When it comes to kitchen countertop materials, there are plenty of options to choose from, including in Canada. Granite, quartz, marble, soapstone, ceramic tile, wood, laminates, and stainless steel are some of the most popular available materials these days.
Each of these materials has its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, some could be blemished and scratched easily, while others are extremely durable. Also, some countertop materials are costlier compared to others.
Having said that, choosing the right material for your kitchen top could be overwhelming. But that doesn’t mean you must choose the first material you see. To help you make the right decision, here’s a list of tips you could consider when choosing a kitchen countertop material.
Know Your Budget
Before anything else, you’d need to set how much you’re willing to spend on your new countertop. Some materials like laminates are more affordable, while engineered stones or quartz are generally more costly.
Try to be realistic when choosing your countertop material. Make sure not to set your expectations too low or too high on a material that doesn’t fit your budget. If you have a limited budget, it’s recommended you opt for a quality material you can afford. One good example of this is a tile countertop. Aside from being an inexpensive material, it’s known to be easy to maintain. You could also install it on your own, so you won’t need to hire a person to do it for you.
But if you’re willing to spend a little more, you’re free to opt for higher-end stone material. However, you’d still need to consider the quality. Try to check for the best countertops in Toronto or other cities in Canada before you decide.
Consider The Needed Maintenance Or Care
Every kitchen countertop material needs a different degree of care and maintenance. Sometimes the most expensive and aesthetically appealing options need more maintenance, which could be time-consuming if you have a busy schedule.
Quartz and other stone kitchen countertops need to be sealed periodically in order to prevent viruses and bacteria from running and contaminating the surface. On the other hand, a wood or butcher block countertop needs to be sanded to get rid of knife marks and scratches.
But if you like spending time cleaning your home, including all the surfaces, then any material could work for you, including wood and quartz countertops. However, if you want a material that’s low maintenance, a stylish laminate may be a perfect choice.
Consider Durability
In terms of durability, quartz may be the most popular option, perhaps even beating granite and marble. But granite would also be a good option since it’s good-looking, strong, and durable. However, this material is porous. That means any beverage, oil, or other liquid you spill while cooking or eating may seep over the surface, which may result in a long-lasting stain. What’s more, it would become a breeding ground for dangerous bacteria as well as other organisms.
Quartz, on the other hand, is nonporous. It won’t even need resealing. It’s also heat-resistant and thought to be the most hygienic kitchen countertop material among homeowners.
Choose A Material That Suits Your Cooking Needs And Lifestyle
If you’re living in a house with young children, it may be a good idea to disregard white granite countertops on your list as they could be easily stained. Likewise, some materials like wood may be damaged by knives, heat, and water easily.
But if you want a unique kitchen design, consider having a concrete countertop. Because of its heavy weight, typically it’s cast and formed right in the kitchen. However, this material may be subject to cracking, so treatment may help in reducing this possibility. The porosity of a concrete material may be lessened with additives.
There’s a range of other materials you may choose from, including stainless steel, slate, zinc, bamboo, or even recycled glass. But whatever you choose, it’s important to opt for a color and material that would suit your cooking needs and current lifestyle.
Mix And Match
It’s reasonable if you’re having a hard time choosing the right kitchen countertop material as there are lots of options available. In this case, why not consider a mix and match surface?
You could use a different material for the island to distinguish it from the rest of your countertops. Or you could supplement another material to your countertop for a certain task. For example, you could add a marble for baking or a butcher block for chopping.
Benefits Of Choosing The Right Kitchen Countertop Material
A kitchen countertop is utilized more than one may perhaps comprehend. Thus, selecting the right material that could handle long-term kitchen activities is crucial.
It’s best to prefer a countertop material that’s durable and wouldn’t need much maintenance to sustain its durability. By considering the characteristics of every material, like appearance and performance, you could avoid opting for a countertop that wouldn’t work for you in the end.
For instance, you may appreciate the appearance of marble countertops, but you also have to consider the ramifications of using softer materials, particularly if you wish to have a countertop with a light color. You may also need to assess what activities you would commonly do in the kitchen. Are these activities likely to cause damage or blemishes? Aside from chips and blemishes, you may also want to consider cooking stains.
Final Say
A countertop is one of the most important parts of a kitchen’s interior design. For generations, countertop styles have been evolving since people are continuously looking for the ideal look for their kitchen. From bamboo to recycled glass tile, there’s a wide range of countertop materials to choose from nowadays.
With this in mind, it may be best to consider picking a material based on your lifestyle and how often you’d use the countertop. Every material has its own pros and cons when it comes to color, durability, and price. But hopefully the abovementioned tips have helped you make the right decision with ease.
