How to Determine What Countertop is Right for You

The counter space in a home easily become some of the most frequently used surface area. Meals are prepared on it, groceries are sorted on it, school projects and homework are complete on. In general, as the kitchen can be a hub for the home, the counters can serve the many needs of every family member. Given their importance and often, frequent usage, time should be taken when considering what to have installed in a new home, or what to replace existing counters with in your current home. When considering what type of countertop to purchase for your home, the following comparisons and pointers should be kept in mind when deciding.

Seams Versus No Seams

Many homeowners seek out granite tops for their counters under the assumption they are the best to have. While it is true that granite and other stone-based counters are very popular and have many fine merits, one issue that they and other counter materials have is the necessity for seams with grout. Solid surface countertops are chemically bonded to existing structures and do not create the myriad of seems and nooks where bacteria can accumulate. They also lack in visible that require grout and the maintenance needed for such. When selecting a countertop, for many people, solid surface countertops offer the same durability of granite and stone without the added cost or maintenance required.

Detailed Edging or Standard

Not all countertops can be detailed or customized to the levels some homeowners desire. Most granite and stone-based countertops have a set selection of edging options, which are typically only the choices of angular or rounded. Solid surface tops, which are fully tailored made for each kitchen, can also be detailed with flourishes along the edges in just about anyway a customer may desire.

Ease of Cleaning

Not all countertops are created equal when it comes to how easy they are to clean and keep up their appearance. The ideal material for counters is one that is nonporous and solid. The reason being is that such materials are not only resistant to stains and easier to clean, they are also more hygienic in terms of being able to sanitize them. Granite, for example, is a porous material, which means it can potential be strained with used and harbor bacteria, even after being wiped down. To maintain granite and other stone-based countertops, the entire surface has to be re-sealed and grouted on a regular basis, whereas solid surface countertops require no such additional maintenance.