Are you looking for the best countertop but have no idea where to begin? There are so many different things to consider, and the choices can be pretty overwhelming. In this informative listicle, we will reveal the best countertop with low maintenance but worthy of being put in your kitchen. So keep reading, and don’t forget to share your choices in the comment section!
~CONCRETE COUNTERTOP~
Concrete countertops have been gaining popularity as kitchen countertop material over the last few years, and we can see why. They’re durable, easy to customize, and can add value to your home. Concrete is also one of the most sustainable materials since it’s made from natural resources already in abundance on this planet.
However, you should be mindful that concrete is heavy and dense, so if you’re looking for something light and airy or don’t have solid support underneath cabinets, concrete may not be suitable.
🟫 Pros
>>Durability
Concrete is a very durable material. It can be used in restrooms, kitchens, and alfresco without fear of succumbing to damage. If you have children or pets, concrete will be the ideal choice for your countertop as it is extremely tricky to scratch or dent. Concrete countertops are also long-lasting and will last for many years if properly installed by a contractor with a background in this type of work. This makes them an excellent investment for any homeowner who wants their kitchen to look great for many years after its completion!
>>Versatility
Concrete countertops are versatile. They can be poured and assembled in any shape or size, stained, painted, and polished to look like stone or marble. Concrete countertops have a variety of colors, such as red, yellow, and brown. These countertops come with different textures such as natural stone, ribbed, and matte or polished finishes.
>>Sustainability
Concrete is a material that you can recycle. It is also a material that is made from natural materials such as sand, gravel, and water. This means concrete countertops are sustainable by their very nature.
In addition to being environmentally friendly, concrete countertops are durable and versatile. The strength of concrete makes it ideal for countertop applications because it will last many decades with minimal care if taken care of adequately. In addition to its durability, concrete has an endless array of colors, allowing you to customize your kitchen or bathroom easily.
>>Customizable
Customize the color of your concrete countertop with stains, dyes, and paints in any hue you like. You can also apply a layer of cultured marble or granite to give your countertop a more traditional look.
You can customize concrete countertops for shape as well. If you don’t want an enclosure or rectangular surface but rather something more organic like an island or bench, there is no limit to what you can design!
You can also customize the design of your concrete countertop by adding decorative elements that fit into the overall style of your kitchen. Concrete staining is another option that allows for some creative freedom when it comes time to decorate these surfaces!
>>Budget wise
One of the most satisfactory things about concrete is that it’s a natural material. It’s not going to chip or peel, and it won’t rot or rust. You can customize your countertops however you want, too! You can even make them look like any type of stone, wood, or metal if that’s what you prefer. Concrete countertops are durable and long-lasting, so they’re perfect for kitchens where they’ll get lots of use.
🟫 Cons
>>Dulling the knife
You can’t cut directly on concrete without damaging the surface or dulling your knife. For example, if you were to put a cutting board over a countertop and try to chop vegetables with a cleaver, the cutting board would absorb all of the force of your blows and eventually get chipped or cracked because it’s not made of stone like the countertop is.
In order to protect your countertop while using it as a cutting surface, place a wet towel underneath whatever food you’re chopping: this will ensure that any juices from what you’re slicing don’t seep into the concrete and stain it. This method also helps prevent accidental slips from causing any accidents!
If you still want to use an actual cutting board (maybe because there isn’t enough room in front?), try using one made out of stone instead. It’ll last longer than plastic when used against hard surfaces at home.
>>Can’t hold hot pots
To avoid these issues, you can’t put hot pots and pans directly on concrete without potentially cracking or leaving a stain. The surface is too hard and will absorb the heat from the pan, which can cause cracking or other damage to your countertop. You can use trivets to safely place hot pots on the countertop (you can buy them at most kitchen supply stores). Otherwise, ensure that you have potholders or towels close by in case of any spills.
Concrete is also porous, so if you spill something on it while cooking, it will absorb into its surface and leave an unsightly mark that’s difficult to clean off with soap and water alone. For this stain to be eradicated, you’ll need some kind of sealer after washing with soap and water (you may need several coats of sealer). This means that if your concrete countertop becomes stained from spills or splatters from cooking, then consider sealing yours before using it as a work surface again so as not to ruin its original beauty!
