Counter tops

Selecting counter tops can be challenging, especially when there are so many beautiful options!!! Here are a few facts about different counter top options that I love...


Granite-  A natural stone that is probably one of the most widely used counter top materials. Why? Well, it comes in hundreds of varieties, has almost zero maintenance, and  is one of the hardest materials which lends to its virtually scratch-proof, burn-proof, stain-resistant, and heat-resistant qualities.

Traditional Kitchen design by Other Metros General Contractor Gabriel Builders Inc.

Marble- Also a natural stone that is absolutely gorgeous! Marble is not quite as hard as granite which can make it more susceptible to to stains and scratches, however these mishaps really give it a beautiful patina that only gets better with age! If you are not a fan of this look, occasionally sealing it helps protect against these mishaps. Selecting a honed finish creates not only an aesthetically beautiful, but also is a great way to minimize the appearance of scratches as well. Not to mention it is a dream to all those bakers out their who enjoy a non-stick surface for rolling dough!

Traditional Kitchen design by Chicago Kitchen And Bath Rebekah Zaveloff

Soapstone- This makes for rich and striking appearance, especially when used in combination with white cabinetry. It is a dense smooth surface that is great cooking and baking and is chemically inert, non-reactive to harsh chemicals, and extremely heat stable. Cooks enjoy the ability to set hot pans directly on the surface.  It will not stain, and liquid cannot permeate its surface. However, soapstone is soft and scratches easily- these scratches create a beautifully natural patina on the stone’s surface over time and should be expected with everyday wear. 

Traditional Kitchen design by Philadelphia General Contractor Current Works Construction Inc.


Wood-  The application of wood used as countertops brings a  warm and welcoming appeareance to a kitchen. Now, like many of you I too was very skeptical of using wood as a counter top, but after researching a bit, I quickly found out that its all about the type of wood, and type of sealer used. Regular sealing is requtired but by doing this, it keeps water from ruining it by filling in  the pores of the wood and thus keep water out. Even better.... "Waterlox" is a sealing product that can be used which is unlike other sealers by the fact that you don't have to keep re-applying it through the years. Also just like any other counter, you don't want to cut on it or you will of course leave marks. However, if with time water or scratchs do happen, you can have it sanded and resealed.

 

Traditional Kitchen design by New York Kitchen And Bath Brooks Custom