KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS
Kitchen countertops are an essential part of any kitchen. They help to make the space functional and beautiful at the same time. But, sometimes, people can get overwhelmed with all of their different options when it comes to choosing a new kitchen countertop. Well, don’t worry! We’re here to break down your options one by one so that you can find the perfect material for your home’s needs. The team at Frisco Kitchen Experts has been serving Frisco, TX, and surrounding areas for decades with quality granite, quartz, marble, and other high-end materials to create beautiful kitchens that are functional and stylish.
What Are Kitchen Countertops Made of and How Do They Work in a Kitchen?
Different materials will work better in various types of kitchens. For example, kitchen countertops are usually installed on top of cabinets, and sometimes they can be attached to the wall depending on which material you choose. They’re designed with two primary purposes: functionality and aesthetics. Some options for kitchen countertops include marble, granite, quartz, glass, soapstone, and concrete.
No matter which kitchen countertop you choose for your kitchen, there are a couple of things to remember when designing it: how will the material work with the rest of the room’s design? And what type of appliances will be used in this space? For example, if you plan on having an induction cooktop, you’ll want to make sure that your countertop is compatible with induction.
Different Kitchen Countertops Materials and Their Functionality
Kitchen countertops can come in a variety of materials which have different pros and cons depending on what you’re looking for. Here’s a quick rundown:
Marble
This is the classic option, and marble countertop will offer timeless beauty with a wide range of colors and patterns. However, it is very porous, which means that liquids can quickly soak into the material, so be sure to use coasters with your marble countertops!
Granite
This material is exceptionally durable and has impressive resistant power to heat, stains, scratches, and even dents. It’s also non-porous, which means that liquids won’t be absorbed into it. However, granite countertops needs re-application, so you’ll want to reseal the surface every two years or so.
Quartz
This option is becoming more and more popular thanks to the wide range of colors, patterns, and finishes available. Quartz countertops can also be made to mimic natural materials like marble for a budget-friendly option! It’s non-porous and very durable but has less heat resistant power than granite.
Glass
This is the newest addition to the list of kitchen countertops. Glass counters looks like marble or quartz but has even more varied designs and finishes available, thanks to its transparent nature. It is scratch resistant and stain resistant because of its natural beauty. The main downside with glass options for your countertop is that they’re not very heat resistant.
Soapstone
This natural stone is a popular choice for kitchen countertop materials because it’s affordable and has similar qualities to marble. In addition, it comes in a wide range of colors and patterns (which will fade over time) and can be very durable but isn’t heat resistant like other options.
Concrete
If you want solid surface countertops look for your home, concrete might be the perfect option for you! It comes in various textures and colors that can mimic other natural materials like stone or soapstone. However, concrete countertops are much more porous than others, requiring regular resealing to keep up its appearance.
How to Care for Your Counters, Including the Best Way to Clean Them
Kitchen countertops are an investment, so it’s essential to take care of them and ensure that you’re using suitable cleaning materials. When picking your material, be sure to ask about how porous it might be and if a sealing process is involved to avoid damaging or discoloring your counters over time.
If you decide on a marble or stone countertop for your kitchen island, you’ll want to make sure that you’re using the right products when it comes time to clean. Warm water and gentle soap are usually enough for most surfaces but if your material has a sealant, then be sure not to use harsh chemicals, abrasives, or bleach-based cleaners because they could damage the coating on your counter.
Glass countertops are tough, so they don’t need much to keep them looking brand new! You can use warm water and soap, or you might want to try vinegar for a streak-free shine. Just be sure that you’re wiping the solid surface down after each wash with a lint-free cloth because glass is also very slippery when wet!
When You Should Replace Your Countertop Material
Kitchen countertops are an investment, so if you feel like yours needs replacement, it’s essential to investigate why. Some of these issues might be signs that your material is not suitable for your lifestyle or use, while others could mean that time has taken its toll on them! It is also important that you have maintenance checkups for this material. New countertops make your kitchen design adds warmth and become more attractive.