>>Heavy
Concrete countertops are one of the heaviest types of countertops, which means you need more solid support underneath if you have cabinets that aren’t in great shape. Most concrete is poured or precast in place, so using it as a top layer on existing cabinets is not really an option unless you want to reinforce them first with steel beams or other supports. That said, when concrete is poured into custom forms and allowed to cure for several days before setting permanently, it can be used as an attractive way to add strength to an existing structure.
You can also use concrete blocks or panels as decorative elements within your kitchen design. For example, by creating a backsplash behind your sink area. You may set the blocks directly against the wall surface (they will bond with lime plaster), or they may be mounted on brackets attached diagonally across from each other at intervals that look best in relation to one another visually (and evenly spaced).
🟫 Proper installation
Concrete is porous, so it’s important to seal it properly. It would help if you sealed concrete countertops before use and every few years after that. The concrete sealer you choose will depend on your lifestyle, but many people choose an oil-based or water-based product.
An oil-based sealer will give you a more durable finish that can withstand everyday wear and tear better than a water-based sealer would, but there are drawbacks: it tends to darken the color of your counters and may smell like paint for months after application. A water-based sealer is easier to apply because you can use rollers instead of brushes or sprayers (so there’s less mess), but they don’t last as long as oil-based products; they may need reapplication within two years.
🟫 Maintenance
Before cleaning, ensure that you have removed all food particles from the surface of your concrete countertop. You can use a clean sponge or damp washcloth to wipe down the surface, then rinse with warm water. Don’t use abrasive cleaners on your concrete countertop because they can scratch the surface and cause small cracks. Instead, use a mild countertop soap and water solution to cleanse the surface if needed.
~CERAMIC TILE COUNTERTOP~
Ceramic tile is a popular choice for countertops and backsplashes, but it has drawbacks. Keep reading to learn more about the pros and cons of ceramic tile as well as how you can utilize it in your home.
🟫 Pros
>>Durable
Ceramic tile countertops can last for decades and even centuries. Some of the most long-lasting materials on Earth are made from ceramic, including diamonds, porcelain, and glass.
>>Easy to clean
Ceramic tile countertops are low-maintenance, which means they’re easy to maintain and won’t require much upkeep. In fact, you can clean them with just a drop of soap or water! The material is also moisture-resistant, so you don’t need to worry about spills in the kitchen or bathroom areas where liquid might ruin your other surfaces (like laminate).
>>Moisture resistant
This material doesn’t absorb liquids as easily as some others do. It’s also less likely than natural stone materials like marble or granite that might stain when wet (and therefore require special treatment). This makes ceramic a good choice if you want something that can handle wet environments like a kitchen or bathroom without staining regular use over time.
>>Low maintenance
Compared with other types of countertop materials such as granite or marble, which require sealing every few years, ceramic tiles don’t need any special care beyond cleaning them regularly using a soap and water mixture applied directly onto the surface area being cleaned rather than using chemical cleaners that may contain chemicals harmful when inhaled during cleaning process like bleach.
🟫 Cons
If you’re looking for a long-lasting countertop, ceramic tile may not be the best choice. Ceramic tile is prone to cracking, which can lead to unsightly chips and imperfections in the material. When installed in high-traffic areas like kitchens or bathrooms, this can result in chips and cracks that are difficult to repair.
While they should last a decade or more with proper care and maintenance, they may begin to show indications of wear after several years if they’re subjected to heavy use (such as chopping knives on a kitchen island).
Because of this durability issue, ceramic tile is usually one of the more expensive options available when considering your next countertop project. The cost per square foot is nearly identical to granite but higher than marble. However, many homeowners find it worth paying extra since it offers lots of aesthetic appeal without compromising functionality or durability.
