What Is the Best Countertop for Kitchen?

An important element of the kitchen is the countertop. Not only should it be aesthetically pleasing, but also be practical, since it is heavenly used when cooking. Many manufacturers offer countertops in Vancouver made of different materials–from natural stone to glass and wood.

Secrets of Choosing a Kitchen Countertop

The first thing you need to pay attention to before buying is the conformity of the product to the overall design. In today's market, there are countertops in a variety of colours and textures. You can choose the colour scheme of the kitchen or you can opt for a bright accented theme.

In addition to aesthetics, you should pay attention to practicality. Black and white countertops require special care, as all stains and dirt are highly visible on them.

Granite

Granite countertops are distinguished by durability and noble appearance. Natural stone will add class to the kitchen interior. The advantages of granite surfaces are:

• Resistance to high temperatures

• Easy care

• Long-term preservation of the original appearance

• Resistance to ultraviolet light and substances containing acid

• Natural stone countertops have disadvantages as well

• Limited choice of colours

• Heavyweight

• Absorption of dyes (may remain stains from wine, and coffee)

Products made of granite are recommended to install on surfaces with a reinforced design because of their immense weight. If the countertop consists of several sheets, the joints are clearly visible. Despite the disadvantages, this piece of kitchen furniture is durable, and with proper care will last for decades.

Quartz

Quartz contains pieces of natural stone (granite or marble) bonded with epoxy oils. Agglomerate countertops are cheaper than marble or granite, and in some respects are almost as good. The surface is imitated natural stone and is resistant to various dyes and chemicals. The advantages of quartz are as follows:

• Presentable appearance

• High hygienic effect

• Ease of care

• Resistance to abrasion, UV and high temperatures

The service life of countertops is 10 years without loss of the original properties. The disadvantages of quartz surfaces include the complexity of the repair. Chips and cracks on them can not be fixed. In addition, countertops more than 3 meters will have joints. When installing the surface, it is necessary to take into account its heavy weight, so the construction of the cabinet will need to be strengthened.

Wood

Table tops are made of durable wood, including oak, ash, cherry, and walnut. Wooden surfaces look harmonious in any interior, adding coziness and warmth to the kitchen. The tops are coated with special compounds that provide moisture resistance and durability against physical damage. Wooden worktops are characterized by:

• Relatively low cost

• Aesthetic appearance

• Resistance to aggressive substances

• Easy care;

• Water-repellent properties (when treated with compositions).

Wooden surfaces do not tolerate high temperatures and are flammable, so proper care must be taken. If the countertops are treated with special agents, they will last a long time. It is recommended to sand the surface periodically, which allows it to return to its original appearance.

When choosing a tabletop, you should pay attention to the type of wood and its grade (the higher it is, the fewer knots and irregularities). Experts recommend choosing products with thicknesses of 40-50 mm. Table tops are easy to install and can be installed directly by the homeowner even without special skills. It is important that the wooden surface is covered with special compounds to repel moisture because otherwise there is a risk of fungus or mould.

Ceramic

Ceramic surfaces are hygienic and aesthetically pleasing. They are easy to care for and resistant to harsh detergents. Cracks and chips rarely happen on ceramic, even with heavy use. If necessary, a tile with a defect can be replaced with another one.

Ceramic countertops look original in the interior, but they are quite expensive. At the same time, they are strong and durable and easily restored in case of scratches or chips. Ceramic tile countertops require special care, especially at the joints, where dirt and water can accumulate. The surface can be cleaned with a damp sponge using special household detergents.

Recommendations for selection

When choosing a countertop, you should be guided by the general style of the interior and the materials from which the kitchen is made. Surfaces made of natural stone are recommended for spacious rooms, while wooden countertops look harmonious even in small kitchens.

Matti surfaces are more practical than glossy ones. When choosing a countertop, you should also pay attention to such characteristics as durability and water resistance. Porous surfaces easily absorb dirt and are not resistant to dyes.