What is one of the first things you notice when you visit someone’s kitchen for the first time? You guessed it, the kitchen countertops.
If you have personally gone through the process of researching and selecting a new countertop for your kitchen, you probably notice everything about kitchen countertops now; and realize the importance of selecting just the right countertop material. BHG.com says, “With exposure to water, heat, sharp knives, and more, countertops carry a heavy burden in the kitchen.”
When you install or replace a countertop, consider all of the countertop details including the material; colors, textures, and patterns; and edge and backsplash details. Let’s consider the suitability of some popular kitchen countertop materials, using an informative Better Homes and Gardens.com article as a resource:
Natural-Stone Kitchen Countertops: Durable natural-stone countertops include granite, marble, limestone and soapstone. Every natural-stone countertop is unique with a distinctive color and texture.
- Pros: Durable, enduring style, heat resistant
- Cons: Expensive; chips and cracks; and it is porous, and therefore requires a sealant at installation and periodically maintenance and resealing thereafter
Cultured-Stone Kitchen Countertops: Cultured-stone countertops (or quartz surfacing) are a combination of quartz and pigments simulating natural stone.
- Pros: Cultured-stone countertops resist heat, stains and scratches; are cleanable; and do not require sealing
- Cons: Expensive; and Is not as natural-looking as real stone
Tile Kitchen Countertops: Tile kitchen countertops economically provide many varieties of colors, shapes, textures, and sizes to liven up and personalize any kitchen.
- Pros: Economical; resists heat, stains and scratches; can be done by a do-it-yourselfer.
- Con: Tiles can chip and crack; and grout may absorb food requiring regular sanitation and cleaning.
Check out the Better Homes and Gardens.com article for additional reliable information comparing countertop materials. Are you planning a kitchen renovation at your home? If you are a southwestern Connecticut area homeowner, interested in discussing kitchen renovation plans, please contact Country Club Homes, Inc. via our website at www.countryclubhomesinc.com or by telephone at 203-762-0550.