| By :
Nick Messe
When you begin to contemplate a serious remodel of your home, especially when the remodel involves the kitchen, countertops are one of the most important components to choose. There are several styles of kitchen counters currently available on the market and all of them have their pros and cons. What you choose to install for your will likely depend on your budget, your personal preference and the amount of traffic they will see parading through the kitchen during their lifetime. Some of the most popular materials for countertops include marble, granite and Silestone, which is a manipulated natural product with similar properties to both marble and granite. Marble is a beautiful natural stone that showcases a designer kitchen with a rainbow of colors and patterns, along with a patina that changes over years of use. One of the benefits to installing marble countertops is the value it can add to a customer designed kitchen. Marble tends to be porous and absorbs liquids that spill onto the surface. While the porous nature of marble can add to its beauty over the course of time, it does need to be resealed frequently. One of the downfalls to using marble in high traffic areas, such as a kitchen or bathroom, is the level of maintenance necessary to keep the marble smooth and serviceable. One note to remember is that when installing marble countertops in the kitchen where they are heavily used, is to use trivets for hot pans, cutting boards, and coasters for drinks. Granite is another choice for kitchen countertops and can be more durable, as it is among the hardest surfaces found in nature. Granite is also available from different regions around the globe, which offers consumers and designers a fascinating array of colors and patterns to choose from. One of the major benefits of choosing granite over marble is its resistance to scratching and marring from standard kitchen knives or hot pans. One of the few reasons to consider countertop surfaces other than granite is the need for periodic or annual maintenance. Being a completely natural solid surface, granite must be resealed periodically to maintain its durability. Silestone is a less expensive choice for counters and rivals granite for strength and durability. With elements of quartz, it is a manipulated semi-natural countertop material that is available in any region of the country. In contrast to other solid surface choices, such as laminates, Silestone will not scratch with an accidental knife slip. It is also an excellent choice for cooks who really enjoy cooking. Even a hot pan hastily put down on the counter without protection, won't scorch it. Another benefit to this type of material is it is virtually maintenance free. It does not need to be sealed immediately after installation and does not require regular maintenance, such as annually resealing.
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