project
Counterbalance
AFTER
T H E L AT E S T I N C O U N T E R T O P O P T I O N S Solid surface countertops in a light color, along with white cabinets open up this kitchen. The dark-stained wood floors add impactful contrast Photo courtesy of Candice Olson Kitchens & Baths.
BEFORE
Countertops are the center stage of every kitchen. We naturally tend to focus on that surface area, be it a tiny galley kitchen or a grand gourmet kitchen. But counter surfaces don’t just get to sit there and look pretty, they have to put up with food prep messes, hot pans, frozen foodstuffs, a parade of small appliances, and all the non-cooking items that always seem to linger on kitchen counters. The spectrum of material choices ranges from Formica to granite to quartz to concrete. With countertops being such well-used surfaces, what is the strongest, most durable countertop surface material? “Quartz-based countertops are the most durable with granite not far behind,” says David Leva of Dream Maker Kitchen & Bath. “Concrete is strong but requires regular maintenance due to its porosity.”
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