The Ultimate Guide to Stylish Kitchen Countertop Options
Countertop materials With all the spices and masala dominating Indian cuisine , maintaining kitchen countertops spick and span is a daunting challenge faced by households daily. So, it is important to look into a material’s durability, cost, installation process, appearance, longevity, resistance and maintenance requirement to make a wise decision before splurging on such an important buy. In this guide let us explore each countertop material that carries with it, its own list of pros and cons depending on its form and functionality.
1) Quartz
With an uncanny resemblance to marble or granite, it can be mixed with other minerals to provide a strong, durable and stain resistant material. It comes in a wide range of patterns and hues and also it is easy to clean that is resistant to mold, mildew and fungus. Its non
porosity saves us from the need to seal regularly.
Pros
1.Eco friendly
2.Comforting country style look
Cons
1.Due to its porosity it is vulnerable to bacterial attacks
2.Needs regular oiling and sealing
Thus while selecting the countertop material it would be wise to
choose the right backsplash to give a cohesive and blended look from
the niche ideas given above.
2) Granite
Despite being a bit expensive , granite countertops have been widely preferred because of its durability and toughness enabling it to resist impact and abrasive damage. It is also available in a wide variety of shades be it light or dark and plain or designed finish. It is easier to cut through and very easy to maintain. A little bit of soap water and gentle cleansing daily keeps it crystal clear. It is heat resistant so hot pans can directly be placed on the counter without needing a trivet. Chopping and cutting with knives can be avoided as the stone is hard
to enough to make the knives blunt.
Pros
1.Strong and durable
2.Heat and abrasion resistant
3.Generally low maintenance
Cons
1.Premium pricing
2.Heavy and hard to install
3.Needs regular sealing
3) Marble
Marble with its majestic looks naturally elevates a kitchen giving it a clean and contemporary look. The most sought after shades include pristine white, gray, brown, taupe and even green. Being a softer stone it is vital to invest in proper chopping boards to avoid scratches.
Cool to touch as it maintains a naturally low temperature it is a great choice to roll out and shape dough for baking.
Pros
1.Heat , crack and break resistant
2.Highly attractive with unique veining fingerprint
3.Durable, long lasting
Cons
1.Needs regular sealing and maintenance
2.A bit expensive
4) Wood
Available in a wide range of options like maple, oak, teak, ash or even bamboo , wood counter tops have been around in usage for a long time. It needs to be regularly oiled and sealed as its fibrous nature makes the surface prone to scratches, stains and even burns.
Pros
1.Durable , easy maintenance
2.Stain and mold resistant
3.Wider range of options
Cons
1.Costly
2.Needs professional help while installing
3.Vulnerable to heat and scratches
Thus while selecting the countertop material it would be wise to choose the right backsplash to give a cohesive and blended look from the niche ideas given above.