Lake Forest Countertops
Your kitchen countertop in Lake Forest is a big part of your kitchen outlook and an important design element for the whole house. It also has to be practically functional in its design, as this is where most people do their preliminary cooking. For both purposes, the materials used in a building are the most important element determining the cost, aesthetics, and overall impact on functionality.
While there is quite a wide range of materials that can be used for building countertops, only a few are usually considered. However, at Lake Forest Concrete Pros, we are well versed in using most materials and utilize the most suitable in our projects, no matter how esoteric they may appear. Our many years of experience have enabled us to experiment with a wide range of materials. From popular options such as natural stone, concrete, and plastic laminate to more exotic materials like zinc and marble, we are not afraid to test the limits and find out what best suits your kitchen. Give us a call at 949-899-6146 to get a countertop that will redefine your kitchen.
Selecting a Material for your Countertop
Finding a material that best suits your countertop can be overwhelming. As mentioned earlier, there is a wide range of options to choose from. We, however, make it easier for our customers by taking into consideration their needs and habits. For instance, if you do a lot of food preps directly on the countertop surface, you will need a material that is hard and non-porous so that it does not develop stain or knife marks. Natural stones like granite or a steel surface are ideal for such requirements.
Countertops come in different types depending on the material used for construction. Here is a brief description of the most popular types of countertops.
Stone Countertops
Natural stone is perhaps the most coveted set of materials used for countertops. They include granite, which is the most popular, marble, soapstone, and slate. Here is a brief overview of each.
Granite – Granite Countertops have long been a preserve of the super-rich, but today they are very popular worldwide. Specialists commonly sell granite stones over the counter, kitchen showrooms, and many home centers. Granite comes in various colors, including deep red, vibrant blue, midnight black, variegated browns, and mottled white.
Marble – Although this stone comes in fewer color patterns than granite, it is softer and provides a suitable surface for activities like baking or making fresh pasta. Marble is, however, susceptible to knife scars and acidic foods. We protect marble surfaces by repeatedly sealing, which can be expensive.
Soapstone – With a warm, milky appearance, soapstone has the unique ability to complement other design features without overwhelming them. It is usually found in varying tones of whites and grays with a hardness level that lies between granite and marble.
Concrete Countertops
Concrete countertops’ biggest advantage is virtually endless customization options. With these countertops, you can select the exact shape and color you want. You can leave it with its natural grey or customize it to look like marble, wood, or even the much-coveted granite.
Concrete is also very strong and durable. At Lake Forest Concrete Pros, we go the extra mile to reinforce the mix with glass fibers making the counter strong and exceptionally lightweight.
Outdoor Countertops
With more and more people choosing to entertain guests and family in their backyard, outdoor countertops are gaining popularity. These countertops need to have a lot of space to prepare and serve food and even some more space to sit back and relax.
Granite serves as the best material for outdoor countertops as it is very durable and can stand up against harsh sunny conditions. When a coated with a proper sealant, granite is also very resistant to stains, mildew, and molds.
Other popular materials include concrete, porcelain tile, soapstone, and quartzite.