When it comes to kitchen renovations, the choice of countertops is among the most important decisions because it will have a huge impact on style and functionality. Here we look at the many types of kitchen countertops available.
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Marble
Marbleis a beautiful natural stone that is commonly used as a kitchen countertop. This is a very expensive material which is therefore usually only seen in very high-end properties. Because of this, marble countertops have become synonymous with luxury and elegance. The high price of marble countertops means that it is outside of many peoples budgets; however, some people choose to have just a small amount of marble countertop in their kitchen, for example, on an island or an area which is used for baking and then have the remainder of the kitchen fitted with a more cost-effective type of countertop.
Marble is known for being an excellent surface to prepare baked goods on, as it absorbs heat much better than other types of countertop surface. This makes it ideal for rolling out pastry or dough on, as they should be kept as cool as possible before cooking to achieve the best results. It is also good for helping chocolate to cool more quickly.
大理石也是任何享受廚房獨特的人的人的好選擇。這是因為每塊大理石都會有不同的模式，通過它運行，確保沒有兩件是相同的。
大理石的主要問題是它的高成本，這使得許多家庭在翻新廚房時成為一個不切實際的選擇。許多人沒有意識到的另一個問題是大理石台麵實際上涉及大量的維護，以保持它們看起來不錯，確保他們持續很長時間。
Marble is surprisingly quite a delicate material that is prone to stains and scratches. You will need to wipe it down after every use because spills from regular foods such as fruit juice, vinegar, or wine can leave permanent marks on the countertop. It is best practice to always use a chopping board and trivet to prepare food on a marble countertop to avoid scratching, staining and dulling.
您不應該在大理石工作台上使用常規清潔產品，特別是任何包含醋，檸檬或漂白劑，因為這些都會永久沉悶大理石的光澤。為了幫助保護台麵，需要定期用專業封口機密封。建議每年至少進行一次。
If you are enthusiastic and capable when it comes to DIY, marble is not a type of countertop that you will be able to install yourself. This is because special tools are required to make joins on the worktop, so if you are looking to save money and install a kitchen countertop yourself, then you would need to choose a different material to use.
Pros:
- Luxury look
- Unique pattern
- 隔熱
- Heat absorbent for baking
- 窟erproof
- Adds value to the property
Cons:
- Expensive
- Porous, therefore, stains easily
- Can be scratched
- 需要定期維護
- Repairs are difficult
- 需要專業安裝
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that is ideal for use as a kitchen countertop because it is extremely heat resistant and incredibly strong. Unlike marble countertops, you can prepare food on a granite countertop without a chopping board because the surface will not suffer any scratches from knives or stains from food. You also won’t need to use trivets and can instead put hot pans or baking trays directly onto the granite countertop because it cannot be damaged by heat.
This is great if you’re someone who doesn’t like to have clutter on top of your countertop, and it also means you can appreciate the full beauty of the granite without having chopping boards that hide it. Bear in mind, though, that sharp knives will quickly become dull when used for chopping on a granite surface. Granite is very durable, which is the primary quality that most people want in a countertop.
相比之下,大理石,花崗岩是mainte低很多nance. Granite is a porous material, but if sealed with a professional sealer before use, you may never need to seal it again. However, you can reapply sealant every few years if you prefer to err on the side of caution. Another benefit of granite is that it is available in so many color options, so you can guarantee you will always find one which is suitable for your color scheme and style. Some suppliers boast several hundred different colorways in granite countertops.
Undoubtedly the biggest drawback of granite countertops is that they are so expensive. However, they do hold their value and are a very sought-after component in kitchens when people are looking at buying a new property. Despite being among the most costly types of countertop, granite countertops have come down significantly in price over the last few years as demand has gone up, and therefore more suppliers have joined the marketplace trying to offer the best price.
Granite is a luxury type of kitchen countertop which is both functional and beautiful, and thanks to how durable it is, it will stand the test of time. Compared to less durable countertops, some people believe granite is a good value for money because it will not need to be replaced for many years and therefore is a good long-term investment.
