3 Low Maintenance Kitchen Countertops

Most homeowners will tell you that a lot of time is spent in the kitchen.  Whether preparing meals throughout the day for yourself and your family or hosting guests for parties, you will be spending many hours in the kitchen.  If you are designing a new home or remodeling your existing kitchen, you know there are a lot of choices out there.   One important decision to make about your kitchen is what type of countertops to install.  While the popular choice in recent years has been granite, there are certainly additional choices available that are appealing, durable and low maintenance.  Below we discuss three low maintenance kitchen counters choices every homeowner should consider.

1. Soapstone

Soapstone is a natural quarried stone that is both beautiful and low maintenance.  The stone contains talc which is what gives it its soft, soapy feel and milky or powdery appearance.  Soapstone is less hard than granite but it is still incredibly durable.  It is very resistant to cracks because it is somewhat pliable and is non-porous, which helps it resist stains.  Because it is non-porous, it is far more resistant to stains than granite or slate and does not need to be routinely sealed like those materials do.  It can also stand up to acidic materials if spilled on the surface and is heat resistant so you can put those hot pans right on the surface and it will not do it any damage.  Because it is non-porous, it also resists bacteria so harsh chemical cleaners are not needed.  While soapstone may incur some nicks or scratches over time, it is considered a beautiful part of the surface and part of its rustic appeal.  If the nicks or scratches bother you, you can simply sand them down and they will be gone.  Soapstone is a hardworking, low maintenance countertop that will look beautiful for decades to come.

2. Quartz

Quartz countertops are engineered stone countertops that are both incredibly beautiful and have lived in the shadows of granite for far too long.  Quartz countertops are made from a combination of primarily quartz granules mixed with resins and colorants which means you can find quartz countertops in a wide range of colors.  Quartz countertops are incredibly durable and long lasting.  They are much stronger and harder than granite countertops and are very scratch resistant.  Quartz is a wonderful kitchen countertop surface because it is tough and can stand up to spills, slips of the knife, and more.  Additionally, quartz is non-porous, unlike granite, and will stand up to spills well.  You will not need to worry that the tipped over glass of red wine will leave a permanent mark.  Also, unlike granite or marble, quartz does not need to be sealed regularly because it is resistant to damage and bacteria so it is simple to clean and maintain.

3. Laminate

Laminate kitchen countertops may have gotten a bad rap over the years in favor of products like granite or marble but laminate deserves a second look.  Laminate countertops have come a long way in recent years and are now available in a wide array of colors, patterns and looks.  The variety and quality available is truly amazing.  In addition to being one of the most inexpensive countertop options, they are very low maintenance.  While you cannot use your countertop like a cutting board, laminate countertops are still a very durable countertop option.  Laminate countertops do not need to be sealed and are easy to clean with household cleaners, soap and water, and a sponge.  They are also resistant to stains, making them an appealing option for many homeowners.