Page 8 - Indulge February/March 2015
P. 8
e décor However, marble is softer and
more porous than granite, so
ALTERNATIVES TOGRANITECOUNTERTOPS it can stain and be etched.
Diligence in wiping away spills,
routine sealing and a gentle
touch is necessary for those who
choose marble countertops.
G RANITE HAS LONG BEEN A SOAPSTONE
POPULAR COUNTERTOP MATERIAL
FOR HOMEOWNERS LOOKING This is a natural stone
TO COMBINE FUNCTIONALITY composed mainly of mineral
WITH AESTHETIC APPEAL IN THEIR talc that gives the stone its
KITCHENS. BUT GRANITE IS NO SMALL smooth feel. Soapstone ranges from black
INVESTMENT, AND HOMEOWNERS to gray but can sometimes have a green
LOOKING TO REFURBISH THEIR KITCHENS shade to it. Other materials in the stone can
SHOULD KNOW THERE ARE A MULTITUDE produce veining. Although softer than granite,
OF COUNTERTOP MATERIALS AVAILABLE soapstone is still high-density and will hold
TO THOSE WORKING ON A BUDGET OR up well. It’s impervious to stains and bacteria,
THOSE WHO SIMPLY WANT TO GIVE THEIR and exposure to chemicals will not damage it.
KITCHENS A DIFFERENT LOOK.
QUARTZ
SOLID WOOD
Quartz is a manufactured product
Wood countertops create a warm, homey made of stone aggregate and polymers
interior. Butcher block counters are less compressed under high pressure. It has
expensive than granite and do not necessarily the look of natural stone but requires less
need to be ordered from a speciality retailer. work to maintain. Quartz has consistent
But wood can stain and dent and can colors and patterns and is a nonporous
even burn when hot kitchenware is placed material, so it will not need routine sealing
atop it. Regular application of oil can help and resealing.
homeowners maintain the appearance of their
wood counters for years to come. GLASS
MARBLE Glass countertops are back-painted, so
homeowners can order just about any color
Marble tends to be less expensive than they want. Glass will be tempered, so it is safe
granite without sacrificing aesthetic appeal. and heat-resistant. Glass can scratch, though,
so it is not as impervious as other materials.
CONCRETE
Concrete is another material that can
be colored to match homeowners’ whims.
Concrete is relatively inexpensive compared
to other countertop materials, but it can
crack or chip.
more porous than granite, so
ALTERNATIVES TOGRANITECOUNTERTOPS it can stain and be etched.
Diligence in wiping away spills,
routine sealing and a gentle
touch is necessary for those who
choose marble countertops.
G RANITE HAS LONG BEEN A SOAPSTONE
POPULAR COUNTERTOP MATERIAL
FOR HOMEOWNERS LOOKING This is a natural stone
TO COMBINE FUNCTIONALITY composed mainly of mineral
WITH AESTHETIC APPEAL IN THEIR talc that gives the stone its
KITCHENS. BUT GRANITE IS NO SMALL smooth feel. Soapstone ranges from black
INVESTMENT, AND HOMEOWNERS to gray but can sometimes have a green
LOOKING TO REFURBISH THEIR KITCHENS shade to it. Other materials in the stone can
SHOULD KNOW THERE ARE A MULTITUDE produce veining. Although softer than granite,
OF COUNTERTOP MATERIALS AVAILABLE soapstone is still high-density and will hold
TO THOSE WORKING ON A BUDGET OR up well. It’s impervious to stains and bacteria,
THOSE WHO SIMPLY WANT TO GIVE THEIR and exposure to chemicals will not damage it.
KITCHENS A DIFFERENT LOOK.
QUARTZ
SOLID WOOD
Quartz is a manufactured product
Wood countertops create a warm, homey made of stone aggregate and polymers
interior. Butcher block counters are less compressed under high pressure. It has
expensive than granite and do not necessarily the look of natural stone but requires less
need to be ordered from a speciality retailer. work to maintain. Quartz has consistent
But wood can stain and dent and can colors and patterns and is a nonporous
even burn when hot kitchenware is placed material, so it will not need routine sealing
atop it. Regular application of oil can help and resealing.
homeowners maintain the appearance of their
wood counters for years to come. GLASS
MARBLE Glass countertops are back-painted, so
homeowners can order just about any color
Marble tends to be less expensive than they want. Glass will be tempered, so it is safe
granite without sacrificing aesthetic appeal. and heat-resistant. Glass can scratch, though,
so it is not as impervious as other materials.
CONCRETE
Concrete is another material that can
be colored to match homeowners’ whims.
Concrete is relatively inexpensive compared
to other countertop materials, but it can
crack or chip.
