countertops
Quartz - stronger than natural stone. Quartz isn’t totally immune to scuffs and stains, but it’s about as scratch- and stain-resistant as countertops get. As an engineered product, it’s nonporous, so coffee, citrus juice, cooking oil and other common kitchen ingredients won’t stain it. The resins and polymers used during the manufacturing process form strong bonds that aren’t easy to break.
Restaurant countertops often have disposal holes with bins positioned beneath them so scraps can be swept straight into the trash without having to open a cupboard or lift a lid with dirty hands — highly convenient if you have the counter space. It can even look neat and stylish, like this chunky one made of wood.
Plastic Laminate Kitchen Counters Although it's sometimes scoffed at by stone lovers, plastic laminate still has a serious fan base. The wide range of customizable edges and finishes means it can work in any design. At $8 to $20 per square foot installed, its affordable price makes it a winner for many. However, it's not the most durable of countertops, so it may not be best for heavy-duty cooks.
Recycled Glass and Cement Kitchen Counters. Although it's expensive ($100 to $160 per square foot installed), this unique combination of glass and cement is a surefire way to add character to your kitchen.
Marble Kitchen Counters Marble is known more for the patina it develops with use than for its durability. It's a softer stone than granite, and can scratch and stain easily; the cost typically ranges from $70 to $100 per square foot installed.
Concrete Kitchen Counters Pigments, stains and dyes can create concrete counters with color and visual texture. With the right sealer, a concrete counter can be well worth its cost — at least $100 to $150 per square foot installed.
Wood Kitchen Counters high-quality wood with the right kind of sealer can make for a beautiful, warm and long-lasting countertop. The price varies substantially depending on the type of wood you choose, but butcher block counters tend to range from $30 to $85 per square foot, for materials only.
Recycled glass. These counters are very easy to clean. use a light Scotch-Brite sponge and soapy water, or Method all-purpose cleaner and a sponge or paper towel,” says the homeowner. “Nothing — including oil, coffee, juice, etc. — has stained these counters.”
Soapstone. Soapstone’s durability has made this material a top choice for hundreds of years. Its density makes it resistant to stains and bacteria, and it’s unaffected by heat. To clean it, simply wipe it down with mild soap and water. On the flip side, soapstone develops a darker patina over time and can scratch or chip. While some people feel this gives their countertops character, others prefer to sand soapstone regularly to keep it looking like new.
Caesarstone’s new Aterra Blanca style, shown here for the countertops and backsplash
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