While buying kitchen countertops, you may put a lot of emphasis on aesthetics while overlooking important factors. However, the material's durability, ease of maintenance and cost should also be considered while making a selection. Whether you do your daily meal prep on your countertop or use it occasionally to host dinners, it undergoes a lot of wear and tear. Make sure you pick a material that not only complements your kitchen’s interiors but also suits your lifestyle. If you want to get your kitchen renovated, Caledon Tile, Bath & Kitchen Centre can help you. Our experts focus on providing high-quality customer service and will design a space that meets all your requirements.
With an extensive range of options available these days, choosing the right countertop for your kitchen can be a daunting task. We have listed a few materials below with their advantages and disadvantages to help you make the right choice:
Granite
This is the material of choice for most people. It adds elegance to any space and makes even modest kitchens appear luxurious. Granite was very expensive earlier but the cost has come down nowadays owing to increased supplies and availability of engineered stone. Advantages • It is very strong, durable and almost impervious to heat • It adds value to your home and is available in 3,000 different colours and types • It is nearly maintenance-free and resists cracks and chipping Disadvantages • It is very expensive • It is not suitable for DIY installation as it cracks easily if stressed or improperly installed • Slabs may have imperfections as a result of natural variations • The stone is porous and requires sealing to avoid stains
Quartz
This is an engineered stone product, containing around 93 percent quartz particles and other minerals which are shaped into slabs and bound using resins. It is a more adaptable and better-performing alternative to granite and marble. It is available in a wide range of colours and has a non-porous surface that resists both scratching and staining. Some types are convincing copies of natural marble, having similar veining. However, unlike natural stone, this requires no annual sealing. Advantages • DIY installation is possible • It is easy to maintain and does not require sealing • The slabs are uniform and do not have any imperfections • It can be custom-fabricated to any size and shape • It resists stains and is impervious to heat and acid • It has a convincing natural appearance Disadvantages • The material is very expensive • The slabs are very heavy
Laminates
These are plastic-coated synthetics with a smooth surface that is easy to clean. The countertops are made by bonding the laminate sheets to a particle board (LDF) core. They can be purchased as pre-formed segments or custom-fabricated to specifications. This material has witnessed a recent surge in popularity and is commonly used in retro designs. Advantages • It is very easy to maintain • Available in a wide range of colours and designs • Relatively easy to install; a good option for DIY projects • Very inexpensive compared to other materials Disadvantages • The seams are always visible • Requires custom edging and backsplash treatments, which increase expenses • The surfaces can chip or scratch and the damage is almost irreparable
Ceramic Tile
This is less expensive when compared to granite and quartz. Owing to recent innovations in ceramic tiles, more design options are available in this material. Advantages • It is very affordable and easy to clean • It is easy to use in DIY projects • It is non-porous and immune to heat damage Disadvantages • Customized tiles are very expensive • Requires regular grout resealing as these lines can stain easily and are difficult to clean • Not as valuable as granite or quartz • The tiles are brittle and may crack under impact Porcelain tile, which is a type of ceramic tile manufactured using a denser type of clay, is resistant to scratches and stains and is more durable.
Solid-Surface Material
This is a blend of acrylic particles and resins. It is an excellent choice for mid-range kitchens. It can be a good material for high-end kitchens with plenty of countertop space that would be expensive to cover with granite or quartz. Solid-surface countertops and sinks have been available for over 50 years and were considered as alternatives to natural stone when they were introduced. Advantages • It is stain resistant • The seams are virtually invisible • Any damage can be fixed easily • It is available in a variety of colours and patterns Disadvantages • It is moderately expensive • It is vulnerable to heat damage • It cannot be used in DIY projects and is to be installed by experts
Marble
This natural stone is commonly used in kitchen countertops as it helps create unique, beautiful spaces. However, owing to its extremely high price tag, it is used only on a section of the countertop. It is more temperamental compared to granite or soapstone. Advantages • It is waterproof and heat resistant • It adds value to a home Disadvantages • It is expensive • DIY installation is not possible • It is susceptible to scratches and difficult to repair • The stone is porous and stains easily unless sealed One of the major trends these days is to mix and match materials and patterns. Nevertheless, make sure you see the samples before making a purchase. Caledon Tile, Bath & Kitchen Centre has been serving both residential and commercial clients in Brampton since 1988. We specialize in the installation of indoor and outdoor tile and stone products. For further queries, contact us today!