When families gather, it is often in the kitchen. It is no wonder that kitchen countertops become the main catchall for bills and junk mail, purses, backpacks, and jackets dumped alongside the meat thawing on the kitchen countertops for dinner. More than ever, keeping our homes disinfected and clean should be top priority. Because of the nature of a busy kitchen, those kitchen countertops have potential for attracting viruses, bacteria, mildew, and mold.
Many homeowners take extreme precautions to keep bacteria and viruses such as COVID-19 outside the home. But without knowing it, homeowners are actually bringing in these deadly viruses into their home. The right kitchen countertops and cleaning methods can help homeowners avoid this.
In essence, kitchen countertops are like a giant petri dish of microbes. Every surface in your house has the potential to threaten you or your family’s health. Homeowners take kitchen countertops into account when renovating their kitchen not only for aesthetics, but for sanitary purposes, too. Replacing plain, stained, scorched, scratched, or simply unattractive kitchen countertops can significantly transform the look of your kitchen.
There are a wide variety of kitchen countertops available so the possibilities are endless. Some are more expensive than others. Similarly, some are better at defending against viruses than others. There is a lot to consider when choosing the best kitchen countertops.
In a kitchen countertops test, a variety of kitchen countertops were tested to determine their ability to withstand a number of viruses, bacteria, and common kitchen exposures. The test performed numerous challenges to each material and brand to determine which kitchen countertops are truly the best. Talk to your Fairmarket contractor about the best materials and pricing to help you get the best deal and look for your kitchen countertops.
The Secret to the Best Kitchen Countertops
Choosing the best kitchen countertops ultimately depends on your lifestyle. The surface material you choose should complement the décor of your kitchen as well as the function of your kitchen. You want to safeguard against viruses such as COVID-19 and other types of bacteria. For example, kitchens with busy families or young children will need different kitchen countertops than those of a single person or older couple.
Additionally, as mentioned, take into account how your kitchen countertops are cleaned and their overall safety for your home. Sharp edges or easily damaged materials would not work well in a home with lots of family members or young children.
Your kitchen counters, after all, are the heart of the kitchen. They are where the cooking happens and the backdrop for everything else that happens in your kitchen. Simply put, they are the prime visual real estate for your kitchen. Countertops are where you entertain, celebrate, and enjoy daily meals. So remember, the materials you choose for the best kitchen countertops, whether handmade tiles or indestructible composite slabs, are all about utility just as much as they are about personal style.
It is understandable why choosing the right kitchen countertops can be so tricky. There are so many options to choose from so you will need to ask yourself a few questions. How do I know what type of marble to choose? Do I want marble? What options do I not know of yet? What’s the difference between quartzite and quartz? Choosing between natural and engineered materials on top of deciding between various colors, can be overwhelming. Luckily, a Fairmarket contractor can help you decide. The right Fairmarket contractor can help you feel comfortable about your decision.
Quartz Kitchen Countertops
Mimicking the look of stone, quartz is a nice choice for your kitchen countertops. This is especially true because it needs far less maintenance than stone. Less maintenance is always a win for busy homeowners. Hot pans, abrasive cleaning pads, knives of all sorts, and most stains will not impact the look of quartz. This material is made up of a combination of resin, mineral, and color.
Speaking of color, quarts kitchen countertops come in a variety of colors as well as patterns. Easily integrating your countertops with your backsplash can help ensure the look is seamless. Even better? The price is right and far less expensive than real marble. One downside of quartz is that the corners and edges have the capacity to chip. Go for rounded edges, which can help. A Fairmarket contractor is the pro you need when it comes time for repairs.
Granite Kitchen Countertops
A popular choice, each slab of granite is made of a natural and unique material. The rare colors and veining of this beautiful material are part of the reasons why it costs so much more. Yet, it is worth it on so many levels. Not only does it stand up against heat, scratches, and cuts, but it is also very easy to clean and sanitize. It is not a porous material, which means COVID-19 and other viruses don’t stand a chance on these countertops.
When properly sealed, granite is also resistant to stains. Both polished or matte finishes are an option for homeowners. Going for the best granite ensures that you protect yourself and family members. A cleaner home starts in the kitchen.
One thing to know about granite, you will need a Fairmarket contractor to come out periodically to reseal it. This will help to fend off stains. Additionally, like quartz, the corners and edges of a granite countertop can break and chip. It must be professionally repaired by someone such as a Fairmarket contractor.
Marble, Soapstone, Limestone
Among the most popular in terms of look and appeal, marble, soapstone, and limestone are excellent at resisting heat damage. These classic materials are frequently chosen for a reason. They resist heat, stains, and countertops made from these materials are easily cleaned and disinfected. Less common, soapstone is susceptible to scratches and cuts, so this option should not be chosen for high-use countertops. The look of soapstone is simply stunning, which sometimes trumps all in terms of why it is chosen. But those extra scratches and cuts are hard to clean, and viruses can hide in those crevices. Keep that in mind and go for the real deal – marble.
Butcher Block Kitchen Countertops
A nice way to add warmth to the look of any kitchen is with butcher block. Although easy to install and repair, butcher block is not easily disinfected. In fact, without the right varnish, stains can soak right through. Oils can help eliminate stains, but it is still a questionable choice. And although nicks and scratches happen, they can easily be sanded out. So while not the best in terms of cleanliness, aesthetically it is a beautiful look for the kitchen.
Recycled Glass Countertops
For a unique and contemporary look, recycled glass is a great choice for countertops. Large shards or finely ground (to make it look less busy) offer an artistic look to any kitchen. Be sure to talk with your Fairmarket contractor before opting for recycled glass countertops. While most options resist scratches, cuts, stains and heat, some may crack easily. Cracked glass is not only dangerous but leaves you and your family susceptible to hidden spots for bacteria, mold, and viruses to spread. The beautiful look of recycled glass should be installed by an expert. This will ensure you family stays safe and you get the look that you want.
Laminate Kitchen Countertops
Laminate countertops are a good choice for their durability and economic value. Easy to install, laminate countertops are a great option thanks to a variety of decorative options. New printing technology may make homeowners take a second look at laminate countertops. They can be completely printed and patterned or just have decorative edges. Surprisingly, laminate countertops are heat and stain resistant. However, they can be easily cut so be sure to use a cutting board if you choose to install laminate countertops.
Disinfecting Kitchen Countertops
A National Science Foundation study found the following as the dirtiest spots in the kitchen for bacteria and viruses. Cross-contamination from meats, cheeses, and produced are a big problem if surfaces are not frequently disinfected. Elements from outside the home including bacteria and viruses spread via kitchen countertops. A good Fairmarket contractor is available to discuss the right countertop for you. Give your Fairmarket contractor a call today and have a cleaner, healthier home against viruses.
