Not only does the kitchen countertop need to look good, it should also be able to withstand heavy duty cooking.
Text: James Leong
While many of us pore over catalogues just so we can choose the right kitchen cabinet to complement our home, it's also important that the countertop gets equal attention. This is the surface that bears the brunt of any kitchen work. Here are some of the available options for kitchen surfaces.
![]()
Quartz
Quartz is the second most abundant material on earth, and is also the most commonly used mineral in the making of jewellery and hardstone carvings. According to a spokesperson at Builders Shop, engineered quartz is an exceptionally hard material. It is also very durable and highly scratch resistant. These properties make engineered quartz ideal for kitchens, and especially as a surface to prepare food. The material is naturally non-porous and is highly stain-resistant. Quartz can also make housework easier, as it does not require frequent polishing like other natural stones.
New technology now allows the mixing of quartz with coloured dyes and metallic flakes, revealing a depth and vibrancy of colours. Quartz also features a built-in anti-microbial protection, which inhibits the growth of odour-causing bacteria, mould and mildew.
Marble
Marble is typically associated with flooring for its lavish shine and finish, making it the material of choice for designers and architects the world over. Marble, which is actually a type of limestone, is known to crystallise over time, which only adds to its beauty.
In the kitchen, marble countertops present a similar sense of luxury. Its strength and durability are unquestionable. However, it does have several drawbacks. Marble is naturally porous and stains easily, and has a tendency to lose its smooth texture when exposed to extreme temperatures. This is because marble is an alkali, making it prone to chemical reactions and permanent discolouration. No matter how careful you are, marble will eventually get scratched, stained and start to show its wear and tear.
That, however, doesn't mean that marble is a bad choice for a kitchen countertop material. New technology helps to prolong its beauty, and many people actually admire the natural distress of worn-down marble.
![]()
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is mostly seen in commercial kitchens, and is sometimes referred to as the chef's choice. This usually refers to the material's durability, practicality and professional chic. Stainless steel is actually a steel alloy, which includes 10.5 per cent chromium to make it resistant to rust and corrosion. It is a popular choice among restaurants because of its non-porous and non-staining qualities, and this makes cleaning a breeze in an environment where hygiene is a priority. Steel is also very resistant to heat, and can last for almost half a century.
With the advent of new technology, stainless steel can now be produced in a variety of finishes and textures, including brushed, mirror-polished, quilted and machine-hammered. This means that your stainless steel countertop doesn't have to be boring.
The only downside to stainless steel is how fingerprints and watermarks have to be constantly cleaned. One word of caution is how its steely exterior belies its susceptibility to scratches and dents, so always remember to use a cutting board.![]()
Granite
Granite is incredibly long lasting. After all, it's the same stone used to build the pyramids of ancient Egypt - and they're still standing to this day! This natural stone is an igneous rock that is formed under the earth's surface and, over time, gains its own unique and distinct texture. Granite has an endless range of unique patterns, and is available in a variety of colours, depending on where the stone was formed. Expect to pay more if you've got your eye on red or yellow granite countertops. There are also different types of finishes, but the most popular has to be the polished finish, which lends the surface a mirror-like quality.
Granite also happens to be one of the strongest natural material. It is heat and scratch resistant, and is very easy to maintain.
![]()
Solid Surface
Solid-surface counters are a blend of acrylic or polyester resins, powdered fillers and pigments. The mixture is then cast into slabs and then thermoformed into different shapes and configurations.
According to a spokesperson at surfacing specialist Evershine, solid surface is popular among its customers for its richness in colours, designs and affordability. Its surface can be rejuvenated by engaging contractors to conduct surface sanding and polishing once every couple of years, and it has almost totally replaced the market share of the conventional laminated kitchen top, a very popular kitchen top in those early days before solid surface was introduced. Other plus points are its durability and non-porous qualities, making it resistant to stains, mildew and bacteria.
Visit![]()
for more inspiring home designs.
