Upgrading your home’s counters is a fast and effective way to increase its value and add beauty. Many homeowners choose to install Granite Countertops in St. Paul, MN homes, because it offers instant elegance, and lasts longer than many other materials. However, professionals, such as the staff at Select Surfaces, can show you a variety of attractive alternatives with many of the same benefits. Some these include:
- ENGINEERED STONE: Offered under trade names that include DuPont Zodiaq, LG Viatera, Cambria Quartz, and Silestone, engineered stone is primarily composed of quartz particles. It has a nonporous, scratch-resistant surface, and is easy to maintain. Since it is available in a wider range of colors than granite, many homeowners opt for engineered stone, rather than installing Granite Countertops in St. Paul, MN kitchens. Installers, such as Select Surfaces, provide a gallery displaying examples of engineered stone on their website. Clients can Browse their Website, to help them visualize how completed counters might look.
- SOAPSTONE: Homeowners who are restoring older homes, or want the look and feel of historic houses, often choose soapstone for counters. It is typically a dark gray, and smooth. Soapstone is sometimes used as a sink material. It is somewhat resistant to stains, and has a deep, rich color. Counters do require mineral oil treatments, and can crack or darken over time.
- MARBLE: Although it provides beauty and a luxurious appearance, marble is not often used extensively in kitchens, due to its high price. Homeowners typically choose it as an accent, on an island or inset. It also requires a lot of maintenance and can stain, although sealing can make it more stain resistant. Marble is water and heat proof. However, it is porous, can scratch, and needs periodic restaining.
- WOOD AND BUTCHER BLOCK: Installing wooden countertops or adding butcher block elements is the quickest way to add beauty and warmth to a kitchen. Woods are available in a wide range of colors and finishes. Maple and oak are the most common types of wood used for counters. Surfaces are simple to clean, very smooth, and can be sanded and resealed to restore them. Water can damage wood countertops, and they stain. Surfaces need to be correctly oiled or sealed.
Although installing granite countertops will add value, beauty, and elegance to a room, there are also many other options that offer the same benefits, and installation experts can compare and contrast materials for homeowners.