There are many types of kitchen countertops that you can install in your home. Two of these are natural stone and stainless steel. Here’s a short summary of the differences and benefits to both types of kitchen countertop materials.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel\’s sleek, sophisticated appearance works well in both traditional and modern kitchens. While some people worry that a metal worktop may appear too harsh, some customization options can soften the effect.
- Profiles of the edges. The most common edge style is square, but other alternatives include bullnose, beveled, and unwrapped edges.
- Options for finishing. Stainless steel countertops, like faucet fittings, are available in a range of finishes, including satin, mirror polish, brushed metal, and antique matte. If you\’re worried about fingerprints or smudges, go for a brushed finish, which has a smooth, soft texture that hides evidence of sticky fingers better.
- The area measured in square feet. Adjust the amount you chose to install to avoid resembling a restaurant kitchen too closely. Start small by using it as a stand-alone island in a kitchen with butcherblock or granite countertops—this reflective surface blends in with almost any aesthetic, similar to how a stainless steel sink can pick up the color temperature of its surroundings.
Stainless Steel Countertops Have a Lot of Advantages
Stainless steel worktops are a sure sign of a kitchen that is built to last. Most chefs will vouch for the fact that this practically unbreakable material can withstand the worst treatment. In fact, that\’s only the beginning of the benefits:
- These countertops are not flammable or corrosive. Food grade stainless steel, unlike other countertop materials like wood and stone, resists both heat and corrosion thanks to a combination of chromium and nickel. That means you can set a hot pot on the surface and have no scorches when you lift it later. While water will leave a temporary ring on the metal if it is allowed to dry, the metal\’s unique composition avoids lasting damage.
- Additionally, they are stain-resistant, as the name suggests. Have you ever spilled a glass of red wine? Wipe it away without fear of a lasting stain! Oils, acids, beverages, and other substances that could stain wooden worktops won\’t do so on stainless steel, making it ideal for the room in the house where the majority of the food messes occur.
- It\’s simple to set up. There\’s no need to seal your countertops like you would with granite, butcher block, or concrete. A sheet of metal is cut to size and wrapped around a wood frame to make this style of the counter. Measure the length and breadth of your cabinets, plus a 1-1/2-inch overhang for any exposed edges, to figure out how much metal you\’ll need for a DIY installation. (If you\’re doing wall-to-wall counters, increase the depth; if you\’re doing a kitchen island, double the width and length to cover the perimeter.)
- Finally, the metal is completely recyclable. By using this eco-friendly material in your kitchen, you can keep your carbon footprint to a minimum.
Stainless Steel Countertops\’ Drawbacks
While there\’s no doubting stainless steel\’s advantages, you might want to take a seat at the kitchen table to hear the bad news: Metal cookware and utensils can be dangerous to come into contact with. The noise—the clashing and clanging—that occurs when cooking equipment makes contact with the metal surface is the first consideration. However, a more compelling reason to develop the practice of carefully placing down those pots and pans is to reduce the risk of scratches on the new surface. Lower-gauge stainless steel is prone to denting and scratching, so if you want to transform your kitchen into a restaurant-worthy kitchen, go for the strongest, thickest material you can afford. Even yet, as objects slide, rub, and drop on the surface, stainless steel countertops will \”age\” over time.
Stainless Steel Shopping
These high-performance stainless steel worktops cost $50 to $150 per square foot, which is comparable to marble. The cost is determined by the gauge, which runs from 14 to 20. As a general rule, the lower the gauge, the thicker the steel and the higher the price. When planning your installation, go for the thickest gauge that you can afford within your budget, as a thicker countertop equals fewer dents.
Natural Stone
Natural Stone Countertops: What Makes Them Unique
These countertops are robust, long-lasting, and simple to maintain, despite their elegance and cost. A natural stone countertop is the last thing most homeowners would ever need.
Solid natural stone is used to make natural stone countertops. The countertops are free of resins, VOCs (volatile organic compounds), and other potentially hazardous elements. This gives them a distinct aesthetic while also ensuring that they are safe for your home and family.
Natural stone countertops have the deepest and most lustrous appearance. Each pattern and color is one-of-a-kind. When you choose a natural stone countertop, you\’ll have a greater range of hues and patterns to choose from.
