The enormous amount of activity that occurs within the kitchen means that careful consideration is required throughout any kitchen remodel. This is especially true when it comes to choosing kitchen countertops, which need to be both practical and aesthetically appealing. You may have already considered stones like granite, or even wood or laminate countertops. But did you know you have other wonderfully elegant and chic options available?Glass Countertops
One option that you may not have previously considered for your kitchen remodel is glass. Glass countertops are both elegant and dramatic, and can actually be quite environmentally friendly. This is because it is entirely possible to use recycled glass for your kitchen countertops, and any glass you choose will prove to be extremely durable – just as solid, in fact, as stone, and with as much ease of maintenance.Glass is also customizable, as it can be combined with many other kitchen elements to create a wonderfully individualized look. For example, backlight your glass countertops with lighting underneath the counter, or consider any color infused into your glass. Depending upon the type of glass you choose, you can probably expect the cost to run similar to granite per square foot.
Stainless Steel Countertops
Stainless steel is a wonderful option for those who want some of the most durable countertops on the market. These countertops are utterly seamless and completely heat resistant, which means that they will be sure to last for years to come. A stainless steel countertop is perfect for a kitchen remodel that is after a more modern or industrial overall look and can be complemented with wooden kitchen cabinets.On the downside, however, stainless steel is definitely prone to denting. Additionally, if you keep a very busy kitchen, you can expect stainless steel to be one of the noisier options out there.
Paper Composite Countertops
For the environmentally conscious homeowner, paper composite countertops may be the way to go. Paper composite countertops are comprised of post-consumer recycled fibers, especially papers, which are held together with a plastic resin. For those who are concerned about materials, we hope that any worries about formaldehyde will be assuaged, because these composites are free of the chemical.These countertops are greatly durable, resisting nicks and stains, and are good at handling heat. They are considerably less expensive than most other high end countertop materials and are also some of the easiest to work with. Paper composite countertop owners should know that they need to remember to seal their countertops to maintain their longevity, and they should avoid using abrasive cleaning supplies.
