The most important kitchen decision is likely the type of material to use for your kitchen counter-top. Not only it has to look great with your kitchen cabinets, you’ll also want a kitchen surface that suits your usage patterns and cooking styles. As importantly is the ease of cleaning and maintenance which again is a factor that’s directly influenced by the amount of use and beating your counter is going to see.
Let’s breakdown the characteristics of the four most popular counter-top materials to help you choose one that works best for your new shiny kitchen!
Solid surface
Why choose this :
- Hygenic – Being totally waterproof means that solid surfaces will never retain liquids and spills and turn soggy over time
- Easy to clean – Easily wipe clean solid surface tops because there are no pores to trap and accumulate dirt and grease
- Pleasing to the eyes – Unlike their stone or wood counterparts, a solid surface is man-made and usually come in 1 full-length piece without unsightly joint lines. It can also be moulded to create a perfect integration with your basin
- Wide range of colours – If you are considering a coloured countertop, then a solid surface like Corian might be the way to go
Best for :
- Food prep for children especially babies
- Busy people with little time / energy for extensive cleaning
Reconsider if :
- You have a habit of placing hot pots and pans directly on the counter as some solid surface tops might not stand up to the intense heat
- You prefer a natural look like wood or stone
Wood
Why choose this :
- Natural goodness – A wooden counter-top creates a warm and environmentally friendly vibe around the kitchen
- Beautiful grains – If rustic and country styles strike a chord with you, then a wooden counter is your best friend
Best for :
- Green lovers looking to incorporate a nature theme in their homes and kitchens
- People who have the time and desire to put in the effort to maintain a pristine kitchen
Reconsider if :
- You cannot stand imperfections like scratches and stain marks which are all too common to happen with wood counters
- You are a hygiene freak and gross out at the sight of dirt and possibly mold which will inevitably get trapped between the wood’s grains
- You are a busy or low-maintenance kitchen user as a wooden counter-top requires regular oiling and sanding to retain its original beauty
Stone
Why choose this :
- Lasting – A granite, marble or a man-made stone like quartz can last you a lifetime
- Natural beauty – Like wood, a stone counter-top satisfies nature lovers with its timeless beauty and charm
- High-performance – If you’re looking for a tough and heat-resistance surface that can take all kinds of beating from you, stone or quartz is your best bet
- Hygiene – A surface made of quartz is anti-bacterial as there are no grains and crevices like those present in wood alternatives
Best for :
- Moderate to heavy kitchen users looking for a reliable kitchen surface
- People who are less than careful when it comes to handling scorching pans and sharp knives at the counter
- Homeowners with a comfortable budget for the kitchen as stone is the most expensive option among the alternatives
Reconsider if :
- Your renovation budget is tight or you do not wish to spend too much on the kitchen
- You do not wish to incur additional future expenses or long-term maintenance as porous stone tops like granite and marble may need to be resealed every couple of years
Laminate
Why choose this :
- Unbeatable value – You simply can’t beat the value a laminate top provides for the money
- Unbeatable range – With laminate, you can mimic all kinds of textures like granite or oak, all at a fraction of the costs
Best for :
- Homeowners on a small renovation budget or do not wish to splurge on the kitchen
- People who uses their kitchen mostly for instant noodles and sunny-side ups
- Landlords and their rental properties
Reconsider if :
- You are a moderate to heavy kitchen user
- You are not the most careful of kitchen users as a laminate top can get damaged relatively easier by knives and hot pots and pans
- You are not planning to move or remodel your home or kitchen for a long-time to come
- You prefer a natural look like wood or stone
