Filed under: Kitchen, Your Home, Projects
Some countertops look better than they function. Here's what you need to know before deciding on your next countertop material.When choosing a kitchen countertop material homeowners often consider looks first and durability second. The sad truth is that some kitchen counter materials that are beautiful to look at are actually not very wise choices in terms of durability. ShelterPop investigates which materials don't hold up over time.
Be wary of tile counters -- they may not endure the wear and tear of regular cooking. Photo: Alamy
Ceramic Tiles
"Though tiles are heatproof and pretty to look at, I found their uneven surface a liability -- no matter how careful a cook you are," says Susan Westmoreland, Food Director of Good Housekeeping. "The grout gets stained with everything from berries to beets." In addition to gross grout, ceramic tiles themselves can easily chip, scratch or crack.
White Marble
"White marbles like Carrara, Calacatta and Statuary marble are gorgeous and very popular, but the truth is, [white marble] is not ideal for everyone," says Rebekah Zaveloff of the kitchen design firm KitchenLab. White marbles are soft and porous, so they're susceptible to staining, etching and chipping, quickly resulting in an aged look -- even when they've been well-sealed.
Stones like white marble will stain and show age -- no matter how well you seal them. Photo: Getty Images
Limestone
"I avoid limestone at all costs in kitchens," warns Zaveloff. This natural stone is even worse than white marble, as the natural look of limestone makes it even harder to hide flaws and stains. Of all the stone options on the market, limestone is least suited to countertop use.
Laminate
While laminate often seems like the most affordable option for countertops, it can end up being a costly choice when it needs to be replaced after just a few years. The list of laminate's "cons" sited in Martha Stewart's Homekeeping Handbook alone are enough to make you want to steer clear: "not stain- or scratch-proof; can be impossible to repair if damaged by burn marks and deep scratches; seams show; potentially costly end finishing and end choices."
"If you choose laminate, be sure there are no seams near the sink," cautions Westmoreland. "If possible get a style that wraps at the outer edge and does not have a hard seamed edge -- the seams are the Achilles' heel of laminates."
Concrete
"Some concrete counters have been known to stain," says Zaveloff. "Make sure your expectations are in check and make sure you ask the fabricator about what to expect." In addition to these drawbacks, concrete can be tough on your dishes and glassware. Plus, this relative newcomer to kitchen design trends may not stand the style endurance test.
The bottom line: Talk to your contractor or kitchen designer about durability of all the materials you plan to use in your kitchen. The extra research will eradicate many future headaches.
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