what do you use for countertops

What material do you use for countertops?

Here, we'll take a look at seven popular types of countertop materials: natural stone, solid-surfaces, engineered stone, concrete, plastic laminate, ceramic tile, and wood.

What is the most popular countertop material?

Granite. Granite countertops are perhaps most familiar to the majority of homeowners, and have been a popular choice for the past few decades or so.

What material is most durable for countertops?

QuartzQuartz takes first place in terms of durability. Made of crushed quartz stone mixed with polymers and resin, this artificially engineered stone countertop is an extremely durable surface that resembles natural stone.

What is the cheapest way to replace countertops?

Ceramic and porcelain tile are among the most affordable varieties and come in a wide range of colors and patterns, including designs that mimic granite and other stone. Natural stone tiles are pricier than ceramic but are much more affordable than slab granite or marble.

What is the cheapest and most durable countertop?

What's the most inexpensive, durable countertop? Solid surface, like Corian, remains the cheapest and most durable available.

What is the easiest countertop to maintain?

Man-made materials like laminate or stainless steel countertops rank among the easiest countertops to maintain in the short term, as they may simply require wiping down with mild dish soap and warm water.

What is the best countertop for your money?

According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, quartz countertops are the best to go for when looking for an affordable countertop material that will give you a long service.

What kind of countertop is low maintenance?

Laminate is easily one of the most obvious choices for a durable countertop in addition to being an affordable option. The surface doesn't require you to seal it or to avoid spills that could lead to staining.

What is the most low maintenance countertop material?

Top 5 Low Maintenance Countertop Surface OptionsLaminate. A laminate countertop surface has many advantages. ... Recycled Glass. This is a relatively new product. ... Solid Surface. There are a variety of solid surface types with Corian and Soapstone among the bestselling and highest-rated. ... Stainless Steel. ... Quartz.

How can I cover my countertop without replacing it?

Cover Countertops Without ReplacingStone Overlay.Wood Overlay.Tile Over the Countertop.Laminate Over the Countertop.Countertop Refinishing Kit.Concrete Skim Coat.Peel and Stick Countertop Film.Countertop Adhesive Cover.More items...

What looks like quartz but is cheaper?

Granite, marble and engineered solid surface stone are the best quartz alternatives as far as durability and cost.

What looks like granite but is less expensive?

Acrylic countertops are heat and scratch resistant, and offers a more affordable option when compared to granite or marble. Most are finished to look like natural stone.

What is the most popular countertop for 2022?

The most popular and trending countertop for 2022 is a marble countertop. Closely trailing behind is concrete countertops and butcher block countertops. What countertop edge is in style 2022? Waterfall edge countertops have been on the come-up for years now.

What is the most low maintenance countertop material?

Top 5 Low Maintenance Countertop Surface OptionsLaminate. A laminate countertop surface has many advantages. ... Recycled Glass. This is a relatively new product. ... Solid Surface. There are a variety of solid surface types with Corian and Soapstone among the bestselling and highest-rated. ... Stainless Steel. ... Quartz.

What countertop adds the most value?

quartzRecently quartz or manufactured stone beat out granite as the most popular kitchen countertop material. While on the surface, natural stone may seem to offer more resale value, that might be changing! As of right now, granite, marble, travertine, soapstone, and so on will typically give you bigger resale value.

What countertop is better than quartz?

It may seem like an impossible choice. After all, both come in a gorgeous selection of colors and patterns and both make an incredibly durable work surfaces. However, if you talk to the real experts, the fabricators, most will be quick to tell you granite is a better choice than quartz.

Water or oil-based latex house paint

Latex paints are known for their low cost, so if you are operating on a tight budget, these are the best to go for.

Textured spray paint

They are easy to use and highly cost-effective, making them a great addition to your arsenal. You also don’t need to use a primer and topcoat to increase their strength and durability.

Two-part water-based epoxy

This paint can be highly intimidating, especially as a first-time DIY. This is because you have to mix the two paint components.

What should you consider when choosing the paint to use on your countertops?

Location of the countertops: Are the countertops in the kitchen or bathroom? If they are in the kitchen and you have many people living with you, it means they are heavily trafficked, and you need to use durable paint.

Valuable countertop painting tips

You need to consider several countertop painting tips to get the best results. These tips include:

How durable are painted countertops?

Painted countertops can be very strong and durable if they are done correctly. Choose the best quality paint your budget can manage, and apply a few thin coats of each paint, allowing ample drying time between them. This will ensure a high-quality level of finish and maximum durability, even in high-traffic areas like the kitchen.

How to protect sink and taps from paint?

Use painter’s tape to protect the sink, taps, and walls, and cover the cabinets and floor with newspaper or plastic. Use a smooth foam roller. Avoid using a paint brush, as it leaves streaks. Paint on a coat of primer and let it fully dry and harden for a minimum of six hours.

Why use primer on marble?

Using primer ensures consistent coverage, increases the durability of the paint, and protects the material being painted. Color – you will need at least one paint color, more if you are creating a faux marble or granite finish. If you have used a water-based acrylic primer, use a water-based acrylic color too.

How to keep paint from fading?

To prevent fading and discoloration and reduce wear, use gentle cleaning products and a cloth or sponge to wipe painted counters. Avoid detergents that contain bleach or harsh acids and avoid using anything abrasive.

Can you use oil based enamel primer on a countertop?

If you are using an oil-based enamel primer, use an oil-based enamel paint. Topcoat – a topcoat is 100% necessary on a painted countertop. This will create a smooth, glossy finish and protect the countertops from chips, dents, scratches, and stains. Essential for durable kitchen counters!

Is acrylic paint good for countertops?

Acrylic paint dries very hard and is good for most countertops. Using a resin topcoat will increase the hardness – good for heavily used counters. Are your countertops going from light to dark in color? You may need to use a tinted primer to ensure good paint coverage in fewer coats.

Can you paint countertops with acrylic paint?

Paint countertops with a water-based acrylic primer, color, and topcoat; or an oil-based enamel primer and color, with a non-yellowing, oil-based polyurethane topcoat. Resin can be used as a protective topcoat too. Spray paint can be used on countertops, together with a spray-on primer and topcoat. There truly is no need to put up ...