Kitchen countertops are a big component in determining the look and feel of your kitchen. There are dozens of options available on today’s market and the selection process can be daunting. Here at Alair Homes Calgary we have come up with a list of the five most popular within Canada to get home owners and renovators a better idea of the pros and cons to each type of surface.

Granite

Granite countertops are one of a kind and offer a huge variety in patterns and colorization that ensures your kitchen will always have a unique look. They are also quite durable and offer significant protection to wear and tear from daily use. Granite is quite heavy however, and would require sturdy cabinets to support the weight. Additionally, granite countertops require sealing to ensure they remain water resistant.

Quartz.

Quartz countertops, being engineered in nature, offer a significant color pallet that otherwise would be unavailable should the countertop be a natural stone. This style of countertop is very easy to clean and doesn’t have the drawbacks associated with the maintenance of natural stone. Quartz will not have the natural variation in pattern evident in natural stones, so the engineered look is not for everyone, though the ease in maintenance often makes them a worthwhile selection.

Stainless Steel.

If the contemporary look is what you are trying to achieve, then stainless steel countertops are a definite contender. Not only do they look crisp and in vogue to due to their custom construction, stainless steel is virtually indestructible and offers a surface that makes bacteria growth difficult. The drawback to a metallic countertop is the frequency of fingerprints showing up on the surface and its sensitivity to cleaners. Home owners with a busy kitchen should also note that metal is significantly louder than stone or laminate options.

Concrete.

Hard, durable, and dependable. Concrete offers significant protection against general kitchen wear and tear and looks stylish on top of it. Concrete countertops are custom poured, and the design options are endless. Concrete countertops allow the home owner to blend other elements of their kitchen, such as cooking surfaces, glass, or ceramics directly with the poured countertop surface – creating a completely custom look. Concrete is extremely heavy, and demands a cabinet that can support its weight. Similarly to natural stones, concrete also requires a regular sealant application to help protect against staining.

Laminate.

Laminate is the most affordable countertop option. Traditionally, laminate countertops have not been known to be the most stylish, though recent developments in the industry have resulted in products that effectively imitate numerous countertop surfaces that may otherwise be unavailable. Laminate countertops are light and easy to maintain but are susceptible to scratching and burns. These are just 5 of the dozens of options available for countertops currently.

Please feel free to contact Alair Homes Calgary with any questions related to your project.