The Best Countertop Material for Kids
From everyday spills to making messes while helping out in the kitchen, kids can be rough on countertops. There is no magic countertop for children, although some are more practical than others. When remodeling a kitchen, parents should be mindful of this fact and consider the pros and cons of each material in order to choose a countertop that can stand up to the wear and tear that their kids will inevitably cause. Does this Spark an idea?
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Laminate
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Laminate countertops are largely inexpensive, waterproof and easy to clean and disinfect. These countertops can be purchased to imitate other types of countertops, such as wood and granite, although they are duller in appearance than the real thing. Lighter-color laminates do not show scratches and cracks as much as other countertops, and darker-color laminates hide stains better. Because laminate is essentially thin plastic, the edges can chip, but they can be easily patched. Laminate can also be damaged from hot pans being placed directly on the countertop, but it is inexpensive to replace if this happens.
Granite
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Granite countertops are durable and easy to clean and disinfect with soap and water. Because granite is rock formed by heat and pressure, it can also withstand the heat of pans placed directly on the countertop. While durable, granite countertops can chip when hit with extremely hard objects and must be sealed to keep out stains. Granite is also expensive. It will withstand a lot of wear and tear, but on the rare occasion that it needs to be replaced, it is an expensive and labor-intensive task.
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Stainless Steel
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Stainless steel is the type of countertop most often found in commercial kitchens. It is easy to clean and can withstand the heat from hot pots and pans. Stainless steel countertops are also water-resistant, which means they do not allow the buildup of mold and bacteria. Spills can be easily wiped away. Fingerprints are common on stainless steel countertops, especially for families with kids, but can easily be wiped up. The metal can also scratch easily, but scratches eventually fade. Stainless steel countertops are expensive and require specialized installation.
Wood
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Wood countertops, when treated properly, can be a durable option for families with children. These countertops are fairly inexpensive but require monthly mineral oil treatments to keep them looking nice. Wood countertops can stain, show cutting marks, and burn if hot pans are placed directly on them; but these marks can be easily sanded out. Wood countertops that are not properly sealed can retain moisture, hold odors and allow bacteria to grow, which can turn into negatives for families with kids who may be too busy for the upkeep.
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References
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