Introduction
The kitchen is the most important room in the house. Earlier it was a place that had all the necessary raw materials, appliances & tools required to prepare a meal. But modern-day kitchens are much more than that.
They are places where friends and family get together to eat, chat and drink. They discuss their day’s big and small events and have friendly & meaningful conversations. Kitchens today are the eco-friendly spaces of the house as they store energy-saving appliances and smart devices. They use fuel-saving techniques & tools.
Kitchens are therefore dynamic spaces that evolve and define change. They speak of the lifestyle and mindset of the family members of the house.
Countertops for Kitchen
Kitchens are places where much more work is done besides meal preparation. Utility devices, appliances, and tools are stored and used. Besides, there is meal preparation to be done; chopping cutting, kneading blending, etc.
Hence when it comes to selecting the right countertop or the suitable stone for your kitchen, there are lots of things to be kept in mind. Here is a concise list of the best options you can consider with their advantages and disadvantages, which will help you make a suitable decision:
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Granite: It has been decades but in the kitchen, marble and granite still are one of the most preferred choices of people for countertops. Talking about granite, it is available in a lot of colours and you can select a shade that matches the appearance of your kitchen.
The good part about selecting granite is that it is strong, and can withstand huge impact and abrasion. Besides it is resistant to heat, making it the most ideal choice for a kitchen. It is easy to clean and maintain on a daily basis and once installed, it can last for decades.
On the flip side, the problem with granite is that they are costly and it is a porous material, so you will have to apply a sealant every five years.
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Quartz: Also known as engineered stone, it is a popular choice for people who want the appearance of natural stones but are stuck due to their high costs. They come in a lot of colour patterns and you can choose the one that matches the aesthetics of your kitchen.
The good part is that quartz is non-porous, easy to clean and resistant to moulds & bacteria which makes it ideal for the kitchen. However, the negative part is that it can be damaged by heat and sunlight, so you will have to consider these factors when choosing quarts for your kitchen.
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Marble: It is another natural stone that is chosen by a lot of people. It comes in a lot of colour options and is popular because of the wide variety of natural patterns that it displays due to mineral deposits, giving each piece a unique appearance.
It is resistant to heat and does not crack, break or get chipped easily, making it highly durable. However, the disadvantage of using marble is that it quickly gets scratched & stained and therefore needs sealing once a year. Besides marble is a costly stone.
Other than that for the kitchen, marble and granite come out as the best choices for many people.
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Ceramic Tile: It is one of the most affordable options for your kitchen that comes in different colours, patterns and styles. With ceramic tile, you can also save on the installation cost if you have some experience in placing the tiles. It is resistant to heat, is hard and durable.
But the problem with ceramic is that it gets stained or cracked easily. So it becomes a little difficult to maintain as compared to other countertops. Also, the size of the ceramic tiles can act as a constraint in their functionality.
There are a lot of Consentino Products Distributors in Ghana, where you choose the perfect countertop for your kitchen.
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Wood: It is another option that can completely alter the look and feel of your kitchen. Wooden countertops are made of maple oak, teak, ash or bamboo and you can choose the one that matches the aesthetics of your kitchen. It is a tough and durable option for your kitchen.
But on the flip side, the problem with using wooden countertops is that they easily get stained, scratched or even burnt if not handled properly. Also, it needs to be resealed every two to three years to retain its appearance. Besides they are porous and also prone to bacteria, mildew and mould, so sealing becomes even more important.
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Concrete: These are for people who wish to give a completely unique appearance to your kitchen. They come in cast forms which are heavy and can be installed as per your preference. It has decorative textures and it is scratch and heat-resistant.
The problem with using concrete is that they involve high installation cost. Also due to the tension build-up due to the connected appliances or taps, the concrete can get cracked over time.
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Stainless Steel: If you are planning to give a modern look, then stainless countertops are best for your kitchens. They are resistant to heat and stain and you do not have to worry about moulds or bacteria.
However, they are more prone to scratches, dents, and other abrasion damage. Also, you will have to clean them again and again as they easily get fingerprints and water spots on them.
Conclusion
This compilation of some of the best options for your kitchen must have definitely helped you shortlist the type of countertop you are looking for, in your kitchen. Modern kitchens are places for family gatherings, so it is important to keep in mind the preference and choices of other members in the house.
If you do not know where to look for the best quality and designs, your search ends here. Stone Depot has a huge collection of countertops that can match different tastes and styles. They are also a leading distributor of Stone wall tiles in Ghana.