For homeowners looking to remodel their kitchens, picking a durable and good-looking countertop is a way to make the room both comfortable and practical.

Kitchens are usually among the busiest rooms in the home, the place where families cook, eat, gather and entertain. It’s also the room that’s usually seen – and judged – by visitors and guests.

Durability, ease of maintenance and appearance are important aspects to keep in mind when choosing a countertop. And the nicer and more expensive countertops, made from granite or quartz, for example, can also add value to your home.

Those who are shopping for kitchen countertops should first set their budget, then research the types of available materials. Homeowners can surf the Internet or their local phone directory to find designers, fabricators and installers in their area. Large retailers such as Home Depot and Lowe’s sell kitchen countertops as well.

For years, laminates such as those manufactured by Formica and WilsonArt were the most popular countertop material in new homes, but they have given way to granite.

But the most affordable countertop surface remains laminate, which is made of compacted paper and plastic synthetics (cost: about $12 to $20 per square foot). High- pressure laminate surfaces are flat and smooth, easy to clean and come in a variety of colors. They even have styles that mimic the upscale look of granite or quartz.

But laminate countertops have visible seams that can trap dirt or food, and they can’t be repaired if damaged by people who cut on them and scratch the surface. The colors can also fade over time.

Granite can cost in the hundreds of dollars per square foot including installation. It is porous, so it must be treated with a sealant to resist stains; if not, stains can be very difficult to remove. Granite is very heavy, so installers must make sure the countertop is properly supported.

Another issue with granite is that radon is emitted from some granite countertops because they contain uranium. A New York Times story in July pointed out that claims have been raised about granite countertops emitting cancer-causing radon and radiation. Scientists seem to agree that the levels are very low, but the precise effect on humans through long-term exposure remains unclear.

Source: Dallas Morning News