The countertop is the element of the kitchen that is subjected to the most intense use. It is a work area that supports a great hustle and bustle every day, so when choosing countertop material, in addition to the aesthetic aspect, you should think about other characteristics such as the maintenance that each surface needs durability or resistance.
Granite
A kitchen classic. Currently there are new models with a wide variety of finishes and colors. It is a natural stone, unique, with personality because no two pieces are the same. Granite kitchen worktops have great durability, possibly the greatest of any other material. Granite is a hygienic countertop material and totally suitable for direct contact with food. Granite countertops are highly resistant to scratches and shocks. If a water-repellent and antibacterial treatment is applied, it will also be resistant to stains. Granite countertops do not require any specific maintenance.
Porcelain
Porcelain countertops are current. They receive different names, from large-format porcelain to ultra- compact or sintered compact surfaces. We are faced with a high-quality countertop material with the highest degree of resistance of all materials. Porcelain kitchen countertops withstand abrasion, heat, humidity, stains and knocks. You can put a hot casserole or pan directly on the countertop without staining or burning, they even withstand the fire directly, being able to cook with a torch on them. is a material hygienic and totally suitable for direct contact with food . The stains do not alter their appearance either, not even the most complicated ones such as oil or acids such as lemon or vinegar, since they are not porous , and they are also very easy to clean with a cloth. There is a wide range of colors and finishes. It is an ecological and environmentally friendly material. Porcelain countertops are large-format pieces and allow for semi-invisible joints that are barely noticeable. They do not require any additional maintenance.
Quartz
Wide range of colors and finishes. It is the countertop material with the greatest variety of colors on the market. It has great resistance to shocks and a medium resistance to heat since it does not support direct heat sources. Use countertop savers if you are going to leave a hot pot or pan on a quartz countertop or they could leave marks. Its low porosity also makes it resistant to stains. Quartz countertops are easy to clean, withstanding the use of soft scouring pads and detergents for cleaning, but you should not use metal scouring pads. It does not require specific maintenance, but it does require some care with heat sources.
Madera
Wood countertops are attractive for their natural beauty but it is a more delicate material that requires more maintenance than other materials. Offers medium-low resistance to heat, stains, shocks and scratches. After installing them, a treatment must be applied to protect it. If we apply this treatment, the wooden countertop will withstand humidity well. They can be cleaned with soft pads and cloths and if they get scratched you can restore their original appearance with medium grain sandpaper sanding in the direction of the grain until the scratches are removed and applying a varnish again. Of course it is an ecological countertop material, even more if it is bamboo wood. It is a fragile material that cracks may appear over time. It needs frequent maintenance and care by applying linseed oils, nourishing treatments, sanding, varnishes…
Laminated or chipboard
Laminate kitchen countertops are very affordable and resist moisture. They also offer a wide variety of colors and finishes. Its resistance to stains is medium, therefore of a lower degree than that of other materials. Allows cleaning with a soft cloth. This countertop material offers a medium-low resistance to heat and can place plates and ceramic containers with hot food on top of it, but for hot pots or pans we must use a tablecloth or countertop saver. Its scratch resistance is also low so we must use a board to cut food and not do it on the countertop. It requires more care when using it to maintain its original appearance.
