Manhattan Kitchen Countertops

Picking the Perfect Countertop for Your New York or New Jersey Kitchen Remodel

May 7, 2010

The most distinctive elements of your newly remodeled NI or NYC kitchen renovation project are the appliances, the cabinets and the countertops. Truly the face of your NYC kitchen-remodeling project, these three elements work together to create the perfect look for what is usually the busiest room in the home.

NYC or NJ Kitchen countertops pose a specific problem: you want to choose colors and textures that add to the room’s design but also need countertops that are durable enough to withstand daily use and don’t require regular maintenance. Luckily, there are plenty of choices for discerning homeowners from sophisticated natural stone to durable—and sustainable—recycled or engineered solid surface countertops.

Here are some of the types of kitchen countertops available to New York, New Jersey and Connecticut homeowners today.

Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile is perhaps the most versatile NJ or NY kitchen countertop material since there are literally millions of tiles to choose from. Ceramic tiles are heat resistant but they will also create an uneven surface and can still chip or crack easily, which means you may have to replace individual tiles periodically. Grout lines can also stain and may need to be reapplied.

Natural Stone
Natural stone adds sophistication to your New York City, Bergen County, NJ or Westchester, NY kitchen since each stone is entirely unique. But different types of stones have varying degrees of durability: a granite countertop should withstand daily use fairly well, whereas marble will stain and scratch very easily.

Engineered Stone
Engineered stone countertops are relatively heat, scratch, stain and acid resistant and come in a larger variety of colors. A quartz-composite product that’s made with colored pebbles, polymers, and epoxy, engineered stone countertops are one of the most durable options you can choose.

Solid Surface Countertops
Solid surface countertops of polyester-resin or recycled materials. Because they are solid you can sand out any scratches, burns and stains. These diverse surfaces can also be cut or molded into any shape, making them a great choice for uniquely shaped counters. They’re also durable and very easy to clean.

Eco-Friendly Countertops
There are even green countertop options available to the eco-conscious homeowner. IceStone, made from recycled glass and concrete, and Richlite, made from paper-based fiber composites, are two of the most promising products available.

Wood / Butcher Block
Wood or butcher-block countertops add warmth to any Paramus, Westchester, or Nassau County kitchen. They’re easy to clean and can be sanded and resealed as often as you need. They can also be damaged by water, stains, or knife cuts, though. While these marks can certainly be sanded out, butcher-block countertops do need more maintenance than other products.

Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is heat resistant and easy to clean, but it does dent easily, so you can’t cut vegetables or bread on its surface. Stainless steel countertops can also be relatively expensive since they need to be custom fitted.

Concrete
Concrete countertops scratch resistant and new treatments eliminate cracking and reduce porosity. Since they’re entirely customized—they’re cast right in your kitchen and so can be fitted to the most unique design ideas—they can be quite expensive.

Glass-top Countertops
Clear, frosted or colored glass countertops pair well with concrete, wood, metal or stone for a textured and high-end feel for your luxury kitchen. And since tempered glass is nonporous it doesn’t stain.

Whether you’re a Westchester, New York City, or Suffolk County resident looking to renovate your current kitchen design, MyHome can help. We offer complete design, supply