As many of you know Interiors By Mae and Interiors Expressions By Matt often combine our two design firms to offer our clients essentially two doctors for the price of one, giving you the second and third opinion you may need. Our two firms design Kitchens more often than not. I have decided to start a series in my newsletters dealing with the questions most often asked. This newsletter is on countertop options. As always I am interested in your comments and questions, so please feel free to contact me.
Mae

wood

Aside from their obvious practicality,wood countertops are timeless and beautiful.Wood countertops can be both beautiful and functional. They're warmer to the touch than stone and quartz and offer a richer look than solid surface or laminate.In order to determine if they're right for your kitchen however, you should ask yourself just how you're going to use them.
How you use them will determine the type of wood countertop to choose.
like all countertop options their are many pro's and con's. Choosing your countertop material is not only important for the design aspect but also how you and your family live life.
pro's
*wood countertops can be a renewable resource or in other woods a green product.
*Can be a wonderful work surface
*Warm and very appealing to the eye, not to mention adding a great deal of elegance to your design
con's
* Can be stained by some fluids and foods if left on countertops for long period of time.
* Needing to be maintained and sealed on occasion for sanitary reasons

Stone

Granite countertops are certainly very popular. Mostly because of its natural beauty. Natural stone be it granite or marble comes in a huge variety of wonderful colors to give any home the design desired.
pro's
*Stone makes a fantastic work surface, Bakers love to knead dough on cold marble.
*Extremely durable; heat resistant
* Makes an impressive focal point
con's
* Requires regular sealing
*Can stain or crack
*Acids could etch finish

Solid Surface

Made of polyester or acrylic resins,also known by name brands like corian, hi macs or staron. Solid surface countertops were designed to have the same look as stone and is often used in other areas like shower walls or window sills because of its ease to clean.
pro's
*Easy to maintain, scratches and dings often can be easily removed
*Seamless and uniform in color
* Offers integrated sinks for more seamless and sanitary options
Cons
* Defiantly not heat resistant
* Can Discolor and stain
* May scratch easily

Laminate

The most common kitchen countertop, laminate is a

synthetic material made up of several layers: multiple

sheets of kraft paper (like that used in grocery bags), a

decorative paper and a melamine plastic coating. Though

economical, laminate doesn't have the lasting power of

stone.

Pro's

*Comes in many colors, patterns and variety of finishes.

*Great price

*Easy upkeep

Con's

*Not heat resistant

*You'll need to use cutting boards

*Layers make it difficult to repair chips.