Last time we talked about countertop options, we covered concrete, glass, soapstone and stainless steel. This time, we will continue with the topic and cover tile, wood, granite and man-made stone. As before, it is best to consider the décor of the rest of the room when choosing your countertop material. Additionally, some of these choices need to have a sealant added to them so that stains, nicks, and the like don’t ruin the smooth finish.
Tile
Many people consider tile for the flooring or the backsplash, but it can actually be used for the countertop material as well. Ceramic and porcelain tile are not affected by heat or water, but this is a material that could use a sealant because the grout can pick up stains and become discolored. There are many options regarding patterns on the tile, as well as choosing the size of the tile to cover the area. Obviously, the larger the tile, the fewer grout lines will be visible.
Wood
Many of the wood countertops today are made from traditional butcher block. Wood has the ability to be refinished if it gets nicked, stained, or a larger blemish. These countertops do need to be maintained. If the wood is unfinished, then it will require monthly oiling. Any type of clear coating (minus a factory finish) will need to be recoated with time. Since it is wood, it is not fireproof and could get scorched. It is best not to put hot pots directly on the wood, but place a trivet down first. Water can damage a wood countertop as well. It is best that any spill is cleaned up immediately.
Granite
One of the most popular types of countertop material is granite. Granite is scratch-resistant. This material can be sealed and when done becomes stain proof, heat proof, and waterproof. There are many choices and styles to choose from, and clean-up is a breeze. Unsealed granite is porous, so any type of spill will soak in and stain the material. Since granite is a natural stone, there are no two pieces that will be identical. Granites popularity comes from its easy maintenance and ability to add a touch of elegance to a kitchen.
Man-made Stone
Man-made stone or “engineered stone” is heat resistant and will not collect bacteria or mold. The patterning for man-made stone is the same, so there can be two pieces that are identical. This can bring a uniformity to the look of the kitchen. There are many choices available for color and style. Since it is not natural stone, the material is engineered to be resistant to stains, scratches, and marks without the use of sealant. This material can be made to look very similar to granite, sandstone or marble countertops.
Let’s discuss your countertop options together. Give us a call at (440) 884-4600 or email at customerservice@littsplumbing.com.
