Choosing a kitchen countertop for your new kitchen is always a very hot topic between our clients.
My mother, who ignited my passion for home design, proudly opened the doors of her custom-built 1970s home in Long Beach, California to friends and family at every opportunity. This petite woman loved hosting gatherings, and our large kitchen was the heart of her entertaining endeavors.
Like in many households, our kitchen was the hub of activity. Her friends would congregate along our sprawling peninsula, enjoying homemade treats and cocktails. Her kitchen countertop was always covered with a variety of American and European food.
Overcoming the Orange Formica: The Brady Kitchen Saga
“It was all the rage back then; even the Brady Bunch had it,” my mother reminisces over the phone as we delve into decorating mishaps of yesteryears.
Countertops have evolved significantly since the design faux pas of the 1970s. While Formica still has its place in home construction and remodeling, it’s no match for the array of beautiful natural and engineered materials available today.
Countertops 101
With so many colors and styles to choose from, homeowners often feel like they’re swimming in options, unsure which material is the perfect fit for their home and lifestyle.
And the most #1 common burning question I receive: what on earth is the difference between granite and quartz?
Marble Kitchen Countertops:
Pros:
Timeless and elegant, marble adds a touch of luxury to any space. Italian Carrara and Calacatta marble have surged in popularity over the past five years, remaining a top choice for homeowners seeking a refined remodel or build.
Cons:
Due to its calcium carbonate composition, marble reacts to acidic substances found in fruit juices, alcohol, and carbonated drinks, leading to surface damage. Its high porosity makes it susceptible to stains and scratches.
Quartz Countertops:
Pros:
Scratch, stain, and heat resistant, quartz is a practical choice for busy families, requiring minimal maintenance. Its nonporous nature eliminates the need for sealing, and it comes in endless color and pattern options.
Cons:
While durable, quartz tends to come with a higher price tag comparable to premium granites.
Concrete Countertops:
Pros:
Concrete offers endless design possibilities, allowing for customization with pigments, stains, and embellishments like glass or stones. It’s a canvas for artistic expression in your kitchen.
Cons:
Labor-intensive and requiring strict maintenance, concrete countertops must be sealed upon installation and resealed every few years thereafter. Without proper sealing, they’re susceptible to staining.
Laminate Countertops:
Pros:
Affordable and available in patterns mimicking natural stone and quartz, laminate countertops are ideal for retro designs or adding a pop of color to smaller kitchens and bathrooms.
Cons:
Vulnerable to heat and prone to scratching, laminate countertops may not withstand heavy use.
Wood Countertops:
Pros:
Wood adds warmth to a kitchen and works well with various design styles, particularly on islands. Butcher block countertops are functional and perfect for food preparation when adequately sealed.
Cons:
Without proper sealing, wood countertops can harbor germs and require periodic refinishing to maintain their appearance.
Stainless Steel Countertops:
Pros:
Stainless steel is easy to clean, hygienic, and heat resistant, making it ideal for busy families. Its versatility allows it to complement a range of design styles.
Cons:
Susceptible to scratches and dents, stainless steel countertops require regular maintenance to retain their appearance.
Soapstone Countertops:
Pros:
With its milky appearance derived from talc, soapstone exudes warmth and elegance. It’s as durable as granite but more pliable, less likely to crack.
Cons:
Limited color options and susceptibility to scratching make soapstone less versatile than other materials.
Travertine Countertops:
Pros:
Travertine offers the beauty of natural stone, available in various finishes to suit different design preferences.
Cons:
Like marble, travertine is sensitive to heat and acidic substances, requiring sealing and careful maintenance.
Choosing the Right Countertop for You
For active families, stainless steel, quartz, and granite countertops offer durability and ease of maintenance.
For those mindful of maintenance and seeking a specific aesthetic, marble, concrete, travertine, and wood countertops provide distinctive looks with varying degrees of upkeep.
I hope this guide clears up any confusion surrounding countertop choices. If you ever find yourself in a home design dilemma or wish to discuss a project, feel free to reach EDKOR Construction – a design-build company – out anytime.
Thanks for visiting!
Michaela, EDKOR Construction
Proudly powered by WordPress
