A short guide to kitchen countertops

by | Apr 3, 2013 | Home Improvement

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There is no perfect answer to which is the best countertops in Lancaster PA. The material is a direct reflection of the homeowner; his cooking style and habits, maintenance considerations and plain personal style are all factors.

Some years ago, laminate countertops were all the rage, now there are new tops which are more durable and texturally appealing.

There are some tops which are designed to keep their “as new” look over a long period of time, other tops are expected to develop a patina over time, adding considerably to their charm. There are some countertops in Lancaster PA that require no maintenance other than to be kept clean; conversely, there are countertops that require applications of waxes, sealers or oil.
The choices are wide ranging but when it is all said and done; the countertop should be a happy marriage between functionality and beauty.

Stone:

Granite and marble are the two choices for stone countertops, but there is more to selecting it than just the color and the pattern of the vein. Although these are the definite options, granite, being the harder of the two is very hard wearing. Over the lifetime if a granite top, you cannot tell any difference from the day it was installed.

Marble is a different story. Marble is much softer and porous. When marble is chosen, most installers will recommend that a sealer be used, but ever with a sealer, some acidic foods, such as wine and orange juice can permeate the sealer and stain the marble. People who chose marble countertops Lancaster PA usually chose it for exactly that reason, they like the character that the marble shows after years of use and loving attention.

Another possibility, but this is limited to those who want a light color, is white quartzite. It has the durability of granite but the color of marble.

Man made stone:

Man made stone or Engineered stone as it is often called is a mix of natural stone with a resin binder. These surfaces are similar to granite inasmuch as they are tough and durable, resist scratches and are heat resistant.

Engineered stone is a good option; it provides the durability that most people look for, with the possibility of patterns that simply do not exist in nature.
Engineered stone never varies; it is identical one slab after another. This is not the case with natural stone. Where natural stone is different one piece after another, the ideal surface can be presented when the countertops in Lancaster PA are manmade.

Solid surface:

Solid surface countertops are manufactured from acrylic and similar plastics. The can be shaped and individual pieces can be seamlessly bonded for a continuous surface. The color options are limitless, they are non-porous, stain resistant, but, they scratch easier than stone.

For countertops in Lancaster PA made from various materials, you are invited to visit Jemson Cabinetry. Sit down and talk to experts, look at various samples and choose the top that suits you and your lifestyle best.

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