KITCHEN COUNTERTOP: HOW TO MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE?
Choosing a kitchen countertop: between aesthetics and performance
The kitchen counter is a central element of kitchen design. It defines both the style of the space and its practicality in everyday life. Combining aesthetics and functionality is essential to create a kitchen that is as beautiful as it is efficient.
A good choice of countertop is based on several criteria: resistance to shocks and heat, ease of maintenance, as well as harmony with the other materials in the room. Whether you opt for quartz, granite, solid wood or ceramic, each countertop material has its own characteristics that influence both the visual rendering and daily use.
In this process, calling on our kitchen designers is a valuable asset. Thanks to his global vision and his expertise in layout, he will be able to guide you towards an option that respects both the desired aesthetics, the technical constraints of the space and the coherence with the rest of your kitchen. It can also help you avoid costly mistakes and maximize the visual impact of the countertop.
GRANITE
Granite has many strengths that make it a popular choice for kitchen and bathroom countertops.
1. Composition
Granite is one of the most durable materials available. It's extremely resistant to scratches, chips, and impacts, making it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas, such as the kitchen.
2. Heat resistance
Granite can withstand very high temperatures without deteriorating. You can place hot pots or pans directly on a granite countertop without worrying about it cracking or warping.
3. Unique aesthetics
Each granite countertop is unique because of its natural variations. Colors and patterns can vary depending on the origin of the stone, creating a visually interesting texture that can complement any style of kitchen or bathroom.
4. Easy to maintain (once sealed)
Although granite is naturally porous, once it is sealed, it becomes easy to maintain. It resists food and liquid stains, and just clean it regularly with a damp cloth and a gentle cleaner to keep it shiny
5. Our Favorite Pick
Nero Assoluto Granite (also called Absolute Black Granite)
QUARTZ
Quartz: a modern and durable material for your countertops.
1. Composition
The importance of choosing a good quality quartz for your kitchen: the ideal resin content for a quality quartz is usually between 7% and 10%, with the remaining 90% to 93% being made up of natural quartz (silica).
Less resin (≈7-10%) = more quartz = better durability
A high rate of natural quartz ensures better scratch and impact resistance and superior durability.⚠️ Too much resin (beyond 10-12%) = lower quality
This can make the material softer, less resistant to heat, and more sensitive to UV. Excess resin is often associated with entry-level or lower-quality products.Role of the resin: it acts as a binder and gives flexibility to the material, which is necessary. But in too large quantities, it weakens the mechanical properties of the quartz.
2. Unique aesthetics
Quartz offers excellent resistance to scratches, marks and scuffs, making it an ideal choice for everyday use in high-traffic areas such as the kitchen. However, it is important to note that dark colors, especially black, can make some scratches more apparent. To preserve the impeccable appearance of your quartz countertop, it is recommended to use cutting boards and avoid direct contact with abrasive objects.
3. Heat sensitive
Although it is very robust, quartz can crack under the effect of direct heat. The use of a trivet is therefore recommended to protect your quartz countertop from high temperatures
4. Our Favorite Pick
MARBLE
Marble has always been a symbol of refinement, tradition and understated luxury.
1. Composition
Resulting from the crystallization of limestone, marble draws its hues and patterns from the minerals present in its composition, which makes each slab unique and authentic.
Living material: Marble reacts to its environment and develops a patina over time, creating a surface that tells a story and reveals the charm of the experience. It is known for its luxurious appearance, unique natural veins and refined finish, making it a popular material in kitchens, bathrooms and high-end spaces. A classic that never goes out of style!
2. Porous and stain-sensitive
Due to its natural porosity, marble can absorb liquids (wine, oil, lemon, etc.) and stain easily. It is therefore essential to apply a protective sealant on a regular basis.
3. Limited heat resistance
Although it tolerates heat in the short term, direct exposure to hot objects can cause damage. It is therefore recommended to use trivets to protect the surface.
