The Best Countertop Material For Homes With Messy Kids
Installing the right countertop material requires a lot of considerations. Aside from budget, you will want to choose countertops that go with the design of your kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, or other space you are renovating. This also includes picking a countertop color that works with the rest of your room. Durability and scratch-resistance are additional factors to consider, particularly if you have children in your household who love making a mess. For these reasons, families with kids may consider a stone countertop as their best option, particularly those made from granite or quartz.
Granite counters are made from the natural stone of the same name. There are several unbeatable advantages of choosing granite countertops. They are known for their durability against everyday scratches or cracks, which may be beneficial if you have children who tend to be rough with objects. What's more, sealed granite countertops are also considered resistant to stains, including those from the inevitable spilt drinks and foods that can happen more often when you have little ones in your home. Choosing granite also opens the door for a variety of colors and pattern schemes, so you won't feel like you're sacrificing any design opportunities.
A quartz countertop is another kid-friendly option
While granite has arguably been at the forefront of new home countertop designs in recent years, quartz is also gaining popularity thanks to its relatively low cost and durability. It's an affordable countertop material people actually buy. Also called "engineered stone," quartz offers some of the same family-friendly benefits as granite. Not only does it resist damage and stains, but it also comes in a variety of colors. What sets quartz apart from granite, though, is the little maintenance required. Because quartz is non-porous, you really only need to use dish soap and water for everyday cleaning, and you don't need to reseal the stone like you would with granite.
Despite the benefits of granite and quartz countertops for homes with children, there are also some caveats to consider for these materials. As a rule of thumb, you should never let your kids sit, climb, or throw items on top of the counters. Although these stones are one of the most durable kitchen countertops, they do still carry the risk of chipping and cracking when handled without care. Plus, given the hard texture of the stone, a child might hurt themselves if they attempt to play or sit on the counter. While granite and quartz are not 100% immune to damage, the long-lasting, low-maintenance, and easy-to-clean materials might be perfect for a family home where uncapped markers, juice spills, and mysterious stains are the norm.