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The choices
can be confusing –there’s so much available in kitchen counters.
From natural stone like granite and marble to synthetics such as
Formica, Ceramic tiles, Corian - even environmentally damaging
products like wood. So what should you choose, and why?
Ideally, most people (naturally) want to coordinate their
kitchen counter top to the decor and color theme in their
kitchen. In addition to that, they’re probably looking at
aesthetic appeal and cost. And would normally like to get a
durable surface with suitable edges, that is easy to use and
clean, has a smooth surface, is heat resistant, water
resistant, chemical resistant, won’t scratch, stain, chip or
crack, and last, but not least, is easily repaired . Taking each
option available on the market today, we can take a look to see
if it meets the criteria vital to the ideal counter top for your
kitchen.
Formica
A thin
layer of plastic joined to a particleboard or wood – that’s what
forms a laminate like Formica. It comes in attractive colors and
designs, simulating materials like granite, is relatively
inexpensive and fairly durable with edging options. Easy to
clean, and smooth in surface it is also stain resistant.
It meets seven of the fifteen criteria identified, but is that
good enough? Few people find Formica aesthetically pleasing.
Moreover, hot objects placed on it melt the surface, and wetting
and flooding damage its surface beyond repair. Cleaning
materials you use in the kitchen damage Formica, making it dull
and scratched. Knives scratch the surface. Remember, you cannot
repair it. Additionally, Formica warps and fades with prolonged
use.
Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic
tiles, joined by grouting tiles together come in an array of
designs and colors. Some homeowners find them attractive, and
they are durable, stain, water and heat resistant and
practically scratch proof. Repairable, with a little difficulty,
they’re attractively priced, though more expensive than
laminates,
They need frequent cleaning, though, because grouting easily
gathers dirt, a situation not desirable in a kitchen. Cleaning
grouting frequently is not only time-consuming, but can be very
tiresome. Additionally, ceramic tiles are prone to chipping and
cracking.
Ceramic tile counters fare well on most counts, but its major
drawback –that of maintenance –makes it an impractical solution
for kitchen use.
Corian
Corian is
made using acrylic and or polyester plastic. It comes in many
colors and designs, including granite look-alikes, and is
available in a matte or glossy finish. It is water resistant,
does not usually stain and is easy to clean. Unaffected by
chemical use in cleaning agents, it is repairable.
However, Corian is not heat resistant. Placing hot pans on it
damages the surface beyond repair. It is expensive, and
scratches easily, though the scratches can be removed through
repair. Additionally, being manmade, Corian is not
eco-friendly. But most of all, Corian is not aesthetically
appealing to the discerning consumer. Corian is essentially
synthetic, and its finish cannot match the timbre and antiquity
of natural stone. Its not that its cost effective, either.
Corian meets some of the criteria of a good counter top, but its
lack of resistance to heat and scratching, and its synthetic
finish do not offer value for money to a cost conscious
consumer.
Wood
Wood
counter tops, made using strips of thick wood joined together,
are durable with care, attractive and functional, especially if
you chop a lot. They are easy to clean as well and you can
remove scratches by sandpapering.
However, wood counters do not offer much scope in color or
design and need a lot of care. Compared to other counters, they
do not last as long. They are neither heat nor water resistant
and scratch easily. Additionally, their edges warp over time and
need treatment. Wood is not environmentally friendly either.
It is expensive, too. The question facing consumers is, is it
worth the extra care with all its drawbacks at this cost?
Granite
A natural
stone of immense beauty, granite is available in many colors and
finishing styles, from polished to matte and textured. It is
strong, very durable, easy to use and clean and does not attract
dirt. Heat, water and chemical resistant, granite does not stain
or scratch. One of the hardest materials in existence, it does
not usually chip or crack, but is replaceable in the event of a
mishap.
Granite is expensive, but offers many benefits in a high usage
area like a kitchen. Additionally, its aesthetic appeal is
unmatched by any other alternative.
Marble
Marble is
also aesthetically appealing and hygienic, but can stain and
scratch more easily. It is not as hard as granite and therefore
not as durable and does not react well with chemical cleaning
agents.
Considering the facts at hand, granite provides the best option
for a kitchen counter top. The cost of granite is an investment,
which more than pays off over the decades, in terms of ease,
convenience, cleanliness, low maintenance cost, durability and
aesthetics.
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