Once you’ve chosen your cabinet doors, the next step is to find the type of kitchen counter that will best harmonize with them. Besides being esthetically pleasing, your countertop also needs to be functional, and when making your choice, it’s imperative to consider such aspects as maintenance, solidity, porosity and resistance. Granite, quartz, Corian, wood, stainless steel… the selection is vast. So don’t hesitate to learn more about the unique characteristics of each one of these materials during your visit to one of our locations.
Offering excellent value for your money, laminate is here to stay. Available in a plethora of colors, it can be made to imitate the look of concrete, wood or even granite. What’s more, this material has a good resistance to stains and is easy to maintain. However, keep in mind that a laminate countertop is difficult to repair in the event of major damage. It’s also sensitive to heat and prone to scratching. If you’re in the habit of setting your hot pots and pans directly on the counter, this material isn’t for you.
Granite is a luxurious natural stone, available in a wide range of colors, although you should expect some color variation from one sheet to the next. It’s also a very durable material, with high resistance to heat and scratches. However, since it’s porous, it requires regular application of a sealant in order to prevent undesirable stains. A granite countertop absolutely must be installed by an experienced technician, and the price of the material may vary, depending on its origin, its rareness, the choice of borders, etc.
Made up of natural minerals mixed with resin, quartz has become increasingly popular. Also available in a variety of colors, it offers several major advantages, including a non-porous surface that prevents the accumulation of bacteria and virtually no need for any particular maintenance. However, since quartz has limited resistance to heat, be careful with any hot items that have just come off the stove or out of the oven! When it comes to price, a quartz countertop may prove to be more expensive than a granite countertop, especially as a result of the brands or colors that are chosen.
Wood adds incomparable character, regardless of whether your kitchen is classic or modern. However, for use in countertops, it’s important to choose hard woods, like maple. Varnished, stained or oiled, wood countertops are available in a multitude of colors, wood types and grains. While it’s relatively easy to maintain, wood is prone to scratching and other damage, although it can be repaired and restored to its original appearance by sanding.
As hard as stone, Corian is a mixture of natural minerals and plastic resin, like polyester. Resistant to stains and impacts, but prone to scratching, it can be repaired in the event of an accident. Available in a variety of colors, Corian is nevertheless an expensive premium product.
For a decidedly modern look, stainless steel is always a favorite choice. Ecological, since it’s recyclable, it’s also durable, hygienic and heat-resistant, although it’s sensitive to impacts and marks (beware of fingerprints!) in addition to being expensive. To preserve the appearance of a stainless steel countertop, it must be polished, and when cleaning it, you should never rub against the grain.
Increasingly popular, concrete is very durable and heat-resistant, although it’s also very heavy and susceptible to cracking. Furthermore, since it’s porous, a concrete countertop must be treated yearly with a sealant. But also bear in mind that it can be tinted the color of your choice through the use of pigments.
More economical than granite and other natural stones, tile countertops are available in a vast selection of colors and styles, in addition to being resistant to heat, scratches and moisture. In order to prevent the grout from becoming stained, it’s necessary to use a sealant. You must also be careful not to drop any heavy objects on your tile countertop, as it can chip or crack.
Synonymous with prestige, marble is a natural stone, available in several grades and colors, although you should expect some color variation from one sheet to the next. Since it’s porous, it requires regular application of a sealant in order to prevent stains. With its extraordinary finish, a marble countertop represents the choice par excellence for those seeking refinement and elegance.
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