Tag Archives: white kitchen countertops

White Kitchen Countertop Options

White countertops exude refinement and significantly improve the vibe of your kitchen, making it lighter, more spacious, and inviting. If this is what you need, you need to choose the right type of countertop.

To help you out, here are the common types of white kitchen countertops that you can go for.

White marble

Marble is the most opulent option for white kitchen countertops. The countertop is inherently cold to the touch, making it ideal for bakers and individuals who live in hot areas, and it is the whitest natural stone available.

Despite being a durable surface, marble has one significant disadvantage: it is susceptible to acids. Lemon juice and vinegar can scratch the surface, while coffee and alcohol can leave persistent stains.

Because you’re purchasing marble by the slab, you must consider how differences in veining will appear when installed in your house.

Pricing is determined by the slabs’ size and the marble’s source. True Italian marbles, such as Carrara, Calacatta, and Statuario, attract premium costs because they are both beautiful and more durable.

Lower-cost marble from other countries (such as China) can be stunning but “softer” than Italian marble.

Quartz

Most quartz countertops on the market are engineered quartz, a combination of the mineral and other elements added for strength. (This is commonly referred to as Silestone or Caesarstone.)

Engineered quartz is long-lasting, stain-resistant, and typically slightly cheaper than genuine stone. Because it is a man-made blend of materials, it is available in a wider variety of colors, finishes, widths, and thicknesses than real stone slabs.

Prices vary based on the options available. If you want a counter that looks like marble, choose Silestone’s Calacatta Gold design.

Quartzite

Quartzite and quartz are significantly distinct, despite their similar-sounding names. Quartzite is a natural substance quarried and sold in slabs; it is as strong as granite and has a comparable appearance to marble.

Acidic foods and drinks, however, can etch the substance, just like with marble. The prices of the countertops vary depending on style and size.

Solid surface

Acrylic countertops can be manufactured to seem like a variety of materials, including marble and stainless steel. Corian is one of the most popular brands of solid-surface countertops.

Counters made of this material are seamless and rather sturdy, however they are prone to scratches. They are also less heat-resistant than other materials.

This calls for you to use trivets and coasters. Prices vary by brand and type. It’s up to you to buy those that are ideal for you.

Laminate

The most cost-effective option for white countertops is laminate, made by bonding sheets to plywood or particleboard. Laminate is available in a wide range of colors and patterns, including marble-like finishes like Wilsonart’s Calcutta Marble Laminate.

Laminate countertops, like solid-surface counters, should not be exposed to high temperatures. You also should keep the coasters handy at all times.

There is no right or wrong countertop material to install. It all depends on your preferences. You should research and find a material that is most ideal for you.

Things to think about when installing white kitchen countertops

When you are installing the countertops, there are several things you should think about. These things include:

Cabinets

You need to consider the type of cabinets you will install to give your countertops and kitchen the elegant look they deserve.

If you are confused about the right choice to go with, you can’t go wrong with white cabinets.

The combination of white cabinets and white counters produces a timeless, classy appearance. This combination creates a sense of serenity and order, making your kitchen appear larger, brighter, and more welcoming.

Monochrome white kitchens are a perennial popularity with designers and homeowners alike. The consistent color palette provides a sense of continuity, resulting in a smooth transition between the different kitchen areas.

While the white-on-white kitchen design is great, it necessitates meticulous planning. To avoid your kitchen appearing flat or sterile, explore the various textures and finishes. It’s also wise to consult a professional to help you out.

Stains

Despite their beautiful appearance, white countertops have one major drawback. They tend to be less durable. For example, while beautiful, marble countertops are not the most durable option. It is prone to staining, particularly from acidic liquids such as lemon juice or alcohol.

To avoid stains, make it a habit to clean spills immediately after they happen. This is especially vital when the spills happen on porous surfaces such as marble. To clean, use a soft cloth or sponge and a light soap. Avoid aggressive cleaners, which might harm the surface.

Regularly sealing the countertops can also help avoid stains. Sealants form a protective barrier that keeps liquids from seeping into the substance.

For harder stains, use a paste of baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the stain, wait a few minutes, and gently wipe it off.

Due to this, you need to be ultra-cautious and ensure that you don’t cause any harm to your surfaces.

To extend the life of the countertops, you need to give them a lot of care. You also need to seal them regularly to protect them from staining.

Backsplash

Many homeowners underestimate the value of a well-planned backsplash and kitchen tile decision. If you are installing white countertops for the first time, you should note that these details may make or break the overall look of your kitchen with white countertops.

A backsplash is not only practical, shielding your walls from spills and splatters; it is also an important design feature. The backsplash in a kitchen with white counters can provide color, texture, and intrigue.

It’s critical to select a backsplash that matches your white worktops. You can go for a subtle, neutral color like beige tiles or a bright, contrasting hue.

Consider the material and pattern of your backsplash tiles. They should match your countertops and other kitchen pieces to create a unified effect.

