Countertops are one of the essentials of any kitchen because of being the main place where the food is prepared. They are also crucial because they deepen the beauty of kitchen designs. You are right to ask which type of countertop will be the best visual complement to your kitchen style. However, instead of limiting your expectations only to visuality, you should consider some other features of countertops to find the best fit for your dream kitchen.
Since there are different countertop options, you might feel overwhelmed and confused while deciding which one will work best for you. It is a good idea to determine your expectations before diving into the shopping process. Continue to read our blog post to learn the questions you should think about before hunting for your ideal kitchen countertops.
Questions To Keep In Mind
Once you answer the following questions, you will see that your favorite countertop alternatives become clear. So, spare some time to think about your answers.
How Do You Spend Your Time In Your Kitchen?
Lifestyle is probably one of the most determinative factors of interior design. How you describe your daily use of your kitchen is vital while listing your expectations from your ideal countertops. For instance, do you enjoy having people around while cooking? If so, you may wish to create extra space for sitting. A kitchen island will work as a living space for you and your loved ones. You may consider choosing budget-friendly countertops on your island if you only plan to use this space as a resting area.
Maybe, you are a person who loves to cook. You may like to have more functional and durable countertops in this scenario. You may even bring different countertops together to use them for other purposes. For example, you can integrate butcher’s block countertops between your main countertop parts.
Are You Willing To Spare Regular Time For Countertops Maintenance?
According to their material, the needs of your countertops vary. While some countertops may need regular deep cleaning and care, some do not require special maintenance. For instance, you should oil countertops made of soapstone once a year. Contrarily, quartz countertops do not need any special care, and regular cleaning will be enough. Therefore, you should know the features of your favorite countertops material and be willing to spare your time to keep it maintained for a long time.
Which Countertop Colors Are Best Fits For Your Kitchen Design?
You do not have to limit your expectations with functionality when you think about your ideal kitchen countertops. Each countertops material has unique surfaces that can add beauty to your kitchen. For instance, if you are about to renew your countertops only, you should determine which alternatives are the best for your overall kitchen design. But, you do not have to limit yourself to countertops that have matching colors with the rest of the room. You may add a new mood to your kitchen design by choosing countertops colors that contrast with the cabinets’. Or, you may want to reserve the chance of changing your entire kitchen design. In that case, it will be better to choose countertops with versatile colors to match them with different colors and styles.
What Is Your Budget?
For sure, affordability is an essential factor you should consider while deciding on your ideal countertops. We have good news if you think you have limited budget-friendly alternatives that meet your expectations! You will find affordable options that resemble the one you loved the most but was more expensive than you thought. For instance, consider that you want marble but find it a bit out of your price range. In that case, you can prefer quartz that looks similar to marble but costs less.
7 Most Popular Countertops
Once you have listed your expectations, it will be easier to decide which countertops material will be the best fit for your kitchen. Keep reading to learn the essential features of each popular kitchen countertop to finalize your decision.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops are one of the most recognizable and favorable alternatives, thanks to being durable, easy to maintain, and beautiful. Being produced by mixing quartz crystals with polymer resin, quartz is easy to maintain because they require no sealing or polishing and is stain- and scratch-resistant. Besides, quartz is resistant to bacteria contamination thanks to its non-porous quality. Therefore, you can only keep your quartz countertops in their best shape with proper care. As a human-made material, quartz comes in various color and design options, and you can easily choose the best fit for your kitchen design. Although quartz countertops are expensive alternatives, you can be sure that you will be using them for a very long time. Finally, quartz countertops should be supported by sturdy cabinets because of being very heavy.
Quartzite Countertops
Often confused with quartz, quartzite has different features than quartz, basically because it is a natural stone. This metamorphic rock is formed in nature by itself with sandstone’s exposition to extreme heat and pressure. It typically has shades of white and gray with veining patterns, but they can also be found in colors like pink, red, yellow, or blue because of other minerals in the quartzites. Each quartzite countertop has a natural beauty that brings personality to any kitchen design regardless of the color. It offers a marble-like look but improved durability because quartzite is a hard stone, while the other is soft. Besides their durability, quartzite countertops are resistant to heat, water, acid, and scratches. You should maintain regular cleaning and sealing to keep them free from bacterial growth and surface damage.
Granite Countertops
Granite is one of the most luxurious and durable alternatives. It remains to be a favorable choice because of its exquisite beauty. Being scratch- and heat-resistant and easy to clean, they are perfect for people who love to spend time in the kitchen. Since there are various colors and patterns available, you can easily find the one that matches perfectly with your kitchen design. Besides, this aesthetic stone instantly adds delicacy to the place. In this sense, granite countertops add real estate value to any home. The downside to granite countertops is that they can be costly. Moreover, granite requires periodic sealing to prevent stains.
Marble Countertops
As a soft, natural stone, marble offers a unique look with details and color shades. Thanks to being stunning, luxurious, and not easily displaceable, marble countertops add to the real estate value of your home. Although it is costly and one of the most beautiful natural stones, it is not one of the most durable alternatives. It can scratch easily and be damaged by acid. Since it is porous and easy to stain, it requires periodic sealing and regular cleaning to protect its new look for a long time. Installation and repair should be done by a professional.
Solid Surface Countertops
The solid surface is a human-made material, mostly a mixture of natural materials, such as ceramic, stone, and quartz. It is easy to clean and maintain. Although it easily scratches, damages can be sanded out. Since joints are nearly invisible, it provides a seamless look and has integrated countertop, sink, and backsplash units. Available in many colors and patterns, they can perfectly fit any kitchen style. Know that they are not heat-resistant and should be protected from high heat exposure.
Dekton Countertops
As one of the latest favorites, dekton countertops have a unique production process that includes mixing raw materials under extreme heat and pressure. Thanks to this fabrication process, dekton is dense and compact, making it one of the most durable and easy-to-maintain countertop materials. While some countertops are defined as heat-resistant, dekton countertops are famous for being heat-proof, making them perfect alternatives, especially for outdoor applications. However, note that these super-strong countertops are costly alternatives.
Porcelain Countertops
As a manufactured material that mainly contains kaolinite and silica, porcelain countertops are produced to resist intense heat, scratching, UV and stain. Porcelain countertops’ exceptional durability and hardness make them perfect alternatives that resist wear and tear. Since it is a human-made product, you will have various color and design options with porcelain countertops. Besides being a non-porous material, porcelain is a perfect option to prevent bacterial growth. Although it is human-made, it is made of natural products, like clay, making porcelain countertops environmentally friendly alternatives.
Now that you know everything about what you can expect from each countertops material, you can easily determine your best alternatives. Finally, do not forget to pay attention to the brand you choose because quality craftsmanship changes everything! Check the Bergen Kitchen catalog to find your ideal countertops.
