Comparing Kitchen Countertop Options
One of the easiest ways to add value to your home is choosing a countertop that complements your kitchen. Not only does a great kitchen countertop entice potential buyers, it says something about your personal sense of style. Think of it this way: no matter which refrigerator you choose, it will never be truly unique –there will always be thousands of others produced by the same manufacturer. In comparison, kitchen countertops are more like fingerprints – you can purchase one that looks like no other in the world. Choose a material that speaks to you:
Granite
Still the most popular high-end choice among homeowners, granite countertops give your home a classy feel with impressive durability. Granite is an igneous rock made up of various grains. Quarries throughout the world hold large supplies of granite that end up in millions of homes. Granite is a top choice in kitchens for good reason – it’s dazzling and features a variety of patterns and unique colors. No two slabs of granite are the same, especially when you factor in the specks of quartz, feldspar or other materials. These natural minerals make it easy to camouflage bits of dirt and debris, although they are vulnerable to damage from acidic liquids.
Marble
Marble countertops add elegance to a kitchen, but require more maintenance than other materials. Marble is formed when limestone is compacted under extreme pressure from tectonic shifting. There are several types of marble including Carrara and Calacatta. Marble is known for its striking gray or black veins that seem to naturally branch around a countertop. This characteristic also serves a functional purpose – it’s harder to see small stains on a marble pattern. Marble requires regular cleaning and resealing because it is porous. This material is softer than granite or quartz, making it more prone to scratches and chips. For many homeowners, the natural beauty is worth these minor downsides.
Wood (Butcher Block)
In the past, homeowners shied from wood countertops because there was a myth that they allowed bacteria to thrive. Tests have proven this to be false. What isn’t a myth, however, is the natural and earthy touch wood countertops bring to a kitchen. One thing to keep in mind with wood countertops is that they must be properly maintained if you want them to last. Sealing your surface with polyurethane gives it a glossy look that some homeowners would rather avoid. If you’re hoping to achieve a more rustic appearance, opt for a mineral oil finish. Expect to reapply this coating every four to six weeks to maintain a great look. Cleaning a wood countertop is simple – just spray a mix of water and weak bleach and wipe with a sponge to keep this surface spotless.
Concrete
One material that you might not initially think of when it comes to countertops is concrete. It has a similar look to natural stone and can be prefabricated for your convenience. If you decide to go with concrete, remember that it can be prone to cracking. Concrete is typically sealed to prevent stains from those inevitable spills. A big advantage to concrete is its customizability – you can choose from an endless amount of colors and textures. Even better, concrete adds energy efficiency to your home. It absorbs heat on hot days and releases it when things cool down.
Quartz
This material requires very little maintenance and looks just as high-end as other natural stone countertops. Quartz is made of 97% natural materials and has any defects engineered out. This creates a countertop that’s stain, heat, scratch and impact resistant without the need for sealing. Since this material is non-porous, you don’t have to worry so much about stains and spills. What’s more, you can choose from many colors and patterns. As with anything in life, you get what you pay for. Quartz tends to fall on the higher end of building material prices.
Soapstone
If you want to set your kitchen apart, choose a material that breaks away from the granite countertop craze. Like quartz, soapstone is non-porous, so you don’t have to be quite as careful when pouring beverages. Soapstone comes in many shades of gray, and they all look attractive in a kitchen. Forget about regular sealing, soapstone requires none at all. Maintenance is light, but you can apply a mineral oil every few months to hide scratches and give the stone a deeper color.
Recycled Materials
This eco-friendly choice is perfect for the homeowner who lives a green lifestyle. Recycled countertops are made of sustainable materials such as glass, paper, concrete and composite. Get a countertop with a unique background – recycled materials typically are built from post-consumer products. You’re not sacrificing great looks by going with recycled countertops – they’re available in more colors and textures than most other materials. Durability is high and maintenance is low with recycled materials.
Kitchens are one of the most important parts of our homes. They bring people together and help families sustain healthy lives. Your countertops are where you toss your belongings after a long day, prepare meals for you and your family and find energy (in coffee). These surfaces truly turn a house into a home, no matter which material you choose.