When people look at their kitchens, the first thing they often want to change is the countertop. Gone are the days of tile and in are a plethora of alternatives that are even exceeding the beauty and durability of granite. That isn’t to say that granite isn’t still one of the most popular options on the market today. On the contrary, it still ranks number one for those that want the countertops to dominate the look in the kitchen. The point is that it’s not the only choice especially if you prefer a more subtle alternative. Here are several options that are up-and-coming in their appeal to homeowners and buyers alike.
1. Cararra Marble has the look of pure class. Its bright, white color and blue-gray veining presents a clean look that is hard to beat. It is also one of the least expensive natural stones on the market and is widely available at most stone fabricators or stone yards. It’s naturally cool and is reluctant to conduct heat so it’s perfect for making pastry. However, it’s also a very soft, natural stone that shows its age over time. That means that it will scratch, stain and, if hit with a heavy object, crack more easily than other choices. One thing to keep in mind is that the more matte the finish, the more kitchen-friendly it will be even though it will develop a patina from staining over time.
2. Soapstone received its name because when touched it feels just like soap. It is one of the softer natural stones that ranges in color from a medium to dark gray and, sometimes, it can come with a greenish cast. With use it will continue to darken until almost black. Soapstone can come with veining just like marble but is super durable. Long ago the stone was used when making stoves because it is unaffected by heat and can’t be damaged by exposure to acidic foods. It’s density also makes it invulnerable to staining and bacteria. The downsides? Because it’s so soft the edges can wear-away and nicks and scratches will become prominent over time. It’s also important to note that the greener the stone the softer it will be.
3. Wood countertops have not been trending for a number of years, but now they’re back in a big way. Each piece of wood has a personality all its own and it’s beauty adds visual warmth to any space. However, success or failure in a kitchen or bath is dependent on the type of wood selected as well as the type of sealer used. Wood countertops require resealing about once per month depending on the level of use and liquids must be wiped up immediately. They are sensitive to burning and can stain as well. It is recommended that cherry or madrone wood be used even though they are softer types of woods because they are the easiest to repair. Where children reside in the home, reclaimed wood is a great alternative since it already has plenty of character with stains, gouges and marks. Another alternative is to utilize wood on a kitchen island and other countertop material elsewhere. It will definitely provide the best of all worlds.
4. Quartz is one of the more popular new options. These countertops are man-made from polymers and stone aggregate that is solidified as its compressed under high pressure. The process makes the product nonporous and stronger than natural stone. It is nonallergenic, nontoxic and super easy to maintain. Best of all, regardless of your aesthetics, it comes in a large variety of colors and patterns so whether you lean toward contemporary or traditional you’re covered. It’s also durable, impact resistant, easy to clean with soap and water and, best of all, flexible so it can be made into huge pieces that require fewer joints. It is also certified by the GreenGuard Environmental Institute. So what can possibly be wrong with it? Quartz is made of petroleum-based resins that are acquired from companies outside the US. That adds to the cost because of transportation and import fees.
5. Stainless steel is making a huge comeback from commercial kitchens only to residential kitchens across the country. If you like an industrial look in your kitchen it may be the perfect choice because its always classic and timeless. It’s considered to be an option classified as the brains, beauty and brawn of the kitchen. It stands up to abuse, can be easily spiffed up to a glamorous shine and is resistant to corrosion because it is an alloy that includes 10.5% chromium. It’s available in satin, antique matte and brushed finishes and also comes in patterns. It doesn’t stain, is nonporous and is resistant to heat. It also has a life-expectancy of 100 years. For A-type personalities these countertops may be a challenge since every fingerprint and watermark will show up. It’s also predisposed to dents and scratches.
6. Concrete countertops are also trending. They have a beautiful, raw elegance reminiscent of natural stone yet also have an industrial feel. It’s a budget-friendly alternative that allows you to be in charge of things like the thickness, color, finish and features. For instance, adding glass aggregate can make it appear as if it’s terrazzo. Colorizing and staining can also enhance its beauty even making it appear like natural stone. Skilled installers now actually specialize in embedding tile, shells, stones and other materials making any countertop a work of art. The downsides are that the cost can be higher than natural stone and they require regular maintenance especially in regard to sealing which must be done every 3-5 years. Without a proper seal they stain easily because they are so porous. Still they are growing in popularity due to their flexibility in regard to design.
Much of what goes into the choice of the perfect countertop has to do with personal aesthetics. Even though granite has been the number one choice for many years, it is gradually loosing its hold on the top spot. With so many choices available today at so many price points it pays to shop around and experience, first hand, the alternatives on the market that may better represent your preferred style.
