the counter top guide

Counter top decisions used to be so easy. In todays market with so many options it’s no wonder why customers hire designers. It all becomes so overwhelming from the numerous choices, textures, colors, brands and more.

I am here to simplify it all for you.

Come join me for a quick counter top 101.

Here we go!

Don’t Stress About It

I have you covered!

Picture this….. it’s been a long day, you are exhausted and the kids are finally in bed sound asleep you just want to sit in your clean kitchen… which won’t remain this clean when the kids wake up in the morning. So you treat yourself to a relaxing glass of wine. Yeah, that white counter is probably not the one for you.

Are you the Chef in the house that loves to play with recipes and entertain??? Yep that white counter is also not for you.

What about my fellas that love to grill and smoke meat and need a counter to prepare slabs and add their favorite rubs, marinades and sauces? Yep you guessed it these are not the counters for you.

Have those cute kids running around the house spilling fruit juice, you guessed it those white counters are not for you. Any sort of acidic element will create etching in the marble and white counters are more susceptible to staining than other solid surfaces. Etching is the result of a chemical reaction between acid and the calcium carbonate found in marble (and also limestone and travertine).

Now does this mean that you can’t have those dreamy white counters??? Of course not what kind of designer would I be if I denied my clients a stunning, sleek, white, statement piece in their kitchen? Here are a few better options for those that love the white and bright but hate the maintenance of sealing it often due to durability and etching.

You could choose a durable man made material known as Quartz which is a lot stronger than a marble and comes in a variety of colors including that crisp white you are longing for.

Another great solid surface is Granite which still requires a little maintenance but will hold up better for a frequently used kitchen.

Porcelain slabs are on the rise right now along with Dekton slabs but keep in mind these are not the same. While Porcelain and Dekton are both more durable than natural stone such as granite and marble it does have it’s drawbacks. For example a porcelain slab usually has the veining of the stone printed on top of the slab and doesn’t go all the way through so if it chips it will be noticeable. Keep in mind these are minor set backs as the likelihood of chipping is rare, although not impossible it is rare as both of these materials are pretty durable. We are sure that over time companies will make it so that these slab characteristics show all the way through these slabs and it might already be in the works so don’t rule these beauties out.

The final alternative is invest in a 15 year sealer for a few hundred bucks it’s worth avoiding sealing every year by keeping it protected for 15 years under the manufacturer. I personally have used this sealer in my home and absolutely love it.

So the next time you hit the stone yard make sure you keep these tips in mind. If this is overwhelming and not your cup of tea…you can book with me today and I will design and walk you through the process.

It’s always Sunny in FL have a blessed day!

-Melissa LaRosa