Selecting from a Number of Countertop Options

Bathrooms and kitchens are impacted a huge amount by your choice of countertop. It is one of the most important decisions you need to make when renovating. Ideally, see it as a long-term investment, as if you make the right choice it should last for many years. It also needs to suit your lifestyle and how you want the room to look. When looking at granite countertops Middletown, marble, wood, engineered stone Wall, glass and so on you need to consider how many meals will you be preparing, do you bake, do you have guests over, are there children and more. All materials have different durability, hardness and resistances. Here is a look at four options, butcher block, granite, stainless steel, and engineered stone.

Butcher Block

This is a great option if you are watching how much you have to spend. It is created from bonded pieces of wood of all kinds including teak, cherry, walnut, oak and maple. They come with different finishes so it can suit whatever style you have. You can also directly cut onto the block as it is basically a big chopping board. You can choose to seal the countertop or leave it unsealed. Unsealed you can chop on it, sealed you should not. The porous nature means spills need to be dealt with right away. If you leave it unsealed it needs to be oiled every six months.

Granite

Granite has become a popular choice because of its durability, attractive nature and high standards. Granite countertops Middletown come in all different color choices with different veining and flecking. You can also choose different edging options to change its appearance. They do not need a lot of care though it does not regular re-sealing. It is easy to clean but it is best to avoid harsh chemicals. It is heat-resistant but it is best to chop food on a cutting board not directly on the countertop. It is more expensive than other options.

Stainless Steel

Common in commercial kitchens such as found in hotels or restaurants but in the past was less so in homes. Now more homeowners are considering it. It is great if you love that industrial look. It is important to clean up spills quickly and to keep it clean as then it remains easy to maintain. The longer something is left there to clean up, the harder it is to deal with. It also shows up water spots and fingerprints. While it is durable it can scratch or dent.

Engineered stone or Quartz

These are very durable, non-porous and do not need to be re-sealed so make a great choice when you are looking for very low maintenance. Engineered stone Wall can look like natural stones and comes in a range of patterns and colors. More and more people are seeing it as the smarter investment for their homes. Especially people who cook a lot or who have children in the family.