Kitchen countertops option,

Tiles
Of all the possible options for coating a countertop, tile certainly offer the greatest versatility. Indeed, they are available in an infinite variety of patterns, colors and textures, can be arranged and allow the creation of mosaics. For example, for a custom look at a reasonable cost, it is possible to combine the tiles painted by hand or with tiles imported most common include borders of a color or a different pattern or create special forms.

The tiles are available in different materials:
Ceramics: ceramic tiles are made from clay pressed. They are available in matte finishes, metallic and varnish. Please note that the varnish finish tiles are more prone to scratches.
Porcelain: Porcelain tiles are also designed from clay and are baked at high temperature. Color permeates the entire thickness of the tile instead of only covering their surface.
Natural stone: granite, marble, slate, travertine, limestone can be used in the manufacture of tiles to cover a kitchen countertop.
Mosaic: a mosaic to design, generally tile two square inches or less. They are available in a virtually infinite palette of colors and textures.
Whatever your choice of these materials, do not compromise on quality: select a material whose resistance is equal to that of a floor.

We use a grout to fill the space between tiles. To increase the resistance to stains and dirt, it is recommended to use a grout with epoxy. This type of grout is available in a range of colors more varied. We can therefore choose a grout color which harmonizes with that of the tiles.

Advantages:

* Conference of heat setting
* Allows highly customized decor because they are offered in an infinite variety of colors, textures and patterns
* More affordable than granite
* Resistance to heat

Disadvantages:

* The presence of joints on the surface promotes the accumulation of dirt
* To facilitate the maintenance of the grout, it is appropriate to apply a sealer on the joints regularly
* The surface is irregular, which makes cutting more difficult foods
* The tiles can be scratched or broken

Precaution:

* Due to the hardness of the surface, a plate or a glass breaks escaped almost automatically.
More question and information grab here on marble granite countertops.
The metal
Formerly reserved for the field of restoration, metal desks are now increasingly present in the kitchens of homes. They form a happy marriage with wood and ceramics, they are aesthetic and, moreover, are hygienic. Usually focuses on three metals for coating counters:
Stainless steel comes from an alloy of iron, chromium and nickel and offers both strength and ease of maintenance. However, it is prone to scratches and scrapes, which are less visible on sanded or matte finish. We will build a steel grade 304, which has the thickness and strength necessary for use in cooking.
Copper is a metal which makes warm the value and aesthetics over time. Indeed, although its surface is smoother than that of other materials, therefore, prone to scratches, it takes years with a rich shade of golden brown. The best way to maintain the copper is to coat the surface of a simple beeswax or butcher.
Zinc countertops recalls cafes of Paris. Like copper, this metal is prone to scratches but takes a nice patina from year to year. To maintain, just the wax regularly, thus helping to maintain a subtle luster.
Advantages:

* Stainless steel provides a modern look while copper and zinc make a beautiful patina over time
* Hygienic because it has no joint
* Very strong, not afraid of heat

Disadvantages:

* Vulnerable to scratches
* Drops of water stains and fingerprints are very visible

Precaution:

* Stainless steel can be Repola with a damp cloth soaked in baking soda