A Comprehensive Guide to Diverse Countertop Options
When it comes to countertops and hard surfaces, there are more options now than ever before. Here at Sutherlands Lumber and Design Studio, we have a diverse selection that we will go over in detail so you can make the best decision for your project and personal needs.
Quartz – Made from one of the world’s most durable materials, quartz is a great choice for families looking for a countertop that won’t mark or scratch and has little chance of staining. This countertop option is nonporous so it resists mold, bacteria and water. If you are looking for a clean and bright design, quartz is a great option. Its coloring is typically solid and consistent throughout the slabs. The most popular quartz colors are white and gray. When it comes to cleaning your quartz countertops, we recommend using a non-abrasive cloth with a low PH level soap such as Dawn, Green Works or Ivory. Sealing is not required with quartz since it is non-porous so that leads to minimal maintenance of your countertops. Score! What is important to note about quartz though, is that although it is durable, stain resistant and scratch resistant, it is not stain, scratch or etch PROOF. You still need to exercise care when working on your quartz surfaces.
Why to choose quartz for your countertops:
- Quartz will give you a contemporary look
- Quartz is low maintenance
- Quartz is durable
Granite– If you are looking for a heat-resistant, natural, durable and scratch resistant countertop, solid granite would be a perfect choice for your home. When properly installed, this will be the last countertop you will ever need. It resists chipping, scratching and cracking. Because of their hardness, granite counters are also heat resistant. If you do manage to chip or crack the granite, it is relatively easy to fix depending on the severity of the damage. While it’s not recommended, if you occasionally set a hot pan or tray directly on the countertop, it won’t damage it the way it would other softer materials. When it comes to cleaning your granite countertops, we recommend using a non-abrasive cloth with a low PH level soap such as Dawn, Green Works or Ivory. Most granite slabs will require sealing about 1 time per year depending on the sealant you use.
Acrylic/polyester solid surface- Acrylic and Polyester surfaces are created from a solid resin, which is like a hard, plastic surface laid over a particle board or plywood base. This surface is easy to repair if needed and extremely easy to clean, as it is non-porous and resists any growth of mold, mildew or bacteria. One of the biggest advantages of solid surface materials is that they’re practically nonporous, so they are easy to keep clean. When it comes to cleaning your solid surface countertops, we recommend using a damp microfiber cloth with a household kitchen spray. Solid surface countertops do not need to be sealed because the resins in their makeup ensure that they are inherently nonporous. However, we still recommend wiping up spills as they occur. These countertops come in a variety of colors so you can choose what works for your design.
Why to choose acrylic/polyester solid surface countertops:
- Provides the look of stone for less money
- Easy to repair and clean
- Mold and bacteria resistant
Laminate- Laminate countertops offer a great value for anyone wanting the look of natural stone but on a smaller budget. Laminate has evolved in the last decade to now withstand high temperatures and has always been a favorite for those wanting a stain-resistant material. You should still avoid placing hot pans directly from the oven on your counters. To clean, use water and mild detergent. Rinse the detergent off with a clean, damp cloth and polish the surface dry with a soft cloth. You don’t have to seal this type of countertop so that saves on maintenance. Laminate countertops are an inexpensive, low-maintenance alternative to stone and solid-surface countertops, and come in designs that mimic the look of stone and marble, but for a fraction of the cost.
Why choose laminate for your countertops:
- Easy to clean
- Lower cost
- Lighter and easier to install than stone
Our team is excited to show you the variety of hard surface options available from our trusted partners, including:
– Cambria
– Hanstone
– Nustone
– MSI
– Pental
– Teltos
– Formica
Schedule an appointment to meet with our design team and learn more about the hard surface options that you will love in your home.