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Selecting the right countertop for your kitchen can prove very tricky and sometimes expensive, but this does not remove the fact that having a kitchen countertop can transform any kitchen design. Because there are many options available in the market to select from, it is crucial to understand the different types of materials that will make a difference, what makes them unique, and how to know which is best for you.
Why is it critical to get a countertop decision spot on? It is essential because the average Londoner spends between 40 minutes – 60 minutes daily in the kitchen either preparing meals or cleaning, so you need a countertop to handle your kitchen activity, add elegance to your interior, make your life simple and easy, and protect your family from diseases.
In this article, we will provide answers to three questions; which is The Best Kitchen Countertop where you will see the pros and cons of each countertop material, and get the answer to the long-held debate of Quartz vs Granite – which is better, and the questions to answer for yourself before splurging money on a countertop.
Answer: There is no one-size fit all answer for this particular question, and the reason for this is because everyone is different and considers things differently. What is pricey for one may be cheap for another homeowner. A kitchen is very personal to you, so it must be based on your style and preference.
However, to help you arrive at the best choice for selecting the best countertop for your kitchen, there are 5 factors for you to consider;
These are the factors we will consider when answering the second and third question. So, let’s answer the second question.
Answer: Of all the materials available to select for your countertop, the best materials are granite, quartz, marble, and laminate materials. Using the above factors (appearance, price, eco-friendliness, maintenance, and durability, let us take a deep dive into each material and the features that make them suitable for use.
The most common choice for homeowners, a Granite Countertop adds value to your kitchen by offering a high-end look. Granite is a natural stone that means there can be no two countertops that look alike, giving off a sense of uniqueness and pride knowing that there is no one in the world with a countertop like yours. The tricky part of granite is that attention must be given to it to keep its appeal, and finding the right granite to match your interior décor can be a challenge.
You must seal every yeat, while also wiping off stains immediately especially oil, wine, acid, and soda to avoid damaging the countertop
Pros
Cons
Quartz looks a lot like granite, the only difference is that quartz is engineered stone, making it practically maintenance-free, stain, acid, scratch, heat, and impact-resistant. Additionally, it has a non-porous feature meaning it is hygienic and disease/bacteria resistant and doesn’t need to be sealed. Since it is engineered stone, it is easy to match it with your overall interior design.
Pros
Cons
A trending choice among homeowners, a marble countertop either in Carrara or Calacatta is not just a wonder to behold, it is also very functional as it masks stains and tears. No two sheets are the same giving off a high-end look. The downside to Marble is that it is porous, so it needs to be sealed periodically, and special care is required to avoid etching while keeping the creamy surface at its best.
Pros
Cons
Most easily, the cheapest option among the lot, Laminates are enjoying a splurge in demand. Laminates have smooth surfaces that are easy to clean and can be custom-fabricated on-site, and available in infinite designs, patterns and colours.
Pros
Cons
READ ALSO – Quartz Or Granite Kitchen Worktop – Which Is The Best Choice For My Kitchen
Nothing has divided homeowners and caused heated debates as much as quartz and granite, with homeowners on the end of the spectrum screaming and damning the other. To help solve this most heated debate, we will use the 5 factors we spoke about earlier on the five factors to consider when choosing a countertop; appearance, price, durability, maintenance, and health/safety.
Let’s get something out of the way quickly. Quartz material is an engineered stone, meaning that it is not natural stone. Quartz countertops are made combining 95% natural quartz and 5% resins. Granite, on the other hand, is 100% natural stone.
Now that we have settled the basis, it’s high time to dive into the two materials to decide which is best for a countertop.
Granite: it comes in many colours, and because it is a natural stone, no two stones can be the same, thereby adding a luxurious, unique appeal to any kitchen. Challenge is, you may not be able to find the right match for your interior decor
Quartz: It looks like a natural stone, and it can be customized, making it a preferred choice for homeowners. It can be easily matched to your interior décor and has no imperfections.
Granite: The average cost of purchasing granite is £200 per sqm, minus the installation cost. Installation should be left to a professional.
Quartz: The average price of a quartz countertop is £300 per linear sqm, and because it is heavier than other stone surfaces, a professional installer is required and has to make sure the surface is structurally sound.
Granite: Durable material that is resistant to heat and other kitchen elements
Quartz: You won’t find a more rigid material for your countertop than this meaning it is longlisting, but you should be wary of excessive heat.
Granite: It needs to be resealed once a year to ensure its longevity, otherwise simple cleaning daily with soap and water will do the trick.
Quartz: the only work you need to maintain your countertop is merely clean with soap and water, other than that, nothing else is required; no resealing of any sort.
Granite: Granite is a natural stone meaning it is porous making it bacteria-prone
Quartz: Quartz is engineered stone, it is non-porous, thereby giving you a bacteria and germs-resistant countertop guaranteeing the health and hygienic condition of your meal preparation.
On the surface (did you get the pun there?), picking the right material for your countertop is a decision only you can make based on your preference but from the comparison, if you have a few pounds to spare, invest in a quartz countertop. It is way easier to maintain, enduring, and quickly made to fit.
Let us know what you think in the comment section or if you have a contrary view.
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