Busy kitchens are at the heart of the household. From whipping up tacos on Tuesdays, family pasta dinners, entertaining with charcuterie boards, and throwing birthday parties for the kids, your countertops see a lot of action. When you don’t have the right countertop, all of that is going to take a toll on the surface. Amid the chaos, that might be spills, scratches, and stains. That is why you want to choose the best countertop for a busy kitchen that you will love.
The 6 Best Countertops for Busy Kitchens
Let’s take a look at some of the hardest, most resilient materials for your next countertop:
Granite
The natural choice for a busy kitchen is granite, the tried and true material known for its hardness. Granite is one of the most durable stones that you can use for a countertop. It is resistant to scratching, chipping, cracking, and heat. Plus, granite comes in a rainbow of gorgeous colors and patterns.
There are some downsides to granite, however. The first is something that can be repeated for any natural material: Some slabs are less resilient than others. As such, you need to speak with a professional when selecting your granite countertops in Bucks County, PA, or elsewhere. Ask if the color/composition is prone to staining. Most granite does not stain, especially if you periodically reapply the sealant. The second downside is that granite can be expensive.
Concrete
Does concrete deserve a place in your kitchen? Yes. Concrete is an amazing option when you are looking for durability. There are some things to keep in mind, however. Concrete needs to be treated with a sealer for the surface, as well as a filler for the seams routinely. Plus, it will stain unless you clean up spills swiftly. That said, this mix of sand, mortar, and pigmentation offers a unique look and feel without being too expensive.
Quartz
One of the favorite materials in kitchens these days is called quartz. As an engineered material, quartz is blended together with other ingredients to make a strong countertop that is very easy to maintain. All you need to keep your quartz counters clean is a little soap and water. Quartz is also scratch and stain-resistant and does not need to be sealed.
Make sure you are using trivets, pads, and cutting boards when making meals, as these counters can be damaged. Heat is where quartz has some trouble, so avoid putting hot pans and pots directly on the surface. Also, the edges and corners may chip and require professional repairs.
Marble
Marble is a classic choice for kitchens both big and small. In a busy setting, marble adds a touch of elegance. One of the main drawbacks of marble is that it can be scratched, cut, nicked, and etched easily, and some stains will never come out no matter how fast you wiped up the liquid. Furthermore, heat will ruin your marble, so you must never put a hot pan directly on the stone.
Despite all that, with a little care and maintenance, marble is highly durable and will look amazing for many years to come.
Quartzite
No, quartzite is not the same as quartz. Quartzite is a natural stone, much like granite. There are variances in quartzite quality, but if you get the hardest kind for your countertops, you will be amazed at how indestructible it is. Yes, you do need a seal, much like granite, and yes, it can stain. However, quartzite is incredibly hard—a 7 on the Mohs scale.
Now, there are some things you need to know. Since this material is natural, it is only available in a few colors. Dolomite is also sometimes confused for quartzite but is much softer, so be on the lookout for that. Lastly, some forms of quartzite will bleed after installation, causing staining at the corners. This can be avoided by speaking with a pro and choosing the best quality quartzite for your busy kitchen countertop.
Laminate
Throughout the years laminate counters have gotten a bad rap. Fortunately, modern technological improvements have put laminate surfaces back on the map—and for good reason. Laminate is a budget-friendly countertop material and is incredibly easy to install. You can get your laminate in a variety of colors, patterns, and decorative edges. Since it is an engineered material, it is non-porous and stands up to heat.
The negatives? You should never cut directly on laminate, as it will permanently damage it. So long as you use a cutting board and keep the surface clean, it will last for many years.
Butcher’s Block
Yes, butcher’s block is made out of wood. That doesn’t mean it is weak, though! Just as sturdy as other countertops (remember, butchers, use it regularly), this material is warm, rich, and brings a whole lot of character to the kitchen. Apply some varnish to increase stain resistance. While scratches and dings are common in butcher’s block, a lot of owners prefer it that way. If you don’t like the scratches, they can be buffed out.
Get The Best Countertop for Your Busy Kitchen at Marble Concepts
Is your kitchen busy? Then you need a durable countertop. Some materials are far more resilient to damage than others, which is why granite, laminate, quartz, and similar materials are among the best choices you can make. Not sure which one is best for you? The team at Marble Concepts is happy to help you find a solution that suits your needs. Give us a call at 215-396-7393 or fill out the contact form to receive more information.
