Many homeowners go to choose a countertop only to find they are overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices offered today. When they take the time to learn about each option, they find the decision becomes much easier. Furthermore, they find a countertop that fits in their budget easily. What are some countertop options today, and what are their benefits and drawbacks?
Butcher Block
Many homeowners today opt for a butcher block countertop, as they love how it adds warmth to any room. In fact, they may choose to use this surface for other areas of the home, such as a desk in an office or for a dining room table. When they see this surface at Primera, the charm of this material draws them in.
Butcher-block surfaces come at an affordable price, and people love that they are environmentally friendly. The surface naturally reduces noise, and any scratches or nicks come out with the help of a sander. With time, the surface often develops a deep patina to give the countertop a whole new look.
Owners must treat their butcher block surface with mineral oil that is food safe. A failure to do so could result in water damage to the countertop. In addition, extremely dry conditions may lead to surface cracking, and this material does not resist heat.
To clean a butcher-block surface use dish soap and hot water. Take a sponge and spread the soap and water along the grain of the wood. Follow up with a hot water rinse, and completely dry the countertop with a clean towel.
Granite
Granite countertops resist scratches and heat, making them an ideal choice for this busy room. If the surface is properly sealed, it resists bacteria and stains. Homeowners appreciate this in the kitchen, where bacteria and germs often hide.
Each granite countertop is unique, which many people love. They don’t want a cookie-cutter kitchen. Granite isn’t affected by UV light, so it won’t fade or discolor with time.
Nevertheless, this material comes with a higher price tag than many of its competitors and it remains susceptible to fracturing. Owners might find the surface is difficult to fix if the countertop sustains damage. In addition, annual maintenance and sealing are required.
Look for a product that comes with a warranty and is pre-treated with a sealant to avoid many of these issues. Cleaning it involves nothing more than wiping the countertop with mild soap and water. However, never use ammonia-based products, as they can harm the surface.
Laminate
The laminate serves as a low-cost option for men and women who need a new countertop but have a limited budget. Select from a range of patterns and finishes to ensure the surface complements the other elements in the room. As it is so affordable, a person finds they can update their kitchen or bathroom at a very reasonable price.
Laminate resists water, which is important in both a kitchen and a bathroom. Homeowners find they can install the new countertop without assistance, and it holds up well with time.
Nevertheless, laminate scratches easily, and visible seams remain a concern. Furthermore, a person cannot put anything hot on the laminate, as doing so could damage the surface.
Quartz
Individuals who want a low-maintenance countertop often choose quartz. Manufacturers use the strongest natural mineral found on the planet today and combine it with resin to create the surface. Owners love that it resists stains and takes little effort to clean. In addition, they appreciate never having to seal, polish, or condition it.
The non-porous surface ensures bacteria and germs won’t spread to different items. The owner simply cleans the countertop and this fear is gone. In addition to resisting stains, the quartz is heat and scratch-resistant. Furthermore, the colors and patterns maintain their consistency.
However, the countertop may discolor or fade if it is exposed to UV light, and this countertop material comes at a high cost. Excessive heat could damage the surface, and homeowners dislike the visible seams that may be present in the quartz countertop.
Maintaining the type of countertop takes little time and effort on the part of the owner. It requires nothing more than cleaning with mild soap and water, although some people prefer to use an oil-free cleaning product that is nonabrasive. Never use harsh chemicals on the countertop, as doing so could damage it.
Recycled Glass
Men and women who want a distinct look to their kitchen often turn to recycled glass countertops. Manufacturers create these countertops by using a resin or cement-based binder to hold glass shards together. Individuals love that this product is environmentally friendly and is available in a range of colors and patterns.
Recycled glass resists stains, heat, and scratches, and countertops made using a resin-based binder don’t need to be sealed. Mold and mildew are never a concern as the glass is nonporous.
The countertops come with a high price tag, and a countertop that uses a cement-based binder must be resealed each year. Owners will see the seams between individual pieces, and a person won’t know exactly what their countertop looks like until it is ready to install. This is due to the repurposed materials used for the surface. Care must be taken with the countertop, as it is prone to chipping and scratches, particularly along the edges.
Cleaning the countertop requires nothing more than mild soap and water every day. Never use bleach or ammonia-based cleaners on the surface, as doing so could damage it.
Solid Surface
Individuals in need of a countertop that is both practical and affordable often choose a solid surface version. Manufacturers use nonporous acrylic to create these easy-to-clean countertops. They resist bacteria and stains, making them ideal for a kitchen or bathroom.
Most homeowners find the cost of this countertop to be affordable, and they can easily repair it if the surface becomes scratched. In fact, many people use nonporous acrylic for their sinks and backsplashes, as they find it comes in a range of patterns and colors.
This surface, however, lacks the heat resistance found in many other countertop surfaces. In addition, the countertop is easily scratched, which may lead to the need for frequent repairs.
Cleaning a solid surface countertop involves nothing more than wiping it down with soap and water or an ammonia-based cleaner to remove stains. Don’t use window cleaner though.
Consider all options when choosing a new countertop for your home. If you have questions or concerns, speak with the design team. They are happy to help clients find the perfect product for their needs.