When selecting tiles for white countertops, keep the entire kitchen design and your preferences in mind. You could match the white tile to the white marble countertops NC for a smooth, homogeneous look, or go with a contrasting color for a more vibrant kitchen design. It’s all up to you.

Your Guide to White Kitchen Countertops

Have you always wanted white kitchen countertops? There are many options you can go with. They include:

White marble

Marble is the most expensive option for white kitchen countertops. This material has the advantage of being naturally cold to the touch (ideal for bakers and those who live in hot areas) and being the whitest natural stone available.

Despite being a hard surface, marble has one notable disadvantage: it is acid-resistant. Lemon juice and vinegar can scratch the surface, while coffee and wine can stain it permanently.

Because you are purchasing marble by the slab, you must consider how differences in veining will appear when installed. When buying the slab for the first time, it’s always wise to get in touch with a professional who will guide you on the right slab veining to go with.

When making the purchase, you should note that the price of the countertops varies based on the slabs’ size and the marble’s source.

This means that authentic Italian marbles such as Carrara, Calacatta, and Statuario attract high costs because they are both beautiful and durable. Lower-cost marble from other countries (such as China) can be beautiful, although it is “softer” than Italian types.

You can easily buy a cheap slab without knowing, making it another reason to always involve experienced contractors in your purchase.

Quartz

The majority of quartz countertops on the market are engineered quartz, which is a mineral blend with other materials added for strength. (This is frequently seen under the brand names Silestone and Caesarstone.)

Engineered quartz is more durable, stain-resistant, and often less expensive than genuine stone. Because it is a man-made material blend, it is available in a wider selection of colors, finishes, widths, and thicknesses than real stone slabs.

Silestone is cheaper than marble per square foot, and the prices vary depending on the options available in the market. If you want a marble-like counter, choose Silestone’s Calacatta Gold design.

Quartzite

Though they sound similar, quartzite is not the same as quartz. Quartzite is a quarried natural stone that comes in slabs; it is as strong as granite and has a comparable appearance to marble.

If you consider installing it, note that acidic foods and beverages, like marble, can etch the material. The beauty of it is that it’s cheaper than marble and quartz, and the prices vary depending on style and size.

Solid surface counters

These countertops are constructed of acrylic and can be designed to seem like anything from marble to stainless steel.

Corian is one of the most popular solid-surface countertop brands. Counters made of this material are seamless and rather sturdy; however, they are easily scratched.

They are also not as resistant to heat as other materials. However, the solution is quite simple: Use trivets and coasters instead.

Laminate

Laminate, made by bonding sheets to plywood or particleboard, is the most cost-effective option for white countertops. So, if you are operating on a budget, these are the best units to go for.

Laminate is available in almost every color or pattern, including marble lookalikes. Laminate, like solid-surface counters, should not be exposed to heat. Keep those coasters close to reach at all times.

Tips to keep your white countertops in top shape

For you to retain your white countertops looking great, you should take good care of them. Some of the things you should do include:

Clean them regularly

There is no way your countertops will look great if you don’t clean them regularly. Thankfully, it’s easy to keep them in good shape.

For the best experience, ensure that you use the right cleaning products. To do the cleaning, you need a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid using abrasive items that could scratch the surface.

You also need a basic combination of dish soap and warm water. This is usually sufficient for cleaning daily spills and messes.

Follow these routine cleaning steps to keep your countertops looking clean and appealing:

Clean your countertops daily by wiping them down with a soft cloth or sponge dampened with warm, soapy water.

Remove spills as soon as possible: The longer a spill lingers, the more likely it may stain. You should clean the spills immediately to avoid stains and potential damage.

Keep an eye out for stains.

As much as white countertops look great, they are prone to staining. To get rid of the stains, use a nonabrasive sponge or cloth: Scrub the soiled area gently with a moist sponge or cloth dipped in mild soap.

For harsher stains, mix equal parts water and white vinegar to make a solution, then apply it to the stain, let it soak for a few minutes, and then wash it away.

To prevent stains from coming about, use trivets for hot cookware and coasters for drinks.

You should make it a habit to clean spills as soon as possible. This way, you prevent them from settling for a long time, increasing the chances of developing stains.

Keep your surfaces residue-free

Follow these guidelines to keep your countertop residue-free:

Clean the cooking areas regularly. For the best outcome, wipe off the countertops surrounding cooking zones daily.

Avoid using strong chemicals or rough instruments: To avoid countertop damage, use mild cleaning procedures.

If you have ignored your countertops and now they have developed residues, consider the following steps when dealing with dried residue or grease:

Scrape the surface using a plastic scraper or spatula: Remove the residue using a nonabrasive tool, being careful not to scratch the countertop’s surface.

Use a glass cleaner or degreasing solution: Spray a glass cleaner or degreasing solution on the residue, let it sit for a few minutes, and then wipe it away with a soft cloth.

Parting shot

These are some of the options you have when you are looking to install white countertops. Regardless of whether you go with granite or marble countertops NC, you need to take good care of them to look good and last for a long time.