October 15, 2014 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 23 Consider the multitude of countertop options Many things in a kitchen contribute to this popular room’s personality. Appliances and cabinets go a long way toward crafting that look, but perhaps nothing defines a kitchen more than a homeowner’s choice of countertops. Countertops are where the action takes place in a kitchen. Counters are where meals are prepared and where hungry houseguests or curious kids watch the family chef whip up the night’s meal. The options with regard to coun- tertop surfaces are numerous, and the following are just a few of the more popular options homeowners planning to replace their existing surfaces might want to consider. Laminate: Laminate countertops are popular and afford- able. Made of sheeting glued to plywood or particleboard substrate, laminate countertops are water-resistant, but not very heat-resistant, so homeowners will want to place any hot pans, pots, or baking sheets on trivets to maintain the laminate. Many homeowners prefer laminate countertops because they are available in so many colors, meaning they can match any homeowner’s preferences, no matter how colorful. Cutting on laminate countertops is not recom- mended, but such surfaces are easy to clean and maintain. Quartz: Quartz is among the most durable countertop surfaces available, as it is resistant to bacteria, heat, stains, and water. Though quartz is not available in as many shades as laminate, it is similarly easy to clean. Also like laminate countertops, quartz surfaces tend to have easily visible seams, which may irk homeowners who find such minor imperfections an eyesore. Quartz countertops can be expensive depending on the amount of surface area a kitchen has, so budget-conscious homeowners with espe- cially large kitchens may find that quartz countertops bust their budgets. Granite: The natural beauty of granite is what draws many homeowners to install this popular surface material in their kitchens. Thanks to their unique shading and tone, granite countertops are never the same from one home to the next, and granite complements many different cabinet colors. Granite also is resistant to heat, scarring, and -- when sealed properly -- stains. Granite is naturally porous, so if it is not sealed properly, it can harbor bacteria. Some granite countertops must be sealed annually, while some pretreated countertops can go as long as 15 years without a need for resealing. Unlike other countertop surface materi- als, granite, which is among the most expensive countertop materials, does not come in a vast array of colors, so hom- eowners should expect to choose from just 20 or so color options. Recycled glass: Homeowners who want to give their kitchens a modern and eco-friendly feel may want to con- sider recycled glass countertops. Recycled glass counter- tops, the majority of which are now produced with 80 to 90 percent post-consumer glass, are made of pieces of glass that are held together with cement binders. Some might be concerned that countertops made of recycled glass are not very strong, but the cement binders are very hard, making the countertops durable, strong, and unlikely to chip or crack. Recycled glass countertops come in various colors and are resistant to both heat and stains. Installation of recy- cled glass countertops can be tricky, as improper installa- tion can lead to stress points that make the glass susceptible to cracking. As a result, the installation of recycled glass countertops is best left to professionals with experience on such projects. In addition, recycled glass countertops can be quite expensive. A homeowner’s choice of countertop surface material can go a long way toward defining the personality of his or her kitchen, so homeowners should consider their options before making a final decision.