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It's time to update your kitchen, and you've been dying to replace those drab old countertops. What are the most popular materials for countertops these days? How do you figure out what will work the best in your kitchen? With a little bit of information, you'll be able to make an educated choice. There are a handful of materials used for making countertops. Here's an idea of what you'll find: Granite - This expensive, yet popular countertop solution is quarried naturally, so every piece is unique. A durable surface, granite is resistant to chips, scratches and stains. Since it is porous, your granite countertop will require sealing at least once a year. Soapstone - Used for countertops by early New England settlers, soapstone is the durable material you may recognize from your science classroom. Soapstone is usually dark gray in color, and can darken over time, if treated with mineral oil. The oil will also protect your counter from stains. Soapstone is also heat-resistant, so hot pots and pans won't damage it. Wood - The natural beauty of wood countertops adds warmth and presence to any kitchen. The wood surface can be renewed by sanding, making it easy to repair. Usually made of hard rock maple or red oak, these counters can also be designed using a face grain, edge grain or end grain pattern. Wood countertops absorb food odors so they do need to be treated with mineral oil periodically. Laminate - These countertops are considerably lower in cost than most other options, and have come a long way since their humble beginnings. Now available in an array of colors and styles that look like their natural stone, metal and wood counterparts, laminate is a good solution when the budget will not allow higher-priced materials. Metal - Metal countertops have been around awhile, but have become fashionable again, especially in high-tech modern kitchens. Stainless steel is a beautiful and reflective material that resists stains and high temperatures, but can scratch, so make sure you use a cutting board. Copper adds a warm glow to your kitchen. Since it is pliable, copper can be bent in any shape, so you can choose whatever edge design you like. Zinc looks a little like stainless steel, but it does stain and dent fairly easily. If you love the aged and worn-in look, then a zinc countertop might work for you. Concrete - Concrete countertops are heavy, durable and heat-resistant. As concrete is porous, it needs to be sealed and then waxed to prevent stains. Using concrete for your countertop gives you a little more creative freedom, as you can choose the colors you would like and even inlay, shells, glass or objects to make it truly one-of-a-kind. Ceramic Tile - Easy to install, ceramic tiles are another countertop solution that allows the homeowner artistic license. With so many kinds of tile available, from porcelain to terra cotta, the possibilities are infinite. Just make sure you use glazed tiles -- they won't stain -- and remember to use a grout sealer. That will keep the grout from staining.
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