4 Low-Maintenance Kitchen Countertops

Are you determined to find and install a low-maintenance countertop? You’re not alone. Many people want a gorgeous counter to make workflow easy. We bet you don’t want to spend more time wiping stains, sponging, buffing, polishing, or having to reseal your countertop annually. Rather, you want an easy-to-clean countertop where you prepare home-cooked meals for your family, entertain your guests with a glass of wine, or simply chat with your kids over a morning meal.

During your next remodel, consider these low-maintenance kitchen countertops:

Engineered stone. Caesarstone and Silestone are the most popular brand names for engineered stone, or simply referred to as quartz. This material is made of crushed stone and polymer resin. An ideal countertop for the kitchen and bath, it is nonporous and resistant to stains and scratches. You can clean it by just wiping it down with mild soap and water.

Laminate. Laminate countertops do not only come in a wide variety of gorgeous patterns, colors, and finishes, but they’re just as easy to clean and stain resistant as you liked it to be.

Zinc. With a zinc counter installed in your kitchen, you don’t have to worry about wiping up every fingerprint. Thanks to its gorgeous patina! The material is nonporous and bacteria-resistant. Just a quick wipe down and voila, the mess is almost entirely gone!

Solid Surface. Solid surface countertops are resistant to staining, impact, and heat. If you noticed some light scratches on the surface, it can be sanded out and restored to its original appearance. It offers a worry-free upkeep and looks great with a little effort.

Corian and soapstone are among the crowd’s favorite. Corian solid surface has been used in many homes and public spaces and is highly customizable, durable, and easy to clean and maintain. Similarly, soapstone can keep up with whatever design imagination you may have. Known for its durability, density, and ability to withstand heat, this kitchen counter has been used for many years. This solid surface is resistant to stains and bacteria and can be wiped down with wild soap and water.  

Have you recently made the decision to renovate your kitchen?  If so, which type of countertop would you like? Give Milan Stoneworks a call today for a free estimate.

Eco-Friendly Quartz Countertops: Quick Facts & Our Top Picks

Does your kitchen look more drab than fab? Consider revamping it with eco-friendly quartz.

Replacing countertops is probably the most enticing kitchen improvement you can make. Whether you are on a budget or can afford something luxe, it’s smart to go green. Plus, making a switch to sustainable natural stone product won’t change the resale value of your home.

Sustainable materials, such as Caesarstone Quartz, Staron quartz, and PentalQuartz, are just as stunning as traditional countertops. Not convinced? Check out these quick facts about natural quartz:

• A Greener Option. Quartz countertops qualify towards LEED certification points. Comprised of 93% quartz stone, they are more environment-friendly than other natural stone.

• High-durability. Being the 4th hardest mineral on earth, quartz won’t crack or chip.

• Low-maintenance. Quartz countertops are non-porous and resistant to stains and bacteria buildup. There are no sealing requirements and special cleaning rules to follow.

• Generous warranties. Depending on the manufacturer, quartz countertops come with 10, 15, and even lifetime warranties.

• Greenguard Certified. Quartz countertops have zero VOCs and are approved to bear the Greenguard Indoor Air Quality Certified mark. This is one of the meaningful certifications you should seek as you sort through countless choices of materials.

At Milan Stoneworks, we care about the environment while installing only the best products in your home. These are a few examples of quartz products that we are proud to carry:

• CaesarStone Quartz. Comprised of 93% natural quartz, with its stain, scratch, and heat-resistant properties, CaesarStone is the ideal choice for carefree countertops. CaesarStone introduces the first of its kind lifetime warranty - the only warranty that covers your surface for as long as you own your home.

• Staron Quartz Surfaces. Staron quartz is a non-porous product. It is highly resistant to bacterial growth and stains such as red wine, cooking oil, and other spills. Thus, making the product virtually maintenance free, since, it doesn't require sealing or periodic polishing.

• LG Viatera. Unlike Granite or Marble, LG Viatera does not need topical sealing, allowing lasting beauty with very little maintenance. LG Viatera appeals to those who prefer the elegant look of stone, but desire a product that is easy to maintain and like all LG countertop surfacing products, is backed by the industry leading 15 year warranty.

• PentalQuartz. PentalQuartz will complement your home décor for years to come, is easy to care for and requires little maintenance. Highly heat, stain, and scratch resistant, it is designed to withstand whatever life throws its way. Its timeless beauty is suitable for every room in your home -- from kitchen countertops and bathroom vanities to bar tops and tub surrounds. Moreover, it is naturally nonporous which prevents mold and other microbes from growing, without harmful chemical treatments.

Need inspiration for your next remodel? Visit our showroom and we’ll show you how we’ve used sustainable materials in projects with other customers.