For more District Guides, you can head over to iProperty.com Singapore.
Text: James Leong
While many of us pore over catalogues just so we can choose the right kitchen cabinet to complement our home, it's also important that the countertop gets equal attention. This is the surface that bears the brunt of any kitchen work. Here are some of the available options for kitchen surfaces.
Quartz
Quartz is the second most abundant material on earth, and is also the most commonly used mineral in the making of jewellery and hardstone carvings. According to a spokesperson at Builders Shop, engineered quartz is an exceptionally hard material. It is also very durable and highly scratch resistant. These properties make engineered quartz ideal for kitchens, and especially as a surface to prepare food. The material is naturally non-porous and is highly stain-resistant. Quartz can also make housework easier, as it does not require frequent polishing like other natural stones.
New technology now allows the mixing of quartz with coloured dyes and metallic flakes, revealing a depth and vibrancy of colours. Quartz also features a built-in anti-microbial protection, which inhibits the growth of odour-causing bacteria, mould and mildew.
Marble
Marble is typically associated with flooring for its lavish shine and finish, making it the material of choice for designers and architects the world over. Marble, which is actually a type of limestone, is known to crystallise over time, which only adds to its beauty.
In the kitchen, marble countertops present a similar sense of luxury. Its strength and durability are unquestionable. However, it does have several drawbacks. Marble is naturally porous and stains easily, and has a tendency to lose its smooth texture when exposed to extreme temperatures. This is because marble is an alkali, making it prone to chemical reactions and permanent discolouration. No matter how careful you are, marble will eventually get scratched, stained and start to show its wear and tear.
That, however, doesn't mean that marble is a bad choice for a kitchen countertop material. New technology helps to prolong its beauty, and many people actually admire the natural distress of worn-down marble.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is mostly seen in commercial kitchens, and is sometimes referred to as the chef's choice. This usually refers to the material's durability, practicality and professional chic. Stainless steel is actually a steel alloy, which includes 10.5 per cent chromium to make it resistant to rust and corrosion. It is a popular choice among restaurants because of its non-porous and non-staining qualities, and this makes cleaning a breeze in an environment where hygiene is a priority. Steel is also very resistant to heat, and can last for almost half a century.
With the advent of new technology, stainless steel can now be produced in a variety of finishes and textures, including brushed, mirror-polished, quilted and machine-hammered. This means that your stainless steel countertop doesn't have to be boring.
The only downside to stainless steel is how fingerprints and watermarks have to be constantly cleaned. One word of caution is how its steely exterior belies its susceptibility to scratches and dents, so always remember to use a cutting board.
Granite
Granite is incredibly long lasting. After all, it's the same stone used to build the pyramids of ancient Egypt - and they're still standing to this day! This natural stone is an igneous rock that is formed under the earth's surface and, over time, gains its own unique and distinct texture. Granite has an endless range of unique patterns, and is available in a variety of colours, depending on where the stone was formed. Expect to pay more if you've got your eye on red or yellow granite countertops. There are also different types of finishes, but the most popular has to be the polished finish, which lends the surface a mirror-like quality.
Granite also happens to be one of the strongest natural material. It is heat and scratch resistant, and is very easy to maintain.
Solid Surface
Solid-surface counters are a blend of acrylic or polyester resins, powdered fillers and pigments. The mixture is then cast into slabs and then thermoformed into different shapes and configurations.
According to a spokesperson at surfacing specialist Evershine, solid surface is popular among its customers for its richness in colours, designs and affordability. Its surface can be rejuvenated by engaging contractors to conduct surface sanding and polishing once every couple of years, and it has almost totally replaced the market share of the conventional laminated kitchen top, a very popular kitchen top in those early days before solid surface was introduced. Other plus points are its durability and non-porous qualities, making it resistant to stains, mildew and bacteria.
Visit
for more inspiring home designs.For more District Guides, you can head over to iProperty.com Singapore.