Three Options for a Custom Kitchen Countertop
A major decision when renovating a kitchen is the choice of countertop material. While the options are endless, here are three attractive alternatives to consider for designer kitchens.
Granite
You could go with classic granite, a durable and resilient option. Like all natural stone, granite comes in various colours and patterns. You can pick from hues like white, grey, beige and brown and unusual colours like blue, green and pink.
Because of the natural variations, you should view the actual piece of granite that you want to use, whether in person or with photos. If you notice lovely areas of the slab, ensure they will be used and not discarded. You can ask the supplier or installer to show where the sink cut-out will be and how the slab could be joined to hide the seams.
Another essential aspect to think about is the finish of the stone. If you want to generate a sophisticated look in your kitchen, you can choose a polished finish, whereas if you aim to create a rustic vibe, you could opt for a less shiny honed finish that looks more earthy.
Engineered Stone
If you like the appearance of natural stone but don't want to undertake the regular sealing it needs, you could opt for an engineered stone countertop instead. These are manufactured using natural crushed stone, such as quartz, combined with resins. The mixture is poured into forms and cured with heat and pressure. This process gives engineered stone countertops a non-porous surface that is highly resistant to scratching and damage without the need for sealant.
Another benefit of engineered quartz benchtops is that they're more consistently coloured than natural stone counters, which are more randomly patterned. Additionally, you will have a broader range of designs with engineered quartz, including neutral creams and beiges and brighter greens and reds.
Concrete
If you want an unusual benchtop, you could opt for concrete. These are poured into a mould at your home or cast into shape off-site to be installed after the curing phase. Because a concrete slab is customised for your kitchen, you can add whatever colours and aggregates you want. Pigments can be blended with cement, and stains can be applied to the hardened slab. You can also add unique aggregates, such as recycled coloured glass, creating a terrazzo effect.
However, remember that concrete is heavy and requires sturdy supporting cabinetry. Also, like stone, it requires the regular application of a sealant to make the benchtop less porous and more resilient.
For more info about custom kitchens, contact a local company.
