subject: Latest Trends In Kitchen Counter Materials [print this page] When it comes to kitchen counters, you have a variety of materials to choose from. While many of these materials have been popular for years, you can also have your counter manufactured from a host of materials that are relatively new to the marketplace. Below are some of the trendier choices today.
Stainless Steel: Although stainless steel appliances have been popular for a while, it is also becoming a trendy option for kitchen counters. If you want your kitchen to emulate the appearance of a professional chef's kitchen or if you desire a sleek contemporary look, stainless steel is a great choice. Because it is non-porous, it is almost germ free and it can be installed without seams.
Lava Stone: For a truly exotic choice, you can have your kitchen counters made from lava quarried in France. Naturally porous, lava stone creates an interesting visual texture that is different for each countertop. Resistant to scratches, water, and stains, lava stone can be enameled in bright, translucent colors. However, this is one of the most expensive countertop choices.
Bamboo: If you like the look of butcher block, but don't want to be responsible for chopping down more trees, bamboo is the way to go. Bamboo is a greener choice than wood because it is a fast-growing, renewable grass. Bamboo counters are made from thin rectangles of end-grain bamboo glued into panels. This is a mid-range option in terms of price, but the color choices are limited.
Glass: Increasing in popularity, glass gives a kitchen a unique look. Translucent glass counters can look like they are floating above the cabinets and allow light to be transmitted throughout the kitchen. They can come in a variety of textures and colors, but are a pricier option.
Recycled Glass: As with all things green, recycled glass kitchen counters are becoming more popular. Most companies take glass pieces (up to 85 percent of the material) and embed them in a resin or cement to create the countertops. They can be stained and come in a variety of interesting colors and textured looks.
Recycled Aluminum: Although it is not the cheapest option available, recycled aluminum kitchen counters have a truly unique and very modern appearance that resembles ribbons of metal embedded in a clear material. This material is created from industrial scrap molded in a polymeric resin. It can be cut and shaped with conventional tools and comes in a variety of colors.
Recycled Paper: Yes, you can get durable, long-lasting kitchen counters that are manufactured from 100 percent recycled paper bound together with a resin created from naturally occurring raw materials. Manufactured according to Forest Stewardship Council standards, recycled paper counters are highly fire and stain resistant and emit no volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Some experts consider these counters to be your greenest counter choice and they are also among the less expensive options.
