If you’re a home chef, you don’t exactly need a top of the line kitchen to supplement your needs and hobbies. However, what you do need is a kitchen that can get you through most of the tasks you need to be done when cooking. Aside from investing in the right cookware, knives, and stoves, you should definitely consider looking at some great kitchen countertops as well.
True enough, the kitchen countertop is the heart and soul of every kitchen. It’s where you do most of the prep work and it’s where you place some of your heavy appliances for cooking. As such, you’d want a countertop that is not only pleasant on the eyes, but also durable enough to last you for decades upon decades.
There are several countertops that salesmen will offer you. Of course, not all of these are worth your money. If you really want to get the most out of your purchase, then you need to consider getting one of these countertops.
Marble
A natural stone you’d often find used as a countertop material in mansions and other extravagant places is marble. It’s a waterproof and heatproof natural stone that is very expensive as well. One of the reasons why it’s so expensive is that each marble is unique. This basically means that there are no two marble countertops that are similar to one another.
As it is expensive, some marble owners tend to be picky with what they do with their marble kitchen countertops. Some don’t have marble fitted in the entire expanse of their kitchen. It’s often used as an island during prep work or a section of the countertop which is used for preparing ingredients for baking. Rarely is it used as a place where you cut veggies in.
Quartz
If you are picking aesthetics over anything else, then you may want to consider getting quartz kitchen countertops. This elegant and simple kitchen countertop is made from crushed quartz crystals bonded with the help of polymer resin. It is also mixed with various colors which results in a beautiful countertop which can be in any hue that you want.
Quartz is not all about the looks though. It is still a durable countertop for your kitchen. These are engineered so they are both stain and scratch-resistant as well. A common issue with quartz countertops is that they can chip easily especially at the corners. As such, it’s recommended to use round edges instead of sharp ones.
Granite
One of the most popular options for a kitchen countertop is granite. Aside from being extremely pleasant on the eyes, granite is extremely durable and heat and scratch-resistant as well. In terms of longevity and durability, you can never go wrong with picking a granite countertop. Currently, there are two types of granite countertops you can use.
The most popular nowadays is engineered granite. It has all of the properties of natural granite. However, engineered granite kitchen countertops can come in a variety of colors so you can pick one which complements your kitchen well. Moreover, engineered granite has a more uniformed look with regards to veining and color so it can be a great match for your kitchen as well.
Most engineered granite comes mixed with polymer resin which makes the product more durable and easier to maintain as compared to natural granite. On the other hand, engineered granite is far more expensive than the natural variant. In terms of maintenance and longevity however, you can end up saving more money when using engineered granite.
Soapstone
A natural stone option that you may want to consider for kitchen countertops. This dark gray stone has a smooth and silky feel to it. It’s often used as an alternative to granite. While it was the preferred material for countertops years before, it has since re-emerged to become an excellent for modern home as well.
Despite its smooth and silky texture, soapstone is actually durable. It is both hard and stain-resistant. Most importantly, the damage it incurs overtime can be sanded out easily. The one problem that soapstone kitchen countertop owners have is that these tend to darken overtime. As such, it requires more maintenance as compared to other options on this list.
Wood
If you are looking for something more rustic and appealing, then you may want to consider getting a wood countertop. Do keep in mind however, that these aren’t easy to maintain. Wood countertops have to be regularly oiled and cleaned as they can be damaged overtime. Moreover, bacteria can be a problem if you don’t clean it thoroughly.
On the other hand, wood is a great option if you are looking for something that looks great but is also moderately cheap. Despite being hard to maintain, a great part about wood countertops is that they can be refurbished easily by sanding and resealing. It’s something you’d get if you have a lot of time on your hands as this countertop will certainly require your attention.
Concrete
If you really want a unique kitchen but can afford the luxurious marble to become a part of your home, then concrete is your next best option. These countertops are cast in forms right at your kitchen as they are heavy work to do. That being said, concrete countertops can be fitted into any shape you want. If you have an oddly shaped kitchen, then this might just be the countertop for you.
It might be weird to have concrete as part of your kitchen. However, this concrete is highly polished, textured, and acid-stained to look beautiful. As a countertop, concrete is both heat and scratch resistant as well. It may look too industrial for the taste of some but those that want a modern look should go for concrete.
Ceramic
One of the cheapest options available on the market currently are ceramic tiles. They are durable, easy to clean, and easy to install as well. Despite their cheap price tag, ceramic tiles are highly resistant to heat so they can be used for heavy duty cooking work.
There are downsides to ceramic tiles as well. Perhaps the most problematic downside to a ceramic tiles is the fact that they can chip easily. As such, you may want to consider being gentle when it comes to chopping on top of kitchen countertops.
Eco-Friendly Recycled Glass
As the name suggests, these countertops are made from recycled class which include beer and liquor bottles, stained glass panels, and more. The end product of the recycling process is a wonderfully colored countertop which is not only eco-friendly, but is also affordable and durable at the same time.
Despite being one of the cheapest options possible, recycled glass countertops are still durable. They are heat, scratch, and stain resistant too. In terms of aesthetics, this type of countertop doesn’t exactly fit well in a home setting. If you are using it for a bar however, it serves as a great countertop to show off to your customers.
Solid-Surface
Not all countertops are made from natural stone. One such example other than kitchen countertops made from recycled glass is solid-surface countertops. These are made from various materials such as acrylic particles and resins which are pressed into sheets and other shapes depending on what the kitchen currently needs.
Despite being man-made, these countertops are moderately expensive. In terms of durability and longevity however, they are worth every buck you spend on them. One of the best parts of a solid-surface countertop is that it’s highly customizable. Some even come with integrated sinks and other kitchenware,
Laminate
Understandably, not everyone has the time and the budget to try out most of the options on this list. If you are one of those people, then you should consider getting laminate countertops instead. These are plastic-coated synthetics with a smooth surface. What’s great is that these can be purchased in segments so you can install them in your home yourself. On the other hand, you can also have custom-fabricated laminate countertops for your kitchen as well.
In terms of design and color, the laminate countertop holds the most potential. It comes in an array of colors and you are free to choose whichever you want. On top of this, laminates are also very easy to maintain and are very inexpensive. You can always get expensive countertops in the future anyway.
A countertop is basically the lifeline of your kitchen. It’s where you do prep work and most of the cooking. Some people even use their countertops to eat. Investing in a good kitchen countertop is vital for many reasons. Aside from durability reasons, you also need to consider that these countertops are much safer and more sanitary as compared to cooking elsewhere.
If you are looking to have a new one installed in your home, keep in mind that most kitchen countertops are made with precision. As such, the work can only be done with the help of professionals. As there are so many materials to choose from, you may want to ask the experts about which one fits your wants and budget.
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