Granite Countertops Beats The Other Countertops By Interior Designer Elizabeth Howell-Jones Wood Wood may be unusual for counters but when done properly it makes a striking addition to the kitchen. It can be an excellent choice when used in a small area such as an island or prep. centre. If burned, stained or scratched it can be sanded down but requires regular thorough cleaning. Tile If your budget is tight and you love the look of real stone, it is possible to use granite or marble tiles and by butting the tiles closely together you will achieve the look of solid granite/marble. Tiles in general can be a beautiful option because of the diversity of size, patterns, unique hand painted designs or composition such as glass. Be careful of some rustic tiles which can create a bumpy uneven surface. Minimize grout lines and use a sealer since grout lines tend to discolor in time and trap bacteria and grime. Tile can be used with outstanding results on counters, back-splashes and walls for a truly custom look. Concrete Concrete countertops are becoming a rapidly acceptable. If your goal is to install a cutting edge material in your kitchen or bathroom concrete is it. You may want to consider if this is the right choice if you plan on selling your property down the road. This is not a cheap alternative to other options. Although it is a cheap material, the labour involved to form, hone, stain, finish and seal the end product, drives up the cost. Thanks to new staining techniques, concrete can be saturated with colour all the way through and can be preformed to any shape and finished to any texture. Set stone or ceramic tile into the surface for a decorative effect. A concrete countertop must be sealed and it may crack, so installation must be done by a professional. GO to page 1 Also see Electric Radiant Floor heating