Choosing a CountertopWith the huge array of options in countertops today, choosing the right one can be a daunting task. Keep these tips in mind to cut the job down to size.
There are three things to consider when you're thinking about counters: budget, appearance and function. A kitchen that produces meals for five kids will have different counters than a kitchen that's a showpiece in a Greenwich Village townhouse. So keeping those factors in mind, you can start looking at what's available:
- Butcher block provides a traditional look. Its biggest advantage is that you can cut right on it without dulling the knives. However, it will stain and, of course, it will get cut up. If that gets too bad, though, you can sand down the surface. Of course, wood isn't a great idea next to the sink.
- Soapstone, however, is another old-fashioned material that works just fine around a sink. Soapstone was very popular for a long time, then it disappeared from the market. Now it's making a big comeback. You can seal it or leave it natural; sealing it will turn it to charcoal gray. Soapstone is soft enough to work with woodworking tools, too. You can put a sink right in it.
- Granite is wonderful for baking centers because it's cool and smooth. It's available in hundreds of varieties. It's almost indestructible and looks very sophisticated.
