So it’s time to get a new countertop and spruce up the look of your kitchen. There are numerous countertop options on the market, and the shopping experience can be overwhelming. This is where doing your homework can help to make your decision a little less stressful one. One crucial factor to keep in mind to narrow your options when shopping is material, although color, texture, pattern, and brand are also things to keep in mind. Here is a look at four countertop materials that you should consider doing your kitchen remodeling project.
- Natural Stone
Natural stone countertops never go out of style. These are mined from solid rock and include countertop materials such as granite and marble, which are most popular, but in this group, you can also find soapstone, limestone, onyx, and slate.
- Granite
No longer are granite only found in lavish, expensive homes. Granite, while expensive, is virtually maintenance-free, requiring only occasional mineral oil rubdown. This material is available in a wide range of colors, from molted white to midnight black. Granite is beautiful and has little to no visible seams and durable. It is not ideal for busy kitchens because it is prone to staining, cracking and chipping. However, it can be sealed to resist stains.
- Marble
Marble is a classic luxury stone that is made up of rich crystals, but it is softer than granite. It’s available in a variety of color variations from shades of white to rose. Marble is naturally cool, which makes it great for making fresh pasta. Some rare types of marble can be pretty pricey, but the more popular Carrara/Carrera marble is less expensive. Marble is beautiful and durable but is prone to scratching and staining, which makes it a high-maintenance stone that needs repeated sealing.
- Soapstone and Slate
These exotic materials are both non-porous, available in a limited range of colors and won’t need any maintenance sealing. Soapstone is soft but entirely heat-proof, and it’s naturally antibacterial, almost impervious to stains and doesn’t chip easily. Dents and scratches can be easily repaired using sandpaper. Slate has a more uniform appearance and is durable. It doesn’t chip or scratch easily and won’t be damaged by heat from hot pans. The corners of slate can be sharp.
- Engineered Stone
Made primarily of quartz material, engineered stone has grown in popularity. It’s known for its hardness that is similar to granite and is available in a range of colors and patterns. They resist scratches, heat, and stains, and doesn’t require any maintenance sealing. Engineered stone doesn’t attract bacteria or mold either. Curves are difficult to make with engineered stone, and some types can be expensive.
- Concrete
Concrete is a hard, durable and long-lasting surface, and makes for a great design choice and working surface. It can be customized and shaped for specific kitchen renovation needs and is heat-resistant. The maintenance on concrete is easy, but annual sealing may be necessary to prevent stains. Concrete countertops can be expensive. The surface is easy clean-up and maintain, provide regular sealing is done.
- Solid Surfaces
Consideration for kitchen remodeling materials for your countertop should include solid surfaces. These are created from a dense acrylic resin, polyester resin or a blend of the two. These materials are non-porous, which keeps bacteria away. Minor damage caused by scratches is easy to repair with fine-grained sandpaper. Fused seams allow for the creation of undetectable joints. On the downside, solid surfaces are relatively soft and are also not heat-resistant.
Shopping for countertops can be an exciting adventure. You get the chance to think about your kitchen amenities and what material works best for your needs and personal taste. If you have your material picked out and are in need of contractors to install the new countertop for you be sure to call Ipswich Bay Builders today!
