Countertop Choices to Suit Your Lifestyle

As you walk into a kitchen, its countertops are one of the first things you notice, which is why it plays a big role in your kitchen design. Along with being attractive, countertops must be made of durable material so they can withstand the wear and tear of daily use. When it comes to choosing countertops for a new home, you have a variety of stylish and functional options. 

Consider a few examples.

Soapstone

If you’re looking for countertops with a natural, rustic appearance, then soapstone may be for you. This material is available in shades of white, grey, and can be as dark as charcoal. As the years go by, soapstone darkens giving you an even richer colour in your kitchen.

Another great benefit is this material doesn’t stain. Putting a hot pot on a soapstone countertop or spilling wine on it won’t cause any damage. Its high level of durability means you don’t have to be overly concerned when the kids decide to cook dinner, or something is spilt on the counters during meal preparation. 

Keeping soapstone countertops clean is a breeze. Use mild soap and water to clean the surface. Also, you can apply mineral oil to its surface to even out the darkening process over time.

Laminate

Laminate is a popular choice for kitchen countertops. This is a very practical option if you want counters that are easy to clean and maintain. There are lots of brands of laminate countertops to choose from.

You may appreciate the large variety of colours and patterns available in laminate countertops. They are easy to install and can really complement a brilliant backsplash.

Ceramic

If you’re looking for countertops with designs that can provide your kitchen with a dose of flair, you may want to take a closer look at ceramic counters. They are available in many colours, textures, and styles. Plus, you can get custom ceramic tiles for your kitchen if you have something specific in mind.

Ceramic countertops are easy to clean. This is an advantage if you have lots of kids and teenagers who like to spend time in the kitchen making new recipes.

Ceramic countertops are also simple to install. So, you don’t have to wait as long for the installation to be completed. You can get into your kitchen and start using your countertops right away.

Quartz

Many will say that quartz is the most durable choice for countertops. This material is not natural stone, it's engineered to be nonporous. Manufactured this way, your quartz countertops become stain and scratch resistant, which is why they're so popular for durability. But there's another advantage to quartz countertops – the variety of eye-catching looks available.

As a man-made product, slabs of quartz countertops come in a wide variety of different colours from neutral browns and blacks to bright reds and greens. Some designs will even incorporate other materials to include metallic flecks, swirls and other patterns similar to granite, or sparkles and veining to mimic the look of marble. 

Essentially, if you're hoping to gain the look of a particular natural stone you like, quartz is a gorgeous and low-maintenance alternative. 

Granite

Like quartz, the major appeal of granite is its beautiful appearance. Granite countertops can be light, dark, and many options in between. The patterns in granite add even more appeal to a kitchen.

Granite is a very hard material so it’s resistant to scratches and chips. In addition, it’s heat-resistant so there’s less concern about putting hot pots or pans on its surface. Granite can be professionally sealed to protect it from stains made by wine, citrus, and other acidic substances. 

Choosing the right material for your countertops can help you create a kitchen you love to spend time in. Today, you can choose countertops that are both practical and decorative.

There are plenty of choices to make in your new home design – and it's easy to make your dreams come true with our DesignQ. See how you can complement your countertops by making flooring choices to suit your lifestyle next.