Countertop selection is critical in both the kitchen and the bathroom. There are several factors to consider, including your personal style and your daily routine, that will help you choose the best countertop for your house. What questions should you ask yourself before making a decision? Do you frequently prepare meals for your family? If so, how often do you plan your meals for the week? What about making some bread? Would you be bothered or even notice a little crack in your countertop if it were to occur? Hardness, durability, heat resistance, and stain resistance vary from countertop to countertop.
Do you prefer a genuine stone, or would a man-made composite material be more suited for your project? Consider the overall style of the area to ensure that the countertop you choose will complement the cabinets, flooring, and other design elements.
If you have a conventional, modern farmhouse, or contemporary kitchen, here are all the countertop options available. For a quick overview of the many types of countertops, have a look at the table below, or continue reading for more information.
Countertops Come In A Variety Of Styles
Marble
Recently, marble countertops have gained a lot of popularity. In terms of style and high-end new construction, marble is still king. The sleek, modern look of this natural stone dramatically improves any kitchen. A dazzling white marble finish is unmatched, but different hues of grey, brown, beige, and even green marble surfaces are also available. In the marble countertop world, no two slabs are the same.
However, this stone isn’t the most practical option. Because marble is more delicate than other natural stones, suitable cutting boards are essential. Marble will be scratched if cut directly.
Additionally, marble’s porous nature means that little spills can quickly create permanent stains. This means you’ll need to quickly mop up any spills of red wine or lemon juice, and you’ll want to do it on a frequent basis. Fortunately, marble is becoming more durable thanks to advancements in technology. With the introduction of new sealants, cooks no longer have to be afraid to use this traditionally problematic countertop.
For those who like to bake, marble is an excellent choice because it maintains a low temperature naturally. In order to spread out and shape the dough, marble is an excellent choice.
The cost of such a countertop may also be lower than you expect. Carrara marble, for example, has a high-end appearance but is more affordable than other types of marble.
Quartz
Is your family large, you prepare a lot of food, or are you simply looking for a countertop that is made to withstand the wear and tear of daily use? Quartz may be the ideal material for you. However, quartz countertops are actually composite stones, a mix of genuine quartz and a resin binder, rather than being a single stone. Additionally, this stone is non-porous, extremely durable, and does not require any further sealing.
To acquire the beauty of real stones like marbles or granite without having to worry about their longevity, quartz countertops are a terrific option.
The look and feel of your entire kitchen may be improved with the addition of a quartz countertop. Is your kitchen in need of a facelift? Are you looking for a creative force to help you bring your dreams to life? – The finest in the business are here to help you narrow down your choices: Quartz Countertops in Los Angeles.
Granite
Since granite is a natural stone, it has long been the standard for kitchen countertops. Dark and light shades of granite, as well as flecks and other variants, are all available. There are several edge options for granite, such as square, beveled, ogee (an S-shape), as well as bullnose (half and full).
It is preferable to avoid using strong cleaning agents on granite countertops since they are simple to maintain. Using soap and water to clean granite is all that is needed. It is possible that frequent sealing will be necessary to avoid stains on some granites because some are more porous than others.
Granite is heat-resistant, so you may set hot pans on it just after they come out of the oven. There’s no need for a trivet here! Granite, on the other hand, is too hard to cut straight on, and doing so would quickly dull your knife.
Concrete
For a rustic chic kitchen or an industrial, futuristic kitchen, concrete worktops are an excellent choice. Joanna Gaines made concrete countertops fashionable. The visual impact of concrete is undeniable. Roads and walkways are constructed using this material because of their durability and near-indestructibility.
Concrete countertops can be purchased commercially, or you can create your own using a kit if you’re an experienced DIYer. But bear in mind that it might take as long as a month for concrete to dry, so if you have a tight deadline, it may not be the best option for you. It must be sealed as well.
