Countertops, or tops as they are referred to, are usually custom-designed for each installation. There are hundreds of colors, patterns, and materials to choose from. Because they can be made in any size and shape with custom cutouts for sinks and cooking appliances, tops are normally not stocked as an inventory item. Since replacing the countertops in your home is a smart investment, you'll want to make sure you are choosing the right countertops for your house, budget and life style.

Kitchen countertops come in a variety of materials. Selecting the right material is vital to the appearance and functionality of your kitchen, wet bar or bathroom. You want a counter top to enhance the visual statement of your room while still being durable enough to survive its everyday usage.

Countertops for entertainment areas and wet bars can be of any material, as long as the material and/or surface finish is resistant to acidic substances (fruit juices, wine, etc.). Custom designed counter tops are typically associated with kitchens and wet bars, but are often installed in bathrooms as well.

Granite, the surface of choice in kitchens and bathrooms in recent years, is a hard, natural stone known to resist heat, stains and scratches. Designers, architects and homeowners love it for its natural appearance and the subtle depth of color it adds to the room. Also, granite will normally increase the value of your home.

Man made stone, or Engineered Stone as the material is called, require less maintenance than granite because they are non-porous. For example, they don't have to be sealed periodically. Their impervious surface provides more stain and bacterial resistance than.

In addition to kitchen countertops, engineered stone products can be used for shower and tub surrounds, vanities and other surfaces throughout the home. And unlike porous granite, which can foster bacteria, they are ideal for commercial settings, especially daycare centers, hospitals and foodservice providers

If you are looking to keep cost low, it is best to stick with a simple durable tile countertop. Glazed ceramic and porcelain tile will not stain, but keep in mind that you cannot use ceramic material as a cutting board. Porcelain is more expensive but also more durable.

In The Kitchen

When remodeling your kitchen, remember countertops are highly visible and one of the most used areas of your kitchen. With so many materials, colors, and styles to choose from, selecting the right counter top can be a challenging task.

Many kitchens will have a mix of surface materials specifically chosen for how they will be used. For instance a kitchen may have a granite island for serving; a marble square for preparing pastry; a butcher-block square for cutting; solid-surface tops for heavy food-preparation and tile for the backsplash or accent.

Laminate, engineered stone and solid surface come in the widest variety of colors. The flexibility of engineered stone and solid surfacing makes these options ideal for fashioning decorative shapes or integral sinks.
Tile, wood and stainless steel offer special looks but have their tradeoffs.

Tile does not provide a smooth surface for food preparation and its grout can discolor. Grout is a very porous material that becomes a breeding ground for mold, mildew and all types of bacteria unless it is properly sealed and maintained. Wood requires sealants and maintenance, as does natural stone.

Stainless steel and other metals scratch and show fingerprints.

Solid surface, such as Corian and Staron does not contain quartz. It is softer and less durable than engineered stone such as Silestone, Zodiac or Ceaser stone. Therefore, it is not as popular for use in kitchens or other hard use areas. Likewise glass countertops should never be used in the work areas of a kitchen.

A Note About the Backsplash

A backsplash protects the area of wall that is just above the countertop and below the kitchen cabinets from water and grease. (most commonly in the areas of the sink and cook top/range)

The backsplash can be made of the same material as the countertop, or of a different material, but it should be a material that is relatively easy to clean.

The type of backsplash, straight or cove, will be determined by the type of material used for the countertop.

In The Bathroom

Countertops are often not given the consideration they deserve for bathroom use, because of the tremendous variety of alternatives, including cultured marble and pedestal lavs, but they are very useful in powder rooms when combined with the new above counter vessels.

Here you have an opportunity to be really bold and creative. Be careful not to overpower the simple design of the vessel by too bold a color or pattern beneath it however. It's probably best to let your designer choose your options.

Wood is not typically used because the moisture common to bathroom areas is destructive to natural fibers. Synthetic materials on the other hand, are generally impervious to water and are a smart choice for any bathroom.