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When choosing the right countertop material for your kitchen, bathroom, or bar area, you have a wide variety of options. And a wide variety of prices! Learn about the options and their costs, both the initial investment and the lifetime value; it will be a most worthwhile effort. In this article, we’ll outline the various options and show you how granite can be a high-value option, without the high price tag.

Laminate countertops

Let’s start with the laminate. Laminate countertops are your basic, inexpensive countertops. Typically made from a plastic laminate material glued to a hardboard surface, laminate countertops offer a seemingly limitless variety of color and pattern options. Today’s laminate can even mimic the look of natural stone with photographic renderings of granite and edging that are similar in style to those seen on natural stone countertops. But because laminate is the lowest priced countertop option, it has its limitations. Laminate is easily damaged and not easily repaired. Knives and other sharp objects can scratch or scratch the laminate, and heat from hot pots and plates can burn or bubble the surface. Since the laminate is like veneer, there is no room to polish the damage. Laminate countertops won’t last a lifetime either. You should expect to have the laminate replaced within 10-15 years.

Solid Surface Countertops

Next we have the synthetic solid surface countertops. The best known solid surface countertop product is Corian. Solid surface countertops are comprised primarily of plastics with stained glass, plastic, and other materials to provide color and design variations. While solid surface countertops don’t look like natural stone, they do provide a flawless look. Because solid surface countertops can be custom made to almost any size and specification, long or oddly shaped countertop areas can be covered with a single solid piece. Solid surface countertops are scratch and burn resistant and can be repaired if damaged. Many people believe that solid surface countertops are a ‘notch below’ granite from an aesthetic perspective and therefore their price may surprise you. Solid Surface Countertop Prices; from about $ 40 per linear foot; it is actually taller than many styles of granite.

Quartz countertops

Somewhere between natural and synthetic stone countertops are engineered stone or quartz countertops. DuPont Zodiaq countertops are a popular quartz countertop option and are available in impressive color and pattern variations. Quartz countertops are composed of ground quartz that is mixed with colorants, synthetics, and other materials to form a unique, natural look not found in solid surface countertops. However, quartz countertops are expensive. With a price starting at around $ 45 per linear foot, it’s actually higher than granite, too.

Recycled glass countertops

A new countertop option that is gaining popularity is recycled glass countertops. For homeowners choosing to “go green,” recycled glass countertops don’t just look good, they feel good, too! Recycled glass is exactly what its name suggests. Used glass of all types and colors is broken and ground, and combined with bonding and coloring agents to form unique colors and patterns. But because there are only a few manufacturers of recycled glass countertops; and the product is in great demand: the price is high.

Granite countertops

And finally, we have our personal favorite: granite countertops. The elegance of granite is second to none. Step into a kitchen with granite countertops and you’ll immediately notice. Because granite is natural stone, its random color variations and patterns are not matched by any man-made materials or processes. Shopping for granite is fun too. To choose the right granite for your home, you can visit quarries and showrooms that have large slabs to view. By viewing the granite slab in its entirety, you can see wide patterns and variations that are not visible in small samples. Granite is very durable and resistant to stains, scratches or burns. Granite can be repaired in some cases, unless the damage is deep or completely cracked. Granite is also a solid value. Because it is considered a luxury item by most, granite countertops will add resale value to your home. And what most people don’t realize is that this ‘luxury item’ may actually cost less than less expensive materials.

Save on granite

Save On Granite offers 10 of the most popular granite styles at just $ 35 per installed square foot. Of the countertops mentioned above, when it comes to price, granite countertops are second only to laminate. How valuable is that?

So after doing your homework, visiting a few showrooms or quarries, and talking to others about your experiences, consider granite countertops for your kitchen, bathroom, or bar remodel. You will be happy you did!