The countertop resource that will keep giving
Remodeling a kitchen or a home can be a daunting task. Not knowing where to start often results in procrastinating on the project or making the wrong choices. The best practice before starting remodeling is to know your budget and the finishes you absolutely want to be changed in your space. For kitchens, one of the most common finishes that are replaced is the countertop, and also the most expensive in some cases. The reason for this choice is that the countertop more often than not is the largest hard finish in the room as well as the most used and hence, the most noticed and scrutinized.
Changing the countertop can transform the look of a kitchen or a bathroom when done right. But, finding and choosing the right material for your specific lifestyle is not only critical to achieving the look you are envisioning but also to ensuring that the project was worth the time, effort, and money.
So, let us look at some of the most common countertop choices available in the marketplace today.
Countertop Options
Quartz: Quartz is the most common countertop material used today across the globe. They are used in homes, apartments, hotels, hospitals, and almost any place you can think of and there is good reason for that. Quartz demands the least attention and maintenance and doesn't need to be sealed, unlike most other countertop materials in this list. This makes it a breeze to clean and maintain for busy professionals and families with kids and pets. Check out my post on Quartz to know more about this groundbreaking surfacing material.
Granite: Granite is one of the oldest known countertop materials and also the most popular natural stones for countertop surfaces. The reason for this is the low maintenance of granite over popular natural stone options like marble. Granite is also available in a wide range of price points giving options for homeowners with very limited budgets to those with no budgets. Granite is a fantastic surfacing option for those who are comfortable with a little maintenance and don't mind the variation in color, and pattern. In return, most granites are unique and add value to a home.
Marble: Marble is the most popular countertop material of all time. Due to the history and use of this material in sculptures and buildings across Europe, we are all familiar with the beauty and elegance of this material. We also know the downsides of this beautiful material when it comes to maintenance. However, there is no material - natural or man-made that stands to compete with the elegance and timelessness of marble. Marble is a fantastic option for those looking to achieve a unique, elegant, and timeless look in any space or form and does not mind the upkeep the material needs.
Quartzite: Quartzites have come into prominence only over the last decade as Brazil discovered the massive quartzite or quartzite-like deposits it was sitting on. Quartzites are natural stones whose composition consists of natural quartz and are very resistant to etching, scratching, chipping, and absorption. However, due to the fairly recent discovery of these deposits, there is a lot of misinformation and mislabeling of stones that happen thereby undermining the true qualities of this fantastic natural stone. Be sure to check out my article on Quartzites before you purchase a "quartzite". True quartzites are unique, elegant, very low on maintenance, and perfect for any space and lifestyle.
Soapstone: The last natural stone on this list is my favorite one. Unfortunately, this stone doesn't get enough attention due to the limited colors it is available in. But, knowing the true soapstone and its properties will amaze you. Soapstone is fantastic for any kitchen or countertop situation whether you are a cook, a chemist, a biologist, or a busy professional. Soapstone is also affordable and will last you a few lifetimes.
Porcelain: This is the youngest and the oldest countertop material on this list. We have all seen porcelains in our houses or apartments and there is nothing new about them except that technological advancements have it possible to make sheets of porcelain that can be used as countertops today. Just like porcelain tiles, porcelain countertops are low to no maintenance and great for any application indoors or outdoors and are budget-friendly.
Choosing the Ideal Countertop for You
There is no one size fits all countertop material. Every family and every household has their own lifestyle which makes its requirements and expectations unique. So, although Quartz is the holy grail of countertop options right now, it might not be the right option for you if you are looking to create a unique space or are prioritizing the environmental impact of your countertop choice since quartz products are prized for their consistent look from lot to lot while it is almost impossible to replicate a space with natural stone identically.
Before choosing your countertop material, consider a few things like
the occupants of the space
the regular activities you carry out in the space
the age and demands of kids and/or pets if any
budget
care and maintenance
color
aesthetic
Final Thoughts
Here is the truth, no material is indestructible or damage-proof. We all drop liquids and pans unintentionally from time to time which may affect the countertop. Instead of stressing about the damage and losing sleep over it, consider it as a sign of aging just like our skins and sofas do, and know that they can be fixed in most cases by a professional. I know this is not easy for some of us (myself included) but a clean counter is what is expected of a hospital, and not a home so don't fret over the ring mark left by the glass of water (I am reminding myself of the same as I write this) :D. Just like a pair of shoes that have been broken into, a countertop that has been used should tell your story. And, from time to time give it some love.
If you would guidance and assistance with selecting your countertops, just write to the countertop hotline and I will help you out.
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