The importance of countertops in your kitchen is paramount. Selecting the right countertops is crucial because a wrong purchase could ruin the entire look and functionality of the kitchen. Because kitchen countertops are a major investment, a lot of care should be given to them when they are finally in your kitchen. Properly maintaining your countertops ensures that your kitchen continues functioning to its fullest capabilities. Here are some of the key reasons why countertops are so important.
Work Surface
Countertops provide a flat, durable surface for food preparation, cooking, and storage. They provide a perfect surface for chopping, slicing, mixing ingredients, rolling dough, and placing hot pots and pans. Many countertops are also big enough to house kitchen utensils, appliances, and other items in an organized manner. It is also really easy to clean and disinfect countertops to maintain a hygienic kitchen. Countertops are also built to withstand wear and tear to handle daily use in a busy kitchen. A durable, high-quality countertop can last many years with proper care and maintenance.
Design Element
Countertops are a key design element in any kitchen because they are one of the most prominent features in the room and can significantly impact the overall look and feel of the space. Choosing the right material, color, textures, lighting, and edge profile provides a unique look and style for the whole kitchen. You’ll need to consider the design of other elements in your kitchen to make a statement with your kitchen countertops cohesively.
Resale Value
If you ever decide to sell, every kitchen countertop element boosts your home’s resale value. Homebuyers will look for functional kitchens with an updated and visually appealing style. Modern and trendy kitchens with popular countertop materials also appeal to potential buyers. Countertops in good condition make your kitchen efficient and enjoyable, which buyers will pay more for. Countertops that are easy to clean and maintain are a selling point for potential buyers because they won’t have to worry about repairs or replacements in the near future.
Kitchen Countertop Materials
When it comes to kitchen countertops, you have an endless choice of materials. The popular and trending materials for countertops are neither expensive nor very cheap but are widely used and lie on the middle end of the spectrum. These materials include:
Marble
Marble is a dense, unique, and luxurious material. No two marble slabs will look exactly alike, and they come in various colors and patterns that can add to the look of your kitchen. Marble is easy to clean but requires regular sealing to protect against staining and etching. It is also a durable stone and resistant to heat.
Laminate
Laminate is a lesser-used material because it is essentially a piece of plywood board with a decorative sheet glued to it. It is relatively cheaper but not as durable as most stone options. However, it is extremely water resistant and easy to maintain and clean, so it is chosen as a kitchen countertop material.
Granite
Granite is the king of all materials when it comes to countertops. It is a very hard and durable stone, making it resistant to scratches, chips, and heat. It is a great material on your countertops next to your oven and stone because it can handle pots, pans, and trays at high temperatures. Granite countertops are also naturally resistant to bacteria and other germs, making them a very hygienic choice. It is important to note that granite is porous, so it does require sealing after every year or even a few months to protect against staining.
Kitchen countertops are an essential part of any kitchen because they improve the look and functionality of the kitchen. Having the right countertops can make or break your kitchen, and when you work with Clarkston Cabinets & Flooring, you will surely get the expert work of designers and installers who will help you create a timeless and versatile kitchen. Contact us today to discuss kitchen countertop options. Call (248) 459-5514 or click here for a free estimate!
