The kitchen is among the most practical and essential areas in your house. So, decisions regarding the most used materials must get considered with great care. Countertops are necessary for the kitchen as they’re a crucial workspace for nearly every task it gets utilized. Countertops are one of the most costly elements of a kitchen remodel. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that your decision is correct.
Although you are undoubtedly familiar with various countertop kinds, you may not be aware of some brand-new, intriguing ones. Selecting the right countertop for your requirements and budget can be challenging, But we’re here to assist!
Kitchen Countertops Get Made of Different Materials
When we think of giving our kitchens a fresh look, countertops are often the first thing we think of as the primary focus of “beautifying” the space and the cabinets. With the variety of colors and finishes to choose from, it is a matter of choosing the right one.
Laminate
Laminate is the most sought-after affordable material. It is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a simple, cheap material that looks like stone.
Pros:
Practical and of great value. A tight budget can make this an excellent choice for those who want to refresh the kitchen’s look. It’s a perfect option for people who prefer other aspects of the kitchen like new appliances. Although it’s not as durable as natural stones, it can be a good choice for practical reasons and is nearly resistant to staining.
Cons:
If you choose to use less expensive material, there are bound to be a few disadvantages. Cutting directly onto the surface will cause scratches. Additionally, the general strength of leaves can damage faster than stone. Based on the material’s quality, this laminate could have a “cheap” appearance compared to the polished look of stone. For amateur chefs, it’s not the ideal material.
Quartz
Quartz is becoming more sought-after over the last few years due to its flexibility. It’s an engineered stone that replicates the appearance and feels of natural stones such as granite but with improved endurance and resistance to staining.
Pros:
Quartz is the best choice for the most value for money in terms of design and practicality. As it is more durable as strong as granite, it is a much more practical choice, and there is less concern about scratching, chipping, or staining. It doesn’t require sealing. Therefore maintenance costs are lower and quicker because stains are likely to be absorbed by the surface.
Cons:
Since it’s an imitation stone, it doesn’t offer the same prestige as natural stone, which is why it has its distinctive and natural veining. Additionally, because quartz is less heat-resistant than granite or natural stone, food items straight from the oven may stain it if they get placed there.
Granite
One of the most often used surfaces for kitchens or bathrooms. Natural stone is highly robust. It gets typically sealed with the appearance of a polished, glossy finish; however, it can also get crafted with a matte or matte-like appearance.
Pros:
Granite provides a more contemporary look to the kitchen due to its sleek design. Granite is also available in a myriad of grains and colors, which means that there are no countertops that appear identical. It is also highly resistant to hot and staining. It gets also considered to be an excellent material that is crucial in an elegant kitchen.
Cons:
Although strong and durable, the edges and corners may chip if you apply enough force.
Marble
Marble is an exceptional natural stone that has an elegant and timeless look. If you want a classic and sleek style, it’s an ideal option.
Pros:
It is widely available and comes in various colors and designs. Marble is resistant to heat and is prone to being cool, making it the ideal material to work with pastry. If properly sealed, it’s resistant to staining.
Cons:
Marble requires sealing regularly to avoid stains, which makes it a maintenance-intensive choice.
Talk to Our Consultants to Figure Out Which Countertop Type Is Ideal for You
Uncertain about which countertop will best meet your needs? Speak to a Renovation Advisor at Ottawa Home Pros by calling (613) 288-9145 or emailing info@ottawahomepros.com. They’ll be able to provide their knowledge to you and get your renovation in motion.
