The right worktops for the kitchen play a big role in determining the home decor when it comes to this sought-after place for cooking. In order to make it really comfortable and look good at the same time, you first need to choose the right materials for the work surface. Endurance is logically associated with solid raw materials, and we have provided some of them for you in this guide.
Important information about kitchen worktops
Each individual element determines the functionality of the kitchen area. For this reason, kitchen worktops are of great importance for a number of activities. They also dictate how we function when cooking or other activities around them. So, you may be encouraged by the following practical ideas and tips to expand your workspace beyond the confines of your kitchen. Kitchen countertops give you the freedom to place hot utensils on them without worrying about insoluble burns etc.
The first thing that should come to your mind when choosing is the material and color. The layout and furnishing of the cooking area is not exactly an easy task. With the variety of materials and surfaces, you are often spoiled for choice and the decision is sometimes difficult. We will attempt to partially solve this mystery by exploring the different types. Let's put this firstA closer look at stone slabs and their advantages and disadvantages.
Chic slabs made of black natural stone
Not surprisingly, many homeowners are easily disoriented by the wide range of options on the market. There are actually not countless variants that are adapted to kitchen worktops, but the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.
Gray stone kitchen countertop
What factors must be taken into account when choosing? In addition to the price-performance ratio, you also need to carefully consider the ease of installation, maintenance, resistance, durability and of course the aesthetic side.
Choose worktops for the kitchen according to your individual needs
By the way, you can only then know the properties of a materialevaluate with pros and cons, when they conflict with their own specific needs. So it's up to you to decide which are the primary and which are the secondary criteria.
The first thing to note is that there are no perfect kitchen countertops. All materials have their own strengths and weaknesses, which you must weigh impartially before choosing. First, we compare the most common and common variants such as granite, quartz, marble and slate.
Granite work surface – fascinatingly beautiful and robust
For decades, granite has been one of the most popular options when it comes to natural stone kitchen countertops. However, we must admit that this is not a random phenomenon, as this raw material is a symbol of natural beauty, durability and sturdiness.
Admirable granite slabs
As with most natural stone, each piece of granite is 100% unique in color and tone. So very rarely there can be two slabs of granite that look similar. Other advantages that we can mention are the durability and especially the scratch resistance of granite kitchen countertops. In addition, this stone is resistant to stains, heat and moisture. Finally, these kitchen countertops are easy to maintain and come in a variety of colors and patterns.
Dressed as a monolith or with granite tiles
The main disadvantage of granite is that it is relatively expensive. However, you can save money by arranging the granite tile kitchen countertop you want. Otherwise, working with a monolithic stone slab is also possible.
Exclusive quartz kitchen worktop – luxury that adapts to any style
Attractive appearance, endurance and easy maintenance are just some of the strengths of quartz. Thanks to these excellent properties, it is one of the leading materials in the production of kitchen tops for the kitchen. Many users would even put it first.
Not an actual stone slab
In order to define it correctly, it must be explained at this point that theQuartz platesthemselves are not stone slabs. After being extracted from the earth, this hard mineral is crushed into tiny pieces and mixed with resin to be molded.
Speckled quartz kitchen island - a non-porous and impact-resistant counter
Quartz is a non-porous material, so you don't necessarily need to additionally seal it. It is more flexible than granite and therefore less sensitive during transport and installation. In addition, it has antibacterial properties. Some composite materials are not 100% heat resistant. You also need to keep in mind that this composite material is not completely heat resistant. A hot pot left on the quartz counter for a long time will eventually react with the resin and leave a burn mark.
Steatite or soapstone as a work surface in the kitchen
Soapstone, also known as steatite, is a natural stone. Its name comes from the softness or gentle feeling felt on its surface. This is caused by the presence of talc in the stone. Steatite is not as heavy as the previous suggestions, but it is still fairly dense and persistent. Unlike granite, it is non-porous. Soapstone is also resistant to dirt and acids.
Worktops for the kitchen made of anthracite gray steatite with fine, clear veins
This metamorphic stone exists in various shades of gray, blue and green. Some of them are decorated with marbling. Since it is a non-porous stone, it does not need to be sealed in this regard. That's why most kitchen countertops made of soapstone are virtually maintenance-free.
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The good news about steatite is that it is also heat resistant. The marbled stripes tend to add character to the surface of the stone. These can be lightly polished with sandpaper if desired.
Kitchen island with gray soapstone worktop and industrial stools
Furthermore, kitchen countertops made from soapstone are an environmentally friendly choice. This is a long-term investment that will not only outlast you, but look even better over time.
Steatite worktop – incomparably authentic charm
The only disadvantage of soapstone is its more or less limited color range. However, for many homeowners, its irregular, raw appearance makes up for the disadvantage of its monochrome palette.
The aristocratic natural stone – worktop made of eternal marble
Last but not least, we focus on a classic that brings unprecedented aristocratic touches to any room it comes into contact with. You guessed right - this is marble, which is particularly considered a noble and eternal natural stone material for making worktops for the kitchen.
The benefits of marble are numerous. We can safely say that this is a stone that excels in several categories. A marble kitchen worktop is fairly scratch-free and heat-resistant, but only up to 180°.
Marble illuminates the kitchen space
The marbled countertop can also often be present in decorative patterns. Carrara marble, Imperator marble, black or white, with pink, green or gold tones, with wide or fine stripes, matt, slightly satin or shiny - there are all sorts of options.
Kitchen island topped with Carrara marble
The disadvantage of marble is its susceptibility to dirt and acids. The cost of this luxurious natural stone is also not to be neglected. In fact the price can exceed 500€/m².
Finally, we can summarize that many kitchen worktops made from natural stone materials can be the opposite of everything. Provided that they meet your expectations. Weigh the strengths and disadvantages impartially so that you can decide for yourself which option is the best solution for your kitchen.
