The Top Materials for Countertops Part 2

Erik Hitzelberger — Fri, 27 Dec 2013 17:15:05 +0000

Non-traditional/New Age

In the first part of our series we talked about traditional options for your countertops in your flip. In our second installation of countop talk, it is the less ordinary countertop we will discuss. A different countertop could be just the special thing you need to make your kitchen pop!

Tile

Modular and inexpensive, ceramic and porcelain tile offers nearly limitless options for colors and designs. Tile works with almost any kitchen style, from country to majestic Old World.

Pros: It holds its own against heat and sharp blades, and resists stains. If one or two tiles chip or crack, they’re fairly easy to replace.

Cons: Tile’s uneven surface can make it difficult to balance a cutting board or roll out a pie crust. Unsealed grout is prone to staining; standing moisture can damage it and contribute to bacterial growth.

Cost: $10 to $80 per square foot, installed

Concrete

Slightly edgier than other materials, concrete countertops have an industrial chic that fits right into a loft or adds interest to an otherwise traditional space.

Pros: Concrete is extremely versatile: It can be cast in any shape and custom tinted any shade you wish. You easily can add unique inlays, such as glass fragments, rocks and shells. Concrete stands up well to heavy use, although it isn’t as heat resistant as some other surfaces.

Cons: Because it’s porous, concrete will stain without frequent sealing. Small cracks can develop and it can be expensive. Concrete is extremely heavy and will need strong support beneath.

Cost: $75 to $125 per square foot, installed

Soapstone

Soapstone is really coming into its own as a countertop material. It offers subtle, nuanced beauty yet feels humbler than granite or marble.

Pros: Soapstone has a natural softness and depth that fits very well with older and cottage-style homes. Although it usually starts out light to medium gray, it darkens with time.

Cons: Soapstone needs polishing with oil to keep it in top shape. It can crack over time, and it can’t handle knife scratches and nicks and is naturally rough.

Cost: $70 to $100 per square foot, installed

Stainless Steel

Once found mostly in commercial kitchens, stainless steel has slipped into vogue within the past two decades.

Pros: It’s nearly indestructible, and it resists heat and bacteria, which is why it so popular in restaurants. Very contemporary and fits in with industrial-style kitchens.

Cons: Fingerprints show and it can also dent. Pots and pans will clang against the surface. Chemicals can affect its color. Extremely expensive due to the custom fabrication.

Cost: $65 to $125 per square foot, installed

Butcher Block

Butcher block has a classic appeal and always looks fresh. It’s especially fitting for traditional, country and cottage-style kitchens.

Pros: Many homeowners like its warm, natural appearance and tones. Although knives scratch it, many people like the shopworn look it develops.

Cons: Swells and contracts with moisture exposure. It harbors bacteria and needs frequent disinfecting. Oiling is a must to fill in scratches and protect the surface.

Cost: $35 to $70 per square foot, installed

Paper Composite

Paper countertops? You read it right. Created from paper fibers mixed with resin, this surface is ecofriendly and a whole lot more durable than it sounds.

Pros: Paper composite evokes the look of solid surfacing or laminate but with a warmer sensibility. It’s surprisingly hardy and can withstand heat and water admirably. It’s also a great deal lighter than natural stone or concrete.

Cons: The material isn’t scratchproof and is susceptible to chemical damage. It needs an occasional rubdown with mineral oil, and even sanding, to refresh it. New concept so it can be costly.

Cost: $85 to $125 per square foot, installed

Solid surfacing (Corian)

Made primarily from acrylic and polyester, solid surfacing first was sold under the brand name Corian, which is often (erroneously) used as a generic term for it. Today, it’s made by a host of manufacturers and has enjoyed steady popularity over the years.

Pros: Because solid surfacing is nonporous, it’s virtually maintenance free — no sealing or special cleaning required. Color and pattern options are extensive, with seamless installation

Cons: Solid surfacing can have a patently artificial look and feel, yet can approach the price of natural stone. It doesn’t stand up to hot pans or sharp knives very well.

Cost: $35 to $100 per square foot, installed

To learn more about Part-Time REI visit us at http://part-timerei.com/

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The Top Materials for Countertops Part 1

Erik Hitzelberger — Fri, 06 Dec 2013 17:15:14 +0000

What’s the one item that sets the tone for the kitchen. The statement of the kitchen? From experience we can tell you one of the first questions we always get about our kitchens? ” What are your countertops made of??”

So we thought we would write a series on countertops. With the never ending options that seem to grow daily it is hard to know what choice will be right for your remodel. What choices are out there? What makes the most economical sense for this house? How will I know if I am over-improving? In our never ending attempt to education first time flippers and help refresh seasoned flippers we have put together a list of traditional an non-traditional countertops and some pros and cons for each. In this first part we will look at Traditional options.

Traditional

Laminate

Made of paper blended with resins and fused to particle board, laminate has been a kitchen mainstay for decades. It hasn’t always had a stylish, desirable reputation . However, the latest designs on the market mimic stone, butcher block and other pricier surfaces.

Pros: Laminate is one of the most affordable countertop materials, so it’s a good choice if your budget is tight. A comes in a variety of colors, is low maintenance and easy to clean. Its light weight doesn’t require the support of a thick cabinet base.

Cons: Laminate is prone to scratching, burns and, in some cases, staining. With wear and moisture exposure, the layers can peel. Because of the raw particle board core, you can’t use laminate with undermount sinks, and it’s also difficult to repair if it gets damaged. Cost: $10 to $30 per square foot, installed

Granite

One of the most popular countertop choices, granite defines refinement in a kitchen.

Pros: Holds up to heat,comes in a range of almost 3000 colors. It will last a lifetime. New sealers make it almost maintenance-free; 2nd highest hardness rating after diamonds.Home buyers. love this stuff!
Cons: It is expensive, but becoming more affordable. Requires some maintenance and some stones absorbs stains if not sealed. Your knives can become dull if you cut on it and lastly it can crack if stressed or improperly installed due to its heaviness.

Cost: $35 to $100 per square foot, installed

Quartz

Crafted of resin and quartz chips tinted with color, quartz surfacing (also called engineered quartz or engineered stone) is a good compromise between the beauty of stone and the easy care of solid surfacing.

Pros: Quartz surfacing has the same advantages as solid surfacing with regard to maintenance. As an engineered product, it’s available in a far greater range of colors and patterns than natural stone.

Cons: This material doesn’t have the natural variegation of granite, so it may be evident that it’s an engineered product. It’s relatively pricey, although its durability can make it a worthwhile investment.

Cost: $40 to $90 per square foot, installed

Marble

Really there is nothing that looks and feels more glamorous than a marble countertop. Head of its class in terms of its luminescence and distinctive veining, it’s an ultra-traditional choice.

Pros: Perhaps the most luxurious option. It stands up to heat well, and because it remains perennially cool, it’s a traditional choice for pastry and baking stations .

Cons: Marble is probably the most prone to staining, even with sealing. For that reason, it’s not often used throughout an entire kitchen. It can also scratch and chip.

Cost: $40 to $100 per square foot, installed

Stay tuned for our second part of Top Materials for Countertops when we look at less traditional options for your kitchen.