Choosing the Right Countertop Material

1. Choosing the Right Countertop Material A kitchen has countless things. Well, the most important of them are the countertops. For; here’s where the actual cooking happens. So, choosing the right countertop material is the first step to a highly functional kitchen. In fact, it is also the backdrop and main event of the kitchen. What’s more, countertops are fixed with countertop brackets. These are yet another essential element, as brackets provide support and make or break the countertop’s functionality and durability. Importance of Countertop Material

2. Coming back to countertop material, the variety of material, colors, designs and textures are overwhelming. Common questions that bombard an owner are whether to use natural or engineered material, quartzite or quartz and many more. As the countertop material defines utility and style of the kitchen, the material must be chosen with complete care. Finding the Right Material Here’s all one needs to know about countertop material before being mesmerized by the one at a friend’s place or at the store. The first step is to narrow the choices as per the cooking style, preferences etc. For a person who cuts, prepares and cooks primarily on the countertop, a non-porous material that hides knife marks and stains is preferable. The material should also match the overall look of the kitchen. Once these essentials are chalked out, the countertop material can be easily chosen from the following alternatives. •Granite is one of most popular natural stone used in kitchens. It is heat-resistant, durable and is also available in a variety of colors including white, brown, red, blue and black. The only limitation of this material is its porous nature that results in stains. However, it can be sealed to resist stains. •Marble is undoubtedly appealing, but is soft and also shows knife marks and stains. It is ideal for baking and making fresh pasta. So, while the island can be made of marble, it is not a great option for the cooking countertop. •Quartz is extremely popular for its appearance, durability, heat resistance and low maintenance needs. It is engineered stone, which is made under pressure, and therefore, highly durable. However, it is expensive, which often pushes it out of the chosen list. •Concrete as a material for countertop has caught up in the past five years. It is durable, highly resistant to heat and is scratch proof. It is also available in multiple colors, thus, making it a preference for many. The shortcominghowever is its high cost and need for sealing. •Solid surfaces made of dense acrylic, polyester or a blend of both offer advantages like non others. They are low maintenance, non-porous and repairable. What’s more, multiple designs and patterns are also available. Besides the material, it is also important to choose the right brackets for support. It is these brackets that hold the countertop effectively, irrespective of the material. The best brackets are available at Steel Design Solutions. Find them at www.steeldesignsolutions.com