When you look at the exterior of the home and compare it to your first impression of a kitchen here is how it would probably stack up: the siding would be the cabinetry as it is the most visible part of the home and takes up the most space: the moldings and trim would be the hardware. These accent the appearance of the home; and the windows would equate to the countertop. Why? Because the style of the kitchen, as with the windows, depends upon the type and material that makes up these surfaces.

Building, or rebuilding, a kitchen is probably one of the biggest undertakings that any home owner will do over the course of his or her life. Compared to the exterior of a home it is quite a bit smaller but the decisions made regarding this area can have as much or more importance than any exterior renovation. The cabinets are definitely a big consideration in this stream of decisions but so is the countertop. Because it is on the countertop that the majority of activity takes place in a kitchen. That is why in order to choose a countertop there are a few considerations that have to be defined.

Countertop Use

This is of prime importance because there are many type of homeowners and each type has his or her idea concerning what they want to do in the kitchen.

Bakers and Cooling Enthusiasts: A person who loves baking will need large surfaces to prepare the dough and to place hot pans coming out of the oven. (Many of this type will probably choose a double oven but that has nothing to do with the counters).

Entertainers: Throwing parties, like baking, requires a lot of preparation area. One or two islands are very popular, especially one with a second sink (in addition to the main sink) including a garborator. This is for washing fresh vegetables and preparing hors d'oeuvres as well as mixing drinks.

Busy Households: Large families with varied interests tend to want to eat quickly in an informal space and then be out the door. Islands tailored to eating may be two-tiered with AC power to run the toaster. The countertop in this situation is broader and more rounded than the one used for food preparation or can be wider and include both activities.

Elegance: Kitchens do not have to be used for anything more than the basic food preparation but must bring the style of the house together. The countertops in this situation could be made of a different material than the previous three examples because style, more than utility, is of the highest concern. Urban, European designs incorporate many of these aspects and the countertops reflect this.

Countertop Materials

1. Laminate: Formica and aborite (heat resistant paper-melamin composites) were revolutionary inventions when they came to fashion (post WW II) as they were waterproof and more sanitary that the painted wood counters that came before. Edged with metal nosing they became the standard counter coverings for decades. New innovations did away with the metal edges and the materials became available with wrap-around nosing.

Laminated plastic is similar to its predecessors but manufactured in more sophisticated method of layers of paper impregnated with resin and bonded together under high temperature and pressure. The designs are actually photographs embedded in the resin. Laminates are now the standard of the industry as they can be made in almost any design and are cheap to change out in a few years if the decor of the home changes.

2. Tile: An inexpensive way to have a classic countertop is to put in tile. This used to be popular many years ago and fell out of favor when the solid surfaces came in. Any tile can be used but granite and marble tile can be installed for a fraction of what a solid surface would cost. And the look would be as god or more unique. The best installation is with very small grout lines.

3. Solid-Surface Artificial Surface: This material is a thin plastic acrylic or polyester material that is measured up in the home and then fabricated at the shop. The pre-made pieces are then assembled on-site. When installing the pieces are glued and heated leaving no trace of a joint. It is much more expensive than laminate and it is recommended that hot pots should not be placed on the surface. Like laminate is is available in many textures and colors.

4. Granite: This material is the flagship of style and elegance. It is hard and tough and adds to the value of any home. The main drawback with granite – beside the high price – is that the porous surface must be sealed occasionally to prevent staining. It is also heavy and should be carefully supported or it might break. The "nose" can be routed to any style.

5. Marble: Although softer than granite, marble comes in some wonderful natural designs which are, for the most part, one-of-a-kind. However, it is expensive and should be carefully sealed because it will show stains.

6. Soapstone: This is a beautiful material that requires no sealing. It is oiled for looks and makes any kitchen a piece of artwork. The drawback is that it chips and scratches and these blemishes show up a chalky white. However, for the discriminating designer this is a great look.

7. Wood: Hardwood countertops are also making a comeback. These were popular in saloons with along bars but households had them too. Now they are available in dark walnut, redwood burl and other rich woods. The surfaces can be polished or finished with an acrylic.

8. Concrete: A newcomer to the countertop scenenn is polished concrete. This amzing material is usually poured on-site and then smoothed. Designs can be imprinted into the smooth surface whic can also be dyed any color. Since it is a specialized art these are fairly expensive.

For more information on countertops contact Renovation Experts.