Whether you’re planning a kitchen remodel or building from scratch, your kitchen countertop choice will have a huge impact on the overall look of your kitchen as well as it’s functionality. For folks that prefer a natural material for an organic feel, there 4 options that top the list. Let’s take a look at each one so you can make the best choice for your home!
1 Granite
Why not start with the most popular option, timeless and elegant granite. Granite is a natural stone and it’s beauty along with it’s legendary durability make it a practically perfect material for kitchen countertops. The color of granite varies and you can find it in a wide variety of natural hues of white, black, brown, beige, blue and red.
Pros: It’s heat resistant and once sealed, extremely hard, so you’d be hard pressed to find a more durable option. When you consider the spectrum of colors available and the different finishing options like polished, honed, or leather, you’re sure to find one you can fall in love with. The luxurious sophistication of the stone adds value to even the most modest kitchen.
Cons: It can be pricey, but over time it’s becoming more affordable and given it’s durability, most consider it a sound investment. Granite is porous, so it is vulnerable to certain acids and oils and you’ll need to clean it daily. You may want to have it sealed and regularly re-sealed to protect it from stains. It is a very hard surface and difficult to scratch, but it will dull your good knives. If it does chip or crack, you’ll need to have it professionally repaired. It’s also heavy, so you’ll need to be sure your cabinet boxes are sturdy enough to support it.
2 Marble
Marble is a decorative form of crystalline rock that is typically mottled or streaked with earth tone colors. It’s timeless elegance and durability make it a favorite for countertops among designers for luxe kitchens.
Pros: Because the the high heat and pressure under which it is formed, marble is quite hard and can be finished to a high polish which beautifully showcases its natural color variations. But aside from it’s obvious aesthetic appeal, marble has some interesting properties that make it a great choice for kitchen countertops. It’s heat and scorch resistant and yet also remains consistently cool which bakers will certainly appreciate.
Cons: It is considered a high-end material and it’s price tag reflects this. Marble is also porous which means stains can be an issue, so it will need to be professionally sealed. It can can scratch and chip and is susceptible to etch marks when it comes into contact with anything acidic. So, even with regular sealing, it will require special care to keep it looking its best.
3 Soapstone
Soapstone countertops are seen in both historic homes and contemporary kitchen and lends itself well to many different styles. It is a non-porous natural stone and can be found a variety of grey tone with subtle veining and it’s color with deepen over time.
Pros: Some appreciate that it is less common to see soapstone countertops than granite or marble and it has a less opulent, more nuanced beauty. Unlike other natural stones, it doesn’t require regular professional sealing. Many superficial scratches can be sanded or buffed out and disguised with regular applications of mineral oil. It’s very heat and bacteria resistant, doesn’t stain easily, and isn’t damaged by chemicals.
Cons: Soapstone maintenance to keep looking and will require regular polishing with mineral oil. It can crack over time and can be scratched and nicked by knives. Deep stains are more difficult to remove or disguise. The surface of soapstone is a bit rough compared to other natural stone and some find this undesirable.
4 Wood (Butcher Block)
Time honored and beautiful, hardwood countertops add a warm and inviting feel to any style of kitchen and if cared for, will age beautifully over time. These countertops can be found in a variety of natural earth stone hues.
Pros: When properly oiled, wood countertops are very easy to clean and keep sanitary. Wood countertops can be sanded and resealed numerous times and unlike other budget-friendly options, wood is highly heat-resistant so you won’t have to worry about putting hot pots and pans on the surface. It is the only surface that you can chop on that will not jeopardize your knives.
Cons: Wood countertops require regular polishing with oil in order to resist stain and moisture damage. For this reason, many homeowners choose to use wood for only a portion of their kitchen countertop space, like an island.
Keep an eye out for us in the next few days and we’ll give you a run down on engineered countertops!
For more information about countertops please give us a call at 9204994444
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