QUICK NAVIGATION About HDB Kitchen Design Popular Themes for HDB Kitchen Design Explore Popular Interior Styles Key Points To Consider When Transforming Your HDB Kitchen Tailoring HDB Kitchen Design to Different Flat Types Conclusion About HDB Kitchen Design Designing or renovating the kitchen of your HDB flat or BTO unit is quite an overwhelming task. […]
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INTRODUCTION
Designing the kitchen is no easy task. It requires effort, time, and resources. And more than that, it also demands extensive planning, material searching, and accurate designing in order to achieve the desired result.
When it comes to choosing the material of your kitchen countertop, there are a lot of things that need to be factored in. This includes the kitchen countertop height, kitchen countertop bar, cost, aesthetic, durability, functionality, and appropriateness. You don’t just select a material because of its color or design.
You also need to consider those underlying factors which have the most impact when it comes to the kitchen’s efficiency and usability. Different materials have different perks. In this article, we’re going to look at eleven (11) most commonly used kitchen countertop materials and get to know more about their nature, as well as their pros and cons. Let’s dive right in.
1. Marble
For many homeowners, marble is still the most popular choice for kitchen worktops. It does, however, have limits that should be considered while using it in the kitchen. If used for kitchen countertops, it is a rather delicate and porous stone that must be sealed carefully and periodically.
Marble is one of the most appealing natural stones due to its distinctive look and veined patterns. The two main downsides of a marble kitchen countertop in Singapore are it can get quickly discolored unless it is treated on a regular basis with a high-quality sealant due to its porous characteristic. Secondly, since it is a soft delicate stone, it can easily get scratched.
2. Granite
Because of its durability and natural beauty, granite remains the most preferred countertop material. Granite has the ability to transform any kitchen into a lavish and opulent space.
Is it really worth it to spend so much money on granite countertops? The answer is yes. If you choose a neutral color and design, they will last for years with minimal upkeep. When compared to marble, which may only last 20 years, experts believe they will endure 100 years if carefully managed.
Granite is expensive and is not DIY friendly. Seek the help of a contractor or professional granite installer when installing granite countertops.
3. Laminate
Laminates are one of the most versatile of all countertop materials. Although they are not as regarded as those expensive high-class materials, laminates look nonetheless different.
It is made up of a thin layer of plastic laminate laminated to particleboard or medium-density fiberboard.
They look aesthetically good and work well in modern or mid-century modern homes. Note that when compared to other materials, laminate countertops might feel empty and light.
4. Ceramic Kitchen Countertop
For new countertop selections, ceramic tile is a good moderate option. It comes in a variety of colors and sizes. It can also be purchased in quantity for a reasonable price. It is durable, easy to install, and looks visually appealing in any kind of kitchen design. It’s also great for a DIY project if you want to make your own countertops.
5. Soapstone
A soapstone countertop is great for your kitchen if you often place hot things on your countertops. Surfaces made of soapstone are heat resistant. Soapstone is naturally non-porous. As a result, you won’t have to worry about staining or heat damage. Soapstone countertops are perfect for most kitchens because of this particular characteristic.
6. Quartz
If you would list down kitchen countertop materials from the strongest to the weakest, a kitchen with quartz countertop would definitely top the list. It is harder and more durable compared to granite. It is also not porous which means, it is easier to clean and is resistant to any form of bacteria buildup.
Quartz is an excellent choice for kitchen counters, as well as bathrooms. Because of its durability and wide range of colors and styles, it’s a very practical material.
7. Slate
Slate is perhaps the most affordable countertop. It costs less than granite, quartz, marble, concrete, and other countertop surfaces. Slate is a heat-resistant countertop surface that can be readily sliced into thin sheets and absorbs very little moisture.
Slate tiles are ideal for kitchen and bathroom countertops because of their longevity and toughness. Slate counter surfaces are resistant to heat-generating appliances such as hot pots and hair tools.
8. Concrete
Concrete also makes for good kitchen countertops. It is a long-lasting material as long as it is sealed and properly maintained. While concrete is not impervious to scratches, it outperforms softer counter materials like solid surfaces and laminate.
Concrete countertops are becoming increasingly popular in kitchens of all types, from modern to classic.
9. Stainless Steel
You might be thinking. Isn’t stainless steel for chef’s kitchens and restaurants? Technically yes, but stainless steel also works for regular kitchens especially those with modern industrial style.
Steel countertops are not only attractive, but they are also water-resistant as well as heat and stain-resistant. Stainless steel will resist corrosion, food stains, and meat juices, as well as the strong cleaning agents used in industrial kitchens.
10. Recycled Aluminum
Contrary to what many people think, recycled aluminum is somewhat similar to engineered stone and other solid surface countertops rather than to stainless steel and other metallic materials.
It is primarily because they are a blend of solid surface waste, aluminum flake, scrap, and recycled acrylic. Aluminum countertops are one of the least common forms of metal countertops, but owing to their unique qualities, they may be utilized in a variety of applications.
11. Recycled Glass
Recycled glass countertops are made from a mixture of glass melted down to form a new slab. Similar to other countertop materials, it is durable and heat resistant which makes them a viable alternative for daily usage, although they are not as lasting as other materials.
If sharp objects such as knives scratch the surface, the glass may chip, especially around the corners.
The variety of materials available for kitchen countertops is astounding, and there are kitchen countertop materials that have not been included in this list. It seems like an endless choice.
Each material has benefits and disadvantages that must be considered before making a purchase decision. We hope this blog has helped you in any way and assisted you in making informed choices when designing your kitchen.
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