Countertops
Written by No Doubt Marketing
What countertops a person has in their home can say a lot about them. There are so many materials that can be used as well as patterns and effects achieved that unless you have a favorite, choosing a one can be difficult. While there are many beautiful countertops made from any one of the various materials there are some that give a very distinctive look and yet others that are unique.
There are different price ranges and also pros and cons to any type of countertop you get so you have to look beyond the attractiveness of the countertop to get the best value for your money. For instance, granite is exceptionally beautiful but it must be installed with great precision or it can break. There is also a lot of buzz about granite emitting radon and radiation although it isn't thought to be much of a health threat right now. It is not only granite but also any material that has good and bad qualities.
In the kitchen, countertops are normally of value when preparing foods. That means they are vulnerable to cuts, heat, scratches and spills. There are some materials that can take one or more of these hazards better than others. In the bathroom the countertops are subjected to much less abuse. That does not mean they cannot be stained or damaged but there is much less of a chance. For that reason many people get different countertops for each room. Often people go with the more expensive and elegant in the bathroom and the less expensive and/or more durable in the kitchen.
Countertop installation will vary in cost and time depending on which material you choose. Some materials lend themselves to very easy and quick installation and others-not as much. Only you can determine what will work best for functionality and taste in your home. You obviously will want something that can satisfy both. Check the prices and installation charges of the many different materials that are used in countertops and make your decision from there. You are sure to find something that is both practical and stylish if you look. Some countertop installations are great do-it-yourself jobs and others are not. Granite is definitely not a task you want to take on. Leave that one for the professionals. Tiles or butcher block are more suited to do-it-yourself projects.
Materials for countertops are sold by the square foot so the more counter space you have the more you will have to pay for your countertop. This will be another determining factor in your choice, more than likely. Bathroom countertops are normally much smaller than kitchen countertops, which is another reason they normally get the more exotic makeovers.
