Can you believe that we are already halfway through 2022? While it has been another year spent adjusting to health and safety regulations due to the pandemic, it has also been a year of growth and change. With many citizens isolating, and/or transitioning to a work from home model, the pandemic has also acted as the catalyst of several home renovations. Suddenly, everything from carpeting to kitchen countertops were beginning to be scrutinized by each homes’ inhabitants.
Homes around the globe are being turned into more than just safe havens. They may now also play the role of home offices, home daycares, and mini “at home restaurants”. This means all of the home renovation projects you may have been putting off, are always in plain sight. There’s no time like the present to make your home a space you enjoy working, and relaxing in!
For now, let’s focus on one of the most vital rooms in your home- the kitchen.
If you’ve never turned on your stove, or if you rely on a microwave/toaster for most of your meals, your kitchen area is still the heart of your home. While your budget may not leave room for new appliances, a project you can work on, is your kitchen countertops. Even with top of the line ovens and refrigerators, a kitchen that has drab countertops will stand out, (and not in the good way). The following are a few of the most popular styles of kitchen countertops in 2022.
Granite Countertops
One of the advantages of using granite for your countertops is its scratch resistance. Of course, we aren’t saying to actually cut directly on the stone. However, it does land on a 6-7 on the Mohs Scale. This means that not only is it beautiful to look at, but it is also very durable and will not scratch easily.
Keep in mind that the color may appear to be different depending on the lighting. It is recommended to see how the lighting in your kitchen will affect the color of the granite before deciding on a shade!
It is also able to handle quite a bit of heat. This is why it is such a popular option for kitchens, especially around the stove area. It is advised to never try installing granite alone as it is quite heavy! It is worth speaking to a professional for help. They will also be able to show you the vast array of colors granite is available in.
It is advised to use a sealant on your granite countertops. While darker granite is more dense and may not need it, lighter granite may need a few coats of sealant. Granite is also quite resistant to chemicals. However, over time, chemicals will wear away the sealant. Just keep an eye on it in case you have to re-seal it before your brand of sealant’s recommended amount of time. Depending on the brand, this amount of time will vary.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz has all of the appeal of granite, yet it doesn’t have the disadvantage of absorbing spills like granite. This makes it more stain resistant and easy to clean! Quartz lands on a 7 on the Mohs scale.
Since quartz is a manufactured product, there is a wider range of color options. The appearance of quartz can seem quite contemporary. The addition of a prestige quartz countertop is the perfect choice if your kitchen is stuck in the past and needs help to feel a bit more modern.
Due to it being a manufactured stone, the seams may be more apparent than other options. Also, keep in mind that you are designing your kitchen! While resistance to heat may not be important in other rooms of the house, in the kitchen it should be seen as a main factor. This is why it is important to know that quartz is not as resistant to heat like granite is. You’ll have to be more cautious of your hot utensils and pots in the kitchen!
Quartz countertops should be kept as an option, if that is what you truly desire. We merely want to make sure you speak to a professional who has expert advice on the subject. We wouldn’t want you to begin a big renovation without all of the proper guidance!
Read Also: 12 Pros & Cons of Quartz Countertops: Are They Worth the High Price?
Quartzite Countertops
Since we are on the topic of quartz, let’s take a moment to discuss quartzite. Seeing as quartzite is natural, one of its downfalls, is that it comes in a limited number of colors.
We know what you’re probably thinking; “Shouldn’t I WANT something natural?” This is truly up to you and your preferences. We simply want you to be aware of the maintenance that would be involved for quartzite counters.
For example, the sanding down and sealant process must be done at the very least once a year. It’s highly recommended to do this more than the minimum of once annually; even if your counters are rarely used. Certain spices and sauces can leave stains quite easily. Sometimes it’s surprising how quickly a stain sets! Moreover, if you choose to skip the sealant process, get prepared for more than just stains to be absorbed. Think of the bacteria on certain raw foods! Raw beef, poultry, fish… the list goes on.
“Common bacteria found in the kitchen include E. coli, salmonella, shigella, campylobacter, norovirus and hepatitis A.” E. coli can survive for hours on a surface, salmonella can survive for about four hours and hepatitis A can survive for months.” – Cleveland Clinic
Need we say more?
See Also: What’s the Difference? Quartz vs. Quartzite
Wood Countertops
It would feel wrong to neglect mentioning wood altogether. It’s clear that other materials, perhaps like the ones previously mentioned, have become the more popular options in comparison to wood. For many, when they hear the words “kitchen” and “wood” together, they can’t help but instantly think of wood rot. This is a completely understandable reaction!
But what if having a country/barn influence layout for your home is your dream? Is this no longer a possibility? Of course not. You have options to make this dream come true. Word to the wise? You also need to be responsible and smart when it comes to your planning and execution. I recommend heading over to this post by Mandi Johnson. You can see that she had the same reservations when it came to using wood in her kitchen too!
“Let’s start with the bad news first. My top concerns with butcher blocks were staining, scratching, and water damage. I tried my best to impartially consider these issues, though my heart was saying, “DO IT! DO IT!” Pinot noir is my drink of choice, and I love to let homemade sauces and soups simmer on the stove. Blueberries? They’re my daughter’s favorite food. All of this meant I would have to be realistic and understand that while I can be proactive about keeping my counters wiped off after cooking or food prep, there will probably be staining as I become less obsessive about the new counters. […]”
I won’t give away all of the details. But, with a bit of careful planning, (and the help of Waterlox), Johnson gets her happy ending with a beautifully done, wooden countertop. This is proof that you can have a happy ending too!
Overall
There are several options available when it comes to which countertop is right for you, your style, and your kitchen. Take your time to look at all of your options and don’t rush the process! By doing your research now, you’ll save time (and money!) in the future. Trust us, no wants to see it become a long, expensive nightmare.
If you’d like to contact a professional for a project you have in mind, we encourage you to do so! This is an investment into your home, and it deserves to be done safely, and properly. Granite marble and quartz countertop experts like the ones at Granite Prestige are able to give expert advice and service when it comes to every aspect of the job.
They will also give you even more options that have not been discussed in this article. For example, porcelain is becoming more popular as an option for kitchen countertops. This is due to it being easy to clean and stain resistant.
Or, perhaps you’ve always envisioned having a Titanium countertop in your home. Maybe you wish to keep other luxury countertops as options. Granite Prestige Montreal will be able to tell you about the several options available to you. We know it’s a lot of information to keep straight all at once. Do not hesitate to contact them to discuss all of your options, and get some expert help.
