The heart of every home is the kitchen. Why else do most spend the better part of their waking hours in it (it’s true!)? For that reason alone, you probably should think real hard about how you design the kitchen. And where to begin than the kind of countertop you’ll have. Read on and discover the best one for how you use your kitchen.
Granite
Born of hot liquid magma, this stone is as natural as they come. Incredibly solid, it’s exceedingly resistant to scratches, damage (it can blunt knives!), and, of course, heat (650°C anyone?). Every countertop made of this stuff is like a fingerprint — each one has a pattern that is wholly and completely unique.
That said, it is prone to cracking if improperly installed. Also, for something so solid, granite is shockingly porous. That means if you spill coffee on it, you’ll want to wipe it up real quick unless you like the look of coffee ring stains. Did we mention it’s incredibly expensive?
Marble
The fine wine of countertops, marble is oh-soooooo luxurious. You won’t find veined patterns like it anywhere else where natural stone is concerned. In the heat department, it’s no pushover either: it’s very heat resistant like its granite cousin.
However, marble isn’t quite as tough-as-nails as granite is. Knives can actually scratch and damage the surface. Marble also shares two characteristics with granite — it’s porous and priced very luxuriously.
Quartz
No, this isn’t the same quartz you find in watches. It’s man-made, engineered stone. 80% resin/polymers, 20% crushed natural stone. It’s a lot like stone with almost none of its downsides. It’s non-porous, far easier (and cheaper!) to customise its shape, and has a wider range of colour options.
There is a size caveat: each slab has a 3-by-1.4-metre limit. Anything larger and you’ll have to put up with joint lines between the pieces. Additionally, while the polymer/resin part of it makes it non-porous, it also makes it less heat resistant than its natural stone counterpart.
Solid Surface
By far the MOST popular choice of any home kitchen. Made of 100% man-made materials (acrylic and polyester blend), it’s crazy customisable, comes in a mind-boggling variety of colours and patterns, and joint lines are practically non-existent! And all at a very, VERY competitive price.
It’s a lot like quartz in many areas but it’s less durable; scratches and stains more easily. That said, did we mention it’s competitively priced?
KompacPlus
Compressed paper. That’s what this is. It’s got a much slimmer profile than all the other surfaces, but don’t let that fool you; it shrugs off water and scratches without breaking sweat. It should come as no surprise that this stuff comes in all sorts of designs (it’s paper after all).
You can even get it to look like natural material. It might not be as affordable as solid surfaces, but it’s leaps and bounds more affordable than natural stone.
Stainless Steel
This one’s for Gordon Ramsay’s out there. Stainless steel is fantastically functional yet magnificently modern. It’s impervious to damage, exceedingly easy to clean, and anti-bacterial to boot. What’s not to like about it?
Well, there’s the fact that it scratches and dents easily. And it’s really big price tag — it’s even more expensive than natural stones.
Dream kitchens for everyone
Having a hard time choosing one? Don’t worry, just think about how you’re using your kitchen. Is it decorative or functional? Is money no object, or are your finances tight? These questions should help you pick the right countertop for yourself.
Photo Credit : Sense & Semblance
Much Room Interior
Kompac Plus
Jia Studios
Posted on 7th Jan 2022
Kenny Tan,
SiXiDES Writer
Renovation Nightmares in Singapore: How to Avoid Shoddy Workmanship and Costly Rectifications
Renovation nightmare? Discover how to avoid shoddy workmanship in Singapore with expert tips on vetting contractors, conducting inspections, and enforcing contracts. Protect your home from costly rectifications!
The Great Water Heater Showdown: Instant vs. Storage - Who Reigns Supreme?
Dive into the sizzling debate of instant vs. storage water heaters. Uncover the juicy details on energy use, water pressure, and getting the most bang for your buck.
Renovation Scams in Singapore: How to Avoid Disappearing Contractors and Protect Your Dream Home
Learn how to protect yourself from renovation scams in Singapore. Discover tips to avoid disappearing contractors, the importance of staged payments, and what to do if you fall victim to contractor fraud.
HDB's Optional Component Scheme: Skip the Scramble, Spruce Up Your Flat in a Flash!
Explore HDB's Optional Component Scheme for cost-effective floor finishes, doors, and fittings in your BTO flat. Discover your options before key collection.
Hacking Your Haven: A Budget-Friendly Guide to Your 4-Room Flat Makeover
Discover cost-effective ways to renovate your home with our comprehensive budget breakdown. Learn about toilet, kitchen, and carpentry renovations.
Best Feng Shui Practices for a Snake Year Baby’s Nursery
Create a harmonious nursery for your Snake Year baby with these Feng Shui tips. Learn about ideal colours, crib placement, and energy flow to nurture your little one in 2025.
6 Hacks for a Higher Functioning Bathroom
The bathroom is where you do most of your unspeakable, unsightly grooming (I hope), and that means you need it to be well-lit...
The 6 Most Functional Kitchen Layouts Today
Say what you will, but the kitchen is the one place you cant be frivolous about if youre serious about cooking. Its all about functionality...