What kind of countertop should i buy

They are heat, scratch and stain-resistant, making them one of the best materials for remodeling your kitchen , bathroom , and commercial space. Concrete serves as an extremely durable material for a countertop and it can exude the look and feel of natural stone, metal or wood. Concrete countertops are made from a mix of general-purpose mortar, sand and pigments, and are available in multiple color options. Note that concrete is porous and may stain, so it needs to be sealed upon installation.

You will also need to regularly have your concrete countertop sealed. Large concrete countertops may also have visible seams, but these can be minimized with filler.

Popular for its virtually seamless appearance, solid surface countertops are available in a variety of colors and patterns, and are used for counters, sinks and backsplashes. Since they are nonporous, they are resistant to mold and mildew and are easy to clean.

Concrete countertops sound cold and drab, like a sidewalk Well, they are quite hard, obviously, but the look of most is anything but dull. The concrete can be pigmented, but most often it is acid stained and then polished to a brilliant gleam. In the end, many concrete countertops resemble natural stone like granite, but the look can be easily customized too. They are an excellent choice for high-end, elegant kitchens.

Granite countertops might be the most distinguished material currently used. Polished granite slabs and granite tiles are both available. Slabs have the edge in elegance; tiles bring an Old World or country feel to the kitchen. Both are gorgeous. Laminate countertops are available in an impressive range of colors and styles, many mimicking more expensive materials such as natural stone or tile.

Laminate gives you the look you want at an affordable price. Most countertop dealers have dozens if not hundreds of samples to show you. Lava countertops are unique, a conversation starter for sure. The look is classy and unique, polished to a sparkling gleam. Lava countertops feature a glazed surface available in many colors, and their appearance works with designs ranging from traditional to retro to contemporary to modern.

Marble countertops boast traditional beauty that is unsurpassed. The stone comes in a range of hues including lovely pinks, greens and neutral tones. Porcelain countertops can be stunning, glazed in a rainbow of creamy, gleaming hues to suit your kitchen scheme. The look is quite contemporary. Monday-Friday: 9am-5pm Saturday: 10am-4pm Sunday: Closed. Get Directions. If you'd like to schedule a tour in our Calgary showroom or virtual meeting in advance, call ext.

Choose Granite if: You love the unmatched natural beauty but are prepared for occasional maintenance to protect your investment. Slabs vary, visit a stone yard and pick the piece you love. Cons: It's easily sliced, scratched, and nicked. Stain resistance is so-so and it needs to be periodically finished with mineral oil. Concrete countertops can provide a unique look as this material is typically custom-formed by local fabricators.

That said, quality can vary. Cons: It chips and scratches easily and can develop hairline cracks. Topical sealers can protect against stains but not heat; penetrating sealers can handle heat, but not stains.

This material allows you integrate countertops in a kitchen with stainless appliances for a sleek, commercial kitchen look. Stainless can be welded, ground, and buffed to remove seams. Cons: Stainless steel dents and scratches easily and shows fingerprints.

Drain cleaners and hard-water deposit removers can discolor steel. These countertops add warmth to any kitchen. Maple is common, but you'll also see other woods, including teak. Pros: This material is useful for food preparation such as chopping and slicing.

It's relatively easy to install and repair. Cons: Damage from heat, cuts, scrapes, and impacts make for high maintenance. Must be treated regularly with mineral oil or beeswax. Varnishing provides stain-resistance, but no other protection. An oil finish was better at resisting heat, but stains spread and were impossible to remove.

Fluctuations in humidity affect wood, making butcher block a poor choice for over a dishwasher or around a sink. Limestone provides a stone look without heavy veining. It's attractive but impractical, so consider it for low-traffic areas. Cons: Scratches and dings from our dropped 5-pound weight marred the surface of this soft, porous stone, and even a high-quality sealer didn't protect against stains. Eleven of the 20 substances we applied left stains still visible after they were left on the surface for just 24 hours.

Beautiful and classic, marble has been used in European kitchens for ages. To some, marble takes on a patina, but others will see it as marred. Cons: Marble chips and scratches easily.

Must be sealed periodically to protect from staining. Most stains that marred unsealed marble wiped away with water on sealed samples, but hard-water deposit removers left a permanent mark, even on sealed stone.

Pros: Best for show rather than daily use. It's available in several styles, including a parquet pattern. Cons: Easily stained, scorched, sliced, and nicked.