Kitchen countertops are the horizontal material that is placed on your base units; use your countertop to prepare food and to house small kitchen appliances. Some countertops are also used as a breakfast bar where you can sit down for breakfast in the morning.

It is important that your kitchen countertops are durable, as they will have to resist cuts, the application of heat where things are taken out of the oven and placed directly on it, they will also have to be waterproof and resistant to stains and scratches.

There are many materials from which countertops can be made, common materials are laminated particle board, granite, corian®, marble, wood, ceramic, and stainless steel. Of these materials, the cheapest is probably laminated particle board; This laminate can be found in many different designs, including those that mimic the other materials mentioned, such as marble and wood. More expensive options, such as marble and granite, can be very expensive and will often cost as much as kitchen units; however, they look extremely stylish and elegant.

You will find that more expensive countertops like granite can be very waterproof and resistant to stains although it is important that they are well sealed to have these properties. More expensive marble and granite countertops require specialized assembly and granite countertops are often cut to size at the factory with the open ends polished to a high gloss finish.

Ceramic countertops are basically made with ceramic tile baseboards in place, they look good especially in traditional looking kitchens, but grout lines can cause some problems with dirt and germ build-up, they will require regular deep cleaning.

Laminate chipboard countertops are relatively easy to install compared to the others mentioned, they can be simply cut with a saw or router if you are using the famous butt and trace joint. They can be easily cut and fixed on site in no time, even the DIYer could try to fit them themselves, especially if they had to use the tie bars that can be purchased.

Wood countertops, such as wood blocks, can also be easily cut on site, although as they are more expensive, more care must be taken. If you want these countertops to be cut around a traditional Belfast style sink with drainage slots cut out, you will need a template and router, however it is probably best left to a professional. If you are installing wooden countertops, it is important to continue oiling them regularly.

Stainless steel countertops probably provide the most hygienic surface of all and this is why you will see them regularly used in professional kitchens where hygiene and ease of cleaning are of the utmost importance.

You may find it helpful to get a professional company to fit your countertops for you, as it may be a job that requires some skill. To buy kitchen countertops, it is probably best if you have a good online shopping.