Pros:
- Durable
- Wide color variety
- 低維護
- Heat resistant
- 窟erproof
- Luxury factor
- Adds value to the property
- Long-lasting
Cons:
- 需要專業安裝
- Expensive
- 需要封口
- Dulls knives
石英
石英countertops are not slabs that have been quarried like marble or granite, but instead, they are a type of engineered stone. They comprise around 90% quartz particles, with the remaining 10% being made up of other minerals and resin. Quartz is an excellent alternative option to granite and marble for several reasons.
It is incredibly durable and non-porous, which means it will not stain or scratch and does not need to be sealed. This makes it significantly lower maintenance than some similar natural stones. Quartz is also a more environmentally friendly option than natural stone because it makes use of waste materials.
與花崗岩和大理石相比，石英有更均勻，完美無瑕。它有一係列巨大的顏色，甚至可以模仿大理石和花崗岩。如果您想向廚房台麵添加觸發閃光，您也可以找到有金色或白銀的斑點的石英表麵，以及您可以想到的幾乎任何其他顏色。
石英countertops are especially popular in more modern style kitchens because they have a sleek and contemporary look to them, compared to the more natural effect you can achieve with granite and marble. However, they are more functional than natural stone in many ways because they don’t need to be sealed and yet are completely waterproof. They are also resistant to heat, and therefore food can be prepared directly on the countertop without the need for chopping boards and trivets.
它們可以形成任何形狀和尺寸的板塊，這對於DIY愛好者來說是偉大的，因為它意味著不需要加入，因此您可以在不需要專業安裝的情況下自己符合下台。
像大理石和花崗岩台麵一樣，石英台麵很昂貴。但是，由於他們的耐用性和功能，它們代表了一個很好的長期投資，因為它們不需要更換很長時間。Quartz是一個追捧的廚房台麵，可以為家庭增加價值，使其更具吸引力的潛在買家。
Pros:
- 低維護
- Scratch and stain-resistant
- 隔熱and waterproof
- Wide selection of colors and styles
- DIY installation possible
- Modern luxury look
- Use some waste products
Cons:
- Expensive
Wood
木製廚房台麵是一個受歡迎的選擇s because they provide a warm and homely look and offer good value for money. While wood countertops are not the most inexpensive type of countertop available, they are considerably more affordable than natural stone and engineered stone countertops. One of the great things about wooden worktops is that they can be sanded down and re-stained or oiled if they suffer from an accident, such as a child drawing on them.
不幸的是，木質台麵易於染色和水印，因為它們是高度多孔的，這意味著您需要確保立即清理任何溢出物。當在自來水附近使用時，木質台麵可能特別有問題，因為龍頭的飛濺可能導致水槽周圍染色。
With wooden countertops, you’ll need to be careful if you want to keep them in good condition. You cannot put hot pans down directly onto the wood, and you cannot chop food directly on them. Instead, make sure you always have trivets and chopping boards to hand. Wooden countertops need regular maintenance in the form of oiling. Linseed oils are a popular choice, which helps to make the wood water resistant and prevent cracking.
If you are a fan of a more natural-looking worktop, then wood is an excellent choice. If treated properly, wood looks even better over time and gains more character as it ages. It is naturally antibacterial; however, germs and bacteria can become a problem if the wood is not properly cleaned and looked after.
Fortunately, wooden worktops are easy to keep clean with a damp cloth and some antibacterial surface cleaner or a mix of dish soap and water. Wooden countertops come in a variety of wood types, usually hardwoods, so you can choose a color of wood with the right tones to suit your kitchen. Popular types of wooden countertops include oak and maple, or if you prefer a more sustainable option, then bamboo worktops are also available.
Pros:
- 合理的
- It can be sanded back if damaged
- 溫暖和自然的感覺
- Naturally resistant to bacteria
Cons:
- It can be scratched and stained
- Needs regular oiling
Glass
Glass is one of the lesser-used materials for kitchen countertops; however, it is gradually gaining in popularity. Glass countertops are durable, as well as waterproof, and resistant to staining. They are low maintenance and do not need to be sealed or undergo any regular treatments, making them an ideal choice for busy families.
