A kitchen countertop is a great way to revitalize and beautify an aging kitchen. The countertop can put a smile on a person's face and set the mood for the rest of the room. The right kitchen countertop not only creates a comfortable and welcoming vibe, but it should also last for a long period of time and be versatile in its application. A kitchen countertop is heavily trafficked and serves many different tasks including cutting food, acting as a place to put things, dishes left to dry on it and many other responsibilities. As a result, the modern kitchen demands a product that is durable, long lasting and beautiful. Here are several options homeowners have:
Granite
Granite is gaining a reputation as being the
best long-term investment in a kitchen countertop. There are many reasons for this. First, granite is truly beautiful. Granite comes in a variety of colours including black, azul, rose, green, white and gold/copper. Because it is a naturally occurring product, each piece is unique making it an entirely personal purchase. With an elegant bright polish and the kind of appearance that turns heads, it is perfect for bringing a kitchen together. The surface is immune and resistant to many different situations including water, heat, stains, alcohol, oil and citric acids like lemon juice. Because it naturally feels cool to touch, it is also perfect for baking, dough and candy making. You are also able to use the surface as a cutting board, though it will dull the knife. Requiring only annual sealing, the countertop should last indefinitely.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious product that comes in a variety of patterns and colours. It has some of the same benefits as granite, though it does require quite a bit more maintenance because it is more porous. It is stunning to look at and really pulls eyes towards it. It is very durable and cleans up very easily, however some disadvantages are that it does stain by lemon juice, sugar and alcohol. For the kitchen, marble is best used for limited areas and not the entire countertop.
Tile
Tile is an interesting option for homeowners as it comes in a variety of colours, designs and textures and can create the kind of countertop effect that marble and granite cannot. It is generally most beautiful when the tile is a glazed ceramic with a nice texture surface or even a matte finish. Tile is high fired and dust pressed, making it both water and heat resistant. It generally does not scratch, burn, stain or discolour and is easily cleaned in event of a spill. However, grout can be difficult to keep clean. In addition, it is not good for using as a chopping board and can cause breaking of glasses and china if placed on it too hard.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a newer choice for uber modern looking kitchens. It provides a unique, futuristic look and feel to the kitchen. Stainless steel is well known to be very durable, easy to clean, and both water and heat resistant. It is most often used around the sink and in other ‘wet' areas of the kitchen. The only drawbacks of stainless steel is that it creates a more cool feel in the kitchen and not the kind of warm ambiance people often seek.
Selecting the
right kitchen countertop for your home in Mississauga should be a decision made after careful consideration and not one made in haste. Consider the cabinets, flooring, paint and backsplash before making any final decisions on your kitchen countertop material.