4. Delicate maintenance (once sealed)
Delicate maintenance: Marble requires gentle cleaning, with products with a neutral pH to avoid altering its finish. Maintenance must be rigorous to maintain its shine.
5. Our Favorite Pick
QUARTZITE
Quartzite: an ultra-resistant and elegant natural stone.
1. Composition
100% natural: Unlike manufactured quartz, quartzite is a natural stone resulting from the transformation of quartz sandstone under pressure and heat, which gives it an exceptional density.
2. Heat resistance
Extreme strength: Quartzite is one of the hardest natural stones. It is highly resistant to scratches, wear, impact, and high temperatures, making it a perfect material for kitchen and bathroom countertops.
3. Unique aesthetics
It stands out for its natural patterns and marbled shades that can look like marble, while being much more resistant. It is available in soft shades (white, cream, grey) or brighter shades (green, blue, pink).
4. Easy to maintain (once sealed)
Although it is very hard, quartzite is slightly porous, which requires the regular application of a sealant to protect it against stains, especially in areas with high exposure to moisture or grease. Once sealed, it is easy to clean with a soft cloth and neutral soap, without the need for abrasives or chemicals.
5. Our Favorite Pick
PORCELAIN
Porcelain: an ultra-compact, resistant and elegant surface. Popular brands: Some of the most recognized porcelain brands in Canada include Dekton, Laminam and Neolith, which are renowned for their quality and design.
1. Composition
Porcelain for countertops is a manufactured material made up of quartz, glass, and pressed porcelain. It is designed to deliver exceptional performance, inspired by both quartz and granite.
2. Heat resistance
Extreme Heat Resistance: Capable of withstanding temperatures up to 1400°F / 760°C, porcelain is ideal for cooktops without the risk of burning or fading.
3. Comparable aesthetics
Wide choice of finishes and imitations: It is available in a wide variety of textures, colors and effects (stone, concrete, marble, wood), thus offering maximum aesthetic flexibility.
4. Ease of maintenance
Minimal maintenance: Requires no sealants or special treatments, and cleans easily with mild soap and water.
5. Our Favorite Pick
CORIAN
Corian: a versatile and design material with infinite modelling possibilities
1. Composition
Strong composite material: Corian is a synthetic material made of natural minerals (mainly alumina) and acrylic resin, providing strength comparable to that of stone.
2. Heat resistance
Heat sensitivity: Although it is robust, Corian can warp or mark under the effect of high heat. The use of trivets is highly recommended to avoid damage.
3. Comparable aesthetics
Its ability to be thermoformed allows for the creation of continuous surfaces without visible joints, with built-in washbasins or sinks for a minimalist and clean effect.
4. Ease of maintenance
Stain and impact resistant: Non-porous and homogeneous, it is easy to clean, does not retain stains or bacteria, and withstands daily use well.
Repairable and renewable: In the event of a scratch, scuff or even crack, Corian can be sanded or repaired, extending its life without full replacement.
5. Our Favorite Pick
CONCRETE
Concrete: a raw, durable and fully customizable material.
1. Composition
The composition of countertop concrete differs slightly from traditional construction concrete, as it is designed to provide a better finish, increased strength, and the possibility of customization.
2. Heat resistance
Ultra-resistant material: It offers excellent resistance to heat and intensive use, making it perfectly suited to high-use kitchens.
3. Incomparable aesthetics
Custom customization: Concrete can be poured to the exact dimensions of your space and stained with pigments, allowing for a wide choice of colors, textures, and finishes. The absence of joints offers a uniform, modern and elegant look, much sought after in high-end kitchens.
⚠️ Points to consider for a seamless concrete countertop:
Difficult to transport: A seamless slab can be heavy and cumbersome to move. It is often cast on site to avoid the risk of breakage.
Load-bearing structure: The heavy weight of seamless concrete requires a very strong or reinforced support unit.
Risk of micro-cracks**: Even without visible joints, concrete can work over time, which can lead to hairline cracks. These are usually superficial and considered an element of the material's natural charm.
