There appears to be great debate about which type of countertop is right for today’s kitchens. This comes from the fact that the function of the kitchen has definitely changed. Before kitchens used to be solely for preparing the meal, the presentation of the menu was actually made to guests in the dining room. Nowadays, kitchens are designed with the idea that guests will interact with the host as he or she prepares the menu. This is why the open kitchen concept has become so popular. The countertops in the kitchen have gone from bland to beautiful in most homes. There are a few very important factors that should be considered when choosing a countertop for your kitchen. The 3 most important factors to consider are the maintenance, cost and durability of the specific material. It is very important to find a material that compliments your lifestyle, if there are kids involved then definitely don’t choose a light soapstone that requires delicate use and greater care. There are thousands of choices available that will surely be the perfect fit for your kitchen and lifestyle.
Here are a few of my favorite choices:
-Granite
Granite is the most popular choice in countertops, this material is not only beautiful but it is also timeless. Granite is available in two finishes, polished and honed. The most popular of the two is the polished finish which results in a darker shiny look, while the honed finish results in a lighter matte look. Granite is available in a large variety of colors such as white, beige, brown, gray, black, green, etc. The choices are infinite, so you are bound to find the perfect granite slab for your project. Costs for this material depend on a couple of factors, including origin of the stone, color and finish. Remember to pick a granite that is relatively easy to get if you are on a budget. Remember to seal granite periodically.
Granite Countertop
-Marble
Marble is another natural stone that simply looks stunning in a kitchen, it has been a coveted decorating material since the time of the Greek Empire. A warm and soft stone, marble is beautiful and luxurious. Marble is durable and long-lasting, and offers subtle color choices and veining patterns to create unique designs. It is very important to keep in mind that marble requires delicate use and greater care. While marble is strong, it is also sensitive to many substances, including cleaning chemicals, juices that contain citric acid and oils. These substances can erode marble over time or make its appearance cloudy. You’ll need to select a cleaning solution that is made specifically for cleaning marble. Similar to other natural stones, marble can be a more expensive choice.
Marble Countertop
-Quartz
Quartz countertops have quickly become the favorite choice amongst interior designers and homeowners. Not only is this material contemporary and beautiful, it is so easy to maintain and durable. Quartz countertops come in countless colors, everything from a pure white to a lime green or hot pink (so cool!). The finish is polished and the best thing about this material is that it is seamless when it is installed. The best thing about quartz is that it resist stains and any scratches can be buffed out. Cost depends on the thickness and color slab you select, it is very comparable to a nice granite slab in cost.
Quartz Countertop
-Concrete
Concrete countertops have been gaining popularity in the past couple of years. Concrete countertops will give you a very industrial / contemporary look. The best thing about a concrete countertop is that it is so easy to customize to your taste, you can customize the color with pigments and even add metal or glass accents to the surface. Concrete is available in several different finishes: Trowel (smooth), Pressed (marble like veining), and Ground (sand aggregate is exposed). There are a few things to consider in regards to maintenance: Extreme changes in temperature may cause concrete to warp, and if you leave a damp material on the surface it can cause discoloration. It is advisable to seal this countertop four times per year, and wax every three months to keep it looking its best.
Concrete Countertop
-Stainless Steel
The benefit of using stainless steel countertops is that they will last indefinitely and look very sleek. Stainless steel not only offers a unique look and feel with reflective qualities, but it is also nonporous, resistant to water and heat, flexible, doesn’t chip and requires minimal maintenance. Special finishes can also be used to hide fingerprints, scratches and other unpleasant marks. When it comes to cleaning stainless steel, a quick wipe down with warm water and soap should do the trick. However, avoid using abrasive pads because they will scratch the surface. Also, do not use any cleaner that contains chlorine. Stainless steel is competitively priced compared to solid surface materials and is less expensive than marble and granite.
Stainless Countertop
Mix and match
Can’t decide on just one material? Then mix and match surfaces. A popular choice when mixing and matching is using a different material on the island than for the rest of the countertops to differentiate the space.
Mix: Granite Counter & Marble on Island
The most important factor to remember when selecting the perfect kitchen countertop is to understand what look you want to achieve. The good news is if you have your heart set on a certain look, but the material just doesn’t match with your lifestyle, odds are there’s another material that does. Before making a decision on countertop material, see the surface in person, whether that means visiting a showroom or viewing samples at your home.
