How to chose kitchen materials for countertops
Step 1:
How do you decide which counter tops are best for your new kitchen? The first choice is in choosing the material. You can choose from a variety of finishes. Common ones include polished for a high-gloss surface. Honed is smooth with more of a matte look. Flamed is finished with a blowtorch and creates a textured surface. The tumbled look has rounded edges appropriate for old world or farmhouse kitchens. Then there is matte, which is not as smooth as honed. When looking at materials there are many things to consider, the Pro, the Con, price, cleaning and where the material works best.
Step 2:
Wood: Commonly referred to as butcher block. The best wood for counter tops is Black Walnut. It is great as an accent surface, and also heat and stain-resistant. Don't kid yourself if is very pricey, but beautiful and will last forever. If you want to use wood, but keep the cost down only use it on an island surface or on either side of the range. Keep it away from the sink, as it is prone to water damage. Wood will not dull knife blades, but does show knife marks. Knife marks can be removed by sanding and re-oiling. Wood can be used as a convenient, built-in chopping/food prep area. On the other hand, wood requires sealants and should be periodically re-oiled. To Clean: Periodically apply a non-toxic mineral oil appropriate for kitchen use with a rag. Never use harsh detergents to clean wood. Cost About $10-$40 per square foot.
Step 3:
Soapstone: Soapstone is durable and good-looking. It won't burn or stain and requires little upkeep. It does however get darker over time. If you prefer the darker colors mineral oil treatments will bring out a richer color. Many people trying to get away from a 'cookie cutter' styled kitchen use soapstone. To Clean: Stone is a natural product, clean with a few drops of a neutral cleaner, stone soap or mild liquid dishwashing detergent. Always avoid products containing abrasives, lemon, vinegar or other acids, as well as scouring pads. Cost About $70-$100 per square foot. Though top-of-the-line slabs can run upwards of $300 per square foot.
Step 4:
Marble: Marble is truly my favorite as it ages beautifully. Marble will stain! Some people think this staining is part of the aging and quite elegant. Use marble for a classic and timeless look that will never be trendy. Because it??s smooth and cool to the touch, marble is the traditional favorite for rolling dough and making pastries. However, it lacks the durability of granite and requires sealants to be applied more frequently to prevent stains. Cost About $70-$100 per square foot. Though top-of-the-line slabs can run upwards of $300 per square foot.
Step 5:
Honed Granite: Honed granite has become quite popular, as it is an updated version of the polished granite. Granite can be too modern for a classically styled kitchen. It works best in a contemporary setting. Granite is a very durable surface, and is chip and scratch resistant. You can cut, roll dough, and place hot pots directly on granite. Because stone is porous, each stone requires special sealants. But granite absorbs the least and only requires resealing about once a year.
Step 6:
Limestone: The thickness of limestone adds great appeal to a kitchen. You want to stick to neutral color, as it will complement any interior. Limestone stains, but will develop an alluring patina over time if you keep it sealed with beeswax. Limestone is not the best choice for messy-or frequent-cooks. It offers a unique weathered look but also stains easily due to its more porous nature, so spills must be addressed immediately. But don't write it off too quickly: Jerusalem stone, a generic term for stone primarily quarried from areas around the Holy Land, is a dolomite-limestone that resembles marble but is hardier than both it and limestone.
Step 7:
Slate: Used for centuries to create stylish weather resistant roofs, slate has natural beauty and strength. Slate is durable, hard and fireproof. Slate is a natural choice for homeowners seeking a countertop that will make a statement. Its low absorption rate keeps stains at bay, though you may want to seal regularly to add a further dose of protection.
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