4. Ease of maintenance
Moderate maintenance: Once well sealed, concrete is easy to maintain with a mild soap and a non-abrasive cloth.
5. Our Favorite Pick
STAINLESS STEEL
In addition to an aesthetic choice, stainless steel is a hygienic, recyclable and indestructible material.
1. Composition
304 stainless steel which is used in the majority of residential and professional kitchens for its strength and satin finish.
Raw stainless steel (or raw finish) is an unpolished and unbrushed version of stainless steel, which retains its natural, matte, slightly textured appearance, as it comes out of the lamination. It offers an industrial and contemporary look: Ideal for minimalist interiors, this finish brings character and a functional aesthetic without artifice.
2. Heat resistance
Heat and humidity resistant: Perfectly withstands high temperatures, water, and vapors, without staining or cracking.
3. Incomparable aesthetics
Its modern look fits perfectly into kitchens with a minimalist, urban or professional style.
⚠️ Points to consider for a seamless stainless steel countertop:
Finishing of a single welded block
Seamless stainless steel countertops are usually custom-made, with the tanks welded and polished directly into the worktop. The result is perfectly integrated and smooth.Seamless countertops are typically manufactured in one piece, with a built-in bowl, backsplash, or raised edges. This makes transport more complex than with modular sections. Provide direct access for counter delivery.
4. Ease of maintenance
Hygienic material: Non-porous and naturally antibacterial, it prevents the growth of germs, making it an ideal choice for demanding culinary environments.
The absence of joints allows for a continuous surface, without gaps where dirt, bacteria or residue accumulate.
5. Our Favorite Pick
PAPERSTONE
Made from post-consumer recycled paper and natural oil-based resins, PaperStone is one of the most sustainable and eco-friendly materials on the market.
1. Composition
Post-consumer recycled paper (approximately 50-90%)
Made from FSC-certified® or recycled papers, this fibrous material gives the countertop its density, rigidity and warm texture.
Eco-friendly phenolic resin (PetroFree™)
A non-petroleum, formaldehyde-free vegetable oil-based resin used to bond paper layers.
2. Heat resistance
⚠️ Moderate heat resistance
PaperStone can tolerate heat up to 350°F / 175°C, but it is recommended to use trivets to avoid marks caused by very hot pans.
3. Aesthetics
Warm and soft-touch appearance
Its silky matte finish, as well as its rich colors (usually in natural or dark tones), make it a popular choice for contemporary or organic designs.
4. Ease of maintenance
PaperStone is resistant to impacts, scratches and everyday stains. It withstands heavy use well, making it suitable for kitchens and bathrooms.
Non-porous and hygienic
Its dense surface prevents the absorption of moisture or bacteria, making it a safe and easy-to-maintain solution.
5. Our Favorite Pick
FENIX
An innovative, matt and resistant surface for the kitchen
Its velvety, matte texture absorbs light, giving a chic and contemporary effect, while being fingerprint resistant and very pleasant to the touch.
1. Composition
Made of nanotechnology laminated material, composed of thermoset acrylic resin core and decorative surface treated with nanoparticles. It is designed to offer resistance and elegance.
2. Heat resistance
⚠️ Resistance to scratches and moderate heat
The FENIX withstands abrasion, shocks and everyday wear and tear very well. It can tolerate heat (up to a point), but the use of a trivet is recommended for very hot pots.
3. Aesthetics
Ultra-matte, anti-smudge finish
Its velvety, matte texture absorbs light, giving a chic and contemporary effect, while being resistant to fingerprints and very pleasant to the touch.
4. Ease of maintenance
Thanks to its nanotechnological surface, superficial micro-scratches can be repaired by applying heat with a cloth and an iron – a unique property.
Non-porous, FENIX is stain and bacteria resistant, and cleans easily with a soft cloth and neutral soap.
5. Our Favorite Pick
Desire for a kitchen thought out down to the smallest detail ? Trust our team to design a bespoke kitchen that is perfectly suited to your needs, style and space. For more inspiration, take a look at our achievements.
