You need to look beyond the aesthetic charm while choosing the right material for countertops in busy kitchens. In a functional kitchen, the countertops serve as the place where you carry out all the cooking. Of course, looks matter when you install your countertop. At the same time, Dodson Management says you need to prioritize durability and maintenance costs. With regular usage, your countertop may sustain mechanical damage. This justifies why you need to choose the most durable material to effectively resist stains, cuts, heat, abrasions, and other impacts.
Most kitchen owners consult established professionals before deciding on the countertop material. Click here to reach out to the experts for valuable advice. In this article, you will get to know the pros and cons of the best materials for building countertops for busy kitchens.
Checklist For Choosing The Right Countertop Material
You would need to keep the following things in mind before choosing the right material:
- Selecting the right design and color to define your style statement
- Shape and size of the countertop, including edge style and thickness
- Integrating the right color combination with backsplash
- Blending the hardware with the kitchen island
- Ease of maintenance and durability
Considering all these aspects, we have come up with the best materials for your kitchen countertops.
Which Material To Choose For Heavy Duty Kitchen Countertops?
Quartz
Quartz countertops are the best for busy kitchens as they can perfectly blend visual appeal with durability. These countertops are made from crystals of quartz, crushed, and bound together using a polymer resin or adhesive. Besides, these counters are available in a wide range of colors, making it easy to customize them. The material is non-porous, which eases up the maintenance efforts. Most importantly, quartz countertops do not require any sealing.
These are engineered materials, resistant to scratches and stains. The reputed manufacturers also mimic colors present in marble and granite countertops in these installations. Since the cornered edges may easily chip, you might go for rounded edges. Due to its strength and durability, quartz continues to be a prime choice for restaurants, bars, and commercial installations.
Pros
- Low maintenance
- High strength
- Mimics the looks of other materials
Cons
- Edges might chip
Granite
Granite is among the hardest natural stones available. However, this material is a little expensive and may cost you the same as high-grade quartz. Considering its high durability, it forms an excellent choice for commercial and family kitchens.
If you are looking for the essence of elegance and luxury, granite countertops would be ideal for your kitchen. Besides, granite is highly resistant to heat and scratch. Considering the regular use and exposure to appliances, utensils, knives, and water damage, integrating a granite countertop would be a sensible decision. You can go for engineered granite to enhance the range of color and design. Compared to natural granite, they are easier to maintain and do not require sealing.
Pros
- Resistant to heat, scratch, and cuts
- No sealing required
- Appealing looks
Cons
- Edges susceptible to chipping
Solid Surfacing
Solid surfacing for countertops is popular for its seamless appearance. Whether you are looking for suitable commercial or domestic installation material, solid surfacing would be a viable option. Considering its extensive range of available color and design options, you can personalize your installation to sync the look with backsplashes, sinks, and floors.
Solid surface countertops are nonporous. Besides, they offer strong resistance to mildew and mold. Cleaning and maintaining these countertops would be easy. Most importantly, the manufacturers can mold solid surface counters into any desired shape.
Pros
- Invisible joints
- It comes in lots of colors
- Durable material
Cons
- Prone to scratches
Recycled Glass
Recycled glass brings you an exciting and unique solution for busy kitchen countertops. It offers a sparkling, strong, and durable material for your counter. Most of these materials are made from 80% glass, and the remaining 20% comprises a binding material like resin or cement.
The glass comes from recycled beer or wine bottles or other discarded materials. This is, therefore, an eco-friendly solution that won’t hurt your pockets. Moreover, recycled glass countertops are resistant to scratches, stains, and heat. Eventually, this proves to be one of the finest materials for heavy-duty countertops. You can seamlessly integrate one of these countertops in your family or commercial kitchen.
Pros
- A beautiful and contemporary look
- Resistant to scratches, heat, and stains
- Durable material
Cons
- May crack under heat
Concrete
Considering the contemporary designs and color options available, concrete countertops are a versatile choice. Strong and durable, you have more to explore than the traditional grey slabs made from concrete. In terms of durability, concrete proves to be one of the best materials for countertops in busy kitchens.
The leading manufacturers often replicate the looks of wood, metal, and natural stones in concrete countertops. They seamlessly blend mortar, pigments, and sand to produce these counters. Besides, you can customize them as per your requirements from a wide range of colors. However, concrete might stain, and the material is porous. This requires you to seal the countertop once you install it. Large countertops may develop seams as well. In these cases, you would need a filler to minimize the same.
Pros
- Strong and durable material
- Can replicate other materials
- Available in different colors
Cons
- It requires sealing
Other Countertop Material Options You May Explore
You have come across the top five materials that make durable and heavy-duty countertops. Apart from this, you also have some more options to consider, prioritizing personal preferences.
- If you want a retro look in your kitchen, you may go for tiled countertops
- Marble countertops, although difficult to maintain, look sophisticated
- Laminate countertops bring you more versatility in terms of design and color palettes
Endnote
Choosing the right countertop for busy kitchens may take time. However, you need to be logical with your decision, as you would be channelizing a significant investment for the installation. It would be wise to go for professional consultation regarding the best material for your countertop. You can eventually save long-term maintenance and repair costs with the right decision.
