Because your kitchen countertop endures a lot of use, it should be above all practical, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be aesthetically pleasing as well. It’s important to strike that perfect balance between style and function, which is why durability, visual appeal and maintenance ease are among the top three guiding factors for choosing the right counter. There are a myriad of choices to consider so for the sake of brevity I will just consider a few of the more popular choices.
Silestone countertops are made with quartz, a textured and sturdy natural material that can be found in a range of colors. They are usually homogenous in pattern and coloring, and speckled with both large and small grains of quartz. It is made of non-porous materials and sometimes a layer of ‘Microban’ protection, a trademarked material that prevents germs and bacteria from collection on the surface. Silestone has a very hard and durable surface of which only diamonds, sapphires and topaz are stronger, according to Silestone USA. Because this is a manufactured surface you can find the sink and counter made seamlessly together in one piece. This surface does not require sealing and is more resistant to scratching and chipping than granite.
Granite countertops offer a more traditional option for kitchen and home design. Granite has been used throughout history in buildings and monuments, and countertops made with granite are resistant to heat, stains, and scratching. Granite is made of natural stone in a variety of colors and stone styles. A trip to your local granite supply house is a fascinating field trip. While most decorators choose more conservative patterns and colors for kitchens, the abundance of colors and dazzling array of patterns available is amazing. Some of the granite pieces we have seen are definitely suitable for hanging on the wall as Natural Artwork. The all-natural look can complement any earth tones and elements in the room. Granite countertops are highly durable and stain resistant. It’s easy to match the variety of color options with decor and furnishings already installed within the room. While they may not be as easy to clean as Silestone and they do scratch, they are still easy to maintain.
Soapstone is a metamorphic rock also known as steatite. It’s made up of three different elements—talc, magnesium silicate and chlorite—so it will be harder or softer depending on the percentage of each of these parts in that piece of soapstone. The more talc involved, the softer the stone will be. Soapstone is nonporous and extremely stain resistant. It’s been a favorite for use in science labs due to this quality—even acid spills don’t hurt it. It’s also heat resistant and fairly east to repair if it gets damaged. With its talc content, most scratches can be sanded away. A drawback to soapstone is its limited range of color choices. Most soapstone is a fairly uniform gray-green, gray-blue or gray. With an application of mineral oil, this color will darken to nearly black. There are some marbled varieties of soapstone available, but these tend to be softer and require more care if used as a countertop.
Though often used as a bathroom vanity or fireplace hearth, marble brings an unrivaled elegance to a kitchen. Homes throughout Europe have marble kitchen countertops, and marble has a strong following by homeowners in the United States as a kitchen work surface. Over many years, marble will take on a patina of which many people are fond – it’s a sign of a well-loved kitchen. There are pros and cons of installing marble countertops in your kitchen, but if you are well informed, you can maximize your enjoyment of marble. Marble is often more affordable than other natural stone surfaces and the white marble surface creates a bright kitchen. It is an easy to clean surface that is very durable and actually gets more beautiful as it patinas with age. Timeless and elegant this surface never goes out of style. A few of the drawbacks to marble are that it can scratch and chip easily and it can also stain easily.
While not as common as the other materials discussed so far, the wood butcher-block kitchen countertop is a beautiful and natural product that can be very unique and elegant in your home. You can safely chop or prepare food directly on wood countertops. Wood actually has antibacterial properties that other countertop materials do not have. Wood countertops are easy to maintain, and they can be repaired or renewed as necessary without special tools or skills. Wood countertops are easy to clean with hot tap water and liquid dishwashing soap, and easy to disinfect with a weak solution of vinegar and water in a spray bottle. The unique grain patterns, tones and colors of wood create beautiful and durable surfaces. Wood countertops and tables gain patina and depth as they age, and would blends elegantly with other surfaces and brings warmth to a room.
Whatever your choice in countertop materials please don’t hesitate to call us with questions you may have regarding your home remodeling or new home construction needs. We have developed relationships with trusted vendors in the area over the years and can guide you to the perfect solution for your kitchen countertops. Remember – It’s what we do together that sets us apart!
