When it’s time to update a room in your home, stress can arise – but when redoing the kitchen, you’re really under pressure. In comparison to other rooms of the house, having a dream kitchen necessitates combining both form and function successfully. We all know that beauty alone is not enough for this area! Wise homeowners understand that the aesthetic beauty of their appliances and décor should go hand-in-hand with materials that can withstand regular contact with sharp objects, spills, and temperature fluctuations. This is especially true when selecting countertops for your kitchen; if you spend a lot of time in this room preparing meals, then it is essential to make sure the material won’t succumb to high heat from pots and pans or baking sheets.
Fortunately, with the advancements made in countertop technologies today, there are a multitude of heat-resistant options that can protect your kitchen from disaster. Below, we have compiled some of our favorite choices for you to consider.
Granite
Are you searching for a countertop option that is tough, durable, and able to withstand high temperatures? If so, natural granite should be your go-to choice! Once considered a luxurious material, it has become increasingly more affordable in recent years. As one of the toughest countertop materials available on the market, testing has found that granite counters can easily survive up to 480°F – with some research even suggesting they may be able to last at 1,200°F! It is an all-around top pick when it comes to kitchen surface options. This makes them an excellent choice for canning and cooking, as well as a safe surface to place hot pans on. In addition to being heatproof, granite is also extremely scratch and stain-resistant when properly sealed. Although it may require more frequent resealing than some other materials, it’s worth the effort if you are looking for a countertop that will last. Granite is also available in a wide range of colors and patterns, so you can find the perfect option to suit your individual style. Keep in mind that natural granite is porous and should therefore be sealed regularly to maintain its beauty and durability. With proper care and maintenance, your granite countertops will remain beautiful for years to come.
Quartz
Quartz has an outstanding reputation for being low-maintenance and resilient, so it is no wonder that it made our list of top countertop materials! Constructed with quartz crystals and resin, these countertops can withstand a lot of wear and tear. Although quartz is more heat resistant than most other engineered surfaces, you should be aware that extremely hot pans may cause discoloration or damage the underlying resin. For this reason, we recommend always using a trivet when cooking near quartz countertops. Otherwise, quartz is easy to clean and comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns, so it can easily fit any kitchen’s decor. Plus, because it’s nonporous, quartz is much less likely than other countertop materials to be subject bacterial growth. Consider quartz if you want an attractive, durable countertop without all the fuss!
No matter what kind of countertop you choose, it is always important to ensure that it is properly maintained. For quartz countertops specifically, nothing too abrasive should be used on them – otherwise, the resin can be scratched or damaged. Additionally, any harsh chemical cleaners should be avoided; warm water and a mild, non-abrasive dish soap are usually all that is needed to keep your quartz countertops looking beautiful! With careful care, quartz can last for years without displaying any signs of wear or tear.
Marble
Marble countertops are a long-time favorite for homeowners looking for a more sophisticated aesthetic. Like granite, marble is a natural stone that makes them relatively tough (though not as tough as granite) and heat resistant. However, like quartz, there is a limit to the heat resistance of marble countertops. While your marble counters will stay nice and cool no matter how much baking you do, you should always use a trivet to avoid potential discoloration of the stone. Marbles add an unparalleled aesthetic to any kitchen or bathroom, thanks to their unique veining. Not only are they stunningly beautiful, but with proper care and maintenance, your marble countertops can last a lifetime — maybe even become antiques one day! You do need to remember, though, that marbles are porous, so you must seal them annually if you want the countertops to remain stain-free for years of beauty and functionality.
Choosing the Right Countertop Material For Your Family
Each potential countertop material comes with its own assets and weaknesses. In selecting which material makes the most sense for your home, it is important to understand your family’s needs in terms of maintenance, design, and budget.
Have additional questions or need help choosing the right material for your household? We’re here to help! Contact us here and we’ll be happy to assist you in selecting the right natural stone countertop slab for your renovation project.