If you are remodelling or planning on a new kitchen, there are numerous factors that need to be kept in mind. From cabinets, drawers, functionality, storage space, but how often do we give focus on the kitchen countertops. We all want a hardworking kitchen that will sustain our vigorous Indian cooking, so a steady, durable and cost-effective kitchen countertop is a must. It will be an investment you would want to last for years, but the lifestyle is essential to the decorating style when it comes to picking the correct countertop. This guide will help you on how you can choose the perfect countertop for your kitchen.
Which Countertop Do You Need To Choose?
Choosing the best material for your kitchen countertop is not easy for most homeowners as the market has a plethora of choices. You will find different types of materials, price points and colours. To make the right decision, you’ll have to choose a material that will last long and look good for years to come.
And to come to a wise choice for your kitchen, one that is based on your lifestyle and budget, you need to familiarise yourself with the pros and cons of each type of material, the amount of care needed and its durability.
So which kitchen countertop material is right for you? Do you want something elegant that suits your sense of style and persona? Is maintenance a top priority for you? Do you have kids at home? As you see there are many things to consider when designing a kitchen countertop.
Our guide here will make your life easier, so let us take a look at the world of possibilities when it comes to choosing the best material for your kitchen countertop.
In this guide, we will be talking about the three most popular materials used for kitchen countertops.
Granite Kitchen Countertops
Granite is a natural stone and one that is naturally quite rough. However its surface can be smoothed with polishing giving it a lovely lustre. It is a sturdy material quite durable. So if you place a heavy utensil or a hot pot on top it will not result in damage. Each slab of granite comes with its own unique pattern of veins apart from several colour options that make this stone a preferred choice among homeowners.
Let us take a look at the pros and cons of granite now shall we?
Tips To Polish Granite
Want to restore that factor shine? Here’s how to go about it:
- Granite can be polished with wet or dry materials.
- The dry polishing powder is the go-to-option for light repairs and cheaper too.
- Wet polishing is a professional polishing technique used to treat severe countertop damages.
- It is called wet polishing because water is poured on top of the stone to reduce the heat friction between the countertop and polishing pads.
Granite Countertop Prices
Several factors determine the price band of granite available in the market. These range from moderately priced to high variants depending on the origin of the stone, finish and availability. There are also several grades available: discount, builder, premium and designer. Another factor that might determine the price is the complexity of the job – the more complex the design, the more the seams, and labor required to build it into your interiors.
Marble Kitchen Countertops
If you are looking for a classic yet luxurious look for your kitchen interiors then marble is your choice of material for a countertop. Marble, a richly veined natural stone, has the power to turn an ordinary kitchen into an extraordinary one. A white marble finished countertop can elevate the interior’s of a kitchen giving a clean, lustrous look. This material is also available in many colours including shades of grey, taupe, brown and even green. Marble is softer than other stones so you might want to evaluate its pros and cons before investing in it.
Let us take a look at the pros and cons of marble now.
Marble Countertop Prices
Marble is of the pricier options in your choice of materials for a kitchen countertop. There are grades – discount, builder, premium and designer with each variant costing more. The complexity of the job and the estimates will be based on the variables you select.
Tips To Clean Marble Countertops
Mable is expensive so the care required here is more. It comes sealed from the factory and needs to be resealed often.
- Cleaning marble is a daily process.
- You need to frequently clean all the spills immediately with a clean, damp cloth.
- If the countertop looks faded you need to polish it before resealing.
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Quartz Countertops
If you are looking for a kitchen countertop that is classy in its appeal without being high-maintenance then quartz is your choice of material without a shadow of doubt. It is one of the most robust materials available and lasts for decades without losing its natural beauty. Quartz comes in many colours and has rich veins in between. You can select from a range of browns, cream and greys. What makes quartz different from marble and granite? Quartz is an engineered product while the other two are solid naturally occurring stones. As an engineered product, the variants produced are endless. Quartz can replicate the textured finish of granite for gloss or that of a highly polished stone. If you have a kitchen that is busy through the day with high traffic (such as kids running in and out) you will want a countertop that can withstand stains and spills. No reason why you won’t choose quartz then!
Let us take a look at the pros and cons of quartz.
Quartz Countertop Prices
Quartz is one of the most durable and sturdy materials you can choose for countertops. They are used for commercial kitchens and in health care facilities too. However, it might cost a bit more than other stones. But the good news is that they last much longer and require minimum maintenance.
Tips To Clean Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops are the easiest to clean compared to marble and granite. Quartz is crafted using a polyester binder making it a non-porous material. This means spills and dirt can’t seep into the material.
- Spills can be wiped away with a damp cloth or a mild cleaner.
- Bacteria, mold or mildew does not grow on quartz which makes it easy to clean without using harsh chemicals or vigorous scrubbing.
Explore more about Kitchen Quartz Countertops
Top Trends For Kitchen Countertops In 2020
Quartz Countertops Is The Champ
Quartz is the highly sought out material defeating marble and granite for kitchen countertops Granite was the top choice for many years as homeowners opted for something strong, durable and good looking. But granite has a downside – it is porous. This means all the liquid, oil and beverages you spill while cooking or eating can seep through the surface causing long lasting stains. Also it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and other microorganisms. It continually requires sealing from time to time as it tends to wear off. However, quartz is non-porous and does not require resealing. It is stain resistant and the most hygienic countertop option for homeowners. It is as strong as granite, super durable and needs less maintenance.
Honed Versus Polish Finishes
Honed finishes is a treatment where a stone’s surface has been ground down to give it a consistent texture and a matte look. Matte means little or no shine. This kind of finish looks great with marble since it lacks a sheen. It automatically conceals any scratches and flaws. Leathered or polish finishes is a new style of treatment that has become popular in recent years. A polished finish retains the stone’s natural colour thereby giving it a more sophisticated look than a honed finish countertop. Another advantage of a leathered finish is that it hides fingerprints and water spots which many find it appealing.
Veined Patterns
Nowadays, homeowners are looking at a bit of character when it comes to their kitchen countertops. Countertops these days come in a variety of patterns unlike the plain style of yesteryears. Materials like quartz are engineered to resemble slabs of natural stone like marble and granite. This involves designing intricate patterns with thread like veins. This gives the kitchen interior’s a delightful twist when blended into overall design and aesthetics.
Countertops have always been an integral part of kitchen interior design. Throughout generations, the style has been evolving as homeowners seek the perfect look for their kitchen. Make sure you choose a material for your countertop, based on your lifestyle. How often do you cook? Is it baking friendly? Do you have a child who loves to scribble? Every countertop will have its advantages and disadvantages in terms of durability, price bands and colours. So do your research well before making a final decision.