The first crucial step in renovating your kitchen is planning and budgeting. This can be daunting with so many decisions to make, and so many options for each choice. Don’t let your countertop selection be the last priority in both material choice and cost investment!
The countertop is the hardest working component of the kitchen, enduring daily action on it’s surface, contact with utensils, dishes and pans, as well as frequent wiping and cleaning, that other parts of the kitchen, such as appliances and cabinets, are not subjected to. Yet often, more consideration is given to choosing and investing in the other elements. Not only does the countertop receive the heaviest use, but it is generally expected to outlast other investments, appliances in particular.
Next to durability comes appearance. Countertops, as the horizontal surface in the room, catch the light and really stand out as a dominant feature. Additionally, they are the surface that is touched. Cabinets and appliances are generally plain. The countertop provides the opportunity to splash out and add colour, pattern and texture. You can really create a striking and unique room with your choice here.
All countertops are not alike. Practical features important in countertops are non-porosity, hardness, stain resistance, scratch resistance, and ease of maintenance. Aesthetic features are colour, patterning, and surface texture. Popular and practical countertop materials today include engineered quartz (commonly referred to as just “quartz”, some brand names: Silestone, Caesarstone, LG, CQS, Hanstone, Vicostone, Radianz), porcelain slab (some brand names: Dekton, Sapien, Laminam, Touch, Julian Tile), and the classic natural stones: granite, natural quartzite and soapstone.
As with any category of building materials, there are big differences in quality, colour and pattern in the man-mades, ie. quartz and porcelain slab. Spending more does yield higher quality, consistency and superior colour and pattern choices. In the natural stones, the more beautiful and unusual slabs are available in higher price categories.
Soapstone can be elusive to find; however, here at Dauter Stone we keep it in stock! Extremely dense, non-porous, heat resistant and stain proof (after oiling), Soapstone can add a distinctive rustic element to any kitchen.
One investment you can be certain will stand the test of time with unparalleled style is a quality countertop. At Dauter Stone, we are stone experts with over 40 years in the business, and we will assist you in making the best choice for your particular needs and preferences. Feel free to contact us online or visit us in person today to discuss your project.
Visit our showroom in person at 5230 1st St S.W. in Calgary, Alberta. We are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
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