COUNTERTOPS 101

I thought I would offer a list of the most popular countertops available that most people select and a little info about each.  It seems in the interior design business Kitchens and Baths are the most popular rooms to be renovated. Functionality, individual lifestyle and of course aesthetics are important when taking on this renovation.

Countertops ‘101’

When selecting a countertop for our kitchens or baths we can become overwhelmed by the selections available and which work best for us individually.  If you want low maintenance you would not go for marble.  For the low maintenance crowd, quartz is one of the best products available. Over the years manufacturers are coming up with better and better products.

Solid Surface

The generic term, ‘solid surface’ refers to any material that is solid all the way through. This means it doesn’t have a topcoat that is different from the centre core. Solid surface materials are consistent in colour and content throughout. The advantage of this can be durability, hardness, temperature dispersion and edge profile options. Marble, Quartz, Granite and Corian (or similar materials like Gibraltar or Zodiac) are all considered Solid surfaces. The seams on the material are almost invisible and it is resistant to stains, so you can expect the countertop to stay in good condition for years. However, solid-surface material is not heat resistant and it's vulnerable to abrasive damage. Take care with how you use the countertops to avoid damaging the material.

Plastic Laminate

Plastic Laminate‎ is a thin plastic sheet molded around a particleboard centre with a few options for edge detail. This is not a solid surface material. Although not loved by designers, real estate agents or homeowners alike, laminate can be a practical and inexpensive solution in certain spaces. Also, laminate companies continuously coming out with new colours  and options. This is the most affordable option.  Despite being made with heat and pressure, laminate is vulnerable to heat damage, so it's important to avoid placing any hot pots or pans on the surface of a laminate countertop. This material also has a shorter lifespan than most other countertop options and it is prone to peeling.

Corian

Corian is a man-made resin product that comes in multiple colours. Corian is well known for its integrated sinks and seamless joints. Less glossy than quartz or natural stones, it has a softer look and feel. An advantage to Corian is that it can have adjustments made to it such as extending a counter top without removing the top or creating seams. ‎Corian is an easy to maintain pliable material with a premium price tag!

Marble

As beautiful as Marble is, one must be careful when selecting it.  It stains very easily so in a bathroom it can become damaged by some of the chemicals used.  When used on a kitchen countertop it requires maintenance but as it ages, it is beautiful.  If you want the look but not the maintenance, think about using it for your backsplash. The reason being, it can be very sensitive to wine stains or de-glossing from lemons, tomatoes or vinegar. A matte or leathered-finish marble can be slightly more forgiving, but it’s only for customers who can handle the natural marking that will occur. If you can’t handle this, choose something else!! Marble is expensive, beautiful but sensitive!!  Marble holds up well against heat and it is racking, chipping, or breaking, allowing it to last for years without problem. However, this lry material is vulnerable to scratching and staining, which is why it's necessary to have the marble sealed at least once a year to keep it in good condition.

Granite

Granite is a different natural stone than marble, in the fact that it is impervious to wine, acidic food and most scratches & wear and tear. ‎(Hence tombstones are now granite and no longer marble!). Granite has more of a pebbled pattern and less veins than marble. If it is taken care of properly, a granite countertop can last for decades. Granite is easy to clean, but it is a porous natural stone, so you will need to apply a new sealant over the granite about once every three to five years..

Quartz

Quartz is the generic term used to describe a man-made material formulated from the quartz found in granite and then recast in resin. It is very hard, non-porous, scratch resistant and nice looking. It is softer in pattern than granite, but it is not as reliable for heat dispersion. You may want to stay away from quartz around fireplaces and try not to rest hot pots on it. Quartz is a good choice if you want a variety of colours or lots of companies to choose from. It costs about the same as granite.  Due to the non-porous design, you don't need to worry about sealing the countertop regularly. However, it's important to avoid placing hot objects on the engineered quartz because it is vulnerable to heat damage and may begin to melt. Additionally, engineered quartz can fade under direct sunlight, so consider the layout of your kitchen before choosing this material for a new countertop.

