Investing in countertops is one of the best ways to add value to your home. However, homeowners need to weigh several factors when choosing countertop materials. Price is important, but you also want something that will last a long time. Various countertop options are available, with different durability levels.
Durability
A durable kitchen countertop is necessary for cooking with kids or handling heavy cookware. The most rugged materials include natural stones like granite and quartzite, dug from the Earth as large blocks and sliced into slabs to make countertops. They withstand extreme heat and resist chipping.
Another option is ceramic tile countertops, which are available in a variety of colors and designs. These can be molded into unique shapes and styles that complement a specific design theme. New porcelain tiles are made in larger sizes that reduce the number of grout seams, making them easier to clean and maintain.
Quartz is popular for homeowners looking for a highly scratch-resistant, durable countertop. It scores a seven on the hardness scale and has a nonporous surface that resists bacteria, stains, and other liquids. It’s also easy to clean and hygienic, making it a family-friendly option.
Functionality
Countertops are a focal point in the kitchen, so they must be durable functional, and provide ample space for food prep. They must also coordinate with the room’s design aesthetic, be easy to clean, and resist heat, stains, and scratches.
Many of the most popular countertop materials are engineered stones that combine durability with beauty. Quartz, for example, looks like granite but requires little maintenance and is nonporous. This makes it a good choice for busy families, as does its ability to withstand temperatures and resist stains from acidic foods.
Resale Value
The kitchen is one of the best areas where homeowners can recover a significant portion of their initial remodeling investment by upgrading countertops. Whether you live in your forever home or plan to sell it, new kitchen countertops will make your house more appealing to buyers.
However, you should choose a material that complements the style of your kitchen and fits your tastes. Also, it’s important to ensure that your selected material is durable for your kitchen. Due to its durability, quartz has overtaken granite as the most popular choice for counters. This engineered material combines loose quartz minerals with resins to create tough, nonporous slabs.
It’s stain-proof, scratch-proof and chip-proof. It also doesn’t require regular sealing and is resistant to mold, mildew and bacteria. This makes it a smart choice for families and people who cook often. It appeals to people who enjoy entertaining because it’s easy to clean.
Aesthetics
A new countertop can transform the aesthetic of your kitchen. You can select various colors, styles and patterns to suit your home. It can also be highly durable and easy to maintain, depending on your chosen material.
For example, porcelain countertops are extremely popular because they’re nonporous. This means they won’t absorb leftover food or germs, making them a very hygienic option. Porcelain counters are also available in various designs and textures to match your aesthetic preferences.
Another popular choice is quartz, which has overtaken granite as the most popular countertop material. This engineered stone can mimic the look of natural stones like marble and granite, and it’s almost stain-proof, scratch-proof and chip-proof.