For years, our kitchen countertops prove to be one of the most loved, but at the same time also one of the most abused, portions of our house. Usually they end up with knife marks, stains and maybe even chips. They seem to last forever but there actually will come a time when they do have to be replaced or upgraded. When that time comes, how do you choose from among the many options available in the market?

So, what are the latest options for countertops out there in the market today?

There are countless choices actually, with unlimited designs and materials, and prices ranging from the pricey ones to the more budget-conscious variety. So it all depends upon your budget, your taste, and of course how compatible the countertop will be when it's fitted to your kitchen.

Among the top choices, the ceramic tile countertop:

Ceramic tiles are fired and done is a large range of colors and designs. They can be really pretty statement pieces and you can be as creative as you like. If you choose ceramic, you can expect a countertop that would last a very long time as it is basically water-proof, fire-proof and scratch-resistant. Be extra careful when placing your breakable tableware on top though, as ceramic is very hard and could leave you with a lot of chipped plates and broken glasses. The only downside to using ceramic is perhaps the grout, as they easily get stained and available cleaners are not very effective in cleaning them once they get soiled.

More inexpensive choice:

If the budget is a consideration for you, then perhaps a countertop made of plastic laminate would be best foryou. There are many options in these type of countertops in colors and textures as well. These can be purchased preformed which makes the remodeling job much easier. The downside of these tops is the durability. They can be easily damaged and stained so they just do not last as long as the more expensive choices.

What are the other options out there?

The stainless steel countertop is also very durable and heat-resistant even though it's susceptible to dents and scratches. Another popular option is the butcher block countertop made up of wood strips from oak or maple. These wood tops are beautiful and very easy on your kitchenware. However, they will stain and burn or dent quickly. Stone tops are beautiful and great for baking purposes but are extremely expensive to purchase and install. The solid surface countertop is made of acrylic or possibly polyurethane. These are resilient to stains, water or molds, and imperfections like knife cuts or dings are easily smoothened out by sanding. These traits are enough for them to last like an entire lifetime, but they do come at a very high price. The top of the line when it comes to countertops is the granite top. It is resistant to burns, chipping, scratches, dents, water, stains or molds. In short, it is beautiful, durable and lasts forever. Even though it is an expensive choice it will last as long as the kitchen itself.

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categories: Kitchens,Remodeling,Home Repair,Home Improvement,Home and Family