Are you planning to renovate your kitchen? If so, countertop installation is an integral part of the process. There is a wide range of kitchen countertops available on the market today. You might be easily overwhelmed by the numerous options you have. There are many factors to consider when planning the best type of countertop for your kitchen. The kind of look you are after, how you plan to use the countertops, how much maintenance you are willing to do, and how much you can spend are some of the many factors to consider when shopping for the best countertops for your new kitchen. This article provides information on the pros and cons of each type of countertops.
Granite – Granite countertops are some of the most popular in the market today. They are durable, and low maintenance but are heavy and expensive compared to other countertops. The countertop looks quite high-end and isn’t easily water-damaged. Granite requires little maintenance and is durable and heat-resistant. Some of the disadvantages of installing granite countertops in your kitchen include:
. They are expensive
. They can easily crack or chip
. They need additional support before installation due to the heaviness
Wood – Wood is a classic material for countertops due to its versatility and affordability. Wood countertops are available in a wide range of styles and finishes for you to choose from. They are inexpensive and sustainable compared to other kitchen countertops. You can use these countertops for a long time when maintained properly. In fact, wooden countertops are attractive and are on-par with stone countertops for that matter. Some of the cons of the material include:
. Wooden countertops need to be oiled regularly
. They are quite delicate and can get damaged due to heat or by knives
. Staining and warping is common and wooden countertops are prone to water damage
Marble – Marble countertops are another popular product for your modern kitchen. If you are looking for a stone surface with a lighter look, you should definitely choose marble countertops for your kitchen. They are available in numerous colors to choose from. Marble is softer than granite and is much easier to work on. In fact, it provides the ideal surface to roll out dough. Hence, bakers across the country prefer this type of countertop. Marble is sustainable, durable, and heat-resistant. The natural grain on the marble surface is quite attractive compared to other countertops. Some of the cons of marble countertops are:
. They are expensive
. They require sturdy cabinets for support because the material is quite heavy
. It will scratch and dent easily due to the softness of the material
. You should seal the surface for longevity
. Alcohol, coffee, and citrus can easily damage the surface by staining it
Soapstone – This is another soft stone that is used for kitchen countertops. The softness of the stone makes it easier to work with. Soapstone is resistant to staining, and it doesn’t need to be sealed like marble. These countertops can withstand high temperatures and are environmentally sustainable. On the other hand, soapstone countertops are quite durable compare to some of the other countertops on the market today. Some of the disadvantages of the product include:
. The surface needs to be oiled regularly to prolong its lifespan
. It is heavy and has a rough texture
. Soapstone scratches and dents easily
. The countertop will darken in color over time
. It is expensive compared to some of the other products out there
If you are planning countertop installation in your kitchen, the aforementioned article provides information on the pros and cons of different types of countertops.