If you are
undertaking a kitchen remodel, your countertops are a central part of the look.
In fact, installing new countertops enhances your home’s beauty and performance
and increases its long-term value. But with so many options to choose from,
selecting the best countertop material for your kitchen can be a daunting process.
Today’s most
popular countertop options are Corian, granite and quartz—each of which can
serve as excellent countertops for your home without a ton of maintenance. Here’s
why.
Natural
Stone Granite
Natural
granite has long been a popular choice for countertops among homeowners. Thanks
to its extreme durability, it can survive all types of wear and tear, including
scratches, nicks and heat. Granite comes in a vast assortment of one-of-a-kind
colors and patterns to complement any kitchen interior. And since each granite
slab is unlike the next—varying in pattern, lightness and color—your granite countertops
will be unique to your home.
Another
benefit of granite is that it requires very little maintenance. The natural
stone will likely last a lifetime, and repairs are rarely necessary as the
incredibly durable stone is difficult to damage. However, because of its unique
coloring, no two pieces of stone are alike, and if it does chip or crack under
stress, granite can be challenging to repair. Because of its natural pores,
it’s best to protect granite with a sealant at least once a year to help repel
stains. To clean, scrubbing pads can be
used on granite surfaces with a mild cleaner, but harsh chemicals are not
recommended.
Consentino®,
the leader in granite surfaces as recently introduced a maintenance-free &
100% stain resistant granite surface. SenSa® granite is a maintenance-free,
premium natural granite brought to you by Cosentino®, a world leader in the natural
stone industry for over eighty years. SenSa® granite is treated with a
revolutionary stain protection treatment called SenGuard and comes with a
15-year stain warranty.
Solid Surfacing Corian®
Corian® is made
primarily from acrylic and polyester. Though solid surface countertops like Corian® may lack the
sheen of natural stone, its extensive color options—more than 100 patterns and
shades—means you can find just
the right color for your kitchen design.
With its
smooth texture and non-porous surface, practical Corian® is virtually
maintenance free, easy to clean and highly resistant to water and stains. Although
Corian® can scratch and burn more easily than granite, it is easy to repair. Nicks and
scratches can be easily sanded or buffed, restoring its original beauty. No
sealing or special cleaning is required either—just wipe clean. It’s really
that simple to care for solid surfaces.
Quartz is one of the hardest substances on earth and is practically maintenance-free. It doesn't need to be sealed like many other stone countertops and is extremely durable.
Quartz countertops are man-made engineered stone countertops created by combining ground quartz with resins, polymers, and pigments, forming a very hard granite-like surface. The appearance depends on how the quartz is ground: coarsely ground quartz produces a flecked appearance, while finely ground quartz produces a smooth look.
Silestone® is the world's leading producer of quartz surfaces designed for high-quality kitchens and bathrooms. It’s composed of 94% natural quartz, and is the first and only quartz countertop with Bacteriostatic Protection, giving it unique features. Silestone® is also the only brand that offers a certified warranty, in writing. Only a global leader could once again draw ahead of the pack and offer a genuine 15-year transferable warranty for Silestone®.
Corian®, granite and quartz countertops are beautiful choices for your kitchen. And
while these two materials rank among the most popular of countertop selections,
there are also many other options available including concrete, stainless steel and
laminate.
When choosing a countertop
for your kitchen, consider the ways in which you plan to use your kitchen. It
is also important to factor in extra costs to repair damage as well as any
maintenance involved. Ultimately, your choice of countertop material should
reflect your personal style and budget.
For more kitchen ideas and tips visit www.homechanneltv.com.