Check Out These Hot New Trends (& Old Favorites) in Kitchen Countertops
While Granite continues to lead the market as the number one choice for kitchen countertops with its natural beauty and high-polished elegance, it is expensive and can prove cost-prohibitive to some kitchen remodel budgets. If you have been considering a kitchen remodel – the second leading renovation project that consistently receives the most return-on-investment (psst… deck additions are # 1) – there are less expensive materials that can be used for your kitchen surfaces to create a dramatic look without breaking the bank. Here are just a few options to consider:
1) “Man-Made” Polymer Materials – Also known as solid surface countertops, the most popular manufacturer is perhaps DuPont for their Corian line. Corian offers a wide variety of colors, styles, and edges to choose from – anything from classic and understated, to quiet sophistication and beauty, to thoroughly modern and in your face bold. Their new Terra Collection offers the look of stone in an array of earthy neutrals. A word of caution, no matter which color you choose – always have trivets and cutting boards on hand, as Corian is not scratch-or-scorch resistant.
2) Silestone Quartz – Containing 100% natural quartz – Silestone provides that natural stone look you crave, but in a wide variety of daring colors so you can really find the look that will fit with your taste and decor. Best of all, Silestone is scratch-stain-and- scorch resistant AND it is considered earth-friendly (certified by the Greenguard Environmental Institute). Wait, it gets better… Silestone has developed a product that offers antimicrobial protection. Even DuPont has recently gotten in on the act with its Zodiaq line of quartz surfaces. Quartz is definitely the “one to watch” as its popularity grows.
3) Granite Tile – A far less expensive alternative to slab granite, homeowners may choose to use modular granite or granite tile to achieve a similar feel without killing their budget. The cost savings come from the relative ease of manufacturing and shipping tile as opposed to finding a piece of granite large enough and flawless enough to be custom cut and shipped to your home. While you may have to contend with the fact that you won’t have a smooth, seamless surface – you can still achieve a very beautiful and natural look to your new kitchen countertops.
4) Ceramic Tile – You can create a pretty, natural look in your kitchen and pay virtually pennies on the dollar to what you would pay for a granite slab with ceramic tile. Also offered in a wide variety of colors, sizes and styles – a touch of painted tiles in your backsplash can help incorporate a little bit of your own personality into the room. Just remember, ceramic can crack so be careful when putting dishes away in high cabinets.
5) Laminates – Perhaps the least expensive alternative in countertop materials, laminates made by manufacturers like Wilsonart and Formica have come a LOOOOOOOOONG way, baby. Constantly reinventing themselves, laminate manufacturers offer homeowners the LOOK of granite at a fraction of the cost. They also offer solid colors, patterns, even wood grains. Unfortunately, some laminates continue to be plagued by issues such as scratches, scorching, peeling/warping and fading over time. If you choose to go with a laminate, keep in mind that it may not last forever.
6) Polished Concrete – More of a hot new trend than a less expensive alternative, concrete that has been poured, tinted and polished to fit your kitchen is a really cool look in modern kitchens that bears mentioning. It is heat and scratch resistant, but will need to be sealed regularly in order to resist staining.
7) Marble – An oldie but goodie, marble has been used in kitchens practically since the dawn of man. Adding an air of traditional sophistication, there are a few drawbacks to keep in mind. While it is less expensive in comparison, marble is also less durable than granite. It is a softer, more porous stone – making it susceptible to stains, scratches and even cracks.
The choices don’t end there! You also have stainless steel, wood and other natural stones such as limestone and slate to choose from. Do your homework to learn the benefits and drawbacks to each before deciding which route is best for your family. Once you do, contact the talented team of designers and builders at Highlight Home Restoration to help you install your new countertops. We can even help you redesign your entire kitchen to suit the needs of your growing family, if need be. If you need help in deciding which countertops are best for you, Highlight Home Restoration can do that, too! We understand that this is no small decision – there’s a reason they call the kitchen the “heart of the home!” While we truly love working with granite and most other natural materials, our customers come first and we will do our level best to design a beautiful kitchen that meets both your needs and budget, while exceeding your expectations. Call Highlight Home Restoration TODAY at 678-873-9234, e-mail us at info@highlighthomesga.com, or fill out our helpful online contact form. We look forward to helping you make your kitchen one of the many “highlights” of your home!