One of the reasons many people choose a glass countertop is because it can be personalized or customized with your chosen colors or even images. You can have objects such as beads, shells, or glitter fitted beneath the glass to make for a more interesting surface. Glass countertops are very hygienic and can be cleaned easily.
You should not leave a harsh chemical cleaner sitting on the glass for an extended timeframe, but otherwise, they are suitable for any type of regular kitchen surface cleaners. Many people are surprised to find that glass worktops are very strong; however, if you were to drop a heavy item on a glass countertop, then it would be at risk of cracking, so you’ll need to take care. Glass countertops are among some of the most expensive types of countertops you can get, which may be why they are less popular than granite or marble.
Pros:
- 現代看法
- 低維護
- 可定製
- Durable
- Stain-resistant and water-resistant
Cons:
- Expensive
- 重的
- May crack
Concrete
Concrete countertops have emerged as an alternative to other solid surface countertops in recent years. They are a good choice in kitchens that are an irregular shape because they can be formed in any shape and size. Due to the weight of concrete countertops, they are usually formed in situ and therefore require professional installation.
有些人可以通過廚房裏的混凝土如混凝土的思想來推遲，但一旦拋光和密封，混凝土將有豪華的吸引力，就像其他固體表麵台麵一樣。混凝土自然多孔，但有添加劑可以添加到混合物中以戰鬥。您還可以將顏色或紋理添加到混凝土台麵上，以獲得真正獨特的飾麵。一旦完成，混凝土台麵非常耐用，易於清潔。它們應該定期密封以防止染色。
根據您選擇誰製作具體台麵，成本可能會急劇差異。如果您想創建自己的具體台麵來節省資金，那麼您可以在YouTube和DIY套件上提供許多教程，盡管為專業結果，最好聘請一家經驗。
Pros:
- Durable
- Easy to clean
- Industrial style
- 可定製
- DIY options
Cons:
- 可能很貴
- Needs regular sealing
Stainless Steel
對於工作廚房的感覺，不鏽鋼台麵運行良好。這些耐熱，防水;然而，它們將輕鬆劃傷，因此避免將它們用作斬波表麵。不鏽鋼台麵可以定製，以適合您的廚房，因此您將沒有可見的連接。它們提供了一種引人注目的工業風格，維護低。是無孔的，它們不會染色，也不會含有細菌。
One disadvantage of stainless steel countertops is the high price. They can also be noisy, with lots of clattering noises which may become annoying to you or other members of the household. Stainless steel countertops will also suffer from scratches over time, no matter how careful you are. They can also become dented if you drop anything on them or accidentally bash them.
Pros:
- 低維護
- Easy to clean
- Industrial style
- 防水，不會染色
Cons:
- Expensive
- 嘈雜
- Can suffer dents and scratches
Laminate
層壓板通過在刨花板頂部粘合層壓板製成。它們很受歡迎，因為它們是符合廚房台麵時最低的選擇。高端層壓性工作台可以非常耐用;然而，他們的聲譽不佳，因為在通過外層可以看到刨花板的角落或維持刨花的剝離工作表麵剝離。
They may also suffer scratching from knives or sharp objects. Damage is difficult, if not impossible, to fix. Many laminate countertops are heat resistant, though it is recommended to use a trivet. These surfaces do not require any maintenance and are easy to clean. They are available in a huge selection of colors, patterns, and styles. They may put off future home buyers because they are regarded as a ‘budget option.’
Pros:
- 預算友好
- Wide variety
- Heat resistant
Cons:
- 不追捧
- Damage is usually irreversible
- 關節可見
Solid Surface
Solid surface countertops are mid-range when it comes to price and perception. They come under brand names such as Corian, Swanstone, and Avonite and are engineered from acrylic and plastic particles and resin. They are incredibly durable, waterproof, and resistant to staining; however, they are not heat resistant. They will show scratches and scuffs; however, these can be sanded out.
Solid surface countertops are more affordable than natural stone options, but they will not add as much value to a home because they are less sought after. They have a sleek look which works well in modern kitchens.
Pros:
- 合理的
- 低維護
- 非多孔
- Modern style
Cons:
- 不耐熱
- 可以磨損
Must be professionally installed
