If you are remodeling your kitchen and looking for a low-maintenance, high-performance material that also delivers on style, choosing a non-porous countertop is definitely the way to go.
Because they are non-porous, these types of countertops do not hold onto or harbor bacteria, water, mold, or other substances. When you clean it, you can be completely confident that it’s safe.
Non-porous materials are generally very durable also, and there are plenty of styles and colors to choose from to match your kitchen décor.
Today, we’re going to look at some of the options we have in non-porous countertops.
Quartz: attractive, versatile, durable
Quartz is probably one of the most popular countertop options right now. As a composite of natural stone and resin, it is not porous and is virtually maintenance-free. In terms of options, you can’t go wrong. No matter what you have in mind, you’re likely to find it in quartz.
For example, quartz comes in every imaginable color and pattern. If you like the look of marble or granite but don’t want the headaches or the expense, you can have it. It doesn’t stain, and it’s heat resistant to more than 500˚F. Among other non-porous choices, quartz is certainly not the cheapest, but it’s much more affordable than natural stone. It won’t chip, and you will have it much longer, which makes for better value.
Some of the brands of quartz you might see are Corian, Silestone, and Cambria.
Stainless Steel: industrial look and feel
If you have a more industrial look in your home, or a modern, minimalist kitchen design, stainless steel could be an option for you. Stainless is what they use in commercial kitchens, and for a good reason. In addition to being non-porous, it’s incredibly durable, it stands up to a lot of abuse, and it will basically last forever.
Slick, minimal, clean, and contemporary, it’s not something you would want in a traditional kitchen. You don’t often see stainless countertops or islands in a residential kitchen. But if you pair it with stainless appliances, a stainless hood fan, and a minimalist aesthetic, you’ve got a winner.
One caveat is that stainless can be very noisy, so you’ll want to splurge for the higher-end options to get a little buffering. Otherwise, you’ll be dealing with lots of clatter.
Concrete: rustic industrial
One of the great things about concrete is that it can be shaped and molded any way you like. Do you have a crazy idea for your island? Have a very specific color you want to match? Concrete could be the answer.
On the downside, concrete needs to be sealed to make it non-porous, and it can stain, crack, and chip. The installation can be messy too, as it kicks up a lot of dust, and it absolutely must be sealed to make it heat resistant and non-porous. That said, concrete is easy and inexpensive to fix, and if you want something that is super-custom or highly personalized, this is how you can get it.
Advantages of non-porous countertops
When we say non-porous, we mean that the material does not contain tiny pores that can retain moisture or bacteria. When liquid spills on it, it will bead up instead of soak in, so it won’t discolor or stain.
Some types of natural stone, for example, tend to soak up moisture. This can cause it to discolor and stain, but it also invites microbial growth, which is not ideal.
If you prepare a lot of fresh foods, having a non-porous countertop is a huge advantage as it is antimicrobial. This means it won’t transfer germs and bacteria to other surfaces or foods. For households with food allergies or environmental sensitivities, this can be a significant advantage. Also, if you are a raw-fooder, you’ll appreciate the sanitary nature of these surfaces because you will always know that it’s as clean as it can be.
Quartz is the clear winner
In the end, quartz is going to give you the most options in terms of color, pattern, and easy care. Because quartz is a solid, manufactured product, it is much stronger and more durable than other options.
If you have small children in your household, quartz countertops are a big advantage because they can take a lot of abuse. They are easy to clean, and you don’t have to worry about hidden germs that can make your little ones sick.
Are you ready to talk non-porous countertops? We’d love to help. To find out how to get started, reach out today.
