New Favorites in Countertop Selection
Is it true?
Could granite’s 30-year reign be coming to an end? We can’t say for sure. In
fact, we think granite remains a solid choice. After all, it’s both durable and
attractive — and it’s become increasingly affordable too. But there’s just no
denying granite’s seeming decline. As homeowners opt for more modern kitchen
designs, they’re also opting for more understated countertop alternatives.
Engineered
Quartz:
Perhaps
granite’s top competitor, engineered quartz offers the beauty of stone without
the maintenance. It’s tougher than granite, and it’s highly resistant to
scratching, cracking, staining and heat. Unlike granite, which offers the
unique qualities of natural stone, engineered quartz is largely uniform;
because it’s engineered, there’s no choice of one-of-a-kind slab. There are,
however, a number of colors and designs available — from stark modern whites to
options closely resembling marble. And, because engineered quartz is
non-porous, it never has to be sealed like natural stone.
Wood:
Increasingly,
homeowners seek and appreciate natural wood countertops — particularly easy
butcher blocks and those custom-created by quality craftsmen. While wood
countertops can add warmth, balance and beauty to any modern home, they also
require a fair amount of maintenance. Because wood is susceptible to damage
from heat and moisture, it must be sealed about once a month. The best part
about wood, though, is that it can be refinished in the event that damage does
occur.
Soapstone:
Soapstone is
an attractive, natural quarried stone that ranges from light gray to
green-black in color. While the material is soft and pliable, it’s also
non-porous. Soapstone is also resistant to stains and acidic materials. The
downside to soapstone is that it is susceptible to scratches and deep
indentations. Light gray soapstone will also weather and darken over time,
occasionally developing a patina finish. The material comes in smaller slabs,
so seams will be visible in soapstone countertops longer than seven feet.
Concrete:
Concrete
countertops came onto the scene in the 1980s — and they’ve evolved a lot since.
These days, precast concrete countertops are available in a number of different
colors. Generally, they’re flat and smooth, and they can run from 1.5 inches to
10 feet long. While concrete countertops have historically cracked and chipped
easily, recent innovations have made them less prone to damage. Concrete is
naturally strong and heat-resistant, and slabs can be sealed to prevent
staining.
Stainless
Steel:
There’s a
reason restaurants use stainless steel countertops in their kitchens. It’s
heat-, rust- and stain-resistant; it’s easy to clean; and it won’t absorb or
harbor even the toughest bacteria. The downside to stainless steel countertops
is that they scratch easily — and they show it too. For this reason, it’s best
to use a cutting board any time you’re prepping food on a stainless steel
countertop. Also, it’s a good idea to choose a brushed stainless finish that
will help conceal any marks. At first blush, you may think that stainless feels
ultramodern or cold, but a balance of stainless steel and wood can create a
warm, timeless and uber-functional kitchen.
Not Sure Which Countertop to Choose?
When you’re
remodeling your kitchen, the most important question to ask yourself is this:
Are you remodeling for yourself or a potential buyer? If you’re remodeling for
yourself, go with what you like best.
Home Advisor July 2016
