Kitchen Renovations Part 2: Countertops

Hello friends new and old, today we will talk about countertops a crown jewel of many kitchens. 

First let’s outline your top choices and a few pros and cons of each.

Quartz

This is the most popular having finally surpassed Granite.

Pros

• Resistant to heat, scratching, stains
• Many colors 
• Does not require sealing.

Cons

• Some quartz less resistant to very high heat
• Lacks unique patterns of natural stone.

Granite

Second most popular countertop choice.

Pros

• Each slab is unique.
• Extremely durable, resistant to scratching heat and stains (when properly sealed)

Cons

• Prone to chipping
• Must be resealed periodically.
• Could emit small amounts radon a carcinogen.

Quartzite 

Many think this is same as quartz, but it is actually a naturally occurring stone. 

Pros

• Even harder than Quartz 
• Natural patterns and colors 

Cons 

• Can be very expensive depending on slab.
• Slightly more prone to denting and chipping than quartz.

Great green option Dekton

• These are countertops made out of a mix of ground up porcelain and quartz that is heated to 1,000 degrees Celsius and compressed underneath 25,000 tons.
•  It does not require any resin or sealants, is non-porous, not damaged by UV rays and highly resistant to scratches, heat and stains. 

I will add my favorite non-solid surface counter top.

Butcher Block 

Pros

• Versatility it can be made from multiple types of would including green options such as bamboo.
• Not as economical as laminate but significant saving in comparison to solid surface countertops
• Can last as long as 20 years.
• Easy to refinish. 

Cons

• Can sustain scratches easier depending on wood choice. Also, can stain if not sealed properly.
• Not heat resistant. 
• Can dry out if not oiled occasionally.

So, there are some of the choices you have but there are many more that we at Column and Joist can help you choose between. 

There also options in the style of countertops you can have:

Traditional-just your normal flat counter

Waterfall- The countertop continues over the edge to the floor. 

Integrated sink – Countertop and sink all one material moulded together

The importance of countertops in analogous to having great outfit on with ugly shoes. Even if your Kitchen is has all the right elements but you have mismatched counters it will through the whole design off.

With that being said you as our client and friend at Column and Joist are the one who tell us what countertop you like and makes you happy.

Your personal taste is always last word when it come to creating the kitchen of your dreams. The most important thing to understand is there are great countertops to fit every budget.

Thanks for coming back, friends, until next week be safe and have fun.