After the living room, the kitchen is the most important area of your home! If its tone is set nicely, you will feel good every day and make an instant good impression on your guests.
But we understand that kitchen designing is not a simple job. It needs a lot of thought, effort, and investment. So, first things first—thought!
There are a lot of factors to consider when it comes to choosing materials for your kitchen countertops. Durability, cost, and maintenance are all vital factors that will help you narrow down your choices.
So, to make things easier, how about a compact guide of the top 10 materials to discuss with your Commercial Tiler in Melbourne?
Here you go, then!
1. Granite
Most Kitchen Tilers in Melbourne recommend granite for your kitchen countertop. It is a great choice mainly because of the wide range of colours and patterns to fit every person’s style.
The pros of granite are:
● Durable and strong
● Heat-resistant
● Increases a home's real estate worth
● Scratch-resistant
● Easy upkeep
However, one significant downside of granite is it needs regular sealing to prevent staining.
2. Quartz
Quartz is another popular option for kitchen countertops. This man-made material from crushed stone and resin is extremely durable and non-porous.
Other significant advantages of this material are:
● Simple to maintain.
● No need for sealing.
● Resistant to acid and heat.
● Easy to make a DIY installation.
The disadvantage of quartz is that it's one of the most expensive options on this list.
3. Marble
Ask any kitchen tiler in Melbourne, and they will tell you the elegance of a marble kitchen countertop.
Due to its exorbitant price, marble is seldom seen covering the entire breadth of most kitchen countertops. So, often, it is restricted to an island or portion of the countertop, such as a baking area.
Nevertheless, marble is a classic material that has been used for centuries in everything from sculptures to countertops.
The upside of this premium material is:
● Heat-resistance
● Boosts your home’s real estate value
● Scratch-resistance
However, on the downside, you can see:
● Low durability
● Sensitive to staining; thus, it needs regular sealing and cleaning.
4. Soapstone
If you are looking for an ancient vibe for your kitchen countertop, ask your commercial tiler in Melbourne for soapstone.
Soapstone is a natural stone that has been used for centuries in everything from sinks to countertops. The striking feature of this material is its aged, historic appearance.
The pros are:
● Heat-resistance
● Stain-resistance
● Scratch-resistance
● You can easily sand away the damage.
As much as it has been widely opted for, soapstone has several downsides:
● Prone to scratching or chipping if not maintained properly.
● Over time, it can become darker.
● Not possible to install it yourself.
● Require mineral oil to treat it.
5. Butcher Block
Butcher block countertops are assembled from strips of wood glued together. The main advantages are its durability and effortless maintenance.
More of its advantages are:
● Easy to sand and reseal as and when necessary.
● It flaunts a charming look.
● It lasts long if cared for properly.
And its cons include:
● Not as heat-resistant or scratch-resistant as some of the other materials on this list.
● Pricey countertop material
● Knives may cut and damage the surface.
● Over time, stains and water damage might start showing.
● Bacteria is a concern.
● If not maintained, wood is prone to cracking; thus, it needs to be regularly oiled and sealed.
6. Stainless Steel
If you want a contemporary and industrial look for your kitchen, stainless steel is your best bet. Stainless steel is:
● Heat-resistant
● Stain-resistant
● Scratch-resistant.
The biggest downsides of stainless steel are:
● Noisy (if not correctly insulated)
● Not a cutting surface.
● Costly to fabricate.
● It can also easily scratch.
7. Concrete
Concrete countertops are becoming increasingly popular thanks to their unique look and durability. Perhaps it is the material most commercial tilers in Melbourne work on frequently.
The standard benefit of concrete is its resistance to heat, stains, and scratches.
But one important demerit of concrete is that it can be difficult to repair if damaged. Others include:
● No chance of a DIY
● Cracking could develop over time.
● Custom work drives up costs.
● Unless regularly sealed, surfaces are porous.
● Potential house buyers may find it to be too industrial.
8. Laminate
Laminates have recently experienced a rise in popularity despite long being thought of as more affordable than high-end countertop materials. It is partly due to the dozens of colours, patterns, and designs now readily available. Laminates are very common in retro designs, especially in midcentury modern kitchens.
The pros of Laminate countertops are:
● Budget-friendly option
● DIY installation is comparatively easier than any.
● Simple upkeep
The downsides of laminate are:
● Not durable or heat-resistant
● Seams are usually noticeable.
● Potential house buyers may regard it as too ordinary.
● Custom edging and backsplash treatments might increase costs.
● Damage is almost irreparable.
Conclusion
There is no right answer when choosing materials for your kitchen countertops. Every homeowner will have different needs and preferences. So, you must do thorough research before going to a kitchen tiler in Melbourne.
We hope this will give you some ideas of what materials may be suitable for you and your kitchen remodel project!
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