🟫 Maintenance
First, make sure that you don’t drop anything heavy on top of the countertop. If you accidentally drop something heavy, it could chip or crack the surface of your tile. Then, use coasters under hot dishes such as plates and glasses that could scuff up or scratch the surface of your ceramic tile countertop. Don’t forget to clean regularly with a mild soap and water solution. And Use a soft textile to wipe down the surface after each use.
~SOAPSTONE COUNTERTOP~
Soapstone countertops are a beautiful and classic way to bring warmth and comfort to your kitchen. The soapstone countertop is a natural material that has been used for centuries in kitchens.
Soapstone is made from naturally occurring minerals that have a hardness equivalent to marble but can be cut more easily due to its softer consistency. With the evolution of modern technology, soapstone is now available in many different colors and finishes making it effortless to find and choose just what you need for your new kitchen.
🟫 Pros
>>Durability
Soapstone is a type of metamorphic rock. Metamorphic rocks are made when other kinds of rocks undergo chemical changes due to extreme heat and pressure. Soapstone is a hard, dense, and fine-grained metamorphic rock formed by the metamorphism of impure limestone. The word “soapstone” derives from its appearance as being similar in color and feel to soap. When polished, it exhibits a shine similar to that of talc or mica, hence the name “soap rock.”
Soapstone countertops are very durable with low maintenance costs compared with many other countertop materials, including granite, marble, and quartzite. They can withstand warmth up to 700 degrees Fahrenheit without damage or discoloration over time because they do not contain water or oils, which would otherwise cause expansion/contraction when heated or cooled, respectively (this is why soapstone sinks are tough!).
>>Ease of maintenance
Soapstone is easy to clean and resistant to stains, scratches, and dents. It is also resistant to heat and moisture. Soapstone countertops are a low-maintenance choice that will add value to your kitchen or bathroom.
>>Versatility
Soapstone is a natural material, which makes it a good choice for many applications. It’s also available in many colors, so you can find one that perfectly matches your kitchen or bathroom design.
Soapstone is a strong and durable material that’s great for countertops, but it doesn’t have to be used just as a countertop material. You can also use soapstone on kitchen islands because it makes an excellent surface for chopping food or preparing food in general!
>> Non-porous nature
Soapstone is non-porous, meaning it does not absorb water. This means you can clean soapstone with just warm water and a sponge or cloth. No harsh chemicals are necessary, which implies soapstone countertops will never stain or hold odors as granite or wood do. In fact, soapstone has been used in kitchens for hundreds of years because the material is so safe to use and easy to clean.
Soapstone is also very resistant to bacteria growth due to its lack of pores (which means there’s nowhere for microbes to hide). This makes it an ideal surface for cutting boards and kitchen counters that will stay sanitary for longer than other materials. Soapstones have been shown not only to be immune from mold on their surfaces but also from harboring viruses within their interiors as well.
>>Free from bacteria
As mentioned, soapstone is non-porous, which means it’s resistant to bacteria and viruses. Soapstone is not susceptible to mold, mildew, or other microorganisms. It is also not susceptible to water damage, heat damage, or the effects of harsh cleaners like bleach or ammonia.
This means soapstone counters are easier to clean than other types because they do not easily stain or get damaged by cleaning solutions.
>>Heat resistant
We already mentioned that soapstone could withstand heat up to 700 degrees Fahrenheit. Soapstone is a highly versatile material and can be used in many different applications. It’s heat resistant and durable, making it an excellent choice for kitchen countertops. If you want your fireplace to stand out as the main point of your room, soapstone will help make that happen. Soapstone is also excellent for hearths, as well as surrounds on stone fireplaces (but not gas ones).
🟫 Cons
Soapstone is a beautiful stone that can be used for countertops and a number of other purposes. However, it is not the most affordable alternative out there. Before you jump into this project, you need to consider its durability and how easy it will be to maintain. If you know what you’re doing with soapstone, then go ahead and install it! But if not, then go with something else like granite or engineered stone instead.
>>Pricey
Soapstone is a soft stone and therefore more prone to scratching and can cost you a lot. This can be a problem if you have young children or if you like to use your countertops as workspace. Soapstone is also a soft stone, making it more susceptible to stains. If you’re buying soapstone counters because you want something that will last forever, this might not be the right choice for you.
