Countertops

 

 

The kitchen is the heart of your home, which means it’s one of the first things visitors will notice. And with all the time and money spent updating your surfaces, it’s important to keep them looking their best. Knowing how to protect your investment will give your countertops years of beauty and enjoyment.

In this 6-part series, we will be diving into extending the life of your countertops through regular maintenance and care. We’re kicking off the Countertop Series with a few things you should and shouldn’t do to keep them looking good as new.

 

 

DO know your stone: Every material has different needs. Some require regular maintenance, while others need minimal care. Soft stones (like marble, limestone and soapstone) should be treated with more care than harder stones such as granite. To keep your surface looking it’s best, be sure you know which surface you are treating and pay attention to its specific needs.

DO be proactive: Spills are bound to happen, but they also have the potential to ruin the surface of your stone. Anything from mustard to salad dressings can stain if unattended to. Be proactive and wipe up messes as soon as they happen to avoid residue or spots that can ruin the beauty of your new kitchen countertops.

DO take precautions: While some materials can withstand hot pans and cold beverages, many of them cannot. As a general rule, avoid placing any hot or cold items directly on your stone’s surface. Protecting your countertops can be as easy as using a pot holder under hot containers, or placing a coaster under your iced drink.  

DO ask the experts: Stones are not perfect and sometimes damage can occur. If there is a problem and you’re not sure how to fix it on your own, don’t be afraid to seek advice from the professionals.

 

 

DON’T assume: There are certain cleaning solutions that are great for one countertop, but could be determinantal to another. Do your research and know what cleaning solutions are right for your stone. As a general rule, avoid cleaners that contain acids such as lemon, vinegar, bleach and ammonia on natural stones.

DON’T overdo it: Natural stones are very fragile and scrubbing can do more damage than good. If you need to deep clean a soft stone countertop to remove stubborn spills or residue, use a non-abrasive pad and add minimal pressure. If you are working with a harder stone such as granite, a premium cleaner will adequately clean and disinfect.

DON’T forget to seal: Many stones require maintenance a few times a year depending on the use and type of stone. Find out the requirements for your countertops and develop a routined schedule. Leaving a surface for an extended period of time can result in liquid seeping into the pores, causing permanent damage and discoloration.

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Selecting your kitchen countertop material is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when renovating your home. While you may have a particular vision in mind, choosing the surface for your space should be based on more than just appearance alone. There are some surfaces that are low-maintenance, but other materials such as granite and marble, require extra care and upkeep to maintain their beauty.

Let’s dive into the basics of using granite and marble in your home.

Granite

Granite is a top choice for countertops among homeowners because of its high-class aesthetic, rich beauty and it’s durability. It is available in a variety of shades, no two pieces are exactly the same, and comes in both matte and polished finishes. Granite countertops give your kitchen a look that is truly its own.

Aside from its natural beauty, granite is a substance that takes normal wear and tear. When sealed properly, granite countertops require minimal maintenance and everyday activities like knife blades, hot pans and spillage won’t damage its surface. However, a poorly-sealed or neglected countertop can harbor bacteria in its pores and absorb spills that are impossible to remove.

Marble

Marble counters no doubt offer spectacular beauty and elegance. The igneous stone comes in many hues, and no two slabs are alike, creating a truly unique look in your home. Additionally, marble can be a less expensive choice (depending on color) than other hard-wearing countertop materials, holds up well to heat, and is widely available.

So what’s the problem with marble countertops? Scratching, staining, chipping and etching.

Marble’s polished surface (along with other soft stones) is very vulnerable to household acids. That means food-related products such as vinegar, mustard and citrus can cause a chemical reaction and remove the polish on your stone.

So unless you cook and entertain with caution, you may want to steer clear of selecting marble for your kitchen countertops. However, this stone has a naturally smooth and cool surface, which is ideal for a pastry slab, and it’s high-tolerance for heat make it a great choice for around a fireplace.

When choosing materials for your countertop, considering the amount of upkeep you are willing to put in to maintain the beauty of your stone. If you are looking for high-quality options that are durable and functional, yet require no maintenance, consider a non-porous solid surface like quartz, stainless steel or laminate.