Most people sacrifice the budget on their kitchen countertop because they saw a very expensive but elegant countertop only to find out that in just a few months it needs a new replacement because it is not durable, stains fast, and what's worst, it looked way worst than your previous one. Don't allow this to happen in your kitchen improvement plans.

Some kitchen countertops sold are wood, plastics, and some say ceramics are much better. But these materials are not good in kitchens. A good kitchen countertop must be waterproof, fireproof, and requires less maintenance. Here are my top choices:

3 Types of Countertops that are Kitchen-Friendly

Concrete

Advantage

• Very Cheap
• Can be molded in any shape, style or color
• Seamless
• Easy to clean

Disadvantage

• Heat can easily damage concrete
• Can attract mold and mildew
• Spills must be cleaned as soon as possible because it will cause stains.
• Hairline cracks are common and cannot be prevented

Natural Stone

Advantage

• Cheap
• Patterns are unique, a lot of options to choose from
• Hard and dense

Disadvantage

• Very heavy
• Some natural stones like granite and quartz are very expensive.
• Cheaper stones can scratch and chip easily.
• Susceptible to stains.
• Some stones require sealing, must maintain in a constant basis.

Stainless Steel

Advantage

• Cheap
• does not chip, resists heat, and stains
• Very easy to clean
• Non-porous, which means it wont attract mold and mildew.

Disadvantage

• Installation for a small kitchen can cost about $500
• Stainless steel itself is very noisy.
• Looks dull and bland
• Can dent and scratch. It is very difficult to repair once your countertop has one.
• Conductor of heat. Do not place hot pots without padding because the whole countertop will become hot.

When choosing a countertop for your home:

1. Think of your family member's needs(do you have kids?)
2. Stay within your budget but don't sacrifice quality.
3. It must fit the size of your kitchen and your theme.

A perfect kitchen countertop must not be so cheap that you will constantly replace it, nor it has to be so expensive but it doesn't fit into your home. It must be just right that your family members are comfortable using it and very durable that you won't think of replacing it for years. A perfect kitchen countertop is not based on the convincing words of advertisers, nor what your neighbor suggests you take, it must be from you and your family's preference.

Arnel Y. Colar is a freelance writer, expert in Home Improvement. He writes articles for Putting On The Fix and At Your Door Floors.

Putting On The Fix is a remodeling company that specializes in bathroom and kitchen home improvement projects. They service the Dallas and Fort Worth metro area. At Your Door Floors is a flooring store that sells and installs floor materials like tile, hardwood, carpet and laminate.

If you are in need of an excellent and guaranteed service from professionals at a price that is within your budget, visit their websites at http://www.puttingonthefix.com and http://www.atyourdoorfloors.com. Free consultations are also available.

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