Countertops you shouldn’t use and why

During a kitchen remodel there are many decisions to be made. What cabinets would look best with the flooring? Do I need new lighting fixtures? Are my appliances energy-efficient? Among the hundreds of other questions you’re probably asking yourself, you might also be wondering which material to choose for your new kitchen counters. Style is definitely something to consider, but durability is another crucial aspect of design. Take a look at a few countertop materials you shouldn’t use and why.

Tile
Though tile may seem like a budget-friendly countertop option, it is actually one of the weakest materials you can use. Tiled countertops create an uneven surface that isn’t conducive to cooking and other kitchen activities. Additionally, tile is more prone to chipping, scratching and cracking than other materials, not to mention having grout that is difficult to clean. If you select ceramic tiles for your countertops, the money you save will likely be spent later on repairs and resurfacing.

Concrete
This material has been growing in popularity as the industrial design style became more commonplace. While concrete can be an appealing material option, it isn’t always the smartest one. A big issue with concrete is that it has a tendency to crack. It’s also a very porous material, so you must pay for a sealant or wax coating to prevent mold and mildew growth.

Corian
Commonly used in backsplashes,  Corian is a smooth and durable material. This material may seem like a good choice for countertops, but despite Corian’s beauty it’s actually quite susceptible to damage. It’s not very heat resistant and may stain easily, making it anything but ideal for kitchen counters. It has been called “the poor man’s granite” back in the day, but with granite and quartz products now more widely available and affordable, Corian has virtually lost its appeal as it is still an expensive choice.

Marble
Everyone wants a beautiful kitchen, and many people use marble countertops as a way to elevate the design style in their homes. However, the investment you make in marble countertops may be all for naught. Though marble is pleasing to the eye, it scratches very easily and won’t stand up to damage from acids. Even if there is a sealant applied to marble countertops, they are still at risk for damage. The money you spend on marble countertops could be applied to another, more durable material.

Glass
It may seem like it goes without saying, but glass is one material to stay away from for countertops. It’s too fragile to withstand most kitchen activities. Glass is also prone to scratching and cracking. Another issue with glass is that if damage occurs, it typically cannot be repaired. You’ll end up replacing the whole countertops.

Wood countertops are beautiful, but they are not meant to withstand the tough environment of the kitchen.

Wood
Homeowners looking to add a rustic look to their kitchen and who want a lot of variety to choose from may consider wood countertops. While wood gives a unique quality to kitchen design style, it isn’t the best material to use for countertops. While wood may not crack easily, it’s not heat resistant and likely to be marked by hot cookware. Wood is also easily scratched and stained. Water will also damage wood countertops, meaning if you choose this material, you wouldn’t be able to use it near the sink and you would have to be extremely careful of spills.

The kitchen is sort of like the Wild West of your home. A lot of things happen in this area that don’t occur anywhere else in the house. There’s a certain level of unpredictability when cooking and baking, and you should be able to trust that the materials you select for your kitchen surfaces to withstand whatever may come. By knowing which materials to avoid on counters, you can create a functional and stylish kitchen.

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