In our previous blogs we covered the basics of Modular Kitchen, Modular Kitchen Designs and even the mistakes you should be at a look out for while designing/renovating your kitchen. Kitchen Countertops are the foundation of any kitchen. This is where all the prepping happens, this is where you place your appliances, this is what holds the sink and this is what holds the base cabinets of your kitchen. No doubt the countertops have to be strong, sturdy and durable. You can replace an appliance in your kitchen but replacing a countertop is a task, trust us, you don’t want to do it again and again. Thus, it is extremely important that you choose a countertop that is not only stylish, sleek and chic but also has functional utility.
There are numerous types of countertops available in the market and for a layman it is very difficult to understand the difference between the quality and sustainability of a material. The material that may be pleasing to your eyes and pocket may lead you to repent later on. We do understand that everyone is on a budget, and at Elevation Interior, our designers are highly respectful of that. Our designers at Elevation Interior listen to your requirements, recognize your budget and then make the best possible options available.
Here are the most popular countertop options used in our country:
Granite
When it comes to kitchen countertops, Granite has always been a top choice. This natural stone is highly durable and can last for decades with minimal upkeep. Available in a number of colours and styles such as solid, speckled or marble look. This heat resistant stone is an appropriate choice for kitchen countertops as it doesn’t easily crack when hot pots or pans are placed on it and also it doesn’t scratch/abrase easily. If you want to give a rich, sleek look to your kitchen, we suggest you to go for the jet-black granite. It is a little expensive and rare, but trust, this look is a slam dunk.
Quartz
Quartz is also known as engineered stone. In case you are on a budget and can’t spend a lot but don’t want to compromise on the durability of the countertop, quartz is the right choice for you. A combination of quartz and other minerals, these countertops provide a marble or granite look. These are not natural stones like granite or marble. It is easy to clean, non-porous and mostly stain free. However, if you regularly put very hot pots and pans directly on the surface, it may lead to some discoloration. If you are a colour and design lover, go in for quartz as the variety available in quartz is surely going to amaze you.
Nano white/G5/G7
Also known as G5 OR G7, this type of countertop is the favorite of those who don’t mind cleaning every inch of their kitchen on a daily basis. We are not saying that it is difficult to clean. Cleaning process is fairly simple but the white color of the stone makes every spilled drop to standout. This type of stone is generally imported from China and is not a natural stone. It has a glossier finish and enhances the aesthetics of your kitchen immensely. It is adequate for rough and tough usage and has high tolerance to heat.
However, we must mention the cons here too. Nano white if not installed properly or with impact may crack at times. If you want to grind masalas in a traditional way, like with a ‘dori sotta’ or ‘pounder’, nano white is not the countertop for you. The installation of nano white countertops should be done by highly skilled professionals only as it is difficult to manage it. People often mistake that it would have properties like stone, while cutting it, however, the properties of nano white tend to be more of a glass than a stone. For best services of installation of nano white kitchen countertops, contact Elevation Interior, Thane.
Marble
Luxury on your mind! You have come to the right place. Marbles are the go-to countertops for anyone who dreams of extravagance. But mind you, this indulgence comes with a price tag. These pricey but chic countertops combined with modern cabinets are a stunner. They are durable and will last for decades. They do require an upkeep but that’s the price of owning a master piece. Marbles are metamorphic rocks that have intricate veining and a lot of color options. These countertops go with any style of kitchen. These stones are porous and require sealing every few years.
Tile
Surprisingly, these 90’s popular kitchen countertops have won the hearts of the millennials, especially the mosaic tiles. The reason, we think, is it’s wide range of colors and patterns available in the market. Tiles are generally seen in bathrooms and floors in our country. But you may be surprised to know that youngsters are all in for this kind of out of the box kitchen. Tiles are easy to install and quite inexpensive when compared with granite and marble. Good quality tiles have pretty decent heat resistance also. With tiled kitchen countertops you can give wings to your creativity. Moving to the cons of tiled countertops, they are not easy to clean. Also, after sometime you would see grout accumulating around each tile, which is very unhygienic. Tiles are also prone to chipping.
Laminate
Next on the list are laminate countertops. Yes, we do agree, laminates lost their charm sometime back. But there was a reason for that. Laminate countertops that were available earlier peeled and stained easily. However, the times have changed now and technology has evolved. There are very good quality laminates available in the market nowadays. Not to mention there is a huge variety and that to a very cost-effective price. If you are on a budget but want a marble or wood finish, it can be easily achieved with the help of laminated countertop. It can be easily cleaned but the glue of the laminate may wear off in some time. Also, extremely hot pots and pan, if in direct contact may burn the laminate.
Stainless Steel
These types of countertops have always been very popular in commercial sector. However, their demand in residential sector has recently seen an upsurge. They are costlier as compared to tiles or laminates but quite affordable when compared to marble or granite. Plus, they are very durable, they are easy to clean, maintenance is negligible, look chic and rust free. The only cons we find are that they may get a dent from heavy impact or may not go with your overall look of the home.
Corian
This is actually a brand name but it has become synonymous with the type of kitchen countertop. These types of countertops are also very budget friendly and available in a variety of colors and looks. They are seamless, easy to clean, low on maintenance but at the same time get scratched easily. Another major disadvantage of Corian is that the heat resistance is low as compared to other countertops.
These are just a few popular countertops that we jotted down from the top of our head. There are so many other types and styles of countertops available in the market. No matter what your style is, no matter what your color choice is, no matter what your budget is, there is something for everybody. To find out about more such amazing options, call us at +91- 9892343410 or email us at info@elevationinterior.com.
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