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Health & Fitness

Kitchen and Bath Coutertops - Choose Wisely

The selection of countertop material in the kitchen and bath will, in many cases, set the tone for the entire space. Here are some tips to help you in making the best choice.

One of the most important design decisions clients will make is their choice of kitchen and bath countertops. Since the typical counter surface area in a is large and highly visible, I always consider this specification to be critical to the overall design.

Often times, if there is a lot of counter coverage, I try to mix finishes to break up the mass and add visual interest to a space. For example, if a kitchen design is made up of peripheral cabinetry with a center island, I might use a quartz material on the peripheral cabinets and a different material, such as stone, stainless steel or butcher block, on the island.

There are some maintenance issues that should be considered with the selection of certain countertop materials. For example, for ease of maintenance, I would generally not recommend using a butcher block material near a 'wet area', such as near a sink or bar area. Although many honed stones have a stunning 'matte look' and contemporary feel, certain honed materials remain porous even after sealing so I would not recommend these materials in highly utilized areas such as adjacent to a prep or bar area.

I always recommend bringing samples of the actual materials into the space so you can see the actual look based on the interior and natural light and side-by-side to samples and swatches of other specified materials, such as cabinetry, paint, flooring and tile.

When I work with clients who are on a tight budget, I often times work in out-of-the-box cabinetry into the kitchen or bath design. Careful selection of the countertops will give stock cabinetry an amazing look, far different than what you may see at the typical big box store. The selection of the countertop material in the kitchen and bath will, in many cases, set the tone for the entire space. 

One last tip - in selecting countertops of natural stone, it is critical that you and/or your designer actually visits the slab yard to select the actual slabs to be fabricated for your countertops. Natural stone has tremendous variation and hand selection of the slab will prevent any future surprises.

Here’s a summary of the most popular countertop options based on 2013 design trends:

  • Marble ($$$$$)
    An elegant natural stone with notable veining and markings. 
    Pros: It's truly beautiful, and unique material reminiscent of restaurants and French patisseries. 
    Cons: There is color and variation in all natural materials; must be periodically sealed. It can stain and etch pretty easily and has a hefty price tag.
  • Quartz ($$$$)
    A combination of natural quartz stone and manmade resins. 
    Pros: The color specified is the finish you will be getting since there is no variation. Quartz is extremely durable, non-porous and it resists heat. It also needs very little maintenance.
    Cons: Comparable in price to granite and some marbles; you may see some seams.
  • Granite ($$$$)
    A strong natural stone which can be polished or honed.
    Pros: This can be found with many beautiful color variations, it resists chemicals and bacteria and it's relatively easy to maintain if you seal it once in a while.
    Cons: There is color and variation in all natural materials; must be periodically sealed and there will be some visible seams.
  • Butcher Block ($$$$)
    Typically made from a hard maple, mahogany or other exotic woods that are laminated and sealed.
    Pros: If you're looking for the warm, rich look of wood, they're right up your alley. 
    Cons: This product needs to be sealed regularly because it is very porous. Unfortunately, it is susceptible to standing water damage and it can scorch, stain and scratch.
  • Stainless Steel ($$$)
    Sheets of the metal are custom fabricated to fit your unique design.
    Pros: Chefs love how they're antimicrobial and super easy to clean and we love the metallic glow they give any kitchen. 
    Cons: Metal will scratch and etch over time, but this can be part of the beauty of its patina. 
  • Solid Surfacing ($$)
    Plastic resins with a stone look. 
    Pros: This material can be made virtually seamless and it comes in many colors and patterns. 
    Cons: It's not as heat resistant as natural stone.
  • Laminate ($)
    Paper or fabric sheeting is glued to a plywood substrate. 
    Pros: It's available in thousands of colors and styles; it's inexpensive and pretty durable. A great look in some modern spaces.
    Cons: You'll see seams, you can't cut on it and it will scorch if you put a hot pot on the surface. 

Robert Frank is a local resident and owner of Robert Frank Design, a full-service interior design firm specializing in kitchen design, bath design and closet design. With offices in Pasadena and Palm Springs, California, Robert Frank Design works in collaboration with our clients to create beautiful, functional spaces that reflect their lifestyles and personalities. Visit us on the web at www.robertfrankdesign.com

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