Choose kitchen countertops
As the hardest working surface in any kitchen, kitchen countertops not only need to look stylish, they need to be hardworking too!
Modern design, sustainable materials and affordability play an important part of what you choose for your kitchen countertops, so let's take a look at the options...
Granite Countertops
Granite has become a widely used material for kitchen countertops, but remains one of the most expensive options. There are a wide range of colours to choose from, which is cut and polished before installation. However, not all suppliers routinely apply a sealer to granite tops and these can easily stained if not protected. You will find a range of stone and tile sealers at your local Builders Warehouse.
Solid Surface Countertops
These countertops are highly resistant to stains and scratches, and completely renewable and repairable. It's fairly easy to sand away any scratches and deep gouges can be filled in. However, do beware of hot pots, as this material is susceptible to heat. Seams are fused together to create undetectable joints.
Offering a wide variety of colours and patterns, solid surfacing is an affordable option for many homeowners wanting the look and properties of stone - without the price tag.
Quartz Countertops
Slightly higher in cost that solid surface countertops, quartz countertop is an engineered product that contains a high quantity of quartz (as much as 93%) making them a hard-wearing, stain-resistant and durable surface for kitchens.
Formica Laminate Countertops
Formica remains the most popular option for affordability, durability and design. It is available in a wide range of finishes, colours and patterns. Formica Lifeseal countertops are easy to install as a DIY option and can be purchased at your local Builders Warehouse.
From as little as around R850 per length, you can replace old countertops with Formica LifeSeal countertops in a day!
Ceramic Tile Countertops
When applied to a solid substrate, or directly over laminate countertops, ceramic tile is a quick and easy way to update a kitchen with a new look that won't cost a fortune. There are now tile sealers available that make tiling a kitchen countertop even more practical and easier to keep clean.
Note that only floor tiles should be used for countertop application, as wall tiles are too thin and will easily crack or chip. When fitting over existing laminate (Formica) countertops, use a construction adhesive, or No More Nails adhesive, to fix the tiles to the surface.
Wood and Bamboo Countertops
Hardwood countertops, while not as popular as other kitchen countertop options, are still chosen for their natural beauty. Butcher blocks and kitchen islands require a regular sealing or application of oil to keep them looking good, but there's no disputing the aged patina that acquires over years of use.
Bamboo countertops are gaining popularity as homeowners realise the benefits of this hard, durable and sustainable material. At this stage, however, bamboo is still a fairly expensive option - from around R2000 per length for 20mm thick bamboo countertops.
Concrete Countertops
Gaining popularity as a material used for kitchen countertops, concrete countertops are precast by the manufacturer before being fitted in place. Once polished and sealed concrete countertops are reasonably resistant to scratches and heat. Consider having a urethane sealer applied to concrete counters to provide stain resistance.
Stainless Steel Countertops
While there are many disadvantages to installing stainless steel countertops, in a home with an industrial-style kitchen they do look good. A more affordable option to stainless steel is aluminium, which works out at around half the cost and can be bought and fitted as a do-it-yourself option. However, do bear in mind that both stainless steel and aluminium scratches and dents easily.
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