August 16, 2017
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By: Stanley Walter
How to Choose a Kitchen Countertop You Will Love
Your countertop will help establish the look and feel of your kitchen while also providing space for food preparation, serving, storage, and more. As a result, they see heavy levels of wear and tear, which means it’s essential that you think about the right surface material for your needs and budget.
Below is our guide to choosing the right kinds of kitchen countertop:
Granite
Granite is a type of igneous rock that is naturally occurring in nature, which means the stone isn’t manufactured processed like other countertop materials. Because it’s a naturally occurring stone, granite countertops can last a long time if properly maintained, and can withstand a lot of wear and tear.
Pros: Granite is a popular choice due to its one-of-a-kind mottling and a variety of colors from which to choose. It also holds up well against knife nicks, splashes, heat, and other kinds of wear and tear, making it an excellent choice for busy households who use their kitchen regularly.
Cons: Granite, like most stones, needs to be resealed periodically to avoid staining, and due to its heavier weight, sturdy types of cabinet boxes must be used to support their weight correctly.
Quartz
Quartz countertops are made of quartz chips tinted with color mixed with resin and are an excellent option for homeowners looking for a “middle ground” between the beauty and durability of stone countertops and the ease of care of solid surfacing.
Pros: Quartz countertops come with all the advantages of solid surfacing in terms of maintenance and ease of cleaning. Since it’s an engineered product, it’s available in a greater variety of colors and patterns than natural stone like quartz.
Cons: Because quartz isn’t a naturally occurring stone, like granite, the patterns created by the quartz and resin may appear a bit “manufactured” compared to the naturally-occurring designs of stone. It can also be more expensive than quartz but will last just as long with proper maintenance and care.
Common quartz manufacturers are Cambria & Silestone.
Solid Surface
Solid surfacing is made primarily from polyester and acrylic. It has quickly become a go-to option for many homeowners who are looking for easy to maintain, “hassle-free” countertops for their kitchens.
Pros: Solid surfacing is nonporous, which means that homeowners don’t need to worry about periodically resealing it to prevent damage and stains from occurring. Most scratches and burns can be sanded out with minimal effort. This style offers excellent color and pattern options, which means you can experiment with any style of color that suits your fancy.
Cons: Solid surfacing looks and feels artificial, but can often be as expensive as natural stone if you’re after extreme colors. Additionally, it doesn’t react well to sharp knives or hot pans or pots.
Laminate
Laminate countertops are made by fusing resin to particleboard and has been a popular option in kitchens for decades. Original laminate countertops often looked artificial, but the latest designs can closely mimic butcher block, stone, and other more costly options.
Pros: Laminate is one of the most affordable countertop materials, making it ideal for homeowners on a budget. It’s also easy to clean and low maintenance, and since it’s light, it doesn’t require a thick cabinet base for support.
Cons: Laminate is prone to burns, scratching, and staining. Layers can also begin to peel due to exposure to moisture and wear and tear, and it can be challenging to repair if it becomes damaged without replacing large sections of your countertop.
Floform is the most commonly known manufacturer of laminate countertops.
Are you still stuck on choosing the right countertops for your kitchen? Contact us today and set up a time to visit our showroom.