Choosing The Best Countertops For Your Kitchen

The Showroom Interior Solutions understands that undertaking a kitchen remodel takes a lot of planning, effort, and investment in time and resources. It can be really tough to find a reliable contractor with the ability to understand and assist the evolution of your vision, whilst guiding you through the project in a way that turns your kitchen dream into a dream kitchen. The countertop is one of the crucial components of any kitchen project, and finding the best material and design for your project is exactly what The Showroom Interior Solutions is all about.

There are so many different types and materials to choose from and our team of experts is available to advise you to ensure you do not give up before finding the perfect countertop for your kitchen. The following information provides an overview of available options that can be discussed in more detail when you visit The Showroom Interior Solutions to discuss the design of your new kitchen.

Natural Stone

Natural stone is the most commonly used type of countertop. It is very durable and heat resistant. Different variations in colors and textures make it a classic and timeless feature. Specific types include granite, marble, soapstone, and slate.

  • Granite – this is the most popular natural stone material. It comes in a wide array of colors and is sold through local fabricators, home centers, and kitchen showrooms. It is fabricated in a way that is stain resistant. However, for maintenance and cleaning, you must avoid using abrasive cleaners and stick to the ones specifically for stone.
  • Marble – considered to be the most elegant and sophisticated of all natural stone materials; marble is a great choice for the kitchen. The stone is very resistant to heat. But it is porous and susceptible to stains, which means you have to use it with caution.
  • Soapstone and slate – compared to granite, it comes with a limited variety of colors. Nevertheless, both can be fabricated to match the color of the sink. The difference between the two is that the former is porous and must be sealed with mineral oil to reduce staining, while the latter is relatively soft, nonporous and is maintenance free—with scratches that can be easily wiped through steel wool.

All in all, natural stones make a safe choice for your kitchen countertop. They are durable, long-lasting, and heat-resistant. The downside, on the other hand, is that natural stone countertops are naturally porous and require a lot of maintenance. They need to be sealed when installed to avoid becoming chipped or cracked. Natural stone is also the most expensive countertop material.

Solid Surfaces

Solid surfaces are great substitutes for natural stone. They are the closest to the look of natural stone, without the cost and maintenance. They also come in a variety of colors, designs and can even resemble glass or concrete countertops. Solid surfaces have greater resistance to heat, moisture, stains, and scratches. They still have the possibility of being scorched, scratched, or cut. However, this is not a major concern, as solid surfaces can be restored, repaired, or easily replaced.

Cultured Stone (Quartz)

This kind of countertop material is also known as quartz-surfacing. It is a combination of quartz and pigments that have the look and feel of natural stone. Like solid surfaces, cultured-stones come in a variety of colors, textures, and graining; and unlike natural stone, it’s available in uniform colors and patterns. Quartz countertops are resistant to heat, stains and scratches. They are easy to clean and there is no need for sealing or special care.

Plastic Laminate

Laminates have the capacity to imitate natural stones, metal, or wood countertops thanks to a thin sheet of plastic resin that covers plywood or particleboard. It is therefore not surprising that it is available in hundreds of different colors, patterns and textures. Because of its plastic material, it is comparatively cheaper than other types of countertop materials. It is hard-wearing which makes it durable and resilient. It can survive for a long time and through intense kitchen activities.

Ceramic Tile

Though out of favor lately, ceramic tile countertops are more budget-friendly when it comes to customization. Ceramic tiles are durable and come in different colors, shapes, textures and sizes. It is an excellent choice for surfaces such as islands, eat-at counters, peninsulas, wet bars or butler’s pantries. Like plastic laminate, you must be wary of using the proper kind of tiles rated for countertops. Aside from it being budget-friendly and good for DIY customization projects, ceramic tiles are also resistant to heat, scratches, stains, and moisture.

Wood

This traditional countertop material has also lost its demand due to the rise of natural stones and solid surfaces. However, the natural charm and warmth offered by wood countertops should not be missed. It is also the only countertop material that is recommended and advisable to use for cutting, slicing, and chopping. One popular example of this is butcher block countertops. Wood makes a very long-lasting countertop. Unfortunately, wood countertops are very vulnerable to moisture, heat, acid, corrosive chemicals, and stains. They also require regular cleaning and maintenance.

Eco-Friendly Kitchen Countertops

There is a growing move towards adopting environmentally friendly countertops that use natural materials such as bamboo, recycled glass, and paper composites. Bamboo and paper composite are easy to clean. Recycled glass is durable and is heat and stain resistant. However, these countertop materials aren’t common. They must also be sealed and routinely treated since they are susceptible to scratches and burning.

Concrete

Like the rest of the countertops discussed, concrete is extremely durable. It is also surprisingly versatile which makes it capable of producing various designs. This makes concrete countertops best for complementing other materials. Furthermore, it is heat and stain resistant. But like tiles, cracking can happen. They must be regularly maintained and sealed to avoid stains and water.

Metal Kitchen Countertops

Typically associated with commercial kitchens, metal kitchen countertops are becoming more common in homes. The stainless quality can work well with both modern and traditional kitchen styles. An advantage of metal kitchen countertops is that they are antibacterial and very easy to clean. They are also resistant to heat and stains. However, this type is very susceptible to scratches and dents, most especially when they are made of copper, pewter, and zinc.

A well-chosen countertop can beautifully complement your cabinetry and provide an accent to the look and feel of your kitchen. It can also become an impactful centerpiece in kitchens that are spacious enough to include an island. Whether designing a new home, or remodeling your existing kitchen, The Showroom Interior Solutions will carefully consider all aspects of your project to ensure you find the perfect countertops to meet your style and functionality requirements.

Choosing The Showroom Interior Solutions comes with the peace of mind that your kitchen countertops will be built to the highest standard of lasting quality and look amazing.

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