Choosing A Countertop Surface: Natural Stone, Wood, Engineered Stone & Concrete - Morris County NJ
CH International Media
December 18, 2009
When it comes to choosing a countertop surface for your new or existing kitchen it can be a daunting task to figure out which surface is the best choice for your family, lifestyle and budget. There are a number of different countertop options available and each has their own pros and cons. Although it might be tempting to choose a countertop on looks alone, the materials durability, maintenance, and cost are important factors to consider when making your selection.
• Wood/Butcher Block:
Butcher block countertops add warmth and beauty to a kitchen. They are easy to clean, and if it gets a scratch or a stain you can sand it out and re-oil. However, wood countertops can be prone to water damage, and must be oiled about once a month to keep it sealed and protected. Look for high-density woods because these will hold up better in the long run; wood tops are reasonably priced and will vary depending on what wood type you choose.
• Natural Stone:
Granite and soapstone are popular choices for both kitchen and bathroom countertops. Granite is still the number one choice in homes today, so it´s a smart choice for re-sale value. Soapstone will not crack, but can dent if it is hit with a heavy object; some feel as though a couple dents add to the rustic beauty of soapstone. Soapstone needs to be oiled weekly the first year and then every other month after that. Granite should be sealed about once a year and both surfaces can be cleaned with a mild detergent and water. Pricing on natural stone products will vary with the current availability of a particular color. For instance, a more common color will be less expensive and a more exotic and/or rare color will be more expensive.
• Engineered Stone:
You may have also heard this type of stone referred to as quartz surface. This is a man made surface and is available through a number of different manufacturers. Each manufacturer has their own color pallets to choose from that range from a natural look to very bold and colorful. Quartz is low maintenance and does not need to be sealed; you may also use most types of household cleaner to maintain it. Engineered stone tends to have a uniform pattern and lack some of the depth and beauty that natural stone offers, and it is slightly more expensive than natural stone. However, for families who don´t have the time to worry about sealing their countertops or prefer a bold and unique color or one with a consistent pattern, than engineered stone might be a better choice.
• Concrete:
Concrete tops have been gaining popularity over the years and can be completely customized to your taste with different pigments. It´s found to be slightly more expensive than granite and quartz surfaces. Concrete is available in a few different finishes like, trowel – which is a smooth finish, ground – which is sanded to give it a textured feel, and pressed – which gives the top a marble like veining. Concrete can warp or curl if it is exposed to extreme or abrupt temperature changes. Leaving a damp sponge or towel on the surface may cause some discoloration and any acidic spills may etch the top. To keep a concrete countertop looking its best, it's advisable to clean up spills right away, seal it annually and wax with a paste every four to six months.
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Article By: Dan Lombreglia – Dan@kitchenbathdesigns.com
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