Countertop Options And Which One You Should Choose Based On Utility

Deciding the right countertop material isn’t a simple decision for most house holders in light of the fact that there are numerous phenomenal choices when it comes to renovating a kitchen. To settle on a choice you will like now and keep on being content with in the years to come, you will need to be comfortable with each kind, its advantages and disadvantages, level of care, how well it ages and different subtleties. An intelligent choice is in every case best, and this post for choosing the right countertop material is the one you’ve been searching for.

Sometimes you will like the overall look of the countertop but the material won’t be suitable for your kitchen, in that case you can always go for another option, similar to the one you liked.

1. Granite Countertops

It is the best choice for countertops, which is also available in different colors like black, white, coral and green. Two pieces won’t be the same. It can be made exactly how you like; a polished look that looks shiny or is matte. Cost depends on different factors including color, look and the type of stone. If you have picked a type which is easily available in the market, it will be relatively cheap to the one that is not available and has to be imported because it will be expensive.

Marble, limestone, soapstone and other natural stone materials need extra care. So in this case, granite is a better choice.

2. Engineered Stone Countertops

These are found in different colors and have more variety. These are also more durable and easy to maintain. The only thing is that they are costly but if you are spending money on your kitchen renovation, might as well spend it on quality items. The only thing different is that if you want a specific color according to the interior of your kitchen, you can choose this option. You should totally evaluate how you live, just as your cooking decisions before choosing what countertop surface to pick. For example, if you have kids then white won’t be a good choice because it would be difficult for you to clean it easily.

3. Solid Surface Countertops

These look a lot better than the above mentioned options and will catch your attention easily. There are advantages to using these; a variety of colors to choose from, no worries about scratches and stains because these are very easy to clean. These don’t get damaged easily, but the only care you will have to consider is not putting hot pans directly on solid surface countertops. Otherwise, this is a pretty good option for your kitchen.

4. Concrete Countertops

The plus point of these countertops is that you can customize them according to what you need. You have different options like you can go for smooth finish, ground or pressed finish. The disadvantage is that extreme temperature can damage them easily. Also, if there is a lot of water or any chemical on the surface for a longer period of time it will cause discoloration and damage the surface. These require a lot of extra care and are hard to maintain.

5. Wood Countertops

These are easy to clean and there is no issue of scratches as they can be leveled out easily but these get damaged easily by water. If you want to finalize this option, make sure that you do your research properly. To level the surface, you have to oil the countertops frequently.

6. Laminate Countertops

If you are looking for the most affordable option then this is the one. You will find different colors and styles. It also requires extra care specially with heat because it gets damaged when a hot pan is directly put on the surface. It also gets scratches easily.

Choosing the right design is a complex process as you have to do a lot of research in order to decide which one is suitable for your kitchen.

Tips on Cleaning Your Kitchen Countertops

With the different variations of kitchen countertops available in the market, each type needs maintenance and proper cleaning. Kitchen countertops must first serve their purpose of convenience and practicality, and keeping them clean must be thoroughly planned. Here are some important tips to keep your countertops at their best.

For Wooden Kitchen 

Clean wooden countertops like butcher block daily with a non-abrasive cleaner or a mixture of warm homemade water and distilled white vinegar. Use a spatula or metal pastry scraper to scrape off any leftover food gently. Always wipe the counters down after cleaning and let them dry completely. Further, to remove the stain, cut the lemon in half and sprinkle the salt directly on the stain. Rub salt with half a lemon. Wash off the salt and lemon juice with water and vinegar. 

For Marble and Granite Types

A mixture of warm water and mild dish soap for daily cleaning is suitable, followed by a microfiber cloth to brighten the stone. Avoid abrasives and acidic cleaners as they can peel off the seal and etch the stone. You can clean granite or marble countertops stains with a paste of baking soda and water (for oily stains) or hydrogen peroxide (for water-based stains). Apply the paste to the stain, cover it with plastic wrap, and tape it to the edges. Leave it on for a few days (or at least overnight), then wash off the paste. If the stain is not completely washed off, repeat the process. Always do a spot test first to ensure the method doesn’t affect the stone’s surface color.

For Laminate Countertops

Using a clean cotton cloth with water and non-chemical liquid detergent to remove food stains is effective. Be careful with harsh cleaning products with acid, steel, and scouring pads, as they will damage the surface. Produce a mixture of baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the food stain and let it stay for 5 minutes, then rinse with a soft cloth. Do not rub, as baking soda is a mild abrasive. Repeat as necessary. 

For Engineered Countertops

Composed of resin-bonded quartz crystals, engineered stones replicate the look of their natural counterparts without requiring the same care. You can wash these countertops with mild soap and water like anything else. Quartz countertops are mostly stain-resistant, but if you encounter persistent stains that soap and water can’t handle, use glass cleaner and a non-abrasive sponge. 

Hopefully, this post gave you the information that you are looking for in order to choose the best kitchen countertops. With endless choices, we hope that now you will decide what you want without any confusion.

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