The choice of kitchen counter material is one of the important decisions that residents make in a renovation or construction. This is because the counter has multiple functions in the kitchen furniture: support for food preparation, table for quick meals, division of integrated environments , among other uses.
The ideal bench is one that adapts to different uses in a family’s day-to-day life, while remaining conserved. For this reason, the kitchen countertop is produced from a stable and very resistant material, such as stone.
Although other elements – such as stainless steel and wood – can also be used, stone is the favorite raw material for its versatility. There are several options for kitchen countertops available on the market today, from the most natural to the most technological.
To help you choose the perfect countertop style for your taste and needs, we have prepared this guide with the characteristics and application of each material. Continue reading and find out which stone is ideal for your planned home .
WHAT ARE THE STONES USED FOR KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS?
Kitchen stones can be completely natural or made from a combination of natural stones and synthetic additives. While the natural ones have varied designs and veins, the synthetic ones are smooth and homogeneous. However, the differences go far beyond the aesthetic look.
Knowing each type of kitchen countertop stone is essential in order to weigh the pros and cons of each material. Below, we present the main stones used in the planned kitchen.
GRANITE
Due to the low cost, granite is the most common natural stone in kitchen countertops. The appearance of this rock varies greatly in terms of color and pattern: from the most grainy to the smoothest, such as São Gabriel and Preto Absoluto.
Granite is resistant to impacts and high temperatures. However, it is a stone that requires care in maintenance, as it absorbs liquids and can be stained. Therefore, it is worth considering a waterproofing service.
As granite has a striking look, the countertop ends up becoming a point of attention in the kitchen decor. For this reason, it is recommended to associate this stone with neutral colored furniture . In the case of an American kitchen , harmonization with the decorative style of the room must also be taken into account.
MARBLE
More noble than granite, marble is also a natural stone. The difference in the look is that the marble has a more homogeneous pattern – which facilitates the combination with kitchen furniture.
It is a very permeable stone that easily scratches. Therefore, its use is not very indicated in kitchen countertops with a sink, due to direct contact with water. Despite this, it is a material that can bring a lot of sophistication to the surface of other furniture in the kitchen.
SILESTONE
Silestone is a technological stone also known as composite marble because it is composed of quartz with the addition of polyester resin. Its appearance is smooth and there are several color options, white being the most traditional.
In terms of resistance to scratches and stains, silestone is a superior option to granite and marble, as quartz has low porosity. Still, it is necessary to be careful with hot objects, such as pots and pans, because of the resin.
Another advantage of silestone is that the material can be recovered in the event of damage: only the damaged area is removed and replaced by the same material so that the seams are invisible.
NANOGLASS
Nanoglass is an industrialized element made with resin and glass powder. Its appearance is homogeneously white and bright. The polished surface of the nanoglass ensures low porosity and stain resistance, but does not withstand high temperatures.
As there is glass in the composition, the material is very rigid and delicate to handle. In order to avoid cracks and cracks that cannot be recovered, it is necessary to hire a highly specialized installation.
PORCELAIN
Better known as kitchen tiles, porcelain tiles can also be used on countertops. But, unlike other stones, it cannot be installed directly on the furniture. In other words, a specific metallic structure is needed to fix it.
The tops of this type of ceramic are an interesting option for the kitchen countertop with sink, as it is a material with low porosity and easy maintenance. However, it must be taken into account that porcelain tiles are not as resistant to impacts as other stones.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST MATERIAL FOR YOUR COUNTERTOP?
Now that you know the characteristics of each material, check out our tips on what to consider when choosing your kitchen countertop!
DURABILITY
In general, the raw material used in the kitchen countertop lasts a long time. It is clear that conservation over time depends on other factors, especially the frequency of use.
If you like to cook and eat a lot of meals at home, the kitchen must be one of the most frequented environments in your home. So, consider this factor when choosing the countertop stone and choose one of the types recognized for its high durability.
AESTHETICS
The aesthetic finish of the kitchen countertop is the factor that varies more from one material to another. So take the time to see the stones live and search for applications to see how they combine with other elements in the environment.
To make a choice that suits you, find out which decorating styles suit you best and get inspired by references aligned to your interest. If you like rustic furniture and plants, natural stones are an excellent option. If your style is minimalist, bet on smooth countertops of synthetic materials.
SIZE
The area that must be covered with the stone is also a factor that can influence the choice. Large countertops predominate in the kitchen decor, so they must follow a pattern that does not tire over time.
The size still directly impacts the price of the piece. Therefore, an advantage of the small kitchen counter is that there is a smaller area, which allows you to invest in a more sophisticated type of finish.
PRACTICALITY
A question to ask before defining the material is: how much time are residents willing to spend taking care of the workbench maintenance? Some types of stone can spend days with splashing liquids, while others require dedicated cleaning for each use.
If practicality is a very relevant factor in your daily life, choose models with low porosity and that do not scratch easily. So you guarantee an always beautiful kitchen.
Knowing the kitchen countertop options is one of the steps to make the environment more cozy and functional. Another important decision to achieve this goal is in relation to furniture. So be sure to check out what you need to consider when choosing planned kitchen furniture .
