in.  It costs anywhere from $20-$100 per square foot installed.

http://www.houzz.com/photos/2097273/Bathtub-and-Tile-Refinishing-traditional-kitchen-countertops-san-francisco
Houzz

Concrete: Concrete is mixed with pigments and poured into molds right in your kitchen. It's extremely strong, heat and scratch resistant and porous.   The cost ranges from $75 to $200 per square foot.

Houzz

Laminate: Laminate is the a great choice when budget is a big concern.  Today's laminates are not like laminates of the past. They come in  a wide range of colors and patterns and are easily maintained. They cost anywhere from $10 to $20 per square foot.

Laminate

So whatever your budget and whatever look you want in your kitchen, you are sure to find it.  For us we've decided to go with quartz.  It looks good and is easily maintained and a little bit cheaper than granite!

Next time I'll unveil our choices!

Thanks for stopping by...

Until next time,