 Counter
Point
Consider
all the options when
selecting kitchen countertops
by Priscilla Kohutek
photography by
Robert French
Astunning surface that takes our breath away and tough enough to stand up to everyday use and abuse — that’s the kind of performance everyone wants out of kitchen countertops. Whew! Once again the pressure mounts. Countertops aren’t easy to change out and mistakes are costly, so you need to get it right. Another tough decision to make and you’re clueless, right?
It’s OK. Most people don’t know the particular characteristics of the different materials or why some are better suited for certain situations than others. Homeowners tend to either “go with the flow,” choosing trendy looks because it’s the thing to do, or shop their pocketbooks and buy “low end” because it’s what they think is affordable. Actually, there’s good news: There are lots of options out there in between high end and cheap — something to fit every budget and need.
The key to success is in getting the facts. Ask yourself these questions and then do your homework.
What style is your home? Match up the kitchen design and materials with the rest of the house. “The heart of the home should beat to the same rhythm,” says Laura Midgett, kitchen specialist at Lowe’s on Austin Highway. Don’t give a vintage 1940s bungalow kitchen a cutting-edge millennium look by installing materials that didn’t even exist when the house was built. Maintain the integrity of your home.
What kind of lifestyle do you have? Kids? A busy family kitchen that sees lots of use and abuse? Then, you need a material that isn’t going to absorb spills and messes and look worn out way before its time.
Are you set on a particular color and a consistent pattern? There are fewer color choices in natural stone, and you can count on inconsistency — that’s one of its most charming qualities. On the other hand, engineered materials and solid surfaces are consistent in color and pattern.
Materials
Natural Stone
Granite is the industry standard and the no. 1 seller among natural stones as well as manufactured surfaces. It is a dramatic, assertive material that makes its presence known the minute you walk into the kitchen. Granite has a high heat tolerance and is highly scratch resistant. Prices vary depending upon quality and rarity of color and pattern. Common varieties are surprisingly affordable.
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