The kitchen is one of the most commonly used rooms in every home, without really noticing we spend a large percentage of our time at home in our kitchens whether it is washing the dishes and loading up the washing machine or preparing a meal. Kitchens are even considered the social hub of households due to families eating round the breakfast table or gathering in the kitchen at parties.
It is no surprise then that many homeowners have taken time and effort to making their kitchens look impressive and attractive; a lot of people have had their kitchens professionally designed and tailored to their own tastes. One of the key features in making their kitchen appear unique and different from standard kitchens you may have had in the past is specialty countertops.
Countertops are what we place our countertop appliances on and prepare food upon. More modern kitchens are using unique materials for countertops such as Granite. Granite is an elegant choice and obviously has a high cost associated with it. Granite has a number of other benefits such as being able to hold heat and the second highest hardness rating after diamonds meaning it can take a battering and still look impeccable.
There are other stone based countertops that come in different colours from the colour of granite. Perfect for buyers who are looking for a more unique look or have a colour scheme to fit in with. It is important to remember that some stone based worktops will need annual treatments to “seal” them, this stops stains seeping into the stone and becoming permanent.
For those who would love the look of an expensive polished stone worktop but can’t afford the steep cost then there are wooden or chipboard based worktops with coatings and veneers that look like the granite and other stone worktops. Not only are these easier to shape and move but they are cheaper and easy to clean without having to worry about stains setting in.
When designing a new kitchen you will want to spend time thinking about all of the details such as countertops, tiles and other fixtures such as kitchen taps and sinks. If you choose a reputable kitchen designer or fitter then they may be able to help you with your design ideas and assist you with any questions or suggestions you may have. Overall helping you find the right kitchen for you and your bank balance!