>>Sealing and waxing
You need to seal and wax the soapstone to keep it looking nice. Soapstone can be porous after years, so it can stain and absorb water. To prevent this, you need to seal your stone before use. You also need to regularly seal or wax your soapstone after every one or two uses (or every few weeks if not used very often). Failure to do so will result in staining from minerals in hard water, which will permanently discolor any externals it comes into contact with. Including any metal parts of your sink like faucets or drains!
>>Staining
Soapstone is a type of soft stone and is therefore prone to staining. In fact, it’s so easy for soapstone to stain that there is an entire industry devoted to cleaning it. You’ll probably want to buy some non-toxic dishwashing liquid and mop every surface of your bathroom with a cloth before you use the shower (and then again after you’re done).
Additionally, soapstone can be difficult to clean after years of using it because of its porous nature. If you notice any stains, you may need something more abrasive than just water and a sponge or rag. And while the material itself won’t scratch easily, the grout lines between tiles might not hold up well against constant use over time. Especially since they’ll likely get wet more often than other parts.
>>Chopping
Soapstone is an excellent choice for a countertop, but you should be aware that it has certain limitations. For example, if you want to cut or chop on your soapstone countertop, it’s best to avoid using knives with sharp blades. Soapstone is prone to chipping and cracking, so using sharp knives could cause severe damage. It’s also not recommended for use as a kitchen island due to its softness. This means that heavier pots and pans can leave marks in the stone over time (and might even break).
Soapstone’s most common uses are as bathroom vanity tops and fireplace surrounds, both of which require little heavy-duty use and are therefore ideal surfaces for soapstone counters.
🟫 Maintenance
Soapstones are easy to clean and maintain, but they do require some care in order to keep them looking their best. You can use any sort of cleaner on your countertop. Still, it’s essential not to use anything that contains chlorine bleach or ammonia because these chemicals can damage the surface of your soapstone slab over time.
~GRANITE COUNTERTOP~
Granite is one of the most popular countertop options for many reasons, including its durability and heat resistance. It’s also uncomplicated to maintain if you follow simple measures such as keeping it dry, using sealant, and cleaning with soap and water.
🟫 Pros
>>Durability
Granite is a type of natural stone, so it has natural variations. Each piece of granite will be unique in color and texture, giving your kitchen a one-of-a-kind feel.
Granite is also highly durable and resistant to heat, scratches, and stains. Its high density makes it very strong and difficult to damage through regular use or cleaning. Granite’s durability means that you can enjoy it for years without worrying about damage occurring from everyday use!
>>Heat resistance
Granite is a good heat conductor. This means that it will absorb and disperse heat quickly, which will help to keep the surface cool to the touch. Granite has been known to withstand temperatures as high as 1,000°F (537°C).
>>Price and value
Granite can be pretty expensive depending on which type you choose and where it’s installed. Buying locally may save money on shipping costs but also limits choices since not all granite may be available at local quarries or distributorships.
🟫 Cons
Granite requires more upkeep than other materials like quartz because its porous nature allows for staining if not properly maintained. There are also wide varieties available, including complections with varying colors or patterns, but keep in mind that these distinctions can affect pricing significantly as well as installation difficulty due to their unevenness.
🟫 Maintenance and repair
It’s important to understand that granite is a natural stone and should be treated as such. You can’t just dump it in the dishwasher or scrub it with a scouring pad and expect it to look new. A general rule of thumb is that if the material has its own natural oil, you shouldn’t use chemicals.
The best method to clean and wash granite countertops is by using warm water and soap, followed by a gentle dry cloth or paper towel (never use an abrasive cleaner). If you want to make sure there are no streaks left behind, put down some newspaper before cleaning so any liquid will run into the paper instead of your flooring when wiped up afterward.
~BOTTOM LINE~
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance countertop, there are many things to consider. Fortunately, there are also a bunch of great materials and finishes to choose from, so finding what you’re looking for should be manageable. In the end, we hope that our advice has helped you narrow down your choices and find a countertop that will fit your aesthetic and maintenance needs.
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