Things to consider when deciding on a kitchen countertop surface:
Common types of materials used
- ⬥ Look for materials that are easy to clean and stain resistant
- ⬥Think in terms of longevity
Natural materials
- ⬥Marble
- ⬥Soapstone
- ⬥Sandstone
- ⬥Limestone
- ⬥Granite
- ⬥Wood
Fabricated
- ⬥Quartz
- ⬥Recycled glass
- ⬥Corian
- ⬥Laminate
Consider the following when choosing among the most commonly used materials.:
Granite
Quarried out of the earth, each piece of granite comes in sheets about 7 feet tall and 10 feet wide. If your countertops are larger, it will require more than one piece, creating a seam. Depending on their makeup, some seams will be more visible than others.
(Note: A slab this size weighs about 1400 pounds, which is why their sizes are limited.)
Granite is a natural stone, so the pattern will always be unique. However, even though it’s the most durable of the natural stone countertops available, it can still be stained.
That’s why it has to be sealed, and you’ll have to maintain that seal if you want to keep your kitchen countertops looking beautiful.
Granite is amazing in that it can withstand high temperatures for prolonged periods, but as noted earlier, it’s porous so it’s sealed to help prevent damage to the surface.
While it used to require resealing more frequently, manufacturers are now advising customers the seal on their new countertops will last as long as a decade because of the factory sealant process they now use.
Many retailers, however, advise their customers to use a cleaner/sealer on their countertops as a preventative measure.
Quartz
Quartz is a very hard, impervious stone. Diamonds are the only stone harder than quartz.
It’s available in many more colors than granite. The pattern can be more consistent than granite, giving your countertops a more cohesive look.
Manufacturers will take pieces of quartz, quarried from the earth, grind them up and combine them with resin.
Quartz countertops give countertops the look of natural stone but require less maintenance than granite and don’t need to be sealed.
This quality, combined with its extremely hard and durable surface make it a very popular choice for homeowners.
Like granite, it will have seams, but they’ll be less noticeable. It will look more consistent and it’s able to withstand heat, albeit for less time than granite because the heat will interact with the resin and leave a stain in your countertop.
Laminate
Laminate countertops have changed a lot since they first came out.
They’re a less expensive option, but it’s important to take care of them, as they can be scorched, stained or chipped. Experts recommend opting for a matte or textured finish instead of high gloss to hide everyday wear and tear that laminate countertops can get.
Another thing to consider when choosing a countertop for your kitchen is to pick an edge treatment that will go with your kitchen’s architectural style.
For example, do you have a bistro style kitchen?
Go with a sloping edge.
Modern kitchens, however, look great with countertops with flat edges.
Butcher block/wood
Butcher block is a great surface for cutting, but don’t use it near the wet areas of your kitchen. It’s commonly used near a stove or on a stand-alone island.
Wood is one of the oldest types of countertops and requires oiling every 3 to 6 months to ensure they remain in good condition.
The older the wood countertop gets, the deeper and richer the color will be, so keep this in mind if you want to go with wood for your countertops.
Wood comes with natural enzymes which kill bacteria, however, use a cutting board to prevent scratches and heating pads and/or divets to prevent scorches from hot pans.
Corian
Corian offers a seamless look. It’s a man-made acrylic with a look that’s more muted and softer than stone. The food service industry uses Corian for its durability. It’s also more sanitary as it’s completely impervious.
It’s not, however, resistant to heat so cooks will need to use divets or heating pads if setting hot pans on the counters.
Corian comes in more than 100 colors, offering the perfect look for any kitchen design.
Recycled glass
As you might imagine, recycled glass counters are made of recycled glass of varying colors and sizes that are suspended in concrete and then sealed.
These countertops are highly resistant to heat.
They come in sheets, so there are seams, and sealing is needed every six months to ensure these countertops remain as beautiful as the day they’re installed.
If a “green home” is your goal, this is a countertop you should consider.
