What Countertop material is best for my Kitchen?

Here in the Mission Viejo area, we have completed many Kitchen Remodeling and Bathroom Remodeling projects. The most common new item in most of these Remodeling Projects is a countertop. Here are a few of the most popular countertop types that we see being used in the Orange County area;

Marble; Usually considered to be the most beautiful of countertops. Marble is porous and soft which makes it vulnerable to heat, stains, and abrasions. No hot pots or pans from the stove or from the oven can be placed directly on a marble countertop. With marble, you must also use a cutting board and place coasters under wine glasses and coffee cups. Marble is high maintenance and is perhaps better suited for use in a bath instead of a kitchen.

Quartz; A man-made combination of minerals, color, pigment, and resin. Quartz is strong, waterproof and does not need to be sealed. Quartz is available in vibrant colors and patterns that can look like marble or granite. Quartz can mimic the look of natural stone while requiring less maintenance. Quartz is the choice of many for their busy high traffic family kitchen.

Granite; A natural material where each slab is unique. Naturally, occurring earth tones are the most plentiful and affordable. Rare colors and veining are more expensive. Granite requires some maintenance. Granite needs to be properly sealed and periodically resealed to be able to resist most stains. We find customers considering granite as a more affordable possible alternative to marble or quartz.

Laminate; Man-made and more affordable than quartz or granite. Thanks to new printing technology and decorative edges modern laminates can be much better looking than you may remember. Laminates can be vulnerable to heat and you should never cut or chop directly on a laminate countertop as it can easily be permanently damaged. Always use a cutting board with a laminate countertop.

Butcher Block; Natural wood adds warmth and quiet. The finish for a butcher block countertop is an important consideration. A varnish finish can improve stain resistance but can get scratched or melt under heat. An oiled finish can diminish stain resistance but an oiled butcher block countertop is the only countertop that you can slice and chop on directly. An oiled butcher block countertop needs to be oiled regularly to prevent warping or cracking.

Are you in the South Orange County area and need a FREE, NO OBLIGATION, WRITTEN ESTIMATE for a kitchen or bath remodeling project please contact us.