| |
Concrete, Granite or Marble
Picking a countertop is
important not just for the aesthetics of the kitchen, but also in regards to
functionality. The reality is, there are over a dozen different materials
you can use to make a kitchen countertop, but examining and comparing each
of those would be an exercise in futility. Instead, consider granite, marble
and concrete, three popular countertop options that offer some different
experiences.
In order to compare the three, remember that durability in a kitchen is very
important, just as the ability to clean and maintain the surface is
important. Perhaps a greater consideration for most home owners, cost is
also a major factor. Finally, the issue that most people put as primary is
the appearance and how it fits with the rest of the kitchen. After all, when
you renovate a kitchen every aspect must work with one another to ensure not
only the best function, but also the best form.
As with any home
improvement question, the answer to this depends heavily on your own
preference. Obviously, concrete is the cheapest of the three, so if price is
your only concern then the choice can be made fairly easily. On the other
hand, style is usually going to be the deciding factor in this decision
making process.
If you have brand new wooden cabinets, you might want to consider getting
either granite or marble that will work well with your color scheme.
Instead, if you decide to do something artistic to overhaul the look of your
cabinets, such as refinishing them yourself, concrete might work better. You
can make your own countertops out of concrete, which offers a unique
artistic touch.
When it comes down to it, just remember to prioritize for your own need. Put
your needs in order of importance, and choose the countertop that matches
them. In the end, your kitchen should be a room that you enjoy being in.
For price, the cheapest
countertop is usually marble and the most expensive is granite. Of course,
price isn't your only concern, but it is the easiest one to measure in an
absolute fashion. Durability is a slightly different issue, as concrete is
the most durable and marble is the least durable. Also, heat resistance is
actually the best on granite, and the worst on marble.
Still, though these are all important factors, there are un-measurable
variables such as how well it matches you cabinets or goes with your wall
color and these bring up an entirely different issue. In order to get a good
idea of which one is best for you, remember to consider each of these
factors in accordance with your needs.
|
