If you are planning a kitchen renovation, you may be stuck trying to figure out which countertop is best. Nothing helps a person fall in love with their home again faster than completely redoing your kitchen. After all, kitchens see a lot of traffic. In many homes they are the most popular room. It is crucial that you choose a material that works for your lifestyle and your aesthetic tastes. While stainless steel and granite have ruled the market for years, there are other materials making a rapid rise in popularity.
Two popular choices are quartz and wood. Deciding between these two very different options can be surprisingly difficult. There are a few factors you need to consider when trying to figure out which is best for your home. Be sure you take your time when selecting your new counters and always shop from a showroom first. Asking yourself a few simple questions can help simplify the decision-making process.
How Much Use Do Your Counters See?
If you cook often, your counters will see a lot of use. Frequent use can often result in minor scratches, dents, and other signs of damage. Homeowners who spend a lot of time in their kitchens may want to consider purchasing countertops that are relatively heat and scratch resistant. You should also think about whether or not your counters see a lot of spills and other types of mess. Some materials will absorb these spills, increasing the amount of bacteria present in your kitchen.
Those who use their kitchens often should consider quartz over wood. Quartz is very heat resistant, making it perfect for chefs of all types. It also holds up well to scratches and other forms of damage. Wood will scratch, burn, and retain a lot of bacteria. Quartz is a much better choice for homeowners who cook often.
Have You Purchased Cabinets Or Other Kitchen Accessories?
Another question you should ask relates to any other renovation purchases you may have made. To ensure your kitchen flows well and is an inviting place, you should match your counters, cabinets, and flooring to some degree. If you already purchased flooring or cabinets, try to find a counter that compliments those styles. It is possible to purchase different materials for each as long as you ensure there is some congruency in appearance.
Wood and quartz are available in a few different shades and styles. Quartz is unique in that every slab looks slightly different. Countertops made from wood are usually manufactured, whereas quartz is more natural. You can find quartz in different shades, and it is usually quite easy to match other design elements to secondary colors in the quartz. Avoid purchasing wood countertops if other elements of your décor are dark and heavy. The combination of dark cabinets and a wood counter can make your kitchen seem a lot smaller. If you have your heart set on beautiful wood cabinets, consider quartz to add visual diversity and to brighten up your kitchen.
How Much Time Do You Have For Routine Maintenance?
Homeowners should also ask themselves how much time they have available for routine care and maintenance. Certain materials are much harder to care for than others. Quartz, for example, requires very little intervention to stay beautiful. You should wipe it down after use, never using anything stronger than warm soapy water. Stains and other minor imperfections are easily removed using a plastic putty knife. Wood, on the other hand, is much harder to maintain. Since it retains bacteria, it is crucial that you keep wooden counters in pristine condition. Many homeowners find this to be an onerous task, making quartz a much better choice for busy families.