09 Apr Choosing the Right Countertop Material

The key to choosing the perfect countertop for your kitchen won’t be as simple as what looks best. What homeowners have to take into consideration is their lifestyle, along with the cost and maintenance of the material. For example, if you’ve got kids, cook three meals a day on the countertop, and are packing lunches, the Italian marble may not be the wisest choice.

Natural Stone

One of the most popular choices on the market is granite. Available in different shades from black or white to pink, it holds its own against everyday wear and tear such as spills and scratches. The downside is that it will need sealing every now and then to protect it from stains. The cabinets underneath it will also need exceptional strength due to the counter’s weight. Additionally, you will need a specialized stone cleaner for cleaning, as some traditional chemicals can be abrasive and damaging to the surface.

Another natural stone option is slate. Slate is very low maintenance, and any scratches can be buffed out with just some steel wool. If you want to give it a shiny or wet appearance, you can also rub it down with lemon oil.

Solid Surfaces

Common materials used for these types of surfaces include polyester, acrylic, or a mix of both. Advantages to their maintenance include a high resistance to stains, and many kinds of damage (i.e. burns, scratches, etc.) can simply be sanded out. For damage that cuts deep into the counter, it’s as easy as filling up the hole. They are also available in a multitude of colors, giving you a wide variety to choose from. Due to surface being nonporous, no specialized cleaning or sealing treatment is required either. The downside to all this is that synthetic surfacing can be prone to scratches and burns.

Stainless Steel

No longer for just professional chefs, steel countertops both complement your kitchen’s appliances and provide a modern contemporary look. Ever wonder why professional and commercial kitchens use it? It’s strong, resists damage from heat and gives bacteria little place to grow. A disadvantages includes its expense, as it has to be custom made to fit your kitchen. Little things like fingerprints also show, and the surface can potentially dent.

Steamers Carpet Care may not specialize in countertops, but we do clean all kinds of floor surfaces from carpet to tile and grout. If you have any questions about your floor surfacing, or want a deep carpet and tile cleaning, contact Steamer’s Carpet Care today.