Kitchen Countertop Options

If all of the kitchen countertop options are carefully selected, you will have a very elegant, stylish and fitting countertop on your home. All of these options have to be blended together with the overall design of your home in order that your countertop will enhance its elegance and style. Sometimes it happens, when you can sense that there’s something wrong with the countertop but you can’t just pinpoint what it is. Being aware of the different options, and their importance, will help you to pinpoint the problem. Here are just two common options that you will need to consider.

I. Material Options
a) Granite – granite countertops are mostly the number one choice when adding a new kitchen to a home. You can choose from a variety of colors from white, yellow, brown, green, red, black and gold.  There are also different vein patterns inside these different colors. This quality stone is one of the most expensive countertop materials. The price per square foot ranges from $30 to $175.

b) Stainless Steel
For people who prefer a professional look to their kitchen, then stainless steel is an obvious option.. This is possible because of the polished surface of stainless steel. It also has the advantage of more hygienic food preparation and better stain resistance. Cost is typically around $60 to $90 per square foot.

c) Bamboo
Bamboo countertops fit in well if you want an eco-friendly kitchen. It is very refreshing to the eyes and has a natural, warm feel. For this application, bamboo is specially manufactured so that it is made even harder than some hardwood. The result is a very durable and long-lasting countertop. A plank-type bamboo countertop will cost you about $35 per square foot and the grain-type, about $22.

II. Granite Edge Options
Granite countertops are finished with the appropriate edges to give them that finished image. Without the correct edge. your countertop could look incomplete. The existing decor of your home should be taken into consideration when choosing a granite edge. Below are the basic types of granite edges.
a)    Straight edge – to reduce the sharpness of the edge, the corners are eased off about 1/8 inch while keeping the edge perpendicular to the top and bottom surface of the countertop.
b)    Bevel – the edge is given a 45º angle from the top or bottom countertop surface. It can be a ¼, ½ or reversed bevel.
c)    Bullnose – the edges are shaped into a semi or full circle. It could vary as a ¼ bullnose, a ½ bullnose or a full bullnose.
d)    Ogee – the most complex and intricate edge designs, combining bevel and bullnose and other shapes. Variations include flat, standard, cove, waterfall, etc.