New Kitchen Countertops

The main cooking area - the kitchen countertop and sink form an integral part of the kitchen design. Adding a new kitchen countertop along with a coordinated sink can make a dramatic statement in your kitchen. Select a countertop that suits your overall kitchen décor and budget. Do not overlook the nitty gritty of maintenance too.

Choose from solid surface, natural stone, plastic laminates such as Formica or even stainless steel and ceramic tiles. These days you can choose a new kitchen sink based on your countertop design and style. Choose from double bowl sinks or three bowl ones. Find a sink that can be mounted on the countertop easily.

New Kitchen Countertops

There is a wide and bewildering range of materials that can be used for countertops. Check out some of the popular options for new countertops for the kitchen. Compare and contrast their features and prices. If you need workspace in addition to the kitchen countertop, you can install a work island. This will give you additional for chopping or baking as well as double up as a casual eating space.

Stone Countertops:are popular on account of their natural beauty. Granite remains a favorite as a countertop material since it is heat resistant, non-porous and durable. Stone countertops are rugged and long lasting. Marble, limestone, slate and natural quartz are other natural stones that are used for kitchen counters.

Marble is not as durable as granite while limestone can stain easily. Slate is hard and durable. Average stone countertops range from $70 to $100. Another option is engineered stone that is fashioned from quartz. This type of countertop is available in a range of colors and styles and is relatively more expensive.

Formica Counters: Laminate countertops are affordable and easy to install. They are impact resistant and cost anywhere between $5 and $20 per square foot. Laminates are stain resistant and easy to maintain. But such countertops are susceptible to scratches and cracks and blisters if hot items are placed on it.

Tile Countertops: Tiles made of ceramic, porcelain or natural stone or mosaic tiles are used to create new kitchen countertops. You can get yourself a unique countertop by juxtaposing tiles of vivid hues and shades with monochrome ones. Typically ceramic tile countertops range from about $1 to $100, depending on the type and quality of tiles used.

Tiles are inexpensive and come in a wide range of colors, designs and textures. The disadvantages of installing a new kitchen tile countertop are uneven surface, chipping and exposed seaming between tiles. Tile countertops are heat and stain resistant.

Stainless Steel Countertops :are attached to plywood so as to provide strength. Stainless steel offers ease in cleaning and maintenance but is easily prone to denting and scratching. The cost of stainless steel countertops varies from about $ 85 to $ 100 per square foot. Such kitchen countertops tend to be noisy and expensive.

Corian Counters: have become synonymous with elegance, durability and versatility. These countertops are stain resistant and easy to clean. Available in stunning colors and finishes, Corian counters can be teamed with tile and granite for a customized look.

Wood and butcher block Countertops: Wooden countertops lend a warm and elegant look to the kitchen. They are ideal for cutting and chopping. But new kitchen countertops of this kind need thorough cleaning and drying. They are sensitive to humidity and can scorch easily.

New Kitchen Sinks

Solid surface sinks: are stain and heat resistant and come in a wide range of colors. Such sinks can be seamlessly installed along with a solid surface countertop for neat and aesthetic appearance.

Composite material sinks: Sinks made of composite materials such as acrylic or quartz come in a variety of colors and shapes. Complemented with similar countertops, they add style to your kitchen. You can choose from a wide range of colors.

Stainless steel kitchen sinks: Stainless steel kitchen sinks are popularly used in most kitchens. These sinks are lightweight and durable. Stainless steel sinks come in a variety of finishes - polished, dull or brushed. Ensure that the steel is of minimum thickness else the sink may get dented easily. Enameled steel sinks can be chosen as an option over the stainless steel sinks since the resin coating makes it more durable. The cheaper versions may tend to chip off easily.

Enameled cast iron sinks: are more expensive but also more durable on account of the enamel coating. Cast iron sinks are usually self-rimming.