What Natural Stone Is Best for Countertops?
Natural stone countertops that you enjoy are the greatest. It may sound cliche, but if you don\’t like the aesthetic or function of your countertops, you will dislike the rooms in which they are installed. It will be easier if you choose the proper stone material and color.
The most prevalent types of countertop stone are listed below.
Granite
Granite is the most popular natural stone countertop material among homeowners, and for good reason. Granite is highly long-lasting and requires little to no upkeep. You can choose from a variety of granite hues and patterns to ensure that your countertop complements your own style.
Granite is a porous stone that needs to be sealed to keep it protected. The sealer will not change the appearance or feel of the stone, but it will not protect it from discoloration. If you spill any food or beverages, wipe them up soon away.
Granite has the advantage of being inexpensive. Natural stone countertops are commonly dismissed by homeowners as being too costly. Granite countertops, on the other hand, can be inexpensive and provide more benefits than any synthetic surface.
Soapstone
Do you enjoy the look of a contemporary kitchen or bathroom with dark, strong accents? Your home\’s appearance will be enhanced by natural soapstone countertops. Soapstone has the same dark tones as granite and the same exquisite light veining like marble.
Soapstone darkens as it ages. Pair black soapstone countertops with lighter cabinets and accents in your kitchen for a classic effect.
Marble
Marble has distinctive vein patterns and is available in a wide range of colors. Marble, which is made of metamorphosed limestone, has a one-of-a-kind appearance that you won\’t find anyplace else. Marble countertops are the appropriate natural stone material for your home if you want an exquisite and sophisticated fashioned countertop.
Marble\’s major advantages are its durability and heat resistance. It is less prone to staining than granite and is very simple to keep clean.
Porcelain
Porcelain is a highly resilient and powerful natural stone, which may come as a surprise. It can withstand the weight of appliances, spills, knives, and stains. It requires very little upkeep and will continue to dazzle you with its stunning beauty for many years.
Porcelain Countertops are available in a variety of colors and patterns. You\’ll be able to select between a polished and a matte finish.
Quartzite
Quartzite Countertops are a type of natural stone that is comparable to marble but more durable. Quartzite Natural Stone Countertops are far more scratch-resistant and less porous than granite or marble.
Quartzite is available in a wide range of hues and patterns, making it an excellent choice for people seeking not just beauty but also durability!
Quartz
Quartz countertops conjure up images of modernity and slenderness. Quartz is the most preferred material in today\’s modern kitchens and bathrooms.
While quartz is a natural stone, many people perceive it to be a constructed countertop. Quartz countertops are made up of over 90% loose quartz, silicon dioxide, color, and a few additional synthetic components that serve to hold it all together.
What\’s the end result? A beautiful countertop with a range of colors, durability, and stain and germ resistance.
Natural Stone Countertops Have a Lot of Advantages
Natural stone countertops provide a number of lesser-known advantages in addition to their beauty and durability. Here are some additional reasons why natural stone countertops are a good choice.
Environmentally Friendly
Countertops made of natural stone are eco-friendly. When compared to synthetic countertops, natural stones take substantially less energy and materials to mine and produce. The manufacturing of these stone countertops produces no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or pollutes the air.
High-Quality Kitchen Countertops
If you use your kitchen on a regular basis, you know how hard your countertops can be. Natural stone countertops, such as marble and granite, are fantastic choices for your kitchen. They\’re exceptionally long-lasting and simple to clean.
Natural Stone Countertops Price
Natural stone countertops can be more expensive upfront than some synthetic alternatives. Purchasing a stone countertop will save you money in the long run.
Its toughness will keep it from melting, cracking, or breaking under normal conditions. You won\’t have to replace or repair your countertops on a regular basis.
Choose a stone countertop if you want a long-term investment with a higher return on investment. The value of your home will rise if you install these worktops in your kitchen or bathrooms. Natural stone countertops have a great look and feel to them, which might help you sell your property faster.
Both stainless steel and natural stone countertops give different styles and have different benefits and drawbacks as a kitchen countertop material. For full consideration of your natural stone kitchen countertop options, contact Empire Marble & Granite today.