The kitchen is the place where we get the free-hand to show our culinary skills. The scratched, stained, or scorched kitchen counter-tops are easily replaced with the varieties readily available in the market. From laminated counter-tops to ceramic tops, wooden based tops to stainless steel tops, all look mighty attractive when placed or designed aptly. Prices vary material-wise, and most of them are stain, heat, or scratch-resistant. The various counter tops that are readily available are time-tested ones, passing through multiple check-levels before being sold on the market. There is little difference found amid the kitchen counter tops, so you have to be sure of the best deal available in the retail outlets. These aspects, along with positive and negative aspects discussed below, will allow you to choose the ideal kitchen counter top for you!

Quartz

The kitchen counter-top made of quartz is nothing but an engineered stone containing approximately 92-93 percent of quartz minerals and particles. Do not confuse yourself with those solid quartz slabs procured from the quarries. Quartz counter-tops are an durable alternative to marble or granite. Various colours are readily available in many hardware retail outlets. Modern technology has come out with specific and convincing duplicates of marble, along with related veining.

Positives: A quartz counter-top has a handful of positive aspects, and the most significant one amongst them is that they come under the category of zero-maintenance. Vibrant colors make it easier for the individual to make a stoic decision. Moreover, additional patterns of granite and marble also are found in designer outlets.

Negatives: The edges or corners chips very fast, which then require an expert to repair the damage. Try rounded edges, as they last longer. 

Granite

Positives: Every granite slab is unique and comes in the rarest of rare shades. The granite slabs are heat-resistant and scratch proof. Both glossy and matte finished tops are readily available, plus, they all are stain-resistant!

Negatives: Re-sealing of the same required quite often to remove the stains. Similar to quartz counter-tops, the edges or the corners chip very fast, and they can only be mended only by a professional.

Marble

Positives: Marble kitchen counter-tops are both heat and water-resistant. It adds on to the real value of the house, as they are more costly than the other tops. With individualistic veining, they look stunning and sophisticated.  

Negatives: Not only are they pocket-pinching, but when damaged, it becomes difficult for repairing — every time a professional has to come for its installation and maintenance. Moreover, being porous, they stain easily if not sealed properly. 

Laminate

Laminate kitchen counter-tops are plastic coated ones, having a synthetic effect and a smooth surface to clean. The laminated sheets bind together to a particleboard core, known as MDF. Purchased as pre-formed segments, these tops are usually customized in accordance to the requirement of the individual. Numerous colors, patterns, and designs are available to let you make a wise decision. In the modern-day designer world, the retro-styled laminate counter-tops have become very famous.

Positives: The laminated counter-tops are not too pocket-pinching, easy on maintenance, sleek-looking, and come with many decorative edges and designs. They are both stain and heat resistant too!.
Negatives: Too much pressure, if applied on the surface, causes permanent damage. Thus, at many kitchens, a particular segment is usually dedicated to chopping.

Wood or Butcher Block

Available in varied shades and finishes, wooden kitchen countertops cater to a warm and exotic look. Hard based timbers, similar to oak and maple, are used for durable kitchens.

Positives: It adds a warm tone, with easy installation and repair. The finish makes all the difference. The varnished effect makes it stain resistant. 

Negatives: Scratches, small cuts, and marks take place well, though they can be smoothed out.

Concrete

If you happen to prefer unusual looking kitchen counter-tops or wish to build an extraordinary-looking kitchen, concrete might be a wise choice. The concrete counter-tops are heavy-weight and are perfect for your kitchen. These tops are heavily polished slabs, but tend to have some textured or acid-stained effect. Various treatments and additives, available in the market, have helped the concrete counter-tops to become sturdy.

Positives: Concrete counter-tops are heat and scratch proof, while also providing an exotic and unusual look. With decorative textures and hues, these counter-tops are one of the most preferred ones.  

Negatives: Installed by professionals, and it stands out to be costly due to the customized works. The outer surface is porous, which results in cracking.

Ceramic and Porcelain

Ceramic and porcelain tiles turn into great-looking kitchen countertops. They are easy to maintain, look artistic, and considerably less expensive, as compared to the quartz, marble, or others. They offer assorted designs, all-inclusive the ones having a finish resembling marble, wood, leather, or else cork! They customize according to the taste of the individual also. Various designer dining table lighting, when focused over the same, gives an artistic effect while making the ceramic or porcelain tiles showcase their intricate designs. 

Positives: Ceramic tiles are easy to clean, budget-friendly, generally affordable by many. It can sustain direct heat from pots and pans, which having an assortment of shades and styles to flaunt. 

Negatives: Customized ceramic tiles turn out to be a bit expensive. They are brittle, thus tending to crack or chip under impact. Moreover, the feel of the top is not as same as granite or quartz ones.

Counter-top Intellect

Varied options are available as kitchen counter-tops, but the above-discussed materials comprise the significant type of counter-tops in most of our residential kitchens. The positive and negative aspects of all help you in learning more about every kind when you make your intelligent decision. Accordingly, happy counter-picking!

Author’s Bio:

Derek Edison is an Interior Decorator and a passionate writer who loves to write about creating an aesthetic and ambient living environment. He focuses on sharing ideas and techniques learned from his experience as an Interior Decorator in a concise manner so that it can be used by everyone to make their surroundings beautiful to live in.