No longer merely a utilitarian space where food is prepared, the kitchen countertop has become an important part of the overall decor of the room. For some homeowners, the countertop is so important that they design the rest of the kitchen around it. Here are three common kitchen countertop materials that make any kitchen look amazing.
Granite
While granite is often chosen for its beauty, it is as hard and durable as it is attractive. Though it comes in the familiar salt-and-pepper design, granite also comes in many colors, shades, and patterns. Granite is easy to maintain and needs to be dusted once or twice every week and wiped down with a damp cloth at the end of the day. One con of granite is that it is hard on dishware, and it can crack. As it’s a natural stone, a chip or crack can be hard to repair. Granite also needs to be sealed every other year or so because it’s porous.
Quartz
When people refer to a quartz countertop, they’re most often thinking of engineered stone. This material is made from powdered quartz that’s mixed with resin and a pigment. The great thing about these countertops is that they do not need to be sealed, and they’re easier to repair if they are chipped as long as the homeowner knows the batch number. Quartz countertops require less maintenance than granite countertops, needing little aside from wiping the surface of spills to keep it clean. As for the drawbacks, some homeowners don’t think that engineered quartz countertops look as raw and organic as natural stone.
Marble
Marble is unsurpassed in its beauty. White marble seems to sparkle and reflect light, and the stone often features beautiful veins and clouds. Marble is cool to the touch, which makes it a great choice for making pastries. Marble is extremely durable, but at the same time, it’s also softer than granite or quartz and it needs to be sealed every so often to protect it from stains. People should be aware that marble can be expensive, and it’s so soft that it etches and scratches more readily than other types of stone.
Granite, quartz, and marble are only three of the materials that can add beauty to any kitchen countertop. Not only are they beautiful, but they are also long-lasting and easy to care for. A homeowner can’t go wrong choosing any of them.
