GUIDE TO CHOOSING RIGHT KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS

GUIDE TO CHOOSE
RIGHT KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS

 

A good-quality countertop can really lift the look of a kitchen even if you have chosen plain cabinets on a budget so it’s worth spending as much as you can afford on it. Keep in mind that you get what you pay for in terms of quality, and always follow the manufacturer’s care instructions carefully so it wears well.

 

CHOOSE THE MATERIAL

The range of countertop materials to choose from is vast, and there can be a huge variation in the quality of each type. Check the durability of the material you prefer and whether it is suitable for use around the cooktop and sink before you buy.

 

GRANITE

Expensive and extremely hard-wearing,  granite is available in a polished high-gloss finish or a honed matte finish. It won’t need to be resealed for 10 years or so.

 

COMPOSITE STONE

Made of resin, minerals, and acrylic,  medium-priced, hard-wearing composite stone comes in various colours. Choose a smooth or slightly grainy textured surface.

 

LAVA STONE

Lava stone is a natural volcanic stone that can be glazed in any colour or finish. It is very expensive, but it is claimed that nothing can damage its surface.

 

WOOD

Medium to high in price, hardwood gives a warm look. Choices vary from pale beech to dark wenge. Reseal the wood annually,  or sooner if it starts to lose its sheen.

 

GLASS

Mid- to high-priced toughened glass is scratch, heat, and acid resistant, and may crack only if heavy objects are dropped onto it. Choose tinted or coloured glass.

 

STAINLESS STEEL

Popular in professional kitchens, medium-priced stainless steel is durable, hygienic,  and can be made in almost any shape and size. Any scratches will add to its appeal.

 

CONCRETE

High-priced concrete countertops are set on site or cast using a template made to your specification. Different finishes are available. Treat with sealant before use.

 

CORIAN

This high-priced surface has a semi-matte,  nonporous finish that is extremely hard-wearing. It is easy to care for and any scratches can be removed professionally.

 

LAMINATE

Laminate countertops come in many guises including wood, stone, and granite effect. They are not as hard-wearing as the real thing but are a much cheaper option.

 

How to take care of the countertop?

 

CARING FOR A COUNTERTOP

Follow these tips to keep your countertops in good condition.

Clean wood countertops with a  soft cloth and warm soapy water.  Wipe up spills immediately.

 

For granite countertops, use a nonabrasive neutral detergent and dry it with a chamois cloth to maintain the shine. Use steel wool to clean drain board grooves, a water-based stain remover to remove wine and tea stains, and an alkaline degreaser to remove grease and oil.

 

Clean Corian using a kitchen spray and a cloth. Remove hard water marks with a limescale remover and grease and red wine with detergent. You may need to use bleach to remove tea and coffee stains.

 

Use a soft cloth and warm soapy water to clean laminate surfaces.  Remove stubborn marks with a  cream cleaner or a mild bleach solution. Use a bleach solution on stronger stains like red wine.

 

To treat glass, concrete, or stainless steel, wipe with a soft cloth and soapy water to remove marks. Polish with a microfiber cloth to give shine. Use baby oil on stainless steel to keep it looking new.

 

For composite and stone, use a soft, damp cloth and a  mild detergent.