There appear to be endless options for those homeowners looking to create an attractive and yet affordable countertop in the kitchen or bath. Although it appears endless, there are really only about five materials which are practical. The most popular materials remain solid wood, stone and laminate. Solid wood countertops are usually maple or oak, they are treated to resistant rotting and they are naturally resistant to abuse, they are very expensive. Solid stone is also expensive; granite countertops in Nashville TN along with marble, slate and limestone are favored. Probably the most common choice for countertops is laminate.
Wood and granite countertops in Nashville TN are solid materials, laminate is not. A laminate countertop is a piece of plastic material that is glued to a substrate which is usually plywood, MDF or particle board. A laminate countertop is by far the least expensive top, but it fails in durability. A laminate top can easily be burnt from hot pots and pans and it can stain quite easy from various food stuffs and acidic liquids. It is reasonably simple to install a laminate top, however, if the plastic has not been bonded correctly to the substrate it will quickly bubble up and begin to peel. Aesthetically, laminates can be quite nice and because there are so many variations in surface finish and color, the top can match many “modern” themes. Many of these themes quickly go out of fashion and the top will need replacing, however, it may need replacing anyway due to irreparable damage to the laminate.
There is little doubt that marble and granite countertops in Nashville TN are popular choices. Although the material is heavy, awkward and hard to install, once it is down, it will last for years. Marble is less forgiving than granite as it stains easier; it is often used in bathrooms where the service is not as difficult. Granite is the better choice for kitchens as it is less susceptible to staining and it is resistant to heat. If marble has any downside it is that it can easily chip or crack.
The most expensive countertops are solid wood. Bamboo has become a popular choice because it is naturally antibacterial and it can be used directly to cut on, although a patina will eventually take place from the scratches and minute cuts.
Celtic Marble & Granite specialize in granite countertops in Nashville TN. Have a look at a complete array of colors and qualities to choose from for redoing your kitchen or bath. Click here for more details.
