Tips For Selecting
The Perfect Kitchen Counter Top

The kitchen counter top you select for your home is a matter of personal taste and function. Below is list of the most commonly used materials for kitchen counter tops and the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Feel free to combine different surfaces for a unique and exciting look or as a cost saving measure for your home interior decorating and design project.

Butchers block - is made from wood and provides a natural, warm look and feel. Thick butcher blocks are made of hardwood strips glued together. It is the ideal kitchen counter top for the cook who does plenty of slicing and dicing. Here are some other characteristics:

• One of the most sanitary surfaces available
• Nicks, cuts, and scratches give it character
• Can be sanded down to remove blemishes and bacteria
• Rub it down with mineral oil periodically to protect the finish
• It is usually made from maple or beech wood
• Avoid prolonged exposure to water

• Heat resistant
• Stain resistant
• The grout between tiles will be difficult to keep clean
• Can be chipped if hit hard

Laminate (formica and wilsonart) - is the most commonly installed kitchen counter tops in homes. Once damaged, laminate is almost impossible to repair, but here's why it is still a favorite among home builders and remodelers:

• It is moderately priced
• There is a huge range of colors, patterns, and textures
• Resists grease and stains and will clean up easily with soap and water
• Edges can be round or right-angled
• Multiple style options
• Hides scratches very well

Solid surface materials - typically comprised of acrylic or acrylic blended with other materials. You may be familiar with the brand name Corian. Here are some additional characteristics:

• It is available in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and textures including simulated stone
• Easy to clean
• Non-toxic
• Can be formed to have round or right-angled edges
• Do not sit very hot pots on it
• Can take minor scratches, but avoid it as a frequent cutting surface
• Certain substances will stain it, but this can be repaired

• Scratch resistant
• Stain resistant
• Won't crack
• Hot pots and pans won't damage it
• Clean up with warm water
• Use a non-yellowing paste wax to preserve its brightness

Stainless steel - tends to be a specialty kitchen counter top surface that works well where lots of water is used and near ovens or ranges. However, it will dent and scratch.

Once you install your new counter top, have you decided how you're going to decorate the rest of the kitchen to make sure that it really is something special? If not, you may want to consider The Awaken Your Interior Designer! Collection

Inside these eBooks, not only will you find the step-by-step instructions to make your decorating easy, but you'll get hundreds of ideas for giving your kitchen that special edge.

If you'd like more ideas for dressing up your kitchen, click on this link... Kitchen Decorating Ideas That Tantalize

I hope this information on kitchen counter tops has been helpful.

If your home could use a little spicing up, then don't miss an issue of DecoDreams, our FREE e-zine. You'll find lots of tips to help busy weekend decorators like yourself. Click here to receive more free interior decorating ideas.

And if you'd like explore some excellent books on kitchen decorating and design, I recommend the resources below.

Recommended Reading - Books

(1) Kitchen counter tops and more in...Kitchen Decorating Ideas and Projects


(2) *NEW* The Awaken Your Interior Designer! Collection - Brought to you by Home Decorating Made Easy, this first of its kind collection of interactive guidebooks is guaranteed to help you decorate any room in your home easier and faster than ever before. Create the warm, inviting kitchen of your dreams without spending lots of money.




Click here for more great ideas to help you with your home decorating!