COUNTERTOPS GRANITE COUNTERTOPS Granite makes a beautiful choice if you're looking for a strong, stone countertop. While limestone and marble easily stain from oils and common kitchen acids like lemon juice, granite won't. Though it's not as porous as other natural stones, the countertop must be sealed every few years. SOLID SURFACE (Corian®) COUNTERTOPS Solid surface countertops are made from durable, water, and heat resistant man-made materials. They are easy to clean, and don't require sealing or other time consuming maintenance. Available in a wide variety of colors, the main advantage of solid surface countertops is if you scratch or burn it, the countertop can be repaired. Corian® is a name-brand solid surface countertop made by DuPont™, who invented solid surfaces more than 25 years ago. QUARTZ (Silestone®) COUNTERTOPS If you want the beauty of a stone countertop, without having to worry about bothersome maintenance like sealing, a quartz countertop may be the best choice for you. Quartz countertops are made from 93% natural quartz, creating a stain resistant, scratch resistant, and non-porous surface. It's available in a wide variety of colors and has more color consistency than granite. Silestone®, a well known brand-name of quartz countertops, introduced Microban antimicrobial protection in 2005 - a built-in feature that inhibits microbe growth, keeping your counters cleaner. WOODEN (Butcher Block) COUNTERTOPS Wooden countertops give your kitchen a warm, natural look. Usually made from birch or maple, it's also available in walnut, mahogany, and ebony. Butcher Block Maple is the most popular. Wooden countertops do require regular upkeep, are porous, and are sensitive to heat and moisture. You may choose to use Butcher Block in only one area of your kitchen, and use a more durable, less sensitive material for the rest of your counters. STAINLESS STEEL COUNTERTOPS Commonly used in industrial kitchens, stainless steel countertops are easy to clean and are heat and water resistant. Sometimes chosen for its modern look, you may decide to do your entire kitchen with stainless steel countertop, or just select areas. The downfall of stainless steel? It scratches easily. LAMINATE (Formica®) COUNTERTOPS Popular for its inexpensive cost and ease in ordering and delivery, Formica®, or laminate, countertops come in a wide variety of colors, textures, and styles. If well cared for, they provide a simple, clean look for your kitchen. The disadvantages of laminate counters are many - the surface is not heat or scratch resistant; sitting water, especially by seams, can damage the counter and cause swelling; and common cleaning product acids may stain and corrode the surface. CONCRETE COUNTERTOPS Trendy and increasingly popular, concrete countertops are highly processed to create a finished, smooth, and colorful concrete surface. You can even have pieces of broken dishware, glass chips, or seashells molded into the counter, a truly personal touch. While highly durable, concrete counters vary in their need for regular maintenance (like sealing). They can crack from temperature changes over time; however, these are rarely structural cracks, and some consider this to contribute to the natural beauty of the style. There's so much to consider when deciding how to remodel your kitchen. Let us help you Create Your Dream®. Take advantage of our free, no obligation consultation today.