To choose a countertop surfaces materials involves consideration of style, maintenance requirements and budget.
Key factors to consider in selecting countertop
surface material include the style of the kitchen, required
maintenance, and budget. Natural stone surfaces used as countertops
include granite, marble, slate, limestone and sandstone. Of these
surfaces, the most commonly used is granite. Granite is heavy, durable
and expensive. Granite is highly scratch resistant, and is usually
resistant to etching caused by acidic substances. Hot pans can be
placed upon granite countertops without fear of burning the surface.
However, granite can be porous and consequently stain easily. Granite
will need to be treated with a penetrating sealer upon installation to
guard against stains, and will require at least annual reapplications
of a sealer. Liquids spilled upon granite countertops must be wiped up
quickly to avoid staining. Many stains can be removed from granite or
minimized by the application of a poultice. Because the size of slabs
of natural stone is limited, granite countertops will usually have
seams.
Similar in appearance to granite is marble. Marble
requires more maintenance than granite, as marble scratches easily and
reacts to acids. To some extent, marble may be protected by the
application of two sealers, one which will minimize stains, and a
second surface coating to protected polished surfaces from etching.
Another option is to select honed marble. Although honed marble lacks
the sheen of polished marble, etching may be corrected using an
abrasive.
Other natural stone countertop surfaces such as
slate, limestone and sandstone are also prone to etching and staining.
While these surfaces may be sealed to minimize staining, they are
subject to etching. These latter three surfaces are best used by those
who are willing to actively maintain their countertops and to treat
them with care. Concrete is also making an appearance in modern
kitchens as a countertop surface. Concrete is extremely porous, and
must be periodically sealed to minimize staining. Concrete may also
crack, and will change color over time.
Wood may be used either for the entire countertop
or as an inset work surface. Wood expands and contracts, and may warp
if exposed to water. A thin layer of varnish, lacquer or oil must be
applied periodically to protect the surface. If the surface is to be
used for cutting or chopping in food preparation, mineral oil should be
used instead of varnish or lacquer. Wood countertops must be cleaned
thoroughly with antibacterial soap after being used for uncooked food
preparation to alleviate concerns about bacterial growth. Burning or
staining of the wood can be sanded away.
Stainless steel is being used in contemporary
kitchens with increasing frequency. Stainless steel can be exposed to
high temperatures without scorching, and is also impervious to water.
However, a stainless steel countertop may be noisy to work on. Such
surfaces also show smudges, and depending upon the grade of material,
may be subject to scrapes, stains and corrosion.
Manmade solid surface countertops are increasingly
being made to look like natural stone. No special maintenance is
required, other than regular wiping down of the surface. Many of these
solid surfacing materials can be easily repaired if they are cut,
burned or otherwise damaged. Unlike granite, these surfaces are
non-porous and consequently do not stain. However, as these surfaces do
burn and may be scratched, they require the use of trivets, hot pads or
cutting boards to protect the surface. Manmade solid surface
countertops typically come in a wider variety of colors than natural
stone countertops. The seams of solid surface countertops are generally
not visible. Such countertops also are typically less expensive than
natural stone, although in some regions the difference in cost may be
minimal.
Perhaps the least expensive countertop surface is
plastic laminate. This surface is made of several layers of melamine,
paper and plastic resin bonded under heat and pressure, and glued to
particleboard or plywood. In addition to being relatively low cost,
laminate countertops are available in a wide variety of colors and
designs. No maintenance is required other than normal cleaning after
use. Laminate resists stains and mild abrasions well. However, these
countertops may be cut and burned if not properly protected. Unlike
solid surface countertops, damage to laminate countertops cannot easily
be repaired.
Ceramic tile may also be used as a countertop
surface. Ceramic tile is available in various colors, sizes and
patterns, allowing for creativity in the design of the surface. It is
both heat and stain resistant. Although the tile itself may be
resistant to staining, the surrounding grout is often easily stained.
The grout must be sealed, and precautions taken to keep the grout
clean. Periodic re-grouting may be necessary. Ceramic tiles may crack
if a hard object is dropped upon it. Individual tiles can be replaced
if damaged.
(cn-stonenet.com)
