Selecting The Right Kitchen Countertop
From fixtures and accessories to cabinets and countertops there are plenty of design choices to be made when it comes to remodeling a kitchen. While all of these design features are important, the most important design element is the countertop. Once the countertop material is selected you can base the rest of your design choices off of your countertop centerpiece. Here are some popular kitchen countertop materials to consider for your kitchen remodel:
Granite
This probably doesn’t come as a surprise for most of you. Granite is a tremendously popular kitchen countertop choice for its natural beauty and durability. There’s a wide variety of colors and styles to choose from, making it easy to find the perfect match for a kitchen. Granite is also heat resistant and stain-resistant when properly sealed, which makes it a great choice for the kitchen. Additionally this natural stone doesn’t trap bacteria like other more porous countertops, making it a great choice for preparing food.
Quartz
Quartz is the most durable natural stone countertop available. It doesn’t require a seal like granite, which means it’s easier to maintain. Similarly to granite though, it’s nonporous so it doesn’t trap bacteria or stain. Quartz is also heat-resistant. However, you do get less variability in colors and shades with quartz stone countertops.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful natural stone that many people decide to implement into their kitchens purely for its aesthetic appeal. Unlike the other natural stones we’ve listed above, marble is much more delicate and has a porous nature, meaning it is likely to absorb liquids and stain more easily. To remedy this, you can and should have your marble countertop professionally sealed before installation and every few years after that. The sealant however will not protect against chipping and scratches, so be mindful when using knives and heavy cookware on your marble countertop. The upside to marble is that it’s heat resistant. We would recommend that if you like the look of marble, try implementing it in other areas of your home and select a more durable natural stone for your kitchen countertop.
Soapstone
This natural stone has a warm and inviting appearance. Soapstone is not quite as durable as granite or quartz, but it is non-porous, which means it doesn’t need to be sealed like other natural stones. Additionally, because it is non-porous soapstone can stand up to bacteria and stains. However, be mindful that it is a softer natural stone, which means you should avoid cutting directly on it and be careful of cast iron and glass as these materials can easily scratch the stone’s surface. If you choose a soapstone countertop you can also opt to oil it periodically to enhance its appearance over time.
For help getting started on your kitchen remodel give us a call at Nailman Construction in Rockland, MA. We’re happy to help you through the design and installation process. Call us or click here for a quote.