Choosing the right countertop can be a daunting task as there is a wide variety of materials and designs available in the market. It is one of the most important elements in any culinary space, since it must not only be functional and durable, but also aesthetically attractive and in line with the style of the kitchen.
In this article we will explore the different countertop options available, from granite to marble, through quartz or acrylic surfaces. The selection of the countertop should consider a few points: maintenance, durability and budget.
Quartz or Silestone
Quartz surfaces have become very popular and for good reason. Quartz is much harder than granite and other stones, making it more resistant to scratches and cracks. In addition, it is non-porous, which means that it resists stains much better than other elements.
Because of its hardness, quartz countertops also tend to be easier to clean than granite or marble countertops because they don’t absorb liquids like those materials. Quartz also comes in many different colors and vein variations, making it a great choice for any style of cooking.
The most common engineered stone material is quartz, which has been successful over granite as an “it” countertop material. Priced similarly to granite, quartz countertops are made with rock fragments bonded together with resin and offer better overall consistency and less maintenance than natural stone. Most importantly, quartz is more resistant to stains and does not have to be sealed, like stone.
Marble or granite
They are a true classic in kitchen design, and have been popular for decades. Modern yet timeless, marble or granite add an elegant touch to any kitchen.
In fact, when it comes to a countertop, marble is definitely one of the most important kitchen trends today. It remains a very popular choice for countertops, mainly because of its natural beauty. Granite has a hard surface that is extremely durable, but it must be sealed periodically to help prevent staining. Other natural stone countertop options can be marble, soapstone, and limestone, but they are softer materials that require more care.
Neolith surfaces
Neolith is a material created in 2009 in Spain and has gained popularity worldwide, as it offers a surface of high resistance to abrasion and scratching, low absorption of liquids, resistance to UV rays and easy cleaning and maintenance.
It is mainly composed of clays, minerals, silica and natural oxides. It is highly resistant and durable, so it is used in the manufacture of countertops, walls, floors, coatings and other architectural and decorative elements.
También está disponible en una amplia variedad de colores, acabados y texturas, lo que lo hace ideal para proyectos de diseño y construcción de alto nivel.
Encimera de madera
Wood countertops are a classic and stylish option that can look traditional or modern depending on how you design them. You must bear in mind that natural wood must have a very resistant lacquer, to protect the wood from liquids, bumps and stains. It is also convenient to use hardwoods such as oak, walnut, chestnut or cedar.
If you are working with an open kitchen, they can be an excellent option, as they can be integrated into the rest of the furniture either a dining table and chairs or the coffee table in the living room. They are easy to clean and can be maintained with wood oil, but they can also be damaged by water. Wood generally makes more sense for work areas than for the main countertop.
Concrete countertops
Concrete is a countertop element that never goes out of style. It’s durable, affordable, and looks fantastic in modern kitchens with minimalist designs.
While concrete is easy to clean and maintain, some stains can be difficult to remove. Carefully follow the cleaning instructions so that the countertop always looks like new.
Concrete gives an industrial look to the kitchen, but it needs to be sealed up to four times a year. It is also scratch and heat resistant.
Still known as the original Corian brand, solid surface countertops resist scratches and stains. However, they are easily damaged by hot pots and pans.
Corian, developed and patented by DuPont (the same creators of Lycra), is an innovative blend of minerals and acrylic polymer. This combination of materials offers a solid and uniform surface that is known for its high strength and durability.
In addition, its composition allows great versatility in design, since you can create custom shapes and patterns that adapt perfectly to any space. In short, Corian is a revolutionary material that offers an optimal balance between strength, flexibility and aesthetics for any type of decoration and interior design project.
Plastic laminate
The most economical option, it comes in a wide range of colors and designs, but can be damaged with hot pots and pans.
Countertop sinks
Multipurpose sinks are being used, which offer a chopping board and different strainers.
Fregaderos de cuarzo incrustados en la encimera del mismo material.
Otra opción más lujosa son los fregaderos metálicos de latón o cobre.
Pero por supuesto, el acero inoxidable no perderá su lugar, ya que es duradero y económico.
Grifería moderna para integrar a la encimera
Accesorios de cobre pulido
Es un material que siempre tuvo popularidad en los diseños rústicos, pero ahora se está aplicando a todos los estilos de cocinas modernas.
Gold faucets
If you’re a fan of new metallic designs but don’t like copper, there are other metallic finishes that are becoming popular. Newer metals on the rise include brass and bronze. Golden faucets are a good alternative.
Two metals
Mixed metal faucets are also becoming popular, for example, they may have dark bronze accents built in. The mixed metal breaks the monotony and gives more texture and character to the taps.
Smart wifi faucets
They can help monitor water usage and can be synchronized with voice commands or can be operated from the mobile. In this way you can easily control the on, off and temperature of the water.
Contactless faucets
If you do not want your kitchen faucet to be connected to your WiFi network. You can simply move your hand over the faucet or tap it gently to get the water flowing. This is very practical when your hands are busy or dirty.
Matte and slim
These slim faucets are lined with elegant matte surfaces. They avoid the metallic finishes of the most contemporary pieces to create their own style. They usually have curved high bridge designs to create an ultra-modern aesthetic.
Drop-down taps
These faucets have been popular for many years and continue to be so. They stand out for their arched design and head that can be lowered to fill pots or wash dishes.
