Choosing a countertop for your kitchen is one of the most crucial choices you’ll ever make for your home. There are many options available. You can choose from granite, onyx, quartz, laminate, and even butcher block.
Granite
Whether you are working on a budget or designing a luxury kitchen, you will find that granite options for kitchen countertops offer a versatile and durable surface. Granite has been the preferred countertop material for kitchens since the 1980s. Granite is durable and easy to clean. Granite countertops are available in a variety of colors and designs.
While most granite options for kitchen countertops are made with white, brown, and gray shades, you can choose a granite color that is perfect for your space. The color of the granite should complement your cabinetry and hardware, as well as the overall color scheme of your kitchen. Choosing lighter paints for countertops pittsburgh pa will help reduce the stone’s heat effect.
Solid-looking granites are another choice for kitchen countertops made of granite. These granite varieties have a consistent pattern throughout and are typically less expensive than granite. The best granites for small kitchens are those of this type.
Quartz
Whether upgrading your kitchen or replacing an old countertop, quartz is an excellent choice. Quartz is durable and scratch-resistant, and it comes in a wide variety of colors.
It is also non-porous, which makes it stain-resistant. Quartz countertops are also relatively easy to maintain. They come in various colors, including brown, black, white, gray, beige, and copper. They can be polished or matt.
Quartz is not only a good countertop material but also an excellent material for other home and office uses. It is used to manufacture kitchen countertops, shopping mall floors, and airport floors.
Choosing a suitable countertop material is essential, but considering its functionality is even more critical. A busy kitchen can benefit from a material that is durable and easy to maintain.
Laminate
Making the most of your budget while adding a fashionable, low-maintenance option to your home is easy when you choose laminate countertops for your kitchen. Laminate is easy to install, durable, and offers various designs and colors. However, before choosing laminate for your kitchen, you’ll want to understand the differences between laminate and other countertop materials.
Laminate is a type of material made of a thin, rigid sheet glued together with a resin that allows the material to be water resistant. It is also easy to clean. Avoid using harsh cleaners or abrasives to keep your laminate countertop looking its best. Instead, try a mild household cleaner or baking soda paste. Clean with a soft cloth and allow to dry.
Place trivets or pot holders on the counter if you need hot items. The material is resistant to heat, scratches, and stains. However, hot pots or pans should be placed on a different surface.
Butcher Block
Choosing butcher block as your kitchen countertop is an excellent choice for the warm, natural look it provides. However, it would help if you kept it clean and free of dirt and spills. There are actions you can take to maintain its best appearance.
Butcher block can be easily cleaned with hot water and soap, a steel scraper, or a damp cloth. After washing, the countertop should be dried with a towel.
Butcher block countertops are soft and absorbent, so you should keep them away from sinks. If you use hot items on the countertop, they will scorch the wood. It is also prone to scratches, so it is essential to clean it regularly.
The surface of butcher block countertops should be sanded down to a smooth finish. You can use sandpaper at 220 grit. The countertop can be refinished with a finishing coat.
Onyx
Onyx is attractive if you want a touch of luxury in your kitchen or a more sophisticated look. However, onyx can be expensive.
While onyx countertops are beautiful, they require a lot of care to maintain their look. They’re also susceptible to scratches and stains. The best way to care for onyx is to clean it daily and seal it regularly. Having a professional seal for you is also a good idea.
Onyx countertops come in a variety of different colors and finishes. For example, white onyx countertops are often backlit with white light LEDs, which gives them a glowing effect. They also have a crystalline background and wavy bands of ivory or amber.
Onyx is a calcium-based stone. Because of this, it can react to acids and react to liquids, which can dull