Your kitchen is one of the hardest working rooms in your home, so choosing a countertop material in St. Paul should be about more than just aesthetics. Choosing the perfect Countertops in St. Paul, MN is largely a matter of being realistic about your family’s lifestyle and how often you cook and entertain. Keep reading to learn the pros and cons of the most popular countertop materials, and consult Duane Steen at Select Surfaces for further assistance in your selection.
Wood
If you cook frequently, wood may be the countertop material for you. That’s because, according to Popular Mechanics magazine, wood is the only material that’s professionally recommended for the slicing and chopping that serious cooking requires. Hardwood counters are also attractive and durable, and it’s simple to sand out scratches. If you dislike frequent maintenance, wood counters may not be a great choice. The wood will need resealed every few years, and if you opt to use an oil finish, it will need reapplied every month or two.
Granite
Granite is one of the best-selling materials for Countertops in St. Paul, MN today. It’s stain-resistant, impossible to scorch and virtually maintenance free, so it’s a great choice for busy families that tend to make messes in the kitchen. The main drawback of granite is that quality stone can be relatively expensive–top-of-the-line granite can cost up to $250 per square foot.
Laminate
Laminate counters are a popular choice for homeowners on a budget. It may be inexpensive, but plastic laminate can stand up to the rigors of the kitchen surprisingly well. For the average cook, laminate offers a work surface that is durable and simple to clean. On the downside, laminate doesn’t last as long as other materials, and it’s particularly vulnerable to scorch marks from hot pots and pans.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel countertops are often chosen because they’re recyclable and resistant to burning and staining. If you’re concerned about contamination from pathogens in food, stainless steel is a great choice because it’s very easy to clean and disinfect. However, families with young children or nosy pets may want to steer clear–stainless steel is notorious for showing fingerprints and smudges.
The kitchen counters you choose will affect the way you cook, eat and clean in the kitchen. Keep practicality in mind when you’re choosing your countertop material and you’ll never regret the choice you make.
