When remodeling a kitchen the first thing you have your mind on is the cabinet design and the second is the type of countertop. So it's safe to say that if the cabinetry is the luxury car then the countertop styling is the trim. They are also the workstations of the kitchen and most of the food is prepared these surfaces.

Countertops come in many styles and materials and it depends entirely on the budget. Homeowners can spend as little as $15 a square foot or as high as $150 depending on what they want to achieve. However, not all materials are practical for everyday home use and this should be taken into consideration when purchasing a set of counters. Ferraris are very nice but they are expensive and require dutiful maintenance.

Cabinets First

The cabinets are the instant storage areas of the kitchen and their design and coloring is usually picked out first. Some homeowners, however, do it in the reverse order because they want the countertops to make the statement for the kitchen. In other words they will match the cabinets, flooring and lighting to match the countertops.

Cabinets are also where the plumbing and much of the electrical will go, utilities needed for the cooktops, sinks and appliances. Islands are basically a set of cabinets with a large countertop area and can accommodate both plumbing and electrical to serve this workstation.

Types of Countertops

Formica: The older model of counterops evolved from painted wood to a formica or arborite sheet which was nosed with metal, much like the1950's style chrome suites. These materials were basically layers of paper impregnated with resins and topped with melamine. They were modern and functional, and a far cry from the tortured wooden surfaces. Then the designers thought of making a counter with a plywood base and backsplash that was covered with a skin of formica. This whole unit took the place of the built-in-place counters and the nose went right over the edge in a seamless fashion. Formica, although technically a laminate product, is still available and is thicker than the laminate styles.

Laminate: This product is the workhorse of countertops much like vinyl is to home siding. It is cheap, comes in a wide variety of colors and styles and easy to install. A laminate countertop is made up of a layers of paper with a photographic image embossed by a thin sheet of plastic. This sheathing is then fused to a particleboard called a substrate. They are very durable and will not stain, however they will not tolerate heated pots or hard bumps.

Engineered Stone Countertops: Made from rock dust and epoxy these counters are a very durable substitute for a natural stone such as granite. Actually a thin layer which fits over a plywood base this tough material will not stain or be scorched by heat. Engineered stone is available in remarkable recreations of real granite and other stone.

Solid Surface Countertops: These have brand names like Corian and are composed of a solid plastic resins which are expensive to make. However, they are seamless and can be installed in pieces and then sealed back up or in one piece. Another perk is that if they scratch or burn they can be sanded back to normal. The price, like the engineered stone, varies depending on the ingredients used and the installation takes up a good deal of the price as it has to be custom installed.. This type of solid-surface countertop is durable but it still requires proper care.

Granite Countertops: The flagship of high-end counters is solid granite. Although expensive it will not scratch and it stands up to heat. Many granite products are porous and require regular sealing. Granite is available in many colors and textures which makes it great for matching almost any type of cabinet or décor. In addition it greatly affects resale value – up.

Marble: This is a beautiful, timeless stone but, like granite, is expensive. Marble does withstand heat and water but it is porous and prone to staining. It is a rich look but requires sealing and careful useage.

Soapstone: This amazing rock makes a beautiful counter and many of the them are installed in one piece with a sink. The price is also amazing and not for the faint of heart!

Stainless Steel: The vanguard of commercial kitchens stainless-steel is for the homeowner who is enamored by both the restaurant and contemporary looks. As with the stainless-steel appliances the counters reflect light and, like the restaurant,the sink can be welded in. Stainless steel is long-lasting and highly resistant to stains and heat. It is less than granite but still pretty expensive.

Wood: Walnut and other hard woods are making inroads back to where counters started in the first place – as wood surfaces. Butcher block is still popular but as a side counter.