'What's the best countertop for my new kitchen?" That's a question I get asked a lot. But the truth is there is no "perfect" counter surface for a kitchen — there are pros and cons to every option.
The kitchen countertop is the showpiece of the room, so it has to look good. But it also has to be practical, durable and hygienic.
The counter surface I'm asked about most is granite. I love granite. It looks good and it won't blister or scratch like some man-made surfaces, and it comes in a variety of finishes: polished, honed, tumbled, flamed. But granite has some drawbacks.
For instance, it can be one of the most expensive options. There is reasonably priced granite, but there are different levels of quality. And you need to know what thickness you're getting when you order your countertop. The thinner the granite is, the weaker it is. Since I only recommend using better materials, I would stay away from any granite on the low end of the scale.
And, because a granite counter is cut from natural stone, the surface may need to have a seam in it—which can affect your design.
Granite may look like solid stone, but it's a porous material — your countertop will have been sealed when it was manufactured, but you'll need to reseal it periodically to preserve your countertop's beauty.
Generally a water-based penetrating (or impregnating) sealer is used for all stone counters, such as granite, slate and marble. Silicone in the solution works its way into the pores of the material and coats them. Think of it like a fabric protector: The material gets dirty, but its fibres are covered by the product, so they will clean better.
Penetrating sealer does not completely seal any natural stone — there's still some porosity or breathability. (You don't want to seal the stone completely, anyway, because if moisture gets trapped, it can lead to spalling — or flaking — of the stone.) This means your countertop will be stain-resistant, not stain-proof. If you spill coffee or red wine and don't clean it up right away, it can penetrate and leave a stain.
Once sealed, you will have to maintain it properly. Don't use acidic cleaner (like window cleaner) because this will break down the silicone and reduce the life of a sealer. Countertop manufacturers usually recommend special cleaners with a proper balance of acidity and alkalinity, and that actually contain some sealer to help restore the patina and the seal.
Sometimes, a topical sealer is used on stone surfaces. This is like an impermeable coat on the surface that doesn't penetrate into pores. It doesn't wear well, however — think of it as a layer of plastic that can melt or be damaged —and therefore is a lot more work to maintain. For example, it can be damaged by a hot pot, which can make the stone porous again, open to stains and bacteria.
There are lots of alternatives to natural stone for countertops. But be sure to do your homework first — some of these are as costly as granite.
Solid-surface counters are made by mixing mineral compounds with polyester and/or acrylic resins. They can be made in any colour — some include natural quartz aggregates and pigments that make the surface look like natural stone. These countertops are durable, easy to clean and come in a variety of colours and finishes. I really like this product — it can look just like granite if you want, and its durable.
Solid-surface counters can be moulded in a single seamless piece, but if your counter does have seams, they're barely noticeable because the pieces are bonded with epoxies and heat. Because these counters are solid, any chips and dents can be repaired and scratches sanded out.
These counters will stain — but because the surface is nonporous, nothing soaks too far into it, and the spots can be scrubbed out.
Stainless steel is probably the most hygienic surface for any kitchen and it's really easy to care for — that's why restaurants use it. It is nonporous — which limits the growth of bacteria — but it will dent and shows scratches. One reason a lot of people don't like stainless steel for countertops is because it shows fingerprints, so you're always polishing. And, it's expensive — about the same price as good granite.
The most common kitchen countertop surface is laminate — a synthetic material made up of a melamine plastic coating glued — or "laminated"— onto a substrate made of plywood, fiberboard or particleboard.
Laminate is inexpensive, so it's a good choice if you're on a tight budget. You could actually change your counters every few years and get a new look and style before you came even close to the cost of some of the high-end counter materials.
But laminates are easily burned and scratched, and they are susceptible to water damage. If water seeps into the layers, it will cause them to "delaminate" and break apart.
This is also a way for bacteria to get in, so be sure the seams in your laminate counters are properly sealed and kept free of debris. Your contractor or installer should also seal properly around the sink and faucets to help avoid water damage.
The best choice for your kitchen counter is the one that fits your design, how you work in your kitchen, and your budget.
Mike Holmes is the host of Holmes on Homes on HGTV. E-mail Mike at mikeholmes@holmeson-ƒo
homes.com or go to www.holmesonhomes.com
