8 countertop options for your kitchen
Photographs: Shutterstock
The location, design and functionality of your kitchen are important factors to be considered while planning a house. Architect Aman Gandhi reveals the different kitchen counter tops available that can be used based on its functional aspect.
1. Concrete: This is a good choice as it can be used as per the design of the kitchen. Due to several desirable physical and aesthetic properties -- concrete is heat and scratch resistant; it is a heavy solid surface; it can be tinted in various colours -- concrete countertops look exotic and decorative. These countertops are priced between mid to high range. Although the material has several advantages, water seepage is a major drawback.
2. Stainless Steel: This material gives a contemporary and industrial feel to the kitchen. It is heat resistant, easy to clean, durable and can be tailor-made to one’s requirements. You can get both glossy and matte finishes with stainless steel countertops. The major drawback of this material is that its fabrication is expensive compared to any other material; and also that it is cold to touch.
3. Solid surfaces: As the name suggests, this material is solid and seamless. Any scratches on the surface can be sanded out. This is a manmade material and can be customized according to your requirements. Unlike laminate, this material is homogenous, ie it has the same composition through and through. When used in the kitchen, it gives the look and feel of plastic. Available in different colours and patterns, the material is seamless and resistant to stains. The disadvantage is that it is vulnerable to hot pans leading to repairs that can be moderately expensive.
4. Ceramic tile: This material is durable, easy to clean and affordable. Hot pans can be placed on ceramic tile countertop without any issues. Available in a range of colours, textures and designs, its drawbacks include easy chipping, staining of grout lines and uneven counter surface.
5. Natural stone (granite and marble): These materials give a sleek, high-end look to the kitchen. While both are waterproof and heatproof, they are expensive, porous and not resistant to stains (unless sealed professionally and may require periodic resealing). However, granite, which is a commonly used material in Indian kitchens, has new sealers which make the material almost maintenance-free. Home-owners need to ensure that a granite countertop is properly installed, otherwise it can produce cracks if stressed.
6. Engineered stone: This is composed of 90% quartz particles and available in different colours. Engineered stone has a nonporous surface and is resistant to scratches and stains. It is also easy to maintain without the annual sealing required by natural stones. The only minus point about engineered stone is that it is expensive.
7. Laminates: Made of plastic-coated synthetics with a smooth surface, laminate kitchen countertops are easy to clean. The pieces are cut to size and finished on the ends. Available in different colours, laminates are easy to maintain, inexpensive and durable. However, scratches are impossible to repair and the material is not resistant to fire.
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8. Wood or butcher block: Wooden countertops offer a beautiful and warm look to the kitchen. It is available in a wide range of colours and finishes. Hardwoods such as maple and oak are most often used as countertop woods. These are easy to clean, smooth, can be sanded and resealed as required. The blocks can be damaged by water and can get stained over a period of time. Scratches need to be oiled or sealed according to the manufacturer's instructions. The major disadvantage is that these blocks are not fire-resistant at all.
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