There are many drawbacks to concrete, though. As a home settles, these countertops may break. Cracks may be easily repaired, which is great news. For those who insist on a countertop that will appear Instagramable for years to come, it’s usually best to go with something else.
Fork And Knife
Countertops made of butcher block are a cheaper option than those made of stone. Pieces of wood are joined together to create a bigger slab. Many other types of wood may be used to make butcher block countertops, including cherry and maple. The style of your home and kitchen dictates the finish you pick.
Because it’s shaped like a huge cutting board, the butcher block is the only countertop surface that can be used for cutting and slicing. It is possible to have butcher block worktops sealed or unsealed; however, after the wood has been sealed, it is no longer suitable for food processing and must be used with a different cutting board. Spills can discolor this porous material if not cleaned up immediately. Oiling unprotected butcher block counters twice a year is necessary.
Soapstone
A natural stone, soapstone may be found in the Appalachian Mountains in the United States, although it is also frequently imported from Finland and Brazil. A lot of the natural talc in it lends a soapy or supple texture to the surface.
Soapstone offers a number of benefits over marble and granite. Minimal care is required because it’s completely non-porous and resistant to staining, microorganisms like germs, and even heat. Gray undertones with blue or green undertones give it a distinctive appearance. Each stone has its own unique marble-like veining.
Because of its susceptibility to staining, soapstone has an aged appearance. For the first year, homeowners have been advised to oil the countertop once a month to enable the surface to oxidize and for the patina to emerge.
SS The Material Is Stainless Steel
Stainless steel has long been a popular choice for industrial kitchens, but it’s also catching on in domestic kitchens as well. A quick method to give your kitchen a sophisticated, industrial appearance is to install this sort of countertop.
Maintaining stainless steel is simple if it is cleaned correctly. However, the more you splash or spill, the more difficult it is to clean up. It’s necessary to wash-rub stainless steel countertops with soap and water or an all-purpose cleaner intended for this type of material. For a family with small children, stainless steel isn’t the best choice because it’s prone to fingerprints and watermarks.
Denting and scratching stainless steel are two more drawbacks. Stainless steel, on the other hand, is very long-lasting and impermeable.
Laminate
During the 1980s and 1990s, laminate countertops, which are sometimes referred to as Formica, were quite popular. Laminate counters of yesteryear may have appeared antiquated, but laminate counters of the present day are much different. It is now possible to get the look of more exotic materials such as wood and stone at a fraction of the cost using newer laminates.
Laminate’s low cost is simply one of its benefits. Antibacterial: This product is water repellent and won’t collect bacteria. It’s also easy to clean with a little soap and water and doesn’t need to be resealed.
Although laminate has its advantages, there are a few things to bear in mind. If you don’t use a trivet, you run the risk of damaging your entire countertop.
Laminate, on the other hand, does not affect the value of your property when it comes time to sell. As a result, while it’s not the best option for major kitchen renovations, it’s fantastic for smaller jobs like kitchens in rental properties or bathrooms in basements or guest houses.
Tile
They were popular in the 1970s and 1980s, but now tile countertops are making a comeback. Tile is a viable alternative if you’re handy with tools and have a tight budget.
Porcelain, ceramic, and even stones are among the many materials that may be used to make tiles, which range from traditional squares to fashionable subway tiles and even contemporary hexagons. Large slabs of granite, quartz, and marble can be expensive; instead, consider using smaller tiles.
However, regardless of the material, all tile counters have one difficulty in common: keeping the grout lines clean and fresh appearing may be difficult. You may want to consider using darker grout colors like gray or black if your kitchen countertop gets a lot of grime.
Engineered Stone
This countertop is made of a blend of acrylic and resin, making it a good middle-tier alternative. There are a seemingly infinite amount of styles to choose from, many of which are excellent substitutes for granite and marble.
When it comes to countertops, there are numerous reasons to choose this particular style. All of the damage can be sanded off, making it stain-resistant and completely flawless. Remember that solid surfaces do not conduct heat well, so be prepared with lots of trivets.
