We are currently considering which countertop material to choose. The options are ceramic, quartz, and natural stone. The kitchen will be matte white and handleless. The countertop should also be matte and fairly resistant (able to handle a red wine glass spill, for example) and not absorb liquids or show stains easily.
The prices we were given are approximately:
We need about 4.5 sqm (48 sq ft).
What do you have? What can you recommend and why?
The prices we were given are approximately:
- Ceramic around 500 €/sqm (about $ / sq ft), with cuts being very expensive
- Quartz around 400 €/sqm (about $ / sq ft)
- Natural stone around 400 €/sqm (about $ / sq ft), depending on the type of stone
We need about 4.5 sqm (48 sq ft).
What do you have? What can you recommend and why?
T
Traumfaenger15 Aug 2017 22:18McEgg schrieb:
The kitchen will be matte white and handleless. The countertop should also be matte and quite resistant (able to handle a red wine glass spill occasionally) without soaking up liquids or developing stains...In my opinion, that would be a stainless steel countertop (warm rolled), but this material isn’t mentioned in your list yet. Have you not considered it, or have you already explicitly ruled it out?
K
Knallkörper15 Aug 2017 22:22Why not solid wood? That also fits your requirements.
K
Knallkörper15 Aug 2017 22:45Parquet flooring in the kitchen? Oh no. To avoid even more problems, I would remove natural stone from the list of options. It absorbs liquids, which leads to stains and marks. There are sealants available, but I wouldn’t want to use the "good" ones where food is involved.
C
chand198615 Aug 2017 23:16As a general rule for natural stone: any material that contains lime or is porous can only meet your requirements if treated with chemical sealants. In my personal opinion, such materials do not belong in areas where food is prepared.
Therefore, you should avoid all marbles, sandstones, and slates.
True granites can still be used, but there are differences here as well.
For granite or quartzite, I would recommend choosing based on the desired appearance and testing an unsealed (!) sample piece of the material by exposing it to coffee, tea, wine, and especially acids (vinegar, lemon) for 24 hours. Whatever still looks the same afterward should meet your standards.
For ceramic, pick whatever you like and can afford. Prices are high, but quality is good.
Some manufacturers also offer countertops in their porcelain stoneware ranges; these are also expensive but meet your requirements.
I like stainless steel, but it looks awful on matte white surfaces.
With a matte finish on the cabinetry, I would avoid a matte countertop as well, because contrasts can create attractive effects. Also, I find polished surfaces easier to maintain. But that is just my personal taste.
I think hardwood flooring in the kitchen is bold but feasible.
The idea that a natural wood countertop might be “too much” wood, in my opinion, only applies if the wood is very similar or identical to the floor.
Smoked wood or walnut (dark), maple (light), or ash (grayish) can be carefully selected to create excellent contrasts with oak flooring. Bamboo might also work; it is very durable and not too expensive.
Therefore, you should avoid all marbles, sandstones, and slates.
True granites can still be used, but there are differences here as well.
For granite or quartzite, I would recommend choosing based on the desired appearance and testing an unsealed (!) sample piece of the material by exposing it to coffee, tea, wine, and especially acids (vinegar, lemon) for 24 hours. Whatever still looks the same afterward should meet your standards.
For ceramic, pick whatever you like and can afford. Prices are high, but quality is good.
Some manufacturers also offer countertops in their porcelain stoneware ranges; these are also expensive but meet your requirements.
I like stainless steel, but it looks awful on matte white surfaces.
With a matte finish on the cabinetry, I would avoid a matte countertop as well, because contrasts can create attractive effects. Also, I find polished surfaces easier to maintain. But that is just my personal taste.
I think hardwood flooring in the kitchen is bold but feasible.
The idea that a natural wood countertop might be “too much” wood, in my opinion, only applies if the wood is very similar or identical to the floor.
Smoked wood or walnut (dark), maple (light), or ash (grayish) can be carefully selected to create excellent contrasts with oak flooring. Bamboo might also work; it is very durable and not too expensive.
Similar topics