Kitchens and bathrooms have long been viewed as the most important rooms in any home. And one of the most important features in those important rooms is the countertop. If you’re remodeling your kitchen or bath, you’re probably wondering which material is best, and what are the pitfalls associated with each. Let’s examine the different countertop material options and review the pros and cons of each choice.

First of all, standard laminate countertops (Formica) are relatively inexpensive and easy to clean. Laminate counters resist stains and they come in a multitude of finishes, colors and styles and are easy to maintain. However, laminate countertops can be scorched easily by hot pots and pans and cannot be repaired if damaged. Also, you can easily cut through laminate with a sharp kitchen knife if you’re not being careful and if one corner of the countertop is ruined, the entire piece must be replaced. Laminate will also become porous over time, making it more susceptible to staining.

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Ceramic tile countertops are also relatively inexpensive and come in a wide variety of colors, styles, and textures. Ceramic tile is durable and easy to clean. It’s heat resistant and cannot be easily cut through. One can easily get a custom look that will dress a room up or down with this versatile choice. However, ceramic tiles can crack and grout will inevitably stain and become dingy even after it’s been cleaned.

Granite and marble countertops are very popular today. They offer a high-end look and are very durable and come in a variety of colors and patterns. However, granite and marble countertops must be polished in order to keep their shine and they tend to be expensive. Also, marble countertops tend to stain a bit more easily than granite.

Metal countertops like copper, brass, and stainless steel are unique and can be aesthetically appealing; they also come in a variety of finishes. Metal countertops are not easily scorched but they can prove difficult to find (unless choosing stainless steel) and they are quite expensive. Metal countertops are easily scratched with knives and other utensils and abrasive cleaners are a definite no-no.

Wood countertops are warm and inviting and can be cleaned using abrasive cleaners. However, they can rot and are difficult to disinfect because they are so porous. Their porous nature also makes staining an issue. Wood countertops have to be oiled regularly.

Soapstone counters are durable and won’t stain, however, they too must be oiled regularly and soapstone scratches more easily than does granite. Soapstone counters are also fairly expensive.

Concrete countertops can be customized and come in a wide variety of colors and textures. Concrete countertops can be outfitted with certain inlays, like shells or stones and pebbles, and are very durable. Concrete countertops won’t scorch or scratch easily, but they are expensive and must be installed by a contractor. It’s unadvisable to install concrete countertops yourself.

No matter which countertop material you choose, you should always remember to make the selection based on your budget, your intentions for the room, and your long-term outlook. If the counter will face a lot of wear and tear, be sure to choose a material that will hold up accordingly. Shop around for the best prices and do some sample comparisons to be sure you get the color and style that most interest you.

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