Installing a new countertop in your kitchen or bathroom is an excellent way to completely change the look of the room.  But, with so many different types of countertops to choose from, it can sometimes be confusing and difficult to select the one that is right for you.  Understanding the differences in price, look, and ease of installation can help make this decision easier.

Granite Countertops

Granite countertops are sure to provide you with a completely individual look because no two pieces of granite are the same.  Granite countertops contain interesting designs and texture, while remaining highly durable and scratch resistant.  Since granite is found in nature, however, the range of colors available are limited to just those that occur naturally. 

Slab granite countertops are best installed by a professional and, therefore, can be quite expensive to install.  You can, however, save money by doing some of the prep work yourself.  In addition, granite tiles are also available for use on countertops.  These tiles are fairly simple to install and cost about 1/3 the cost of installing slab granite countertops.

Concrete Countertops

Concrete countertops are quickly becoming a popular trend among homeowners.  These countertops can be created in unlimited styles and can be made to look like granite, marble, and even glass.  Concrete countertops can also be entirely unique, as the molds used to create them are custom designed to suit the homeowner’s needs.  Because concrete countertops are created for the individual, personal touches can also be added.  For example, you can add seashells to your countertop, pieces of broken dishes, or special stones from a favorite family vacation.  The possibilities are endless. 

In general, concrete countertops need to be installed by professionals.  There are books available for do-it-yourselfers, but it requires a great deal of time and practice to perfect the technique.  The overall quality and look of concrete countertops is directly related to the skill of the creator.  Because concrete countertops are specialized and customized, they can be highly expensive to install, ranging anywhere from $65 to $125 per square foot.

Corian Countertops

Corian countertops, which are made by Dupont, are made from a mixture of natural minerals and acrylic resin.  As such, you can choose from a wide variety of colors and styles for your bathroom or kitchen.  Corian is also renown for its sanitary conditions because it is nonporous.  Therefore, there is no risk of bacteria getting trapped and growing in the countertop. 

Corian is also highly durable and is able to be sanded, drilled and routed in order to fit any need.  As a result, Corian countertops can be seamlessly installed, resulting in a smooth transition from the countertop to the sink and the backsplash.  In order to receive the 10-year warranty that accompanies Corian countertops, however, you must have it installed by a professional.  Therefore, Corian countertops can be quite costly.