When choosing the right material for your kitchen, bathroom, or bar area countertop, you have a wide variety of options. And a wide variety of price points! Learn about the options and their costs, both the initial investment and the lifetime value; it will be a worthwhile effort. In this article, we’ll outline the various options and show you how granite can be a high-value option, without the high price tag.
Laminate Countertops
Let’s start with the laminate. Laminate countertops are your basic, low-cost countertops. Typically made from a plastic laminate material glued to a hardboard surface, laminate countertops offer a seemingly limitless variety of color and pattern options. Today’s laminate can even mimic the look of natural stone with photo renderings of granite and edges that are similar in style to those seen on natural stone countertops. But because laminate is the lowest-priced countertop option, it does have its limitations. Laminate is easily damaged and not easily repaired. Knives and other sharp objects can scratch or puncture the laminate, and the heat from hot pans and plates can burn or bubble its surface. Since the laminate is like a veneer, there is no room to polish away the damage. Laminate countertops won’t last a lifetime either. You should expect to have to replace the laminate within 10-15 years.
solid surface countertops
Next we have synthetic solid surface countertops. The best known solid surface countertop product is Corian. Solid surface countertops are comprised primarily of plastic with flecks of glass, plastic, and other materials to provide color and pattern variations. While solid surface countertops don’t look like natural stone, they do provide a seamless appearance. Because solid surface countertops can be custom made to almost any size and specification, long or oddly shaped countertop areas can be covered with a solid piece. Solid surface countertops are resistant to scratches and burns, and can be repaired if damaged. Many people believe that solid surface countertops are a “step down” from granite from an aesthetic perspective, and therefore their price may surprise you. Solid Surface Countertops Prices; starting at around $40 per linear foot; it is actually taller than many styles of granite!
quartz countertops
Somewhere between natural stone and synthetic countertops is engineered stone or quartz countertops. DuPont’s Zodiaq countertops are a popular quartz countertop choice and are available in stunning color and pattern variations. Quartz countertops are composed of ground quartz that is mixed with dyes, synthetics, and other materials to form a unique, natural look not found in solid surface countertops. However, quartz countertops are expensive. Priced starting at around $45 per linear foot, it is also priced higher than some granites.
recycled glass countertops
A new countertop option that is gaining popularity is recycled glass countertops. For homeowners choosing to ‘go green’, recycled glass countertops don’t just look good, they feel good! Recycled glass is exactly what its name suggests. Used glass of all types and colors is broken and ground, and combined with bonding and coloring agents to form unique colors and patterns. But because there are only a few manufacturers of recycled glass countertops; and the product is in great demand – the price is high.
granite countertops
And finally, we have our personal favorite: granite countertops. The elegance of granite is second to none. Step into a kitchen with granite countertops and you’ll know it right away. Because granite is a natural stone, its random color variations and patterns are unmatched by any man-made material or process. Buying granite is also fun. To choose the right granite for your home, you can visit quarries and showrooms that have large slabs to view. When viewing the granite slab as a whole, you can see broad patterns and variations that are not visible in small samples. Granite is highly durable and resistant to staining, scratching or burning. Granite can be repaired in some cases, unless the damage is deep or completely cracked. Granite is also a solid value. Considered a luxury item by most, granite countertops will add resale value to your home. And what most people don’t realize is that this “luxury item” can actually cost less than other materials that seem less expensive.
save on granite
Save On Granite offers 10 of the most popular granite styles for just $35 per square foot installed. Of the countertops mentioned above, when it comes to price, granite countertops come second only to laminate. How is that of value?
So after doing your homework, visiting a few showrooms or quarries, and talking to others about your experiences, consider granite countertops for your kitchen, bathroom, or bar remodel. You will be glad you did!