Kitchen Countertops: What To Consider
The kitchen is one of the most traveled, and beloved, spaces in any home. For many, the kitchen is the heart of the house and more time is spent within the kitchen than any other room in the house. Therefore, when deciding to remodel the kitchen, it’s important to choose materials that fit the needs, style, and sensibilities of the people that will be using the space. It’s also, of course, important to consider budget. However in a kitchen space the most important elements to consider, keeping your individual lifestyle and practices in mind, is the necessary durability you will need from your countertops as well as the amount of maintenance you are able and willing to commit to the space.
There are many options available for kitchen countertops. The most popular has always been granite, which has a beautiful appearance and is also extremely durable. Granite is considered a very decorative option as it lends a polished look to a space. Granite countertops come in either glossy or matte varieties, making granite a customizable option that can be tailored to fit the tastes of individual homeowners.
Granite countertops actually add value to the home, as it is an expensive and classic option. Granite is resilient against heat, scratches, and stains, making it a top choice for kitchens. It is, however, porous, which means that there is a it of maintenance associated with granite countertops. Granite countertops must be sealed annually.
Soapstone is a sister option to granite as it has a similar appearance and is also extremely durable. As a point of reference, soapstone is generally used in science labs and lab classrooms. It’s generally dark in appearance. Unlike granite, soapstone is easily scratched and is susceptible to staining if it isn’t polished. Soapstone is in a similar price range as granite.
Laminate is another option, and with modern versions thereof increasingly mimicking the look of granite or soapstone, it’s becoming a more attractive option for many homeowners. Laminate is an affordable option for sure, and it’s also fairly resilient to the common woes of a kitchen such as spills. Laminate is very easy to keep clean. However, laminate is susceptible to scratching.
Solid surface countertops made from a blend of acrylic polymer and natural materials are the most affordable option that homeowners have today. These solid surface countertops have a non-porous solid surface that is easy to clean from spills and even scratches. These countertops are also an affordable option, some costing as much as twenty percent less than granite or soapstone options.
Choosing the right countertops for your needs is very important in any kitchen remodel. It’s important to note how much you are able to spend, what type of look you would like to achieve, and most importantly, how durable you need the countertops to be. A cook who is in the kitchen constantly will need something very durable, whereas a casual cook who is more in the remodel for appearance may not.