Feb 27 2009

Kitchen Countertop Ideas – Part II

Following our Kitchen Countertop Ideas list that was published last week here are more options:

Wood: Giving a beautiful and warm look, wood is available in a wide range of colors and finishes. While other woods are often seen, the most common are hardwoods such as maple and oak.
Pros: Easy to clean, smooth, can re-sand and re-seal should you have to.
Cons: All that re-sanding and re-smoothing! It stains and scratches easily, plus you’ve got to seal it according to the manufacturer.

Stainless steel – It screams industrial and contemporary! It’s resistant to heat and tres durable. Because they are often design to spec, you can even have a seamless countertop fitted.
Pros: It can take the heat and makes cleaning a breeze.
Cons: It can be pricey, it can be noisy, it can dent, and forget about cutting on it.

Marble – Because of its cost, marble is the luxury darling of countertops, that why you often see it used in one locale (like the kitchen island) as opposed to the whole kitchen itself.
Pros: It’s waterproof and can withstand great temperatures, it’s also beautiful!
Cons: It’s expensive, it’s porous and it requires much maintenance.

Syndecrete composite – Eco friendly! Made of recycled materials like plastic bottles!
Pros: You are viewed as Earth Mama supreme by all your friends!
Cons: While not hideous, there are prettier substances out there.