The countertops are the most visible part of a kitchen because they occupy a lot of space and are in constant use. When it's time to change out your countertops, don't make the mistake of buying the first thing that looks good. You should know a thing or two about selecting the right material. Here's how to pick a kitchen countertop that will last.
Before you choose countertops, consider how easy they are to clean and maintenance. Granite, for example, is beautiful but stains easily. Solid surfacing is easy to clean because it's nonporous. Quartz surfaces are also relatively easy to clean, though marble—which stains easily even with sealing—is your least-favorite option if you're looking for something stain-resistant. Stainless steel is ideal for commercial kitchens because it's stain resistant and virtually indestructible.
Modern kitchens are designed to match the luxurious homes and refined tastes of their owners. Marble and granite are popular options for modern kitchen countertops. Marble is known for its elegance, while granite offers a more natural feel. Granite comes in different colors and patterns, making it easy to find a look that suits your kitchen. Quartz is another material that provides a wider range of patterns than granite does.
The most important factor when choosing materials for your kitchen is the long-term durability of those materials. If you want countertops Chicago that will hold up to heavy traffic, heat, and scratches, then engineered stone is a good choice. Granite and marble also stand up well against scratching and high heat but may require sealing once in a while.
Clean, bacteria-free kitchens help to ensure that food remains uncontaminated. Some people choose solid surfacing over tiles to prevent the build-up of bacteria, as this can lead to illness. Sealing concrete and granite countertops may help prevent this problem, but it is an arduous task that should cost extra.
Make sure you consider the price range when choosing your countertop material. Choose something that's durable and easy to clean, but also fits in your budget. The most popular choice is granite because it’s strong and durable.