Home Depot among others offer a great selection of counter tops that you can view online or at their in store show rooms. Make a counter top project estimation worksheet so you have a pretty good idea of what you want and need before you go shopping.  Some ideas for your kitchen counter tops follows.

Corian

Dupont Corian is perhaps the most popular kitchen counter top available.  It is made from a durable nonporous  acrylic polymer, and resists stains, sunlight, scratches and heat.  It comes in a dazzling palette of colors, and does not promote the growth of bacteria and mildew making it an easy to care for and sanitary surface.  Some of the pros include:

PROS

  • Nonporous and stain resitant
  • Very durable product
  • Seams if any are not noticeable
  • Available in many colors, patterns and finishes
  • Color is solid throughout
  • Cuts and scratches can be removed with an abrasive pad

CONS

  • Knives and hot pans can damage the surface – Cutting boards are recommended
  • High gloss surfaces can show scratches – Matte finish is recommended.

Granite Counter Tops

Stonemark by Inovative Stone is the no stain granite counter top.  This granite kitchen counter top in unlike other granite counter tops because it requires no sealing.  It was created by nature and the process of  protecting it from staining was perfected by PermaShield.  Stone Mark granite is also resistant to heat, fading and scratching.

PROS

  • Very hard and durable
  • No sealing is required
  • Resistant to heat, scratching and fading
  • 100% natural stone
  • Free 15-year warranty

CONS

  • Seams may be visible.

Staron Counter tops by Samsung

Staron is a 100% acrylic solid surface.  It comes in over 70 colors and is functional, practical and easy to maintain.  It is also a nonporous surface and very hygenic.  Very durable and stain resistant and comes with a 15 year warranty.  Another innovative product to add to any kitchen at a very affordable price.  This product is only available through Home Depot currently.  Check out the Home Depot.

SileStone

Silestone is a quartz surface counter top and is truly a merge between beauty and functionality.  It is as hard as a rock and only topaz, sapphire and diamonds are harder.  It is extremely dense and nonporous and never needs sealing or polishing.  Scratch, scorch, bacteria and stain resistant, and comes in more than 50 colors and 2 finishes to suite individual taste.

PROS

  • Extremely hard and durable
  • Easy to clean
  • Stain, bacteria, scratch and scorch resistant
  • Low maintenance
  • Features built in Microban protection

CONS

  • Seams are visible

Laminate Counter Tops

The most popular counter top surface because of its affordability, easy to care for and is available in a wide variety of pattens and colors.  It is a wonderful choice if you want to upgrade every few years, and is made of thin layers of plastic bonded onto particle board or kraft paper, and resist stains, abrasions and moisture.  They require just a quick clean up of soap and water and a damp cloth.

PROS

  • Durable
  • Economical
  • Stain resistant
  • Available in many colors, patterns and textures

CONS

  • Knives and heat can damage surface – Cutting boards are recommended.
  • Cannot be repaired if scratched, burned, dented or stained.

Specialty Materials for Counter Tops

There are a host of specialty materials available for you to choose from for your kitchen counter tops.  These can range form wood surfaces, to stainless steel, stone to the absolutely gorgeous copper counter top surfaces. They are each durable and offer a variety of advantages.  In most cases , these materials are incorporated into kitchen cabinets that are custom made which adds that unique look to your kitchen cabinets

I hope you found these ideas for your kitchen counter tops helpful.  Be sure to click on any of the links for more in depth descriptions.