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Considering a New Countertop?
By
Cassandra Wentworth
 Kitchen countertops have progressed
dramatically since the days of laminated surfaces. Chosen wisely, the right countertop combines style and purpose, creating a desirable impression on homeowners and visitors alike. Whether you
intend to use a supremely durable natural stone, a warm and inviting wood, or a brilliantly gleaming stainless steel, you’ll find hundreds of options to choose from. Yet, before you settle on that final kitchen countertop decision, you’ll need to consider how long you want to live with that counter, how much punishment you anticipate it will take, how tough it is to install, and how expensive it will turn out.
Professionals cost out countertops
either by lineal or square foot. The variables are a function of color, pattern, texture, edging, and sink type, among other considerations. A qualified designer can be of enormous help in choosing the countertop–you prefer.
Heavy countertops, like cement,
natural, and engineered stones, range in price from $16 per foot for some laminates, to $200 per square foot for specialty stones or stainless steel.
Stone:
Natural stone is usually sealed to resist damage and stains, and sells for anywhere from $50 to $100 per square foot installed. With granite, every slab is different, with random and inconsistent patterns. Marble is not as stain-resistant and is more porous than granite, so it
may be affected by acidic foods.
Engineered Stone:
Engineered stone is a man-made composite product mixed with quartz, polymers, epoxy and colored pebbles. It has a consistent pattern and more color options than natural stone. Designed to be
extremely hardwearing and able to resist heat and stains, engineered stone is as costly as granite, ranging from $50 to $100 per square foot.
Stainless Steel:
Stainless steel is sophisticated and very stylish. Stain resistant, it is the only surface that can be safely bleached. The latest versions include textured finishes that help to hide cratches. Welded stainless-steel sinks create an integrated look. Stainless steel runs anywhere from $100 to $200 per square foot.
Concrete:
Concrete is one of the more dynamic products to grace the kitchen. It boasts texture and detailing unlike any solid product. It is porous in nature, absorbs stains easily, and must be
sealed regularly. Concrete runs about $100 per square foot.
Wood:
Wood has a warm appeal. Maintenance is required, however, starting with regular mineral oil treatments, particularly near the sink, and extra caution with extremely hot cookware. Prices range from $50 to $100 per square foot.
Laminate:
Laminate countertops are economical and come in a host of colors and patterns, but they are not built to last. Laminate is not scratch or heat resistant, but it is stain resistant.
Ceramic Tile:
Ceramic tile remains a popular and economical option. It is scratch and heat resistant, but requires high maintenance, since the grout needs to be sealed regularly for optimal stain protection. Ceramic tile runs from $11 to $30 per square foot.
“People are looking for allnatural materials for their kitchens. At the same time, they want open kitchens that can function as the absolute center of the home. It’s the kitchen where
you’ll find the kids. It’s the place for the computer station. And homeowners want to spend
a lot on kitchen appliances, but before they do, they should ask themselves a lot of questions
first about the kind of appliances and floors and countertops they want. Then create a budget.
And prepare for sticker shock.”
Kathy Cvetkovich, Willowbrook Design
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Cover
Focus
With its Asian-influenced wall and window treatments, this
bathroom melds a contemporary and futuristic design comfort
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