Quality Features of Countertops – Stainless Steel, Concrete, and Tile

• Quality Features of Countertops
• Granite and Marble
• Solid Surface
• Quartz and Laminate
• Stainless Steel, Concrete, and Tile
• Wood and Exotic Woods
• Glass and Recycled Paper

Stainless Steel

A very durable and heat resistant material which is one of the reasons it is so prevalent in commercial applications. It is non porous but scratches easily and are fairly expensive to fabricate. Another metal finding its way into kitchen counter tops designs is copper. It is fabricated similar to stainless steel but takes on a patina over time that will darken the finish if measures are not taken initially to seal out the elements. This patina however is what many consumers attribute its beauty to.

Concrete

As the name implies the tops are cast from poured concrete with additives to help reduce cracking. Concrete is a very porous material so sealing the surface is critical. Acidic based food products can penetrate the sealer so any prolonged exposure to these food products should be avoided. Inlays of metal or glass as well as leaves embedded into the product before it dries adds personal and unique touches to the finished product. Concrete is an expensive option but works well as an accent in many design schemes, however over time it will develop cracks and stains.

Tile

A fairly inexpensive choice for counter tops but not used as much today as in the past. It is fairly easy to install with the proper tools and many homeowners can tackle the task themselves but it does have some drawbacks, it chips easily and grout lines tend to get stained and dingy looking over time even if they are sealed. There are many colors and patterns to choose from which make it a very desirable back splash material