Silestone

Silestone is a quartz material, offering over 60 stunning colours in 2 unique textures. Silestone is composed of natural materials resulting in slight variances in colour, shade and particle structure.   Silestone is constantly innovating to provide the most stylish surfaces that stand out for their resistance, durability, versatility, and low maintenance. Silestone offers a unique combination of antibacterial protection, NSF, and Greenguard certifications. It is a durable, non-porous and low-maintenance surface that delivers premium performance resistant to staining, scratching, impact, and scorching making it the perfect partner for any project in your home.

Soapstone

Soapstone is new to the solid surface lineup, although it’s been around for a long time. It is naturally heat resistant and easy to maintain. You can have integrated sinks, with soapstone, included within the counter top. It is less glossy than marble or granite and offers a variety of pattern, but always in a dark tone. It is an excellent material for dispersing heat so it’s perfect around fireplace openings or in high-wear kitchens. Soapstone is the same in cost as high-grade granite.In order to keep soapstone kitchen countertops in good condition for years to come and to help develop the patina on the surface, it's recommended to treat the countertop with mineral oil about once per month during the first year after installation.

Quartzite

Often confused with the name quartz, quartzite is a natural stone that has the durability of granite, but the veining pattern of marble. It is a delicate material during manufacture, so it requires a good fabricator. Once it is installed, it performs well. Slabs generally have soft wave patterns in a full range of largely neutral colours. You can expect premium pricing with Quartzite.  Quartzite typically comes in light neutral shades of white and gray, but the minerals found in the sandstone can lend pink, gold, or rust hues to your countertops. This material looks similar to marble, but quartzite boasts more strength and durability at a lesser cost. It  is  durable and low maintenance, however it is expensive and requires resealing annually.

Butcher-block

Butcher-block countertops are a breed of countertop all by themselves. They offer the aesthetic warmth that the look of wood provides while at the same time providing a versatile work surface in the kitchen. They bring a distinctive look that's appropriate in a kitchen that's hard at work or "dressed up" for entertaining.

Deciding whether it's the right choice for your kitchen takes an understanding of just what a butcher-block countertop is, how it's made and how you're going to use it.

Remember that butcher-block counters that you will cut and prepare food on will need frequent cleaning and oiling. If you're someone who just isn't up for this level of maintenance, consider getting "non-working" butcher-block countertops and use a separate cutting board for the food preparation. If you neglect the cutting board, you can just toss it out. That's harder to do (and more expensive) when you've neglected your countertops.  The wood is tough and durable, allowing it to stand up to years of use without failing. However, the fibrous nature of wood means that the surface of the countertop can become scratched, stained, or even burned. You can sand and reseal the wood about once every two to three years or as necessary to restore the original appearance of the countertop.  However, it should be noted that the wood needs to be regularly oiled and would benefit from being sealed to prevent mold, mildew and bacteria from seeping into the fibrous countertop.

Concrete

The decision about installing a concrete countertop versus granite, marble, corian or laminate can be a difficult one.  When thinking about this keep in mind you will need the correct cabinetry infrastructure to handle the weight so putting concrete on 30 year old cabinets may not be the best idea.  Concrete is both beautiful and budget-friendly. If properly installed and sealed, concrete countertops will last practically forever. Concrete works well in a modern or industrial looking kitchen.  Concrete is a porous material and will absorbed liquids and stain.  Acidic substances will etch the concrete and cooking oils can leave dark stains.  Applying a sealer to the surface will lessen the chances of damage.

Stainless Steel

Stainless Steel has always been popular in commercial kitchens; but it's become a trend in residential homes as well.  This type of countertop is an instant way to give your kitchen a stylish, industrial look.

If you clean stainless steel properly with a little bit of soap and water or a product formulated specifically for this surface, it's easy to maintain.  But the longer you leave a splash or spill the harder it is to clean.  Stainless steel also shows fingerprints and water spots easily, so it isn't ideal for a home with young children.

Another pitfall of stainless steel is that it can dent and scratch.  But for the most part, stainless steel is incredibly durable and entirely non-porous.  Stainless steel is commonly used in commercial kitchens dur to the non-porous construction that makes it easy to keep clean.  This is one of the types of countertops for the kitchen that resists mold, mildew and staining.

To complete the process you will have to select an appropriate edge for your counter, and depending on the material selected , it can be brought up to the backsplash for a clean continuous look.  Of course sinks and faucets will need to be decided on.