As the Summer comes to a close and we enter the back-to-school and Fall season, it’s the perfect opportunity to do a quarterly reset of our homes. With bigger family gatherings winding down, now is a great time to tackle any kitchen renovations! Especially, if you wish to have everything done before the busy holiday season begins in December. If you’ve been meaning to revamp your kitchen, the following are the perfect countertops for the Autumn season.
Quartz
Quartz is an engineered countertop option made from synthetic materials and natural silicon dioxide. Loose quartz is fused with resins and pigment, creating one of the most popular kitchen countertops to date. Due to being combined at a high pressure and temperature, quartz is hard to differentiate from natural stone.
There are many advantages of choosing quartz for the countertops in your home- which we discuss in more depth here. One of the biggest advantages is that while you get the appearance of natural stone, it is also resistant to staining, bacteria, mildew, and mold. This becomes even more advantageous if the household includes children. Even if kitchens are extra prone to spills and stains, you can have peace of mind that your family and your countertops will remain safe.
Granite
Coming in at a very close second place is granite. If one of your main concerns is having countertops that are unlike anyone else’s, then granite is one of your best bets. No two pieces of granite are identical and it comes in a wide variety of styles and colors. You can be certain that it will be unique to your home at a fraction of the cost.
It is recommended to seal your granite countertops annually to prevent staining. Since it is the more affordable option when compared to quartz, taking such precautions isn’t troublesome. If you have a large kitchen with a lot of space, using granite is a wonderful way to draw attention to your beautiful countertops.
Marble
If you hear “marble” and immediately think of luxury, then you’re on the right track of how marble countertops will enhance your home. Known for its unique veining, it adds a certain amount of elegance to any room.
When used in kitchens, marble will ensure that all countertops will be resistant to heat. However, it must be noted that it requires proper care so that its surface isn’t etched by any spills. Annual sealing will help to prevent permanent damage, but coffee, vinegar, wine, fruit juices and other liquids must be cleaned as soon as possible.
If stains aren’t your main concern, but scratches are another story, marble does tend to scratch easily. However, comfort can be found in the fact that minor scratches or other imperfections can be buffed out relatively well.
Quartzite
If you’re intent on using a natural countertop, quartzite is an exemplary option. It is a natural metamorphic rock that is created after sandstone meets with extreme heat and pressure. After being quarried, it is formed into slabs and then cut to size in order to fit as a countertop. The stone is then polished, sealed and ready to be placed in its forever home.
Undoubtedly, what you’ll hear the most about quartzite, is how durable it is. It is one of the hardest materials available and is resistant to heat as well. As you can see in the photo above, it can have patterns of streaks and lines. There is also the possibility of it containing discolorations and sparkles due to the minerals. Regardless of which unique qualities your quartzite countertops possess, you will never need to worry about them fading.
Soapstone
When you hear “soapstone” you may think of a slippery-when-wet material. You’re not that far off! It is due to this quality that soapstone countertops are a great option for any home; it provides a non-porous surface that won’t absorb liquids.
It is also one of the better options if you’re looking for something durable. While it is important to avoid scratches, soapstone is one of the more long-lasting countertops. Add being heat-resistance to its list of qualities, and it quickly becomes an enticing option for any home.
According to The Canadian Encyclopedia, the history of our use of soapstone dates back to antiquity: “[…] early Egyptians carved it into scarabs and seals; in China and India it was used for ornaments, implements and domestic utensils. It was similarly used at various times over the past 7,500 years by First Nations, Inuit and Norse in Canada.” It’s no wonder why it remains a popular choice to this day.
Whether for a country-esque or a modern style kitchen, soapstone comes in colors varying from pure white with slight marbling to nearly a solid color of charcoal gray. Regardless of the color that is chosen, it is recommended to simply reseal soapstone countertops every 3 to 4 years depending on the frequency of use. This will help to preserve whichever color you have chosen for your space.
Dekton
Last but not least, Dekton is a blend of superb raw materials that are used in making premium glass, quartz, and porcelain surfaces. It is becoming one of the most requested countertops by Granstone customers.
Creating Dekton countertops is done through quite a technical process that alters the metamorphosis of the particles in the materials. This results in zero porosity and no microscopic defects. Simply put, it’s as flawless of a finish as you can get. Add the fact that we offer Dekton in an array of colors, and it is easy to see why it is becoming such a popular option!
Consumer Reports have found that Dekton is great at resisting abrasion, staining, heat, and cuts. It also stands up well to water and UV rays! For this reason, it is definitely becoming a popular choice for outdoor kitchens. With this being said, it was also subjected to heavy objects being dropped and it did chip on the edges, therefore being mindful of its use in outdoor spaces is recommended.
One of the most popular selling points is that it doesn’t need to be sealed. When compared to the other options we’ve discussed in this article, it’s easy to see why this is more hassle-free. Knowing this, we would expect it to be more expensive. In reality, it is less expensive than quartz, quartzite, marble, and granite. While there are a few pros and cons to consider depending on the home and lifestyle, Dekton will most likely be an industry leader in time.
Granstone: Ottawa’s Renovation And Countertop Experts
If one or more of these countertop options have caught your eye, message us, email us ([email protected]), or phone us at 613-733-0391, and we will get back to you promptly. We look forward to answering any questions you may have and helping you to bring your vision to a reality. In the meantime, you can also take a look to see exactly how Granstone works. We’re excited to work with you to ensure your home is ready for this Autumn season!