Kitchens are the heart and soul of your home and deserve a lot of attention. That’s why they often become the centre of attention during home renovation projects. You spend a lot of time thinking about appliance upgrades, cabinet placements, and flooring. However, what about the countertop? What’s the best material for that?
From placing kitchen appliances to meal preps and even dining on them, countertops do a lot of heavy lifting in your kitchen. That’s why you need to account for heat resistance, your budget, aesthetic appeal, and many other factors when selecting countertop material. It’s a key element that contributes to the success of your kitchen renovation in Kelowna.
Best countertop materials for renovating your kitchen:
1. Granite
Granite countertops are a timeless option that’s suitable for most kitchens. They aren’t just durable, but tough enough to resist incurring signs of damage on impact. For instance, a sharp knife won’t leave a scratch on your granite countertop if it accidentally slips out of your cutting board. Moreover, granite is essentially magma that cooled down to solid rock. That’s why they boast excellent heat resistance and are perfect for placing hot dishes.
Renovation companies in Kelowna recommend this material since their high durability and longevity make them last for several decades. However, it’s important to remember that granite is a porous stone and must be resealed every few years if you want to avoid permanent stains from accidental spills.
2. Marble
If longevity is a high priority, marble is the perfect choice. With a lifespan of a century, it can resist stains, scratches, heat, and almost everything else you throw at it. It’s a classic option that is known to appreciate your home’s value and make your space way more elegant. However, with elegance and luxury comes a high price tag.
They can cost you hundreds of dollars for every square foot and are fit for extravagant home renovations in Kelowna, BC. However, the cost is justified, given the longevity, and unique aesthetics of this material. Almost every marble slab has unique veins and patterns created by mineral deposits and the one in your kitchen is going to be one-of-a-kind.
3. Soapstone
While granite and marble are both great options, they are porous and require a bit of extra precaution and cleaning hassles. They aren’t just expensive but must be resealed every few years as well. If you’re on the lookout for more budget-friendly natural stone options, soapstone is the ideal choice.
Opting for this material makes your Kelowna home renovation way more affordable while reducing maintenance hassles. Its dark, smooth, and non-porous surface is ideal to resist stains, heat, and moisture. However, you need to be a bit more careful handling heavy utensils and sharp knives around them since they’re softer and more prone to chips and scratches.
4. Engineered stone
More popularly known as quartz, this material is the perfect balance for those who want the expensive look of granite and marble without its cons or the high cost. Home builders in Kelowna, BC recommend it to their clients for a number of reasons. They include:
- It comes in all kinds of patterns and colours
- It can resist mould, mildew, and stains
- Since it’s almost non-porous, there’s no need to reseal if so often
- Higher heat tolerance than most options in its price range
- The patterns on quartz are great at hiding any scratches
However, if you plan to allow in a lot of direct sunlight in your kitchen, this one’s not a good option. Ultraviolet rays lead to the degradation of pigments on your quartz countertop.
5. Laminates
If you’re looking to renovate your kitchen or home with a very limited budget, laminate is the perfect material. It’s ridiculously cheap and DIY-friendly. You don’t need a lot of experience to install it. However, it’s important to keep in mind that it’s not a long-lasting material and is prone to peeling and heat damage.
At the end of the day, your decision for the perfect kitchen countertop material boils down to your priorities and the expenses you’re willing to bear. Top dollar gets you natural stones like marbles with all their grandeur and unique looks. On the other hand, the variety offered by laminates allows you to accomplish great changes with a tight budget. The goal is to strike a balance between functionality and visual appeal.
