Unusual kitchen countertops
We look at different kitchen countertop finishes
Are you tired of your kitchen and looking for a way to refresh your space without completely re-doing your cabinets?
Let’s look at unique and unusual kitchen countertops
Glass
Well, recycled glass waste and resin, to be totally honest. If you are revamping with sustainability in mind, this should be your countertop of choice.
“The glass is encased within a cement or petroleum-based binder to offer structural integrity. In most cases, the finished product consists of anywhere between 70 to 85 percent of recycled content.” Buildwithrise.com
The aesthetics of your glass countertops will vary depending on the colour and finish you use. This can work with a modern, minimalist kitchen, a farmhouse style kitchen, and even a more informal and “cosy” kitchen.
Terrazzo style countertops
This ties in lovely with glass countertops, as many of the terrazzo style countertops get their signature terrazzo look from glass flecks,
Terrazzo is just the name of any floor or tile finish that makes use of shards, flecks or pieces of chipped tile, marble, stone and glass, set into cement or concrete and then polished and finished to a gloss.
Terrazzo is a striking finish, which can either lean towards stark modernism, or you can embrace its heritage and use it in the right colours to enhance a warm, Mediterranean palazzo vibe.
Stainless steel.
Release your inner chef. With the right décor and finishes this stark design choice can add a lovely element to a kitchen. Pair stainless steel workspaces (like right next to the stove and by the washing up area) with classical tiling work and open shelves displaying all your high-end kitchen appliances. Stainless steel countertops tell the story of a professional home chef with a passion for doing good food and doing it right. This kitchen has seen some amazing meals and al the knives in the drawers are probably honed to perfection…these countertops don’t stain, don’t crack and are heat resistant. You can wash them with the harshest solvents or even go at them with a power washer. Nothing beats stainless steel for durability and function.
Tiled
An old favourite, durable, affordable and versatile. Tiled countertops are one of those things that fluctuate in and out of style, but in the end, they remain a reliable finish. They are easy to clean, and depending on the finish you choose, they will be stain and heat resistant. Because you use tiles, your design options are unlimited. From ultra-modern porcelain tiles, to cottage-core/homestead style terra cotta, the choice is yours!
Concrete
A tried and tested favourite, these durable countertops add a modern, industrial touch to any space. Giving you the warmth of an earthy material, (its not as harsh as stainless steel) coupled with the durability of poured concrete.
These countertops do however have to be perfectly installed to avoid cracks forming and be sealed and finished to maintain their structural integrity.
Butcher’s block wood
A classic countertop that has experienced a resurgence is the old-fashioned butcher’s block style of countertops. This is a wooden slab, made from composite strips of hard wood glued together and finished as a large plank. It can be lengthwise or end grain, depending on your design choice. This countertop is expensive, when done right, but it is one of the most durable types of kitchen work surfaces. As the name implies, butchers of old used to chop, slice and hack away all day long on their block…They are heat resistant but prone to scorching and only stain resistant if sealed.
Wooden Countertops produced locally
Only you get to choose
Whatever you end up choosing – always remember that it is your choice. You know your own preferences, cooking- and hosting styles, and only you can decide how big your budget is. Just be sure to craft a kitchen that you will love feeding your loved ones in. Because that’s what it is all about!
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