So what do you need to know before choosing a countertop? You will want to determine what is most important to you when looking at your kitchen overall. Is style your greatest concern or is affordability the driving force? How do you intend to use the countertops? Do you do a lot of baking and cooking or do you rarely cook at home? What level of maintenance are you able to manage? Do you want a sleek shiny countertop many years from now or does the aging patina of marble appeal? All of these questions are important to consider before making a decision.
Granite is one of the top two most common selections for new kitchen countertops. This stone speaks elegance in any kitchen, new or old. Granite has a beautiful natural stone look and can withstand heavy use. It is resistant to stains when properly sealed about once a year, although there are new sealers available that are nearly maintenance free. It also holds up well to heat and its second only to diamonds in terms of hardiness.
As a designer I love granite because it gives a three dimensional aspect to the countertops, looks substantial, and is available in thousands of colors. Price range is variable depending on the stone but it typically starts at about $60 a square foot so clients can usually find one that looks great in a price range that they can afford.
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| www.supremesurface.com |
The second most common countertop is engineered stone. This is commonly referred to as quartz. Quartz is 93-96% quartz particles that are held together by a resin. It is non-porous so it withstands stains and heat. For those looking for low maintenance this countertop does not require sealing. Just wash with warm water. The look is similar to natural stone but has a uniformity to the surface. Both quartz and granite can chip around the edges so rounded corners help. It comes in an array of colors that can look contemporary or traditional. It starts at about $50 a square foot so it is comparable to granite in terms of cost.
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| dreamykitchens.com |
The final surface I will cover today is soapstone. This countertop is generally dark gray to black in color. It is primarily composed of talc and so has a smooth soapy feeling the surface. It is softer than marble or granite. It is quite durable because the surface is nonporous so it stands up to acids and staining. It does not require sealing but does require regular applications of mineral oil once installed. It is a beautiful choice for the consumer who does not mind a little maintenance and the natural color palette it offers.
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| www.soapstonesupply.com |
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| www.soapstonesupply.com |
These are only a few of choices available today so I will cover a few more in my next post. We will be discussing marble, concrete and wood.
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