.jpg)
Kitchen countertops, like the icing and figurines on the cake, are the final touches to the design of the kitchen. They are not only crucial for the kitchen's symmetry, but they also serve as work spaces. Food preparation can become a boring routine if not for interesting counters. A kitchen countertop not only reflects the homeowner's interests, but it's also a long-term investment that might pay off when it's time to sell the house. Homeowners might make the error of choosing the wrong type of countertop material on occasion. The countertops may get stained, chipped, or broken as a result of this. That is why we have created this list of the tried & tested, along with some exciting new alternatives.
- Natural Stone
Over the last 10 years, Canadian homeowners who are renovating their kitchens have been lured to natural stone's glossy surfaces. Polished-stone surfaces are long-lasting and give a touch of class to kitchen and bathroom vanity tops. Furthermore, there is a stone product that may be used to complement nearly any decor. Natural stone is good for the environment since it doesn't emit harmful organic gases when it's made and it comes in large numbers. The natural stone's sole downside is that it is porous and must be sealed at least twice a year.
- Granite
In Canada, granite is very much the gold standard for high-end kitchen countertops. Granite comes in a variety of colours and textures.
- Marble
Archeologists have discovered polished marble surfaces in the ruins of Roman towns, indicating that marble was probably one of the world's earliest worktops. Marble's coloration and veins make it a stunning fashion element for the house. When paired with a matching backsplash, marble transforms the kitchen into something straight out of a fashionable makeover magazine.
- Travertine
Marble and travertine are both hardened limestone, with marble having been subjected to more pressure. Travertine is permeable, yet it can display more of the bright colours that result from sandstone deposits leeching. Copper, iron, and carbon impurities might appear as flowers or vast swathes in the polished surface. Travertine, like granite and marble, is porous and requires sealing on a regular basis.
- Soapstone
Soapstone will provide long-term effects. In addition to being long-lasting, soapstone is naturally non-porous, making it impervious to spills and bacteria. Soapstone is commonly associated with Inuit carvings, but it also works well as a tabletop surface. Soapstone's stunning grey, dark-green, and black colours are also well-known. Unlike granite, marble and travertine soapstone is non-porous and does not require sealing on a regular basis. The disadvantage of soapstone is that it is softer and hence more easily scratched than other types of natural stone. After washing, a coat of mineral oil will assist to remove scratches and restore the rich coloration.
- Slate
Slate, like marble, is a metamorphic stone whose gorgeous colours are the result of millennia of pressure. Dark greys, reds, coppers, turquoises, and blacks are among them. Although slightly porous, slate simply requires minor sealing to preserve its vibrant colours.
- Engineered Stone
Engineered stone is created by combining tiny stone chips with resins and natural colouring to mimic the look of genuine stone. They're also non-porous and stain-resistant without a sealant. Engineered stone is resistant to scratching, burning, and staining, despite the fact that it is not meant for severe impacts like many natural stones.
Some Alternatives
- Copper
Copper's distinct combination of rusty reds, greens, and browns may be worth the cost if you appreciate the distinctive blend of rusty reds, greens, and browns. Copper is also easy to clean and maintain, with certain alloys having inherent antibacterial qualities, and it can be reused from scrap yards, making it a sustainable option.
- Wood
Wood countertops aren't an uncommon choice for designers and homeowners, especially with the resurgence of craftsman style décor. To protect wood from common kitchen dampness, use it in conjunction with a sealer.
Wood countertops have a natural appearance that is quite popular nowadays for a more realistic look in a kitchen. Maple, walnut, and cherry are popular because each wide plank has a distinct personality that varies as the work progresses. Butcher block counters are simple to install and seal, making them a useful counter surface.
- Bamboo
The benefits of utilising bamboo in your house are obvious. Bamboo is ecologically friendly, has a fast regeneration rate, is relatively inexpensive and easy to install, and is long-lasting. However, bamboo stains easily, so if you're thinking about using it for your countertops, find out what you'll need to do ahead of time to protect it. This might entail applying beeswax to it on a regular basis.
- Concrete
You won't have to worry about the durability of this heavyweight. Concrete may also be easily customised, with techniques such as pigmenting, acid staining, and dyeing resulting in a finished product that is a one-of-a-kind representation of your tastes. Combine recycled glass with concrete for a distinctive look and taste.
A polished concrete countertop will give a beautiful highlight in the kitchen for those homeowners who prefer an aesthetic taste in their kitchens. The basic 1 1/2-inch thick counters may be modified on-site with fossils, metal strips, coloured glass, or any other product to add highlights to the concrete.
For Kitchen Renos in Wetaskiwin and other areas, get in touch with us. Our experts at A.C.T. Home Services will be happy to help you.