Every homeowner wants to keep each corner of their house clean and as good as new. However, with time and regular use, these expectations become difficult to meet. Out of all the corners of your house, your kitchen has the highest chances of being damaged fast. Whether it is the hot fumes from the gas or the constant pressure of the chopping board, your kitchen goes through so much every day. And the countertops are most prone to damage.
While you cannot avoid damage altogether, you can certainly reduce its impact. And to do that, you need to opt for quality materials in your kitchen. All that you need is experts from reputable companies like Caesarstone. If you want to opt for their service, click here.
And here is a list of the top 4 overlay materials you should consider for your kitchen countertop.
Granite
Granite is the oldest and most popular material when it comes to kitchen countertops. Natural granite was a popular choice in the past. However, engineered granite has now become the new trend in kitchen countertops. For your kitchen, you need materials that are durable and resilient to constant high temperatures. And that’s precisely what granite offers.
Advantages of Using Granite For Kitchen Countertops
- It is highly resistant to scratches and chippings. Given that your kitchen tolerates daily cutting, chopping, and mincing of vegetables and meat, it’s a rather important feature.
- It’s also pretty resilient against extremely high temperatures. So prolonged exposure to hot fumes or utensils will not have a long-term effect on your countertop.
- They have decent resistance against stains. Although they are a little porous and stains seep in, they might not leave a prominent mark if you can wash them off soon after the spill.
- It’s not easily affected by prolonged exposure to moisture. This is an important feature owing to the high levels of humidity in kitchens.
- It comes in various designs and patterns so that you are not limited by choice.
- Most homeowners are always on the lookout for economical alternatives for their home decor and installations. Well, granite comes at a pretty affordable cost without compromising on the quality.
Disadvantages of Granite Countertops
- Granite countertops are pretty common. So there is a chance that your neighbor might have the same countertop.
- Granite countertops are required to be sealed regularly. The seal reduces the chances of bacterial growth and stain retention
Quartz
The biggest reason behind quartz popularity is the unmatchable beauty that it adds to your kitchen. It is made of crushed quartz crystals which are bound together with polymer resin. When mixed with vibrant colors, nothing can make your kitchen look more beautiful than a quartz countertop.
Benefits of Using Quartz Kitchen Countertops
- The engineered quartz countertops are resistant to scratches. This ensures that chopping, slicing, or simple regular use does not leave permanent marks on your countertop.
- It’s very strong and does not break easily. Just ensure that you opt for a rounded quartz countertop, and the chances of the corner chipping would be nil.
- When it comes to resistance against stain, quartz has the upper hand over granite. Being non-porous, the stain does not seep into the deeper layers, and there is no chance of staining.
- One of the biggest benefits of using quartz countertops is their low maintenance. You do not need to scrub or clean your countertops constantly. After all, they hardly retain stains or dirt.
Disadvantages of Quartz Countertops
- It takes expert eyes to buy the right kind of quartz. If you are not buying from a reliable source, you might end up with poor-quality material that will break easily.
- They can be a little expensive.
Recycled Glass
Recycled glass is another popular option for kitchen countertops. Although they are not as heat resistant or durable as granite and quartz, they bring in a sparkling look to your kitchen. After all, no one can say no to a beautiful addition to the kitchen that comes with decent benefits.
Advantages of Using Recycled Glass Kitchen Countertops
- Recycled glass countertops are low maintenance. These countertops have a slippery surface. So the stains do not seep deep into it. You would only require a little soap and water to clean these countertops.
- Recycled glass countertops are eco-friendly. The reason behind this is that if not recycled for making countertops, they would go straight to the landfills. That would add to land pollution. Instead, they are being recycled into some good use.
Disadvantages of Recycled Glass Countertops
- They are not very resistant to heat and can crack under extreme pressure
- Recycled glass countertops are pretty heavy and require more effort to install
Solid Surface Countertops
Solid surface countertops are known for their seamless appearance. They also provide more options in terms of color design and pattern. They have been gaining decent traction among homeowners in recent years.
Advantages of Solid Surface Kitchen Countertops
- Stains on all the solid surface countertops are easy to remove using sandpapers or commercial cleaners.
- It can smoothly integrate sinks and backsplashes.
- These countertops can be molded into various shapes and sizes and can even imitate stone countertops like quartz. This gives homeowners a wide variety of choices while designing their kitchen.
- They offer decent durability and are worth the price.
Disadvantages of Solid Surface Kitchen Countertops
- They are not resistant to extreme heat and can easily retain scratches and chips.
- They lack the crystal depth and beauty that comes with recycled glass or quartz countertops.
Endnote
Taking care of your house is a full-time job. However, when you choose the right materials, your work becomes a lot easier. In addition to that, choosing the right material for your kitchen countertop will make your investment cost-effective in the long run. After all, efficient household management requires efficient financial planning as well.
Taking professional help might play in your favor as far as choosing materials for countertops is concerned. Make sure you end up making informed decisions.
