All About Kitchen Countertops

Are you planning on installing a new kitchen countertop? Here's everything you need to know in terms of cost, as well as the pros and cons of the most sought-after materials.

Stone Countertops

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If you decide to opt for a slate kitchen countertop, you will most likely have the chance to choose the type of surface since each piece is unique. This allows you to enjoy a personalized look, which can perfectly match your décor.

It should also be noted that it is also possible to opt for several types of finishes, including the natural brushed finish as well as the polished finish. The first allows the relief of the ribs to appear on the surface, while the second will offer a flattened surface.

Apart from the information mentioned above regarding the granite countertop, it should be noted that this type of countertop has a very great advantage over its companions: it requires only one or two joints.  Also, it is particularly resistant to scratches, which is not an unimportant advantage for a countertop material!

What about a marble countertop? Like slate, marble is known for the irregularity of its pattern. Once again, this allows you to enjoy a unique and singular look. If the material requires applying a sealant because of its porosity, there is no doubt that its noble and elegant appearance will make us forget about this little extra effort in terms of maintenance. 

For its part, the quartz countertop is not left out in terms of nobility. Moreover, its texture and porosity avert the proliferation of bacteria. Since quartz is one of the hardest materials available, its solidity gives it enviable longevity.

Concrete Countertops

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While concrete was once perceived as an unconventional countertop choice, it is attracting more and more attention. Although its high strength and resistance to heat can be recognized from the outset, it differs from other materials because of the low maintenance it requires.

Moreover, its low-polluting manufacturing method (it does not release volatile organic compounds) makes it an eco-responsible choice, which will be a plus for environmentally conscious buyers.

It should also be mentioned that the concrete countertop is custom-moulded, which ensures that it can fit all configurations and that it does not require any cutting to get around obstacles such as the sink. Far from always being uniform, ceramics or glass can also be inserted to add a touch of originality to the base colour.

Stainless Steel Countertops

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In addition to its grout-free surface, the stainless steel countertop is particularly appreciated for its lack of porosity as well as for its excellent thermal resistance.

It should also be noted that an antibacterial surface such as the stainless steel countertop is more than practical for people who love to cook. As with the concrete countertop, the way stainless steel countertops are manufactured is eco-friendly.

Wood, Forever Timeless

As a countertop, wood is always a favourite. Its timeless charm always blends well with classic décor as well as with more modern décor. You should know that wooden countertops are usually coated with a polymerized oil to ensure their waterproofing.

Recycled, Laminated and Synthetic Countertops

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Are you intrigued by recycled countertops? Although we have already highlighted some of its most important features, it should be noted that they are composed of 75% post-consumer materials and 25% quartz and granite residues. The cohesion of these materials is ensured by resin. Interestingly, it is very difficult to differentiate this type of countertop from a real quartz countertop. 

As established above, the laminate counter has a lot of advantages. Aside from those already mentioned, it is also possible to say that this countertop is customizable. Indeed, it is made from condensed Kraft papers (which are set together with melamine resin) and its last layer consists of a decorative sheet.

Therefore, it is possible to choose the visual style or the design of the latter yourself and then opt for a counter that is perfectly suited to the décor of the kitchen.

Aside from the characteristics highlighted in the table presented above, synthetic countertop materials have the advantage of being very unfavourable to the proliferation of bacteria and are particularly resistant to scratches, stains, ultraviolet rays and heat.

How should I clean ceramic tile grout joints?

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Finally, what could we say about the ceramic countertop? Since we've already talked a lot about the pros and cons of this type of countertop, let's take a moment to look at a simple way to clean dirty joints:

• Mix vinegar and water (one in all water for two vinegar);

• Add a little dish soap;

• Apply the solution to the joints and then wait 15 minutes;

• Rub with a non-abrasive sponge with a thin layer of baking soda;

• Rinse and wipe.

Thinking about installing a new kitchen countertop? Here is a price guide for kitchen countertops, including all the main pros and cons of each of the main materials which are used to make them.

For more information about the average cost of various renovation projects, check out the Renovation Price Guide.

Looking for more information on materials, maintenance and different types of countertop renovations? Check out our Counter Renovation Guide.