The kitchen has become an important part in our homes. However, we must not forget that it is also a space that can be dedicated to work. If there is an element that is used daily, then it is the kitchen counter. Choosing the right kitchen counter top for your home is one of the key decisions you can make in any kitchen project. Today, there are many types of kitchen counter tops offered by the market. They all come in a wide variety of materials and styles.
What kind of kitchen countertop can one choose?
- Laminates
Laminate kitchen counter tops are those countertops made of a solid base of pasted plastic sheet. As for their exterior finish, they come in a variety of colors and patterns. Laminate kitchen counter tops made by Xey, for example, are suitable for food use and feature a waterproof chipboard base board.
- Wooden counter tops
Wood is a natural material of great beauty, though always hard to maintain. Wooden kitchen counter tops have weak points such as inability to withstand moistures, cuts or scratches. However, you can still choose to install dense woods with a good protective varnish. To maintain them, constant brushing, sanding and varnishing will be necessary.
- Granite / Marble kitchen counter tops
The stone material is one of the most popular kitchen countertops and their success is due to longevity and hardness offered by the material. The color range is wide, although the gray tones and black are the most popular today. The finish can be polished (completely smooth) or flamed (rough) if you want to avoid reflections. In both finishes, cleaning is very easy and does not require specific maintenance.
- Quartz Counter tops
Quartz kitchen counter tops are the result of an industrial process where natural quartz particles with polyester resin are mixed, creating an agglomerate of high hardness. It is easy to clean quartz counter tops. Recently, some manufacturers have begun incorporating bacteriostatic protection in their composition. They come in various colours and brands. However, their only weakness is the high temperatures. So you must be careful not to put hot pots and pans directly on the counter.
- Stainless Steel
One could say without risk of error that a stainless steel top is eternal. Its strengths are many; waterproof against humidity, high hardness against shock and resistance to high temperatures.
It is advisable not to choose a polished finish like a mirror because scratches are inevitable, so the best option is a scotch finish. The only drawback here is price.
- Porcelain
By combining the advantages of glass with the strength of the stone, a new uniform material that is strong and durable is generated. Porcelain kitchen counter tops are created through a process of dissolution and crystallization of the ceramic and silicon particles. Kitchen counter tops made of porcelain are more durable and resistant to direct heat. They are completely resistant to water absorption and all kinds of stains and corrosive agents (chemicals, detergents, cosmetics, etc.).
- Glass Kitchen countertops
One of the latest trends in kitchen design is the use of glass as a material for kitchen counter tops. Recent advances have made them resistant to knocks and scratches. Their beauty lies in their transparency.