If you love to cook, the right kitchen design can help you perfect your food preparation skills and experiment with new recipes. When choosing a material for the countertops, you should consider options that will hold up against the spills and other accidents of the cooking space. The following choices will ensure you can continue following your passion and create some delicious meals.

Which Countertops Are the Best for Active Kitchens?

1. Granite

Granite is the most authentic and long-lasting material, and it’s popular enough to boost the home's resale value. It withstands tremendous heat, so you can set pots and pans on it directly from the stove. It’s exceptionally hard, and you can't damage it when using sharp knives or pounding meat with a tenderizer.

On the other hand, the material is so sturdy that it could dull your knives if you use it as a cutting surface. For the best results, have it properly sealed after installation; granite is porous and could stain if not protected.

2. Quartz

Quartz, an engineered material, looks like natural stone but is easier to clean and maintain. Simply wash it with a mild detergent or surface cleaner, or even use a razor blade or putty knife to scrape off stubborn, dried-on gunk.

It comes in breathtaking colors and patterns and withstands heat, steel wool, and serrated knives. Choose rounded corners because quartz is brittle. Sharp edges can chip and require professional repairs.

3. Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tile is the most versatile kitchen design material. It's ideal for flooring, backsplashes, accent walls, and countertops. You can find options that mimic nearly any other material, including wood, cork, and stone.

Tile stands up to heat and sharp knives, but it’s brittle and might crack if you pound too hard while tenderizing steak. Basic, solid tiles are generally affordable, while custom patterns can be expensive. 

If you need assistance with a kitchen design project, contact Spyglass Design Inc., in Hopewell, NJ. They’ve served Mercer County and the surrounding areas since 1995. They specialize in luxury kitchen remodeling and design, and their team of experts can help you with new cabinets, flooring, and countertops. View a gallery of their completed projects on their website, or call (609) 466-7900 to arrange a consultation.