Countertops are more than just a decorative piece of the kitchen—they’re a functional part of the home. They can play an essential role in making your home safer and more comfortable. Still, their size and weight also mean they have significant environmental impacts when manufactured, shipped, installed, and removed from a building.
Luckily, plenty of options for eco-friendly countertop materials on the market today can reduce these harmful impacts by as much as 80%.
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Granite
Granite is a metamorphic rock, which means it is formed when magma cools and solidifies. The process of metamorphism causes the minerals in the stone to change from their original form into something new.
As a result, granite is much more durable than other types of countertops because it has been through so many different processes. Custom countertops in Corona, CA, can be made from various types of granite, all with unique characteristics.
Some are softer and easier to work with than others, but all are incredibly durable and resistant to staining. This makes granite one of the best kitchen countertops you can get today.
Granite can be used for all types of kitchens, including those with open floor plans or high ceilings, because it won’t scratch easily like other materials might if they’re not properly sealed against moisture damage (such as wood).
Granite does require some maintenance. However, you’ll need to seal your granite surface every year or two, depending on how often you use your kitchen appliances!
Marble
Marble is a burdensome stone but also very brittle and can crack easily. Marble comes in slabs polished to a high shine or left un-polished if you prefer the natural look.
Marble may be polished to achieve an even gloss finish on all sides; however, this process makes it porous, so it stains easily unless you seal regularly with oil-based products such as waxes or oils (such as mineral oil).
Quartz
Quartz is a naturally occurring mineral used for centuries as an ornamental stone and for its high thermal conductivity. It’s 100% natural, non-porous, and easily cleaned with water or soap and water. Quartz is one of the most durable countertop materials available because it doesn’t absorb stains or odors like other materials do over time.
Quartz’s resistance to heat also makes it ideal for use in kitchen islands where you’ll want your food to stay warm longer than other materials would allow (such as stainless steel).
The downside to quartz is that it’s one of the most expensive countertop materials available and can be challenging to install. You’ll also need to consider whether or not you want a natural stone finish or a honed or polished finish (polished finishes are more durable but require more frequent maintenance).
Concrete
Concrete is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a durable material that’s easy to clean. Made from recycled materials and available in any shape or size, it’s also incredibly cheap.
Concrete countertops are also known for low maintenance; they won’t need sealing like other materials. However, concrete is made from sand and cement (not wood), so it tends to get dirty over time if not cleaned regularly.
To keep the surface looking clean and shiny without needing heavy chemicals or scrubbing every day: use an abrasive sponge with water poured onto the surface where needed; then wipe down with another wet towel afterward
There you go!
The takeaway from this guide is that there are a lot of different materials out there, and it’s essential to choose the right one for your needs. Choosing a countertop material will help you ensure that your kitchen stays clean, safe, and healthy—and that you don’t end up replacing it every few years because something breaks or wears out.
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