Kitchen Countertops-Adding Value and Style to Your Austin Home
Posted: Monday, December 28, 2009
by Brian Talley
Austin real estate
Austin, Texas is known for its unique neighborhoods and beautiful custom-built homes. All over Austin, people are looking to buy a new home or renovate the one they've got. Since the kitchen is one of the most central rooms in a home, the right kitchen countertops are vital for your home's look and functionality. Here are some of the most popular kitchen countertop options for Austin homes by affordability:
Laminate
Laminate has been around for years and is the most affordable choice. Laminate is simple to take care of and clean, is stain-resistant, and is now available in colors and finishes that can make your kitchen stand out. Laminate countertops are made from several layers that are bonded together and glued to plywood or particleboard. The disadvantages of laminate are that it is not as durable as other countertops and does not hold up to scratches and wear and tear as well as others.
There are different grades of laminates, so be sure that you don't simply choose the cheapest because they will be less resistant to wear and tear than those that are higher priced, and that could end up costing you more in the long run.
Moderately Priced - $50 to $80 per foot installed:
Solid Surface
Solid Surface countertops are made of acrylic and they come in hundreds of colors and finishes. They are very easy to clean and maintain and are the best choice if you are looking for a built-in sink with no seams, which creates a wonderfully smooth look. They are also resistant to mold, mildew and bacteria, which makes it a safe and healthy option.
Solid surface materials are man-made as opposed to natural surfaces such as marble and granite. These materials come in a variety of colors so that you can easily customize the look of the countertop. Make sure you are satisfied with your choice of style of Solid Surface because it can be costly to replace.
Most Expensive - $50 to $100 (and more) per foot installed:
Quartz
Quartz countertops are beginning to appear in more and more Austin area homes thanks to their high-end look and outstanding durability. Natural quartz is mixed with epoxy binders that make it almost indestructible; therefore quartz countertops are extremely scratch-resistant and withstand any water or moisture. Quartz countertops are very easy to clean, just wipe them down and they are fine. Because quartz countertops are very heavy, make sure a certified Austin technician installs them professionally.
Granite
Granite is one of the hottest trends in kitchens all over, but especially in Austin. It has been around for a long time-200 million years to be exact, making it one of the most durable countertops you can find, but it is also the most expensive. It is the hardest stone that you can find in nature, second only to diamond, meaning that any cookware, knives or cutlery can be used on granite without scratching the surface. Due to its low porosity, granite is not vulnerable to mold or mildew, making it a safe countertop as well as a stylish one.
Updating your kitchen countertops not only adds value to your Austin home, but it makes your kitchen more enjoyable. For more information on Austin homes or Austin, TX real estate, contact top Austin realtor Brian Talley.
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