Kitchens are spaces that are not to be overlooked, whether in your home or a restaurant. In fact, a beautiful and well-equipped kitchen significantly adds appeal to the cooking process – and one of the most essential parts of the kitchen is the kitchen countertop.
Ideal kitchen counters are practical as well as aesthetically pleasing. However, making a practical surface choice and choosing the best worktop materials isn’t a matter of intuition but should be based on research.
Here are some kitchen countertop ideas that will help you choose the most durable countertop materials that are both stunning and sturdy!
The Best Types of Stone For Kitchen Worktops
When you are deciding what type of kitchen worktop to purchase, you may find yourself spoilt for choice. Here are some of the top picks on the market today.
Quartz
Are you looking for durability? Quartz is the best option for a solid surface that can last a long time -approximately 10-15 years.
Quartz is not a natural stone but a factory-manufactured material and previously had a downside of having a less aesthetic appeal, colour, and design choice than natural stones. However, that is a thing of the past as quartz surfaces are now available in many different colours and designs and look almost identical to a natural stone surface.
The best part is the stain resistance of quartz counters, making them a very low-maintenance choice. However, they cost just about as much as counters made from natural materials.
Another disadvantage is that quartz is only protected against heat to a certain point and cannot tolerate extremely high temperatures. It is prone to crack if exposed to very high temperatures, so it’s best to invest in a pot rest to avoid damaging the surface.
Additionally, you can’t install this countertop material outdoors – the sun will cause it to erode. If you are looking for a work surface for an outdoor grilling area or garden bar, quartz is not the best choice.
Granite
If you want a timeless countertop made of natural material that is durable and stunning, a granite worktop is the best choice.
Granite worktops are well worth the money and are one of the best options available. They are durable, stain and scratch-resistant, stunning, and timeless – meaning they will always be in fashion. This material boasts high heat resistance, making them a practical choice.
You can choose from various designs and will definitely find an option that matches well with the rest of your kitchen. However, a granite worktop needs to be adequately sealed to be stain-resistant – some on an annual basis, while others may last for ten years without needing a new seal.
They may also chip if heavy objects fall on the edges, though this is unlikely.
Granite counters are slightly expensive and aren’t the most affordable choice for everyone. However, if you can afford to add this material to your kitchen, you won’t be sorry! This is, by far, the best option you have for a residential kitchen.
How To Get The Most Out Of Your Kitchen Worktop
Now that you know the pros and cons, here’s what you should keep in mind when making your decision. Choose a great surface You should go for a smooth, sturdy surface made of the most durable materials – something that makes cooking easy and doesn’t leave stains and scratches. Granite and quartz are great surfaces for such purposes, and while they may be a bit on the pricier side, they are well worth every penny.
If you want a practical option for a commercial kitchen counter and aren’t interested in beauty, stainless steel or concrete is a workable choice.
- Balance the colours
A kitchen with only one colour may not be very appealing. However, you don’t want a mismatched kitchen, either. It’s important to balance the colours in your kitchen correctly. It’s popular to choose a countertop of a contrasting colour from the cabinets and then match the counter with the kitchen floor. Use colour palettes wisely to create a welcoming space that you will enjoy cooking in. The more welcoming the area, the more time you will spend there!
- Maximise your budget
You have to consider your budget, but you should choose the best material you can afford because selecting a good surface will be worth every penny in durability. If you can afford a real stone surface, go for it! Choosing a more expensive but durable material will mean you can enjoy it for years without having to spend on repairs or replacements. If you can afford it, quartz and granite are the best options.
- Remember that your worktop needs to be practical
You need a practical worktop, not just a pretty one. If you have a commercial kitchen, you need something that can withstand high heat and is durable, like stainless steel. Granite and quartz are efficient choices for home kitchens as they last a long time and are resistant to scratches and stains. These materials are also heat resistant.
- Don’t be afraid to get creative
Feel free to be unique and creative. Everyone loves a personal touch – don’t refrain from implementing your own ideas! Choose a colour that isn’t common, and you can create murals on the walls of your kitchen. Explore different options – you could rearrange items in your existing kitchen in another way for a new look. This is your kitchen, and it should be exactly the way you want it. Get the creative juices flowing!
Final Thoughts
We can’t emphasise enough how important it is to choose a practical option that also fulfils your needs. A commercial kitchen has very different needs compared to a kitchen in a home.
You may also want to consider aspects such as how often you use your kitchen, how much time you have to take care of your kitchen surfaces and maintain them, and of course, how much money you can spend.
We recommend quartz and granite as the best options for countertops that are long-lasting and extremely appealing – and you can find them at great prices, too!
After carefully considering all of these factors, it’s time to give your kitchen a beautiful makeover with new countertops.
Have fun with the project and explore different designs before settling for one!