Looking for a new kitchen countertop? It’s a bad idea to buy any countertop without doing any research or homework on what’s available in your local stores. Consider a few low-maintenance options that’ll let you enjoy cooking in the kitchen without worrying about food stains, liquid spills and cooking heat.
Kitchen countertops are an important part of every kitchen. Whenever you decide to spruce up the kitchen area, it is important to consider the kitchen countertop. Building custom kitchen cabinets and installing new appliances will not give a great look to the kitchen if the countertop continues to look dull and tattered.
Staying within your renovation budget is important but the cost of kitchen countertops should be a priority. If you choose the right kitchen countertop after thorough consideration, it will last a lifetime. So, it is best to invest in one that lasts for a long time and doesn’t demand maintenance. Choose a low maintenance kitchen countertop that can stand the kitchen heat.
Low-Maintenance Kitchen Countertops to choose from are:
1. Engineered Quartz
Granite and marble are popular materials for kitchen countertops. However, things are changing fast with the new kid on the block: Engineered Quartz. It is made up of 90-95% natural quartz stone with 5-10% resins, polymers and other pigments. It is available in a wide variety of colours. The surface isn’t porous which makes it ideal for kitchen surfaces. It is stain-resistant and easy to clean.
2. Soapstone
A natural quarried stone, soapstone has a soapy surface. It is a metamorphic rock rich with talc. A soapstone kitchen countertop usually has a lower talc content making it durable and ideal for withstanding the kitchen heat. It is not a very hard material. So, it is easy to cut and shape according to your requirements. It is heat-resistant, stain-resistant and doesn’t react with acidic materials. But, remember that the material can develop scratches over a period of usage, so you must sand it every few years.
3. Laminate
Laminate countertops are made up of plastic. It contains a very hard particle board with layers of plastic laminate bonded around it. It is ideal for a cooking space because it’s tough and long-lasting. Best of all, it can simulate the look of expensive countertop materials such as granite and marble. It is easy to clean and doesn’t require sealing. Friendly on your budget, it is available at a very low cost which means you can change it every couple of years without undertaking a financial burden.
4. Solid Surface
It is a man-made material containing marble dust, bauxite, acrylic, and epoxy or polyester pigments. DuPont introduced the solid surface material in 1967 under the brand name Corian. Since then, many manufacturers offer the low-maintenance kitchen countertop under different names. It is heat resistant and moisture-resistant but, you have to take care of it as it is not tough against stains.
Have you decided which one is the right kitchen countertop for your home?
When it comes to choosing a low-maintenance kitchen countertop, obvious considerations when you are making a decision are durability, functionality, heat resistance etc., so make a list of all your requirements, then consider what type of stove (gas or electric), the layout and design scheme of the kitchen. Remember that buying a kitchen countertop is a long-term investment and so it is best to make a well-informed decision.
