With so many countertop options nowadays, people have a very difficult time choosing the best one for their kitchen. Some say that wood is better, while others are in the favor of granite or even marble.
Naturally, this issue asks for some research! As such, in the following lines, we’ll have wood and granite countertops “face” each other to analyze their advantages and disadvantages and see which one’s better.
In the end, we hope that this information will help you make the right choice for you and your kitchen!
Wood Countertops
As expected, wood countertops are still a very popular choice, mainly due to their natural look that enhances the appearance or style of almost any kitchen – or bathroom.
- The Pros of Wood Countertops
- Appearance – as mentioned, a lot of people like wood countertops because of their appearance and the warmth they provide to any kitchen.
- Variety – as expected, there are more than enough types of wood countertops for you to choose from; you can have maple, oak, cherry, teak, birch, and even bamboo. The end result is a unique countertop with a customized appearance.
- Works with all Styles – wood countertops work with any style, including country, traditional, modern, eclectic, transitional, and even contemporary.
- Warm to the Touch – unlike concrete or granite, wood countertops are actually warm to the touch.
- Amazing Work Surface – wood doesn’t damage cutlery edges as bad as concrete or granite.
- The Cons of Wood Countertops
- Require Proper Sealing – if not sealed correctly, wood countertops come with a porous surface that favors germs and bacteria.
- Water Damage – the surface of wood countertops must be regularly treated with protectants and mineral oils, mainly to avoid water seeping into the wood seams.
- Refinishing – in time, wood countertops wear and tear. As such, you may need to reapply the finish – or have the surface sanded and then refinished.
- Scratches and Dents – as expected, wood is softer than stone, tile, or metal. Therefore, it can be easily damaged by cutlery. You may want to consider using a separate cutting board if you have a wood countertop and want to keep its factory look, so to say.
Granite Countertops
Granite, as you may know, is one of the top selections when it comes to countertops, as it improves the overall look of a kitchen. Even though it’s almost as visually appealing as wood, it still has some flaws that may make you reconsider.
- The Pros of Granite Countertops
- Visual Appeal – every granite slab comes with its own individual colors, lines, and patterns – in short, it is unique. On top of that, you can choose from over 20 shades of granite to work with and find the one that fits your kitchen cabinets perfectly.
- Increase Value – many people know that granite countertops make for a wise investment, as they not only upscale the appeal of your bathroom or kitchen but also give lasting value to your home.
- Highly Durable – it may not be unbreakable, but granite does last for a couple of decades and, on top of that, it’s not susceptible to dents or scratches.
- Heat Resistant – a granite countertop is very practical when you cook near a cooktop, as it is heat-resistant. As such, you don’t have to worry about placing hot pans or pots straight on the countertop.
- Stain Resistant – lastly, granite will not absorb liquid – if the countertop is properly sealed – and will resist stains very well.
- The Cons of Granite Countertops
- Porous – If not properly sealed or unsealed, granite countertops will absorb liquids, creating long-lasting stains. On top of that, poorly sealed countertops will host bacteria in their pores.
- Prone to Cracking – Even though they’re very durable, granite countertops still come with a chipping risk. You should avoid dropping heavy objects on the edges of the countertop.
- Cold to the Touch – if you’ll ever want to lean on a granite countertop while waiting for your coffee to brew, then you should bring a towel to place under your elbow, as granite is rather cold!
- Quite Costly – the cost for a granite countertop increases with the slab’s thickness. In fact, granite is known to be on the higher end in terms of spending – as you’ll have to pay for the installation as well.
Conclusion
As you can see, both wood and granite countertops come with equally pleasing advantages and decent disadvantages. We think that, in terms of pros and cons, the two materials are quite balanced and, overall, come with little to no differences.
However, there are people who’d prefer their countertop to be warm and not cold. In this particular scenario, they’d choose a wood countertop. By this, we mean that everyone should pick the countertop that fits them and their kitchen the best!
Visit the website of RTA Cabinet Supply LLC for more useful hints.
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