With so many different materials in market to choose from, we broke down the most popular choices to help make your decision easier
Most families spend a lot of time in the kitchen; between cooking meals and entertaining it’s often the room with the most amount of traffic. Choosing the right countertop can make or break the overall aesthetics of your kitchen. Not to mention it’s going to be there for many years, which means you want to be happy with your decision.
Between granite, marble, laminate or butcher block it can be hard to choose the right one for you. There are three main factors to consider before purchasing a countertop: durability, maintenance and cost. The choices can seem overwhelming so we’ve rounded up the most popular options to help make your decisions easier.
Laminate
The cheapest option on the market is laminate countertops. They can be designed to look like the more expensive quartz and granite options but with a lower price tag. Laminate countertops are perfect for buyers weary of stains, scratches and water damage. With many different colours and patterns to choose from, you will definitely find something to match your kitchen. Plus it’s very easy to clean and maintain. The downside? Laminate countertops are sensitive to heat and won’t look as luxurious as their pricey counterparts.
Granite
One of the more popular options for countertops is granite. Even the sharpest knives won’t scratch these elegant surfaces. If you often cook with high temperatures then granite is definitely the direction you want to go in — bubbling pots won’t make a mark. Every slab has its own markup so you’ll never need to fear anyone copying your style. If choosing granite countertops, maintenance is very important. Typically a warm cloth with water and soap will do the trick but be careful of oils and acids as they will stain the rock.
Butcher block
This material is quickly taking over the often cool and harsh stone materials. Butcher block countertops can make your kitchen feel warm and inviting. True butcher block is made from wood strips blended together. Perfect for slicing, chopping and dicing directly on the surface, it’s a great alternative to cutting boards. The type of wood typically chosen includes walnut, cherry, oak and maple. Maintenance is relatively easy but make sure to wipe up stains immediately. Butcher block isn’t the best material around sinks or dishwashers but great for low traffic areas like islands.
Marble
If warmth is what you’re looking for in a kitchen and butcher block just isn’t sophisticated enough for you, consider marble. Similar to butcher block, marble can stain easily so placing it in low traffic areas around the kitchen is your safest bet. Many homeowners reserve marble countertops for kitchen islands. Make sure you aren’t placing hot pots or pans directly on the surface, wipe away any stains as soon as you can and research what cleaning solutions work best with the material. For all of it’s care and price, marble will stand out in your kitchen and last a lifetime.
Madisyn is a freelance writer and social media obsessed traveller based out of Toronto. Always looking for her next adventure but glued to her phone, you can contact her at madi@therestlessworker.com or visit her at www.therestlessworker.com