Are you in the market for new countertops? Do you have children? Then you’ll need to be somewhat selective about the countertop materials you choose. Certain types of countertops aren’t great at resisting spills, stains, and the host of other potential kid-induced accidents. If you end up with countertops that aren’t very kid-friendly, chances are they’ll begin to show signs of wear faster than you’d like.
Curious about which types of countertops are the most kid-friendly? Read on to find out.
Granite Countertops
Granite is one of the hardest natural stone countertop options, but that doesn’t mean it will resist anything your kids might throw at it. Since granite is porous, it requires periodic sealing to resist moisture and staining. But with proper maintenance, granite countertops should resist spills well.
If you’re absolutely set on having granite countertops for the unique and luxurious aesthetic they provide, consider choosing a dark color with a highly variegated surface. Granite that features lots of speckles, spots, and striations can camouflage minor flaws very well, so even if your kids cause some minor damage, no one will be able to tell.
Marble Countertops
Marble isn’t the hardest natural stone out there, but it does lend a gorgeous aesthetic to any kitchen or bathroom. Since it’s a softer stone, it’s more vulnerable to scratching, chipping, and staining, but proper sealing can help tremendously.
As with granite, if you’re set on marble countertops, opt for a darker color or a lighter variant with heavy veining. Busy patterns and dark colors will help hide minor damage that your kids might accidentally inflict on the counters.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz might just take the cake as the most kid-friendly countertop material on the market. But don’t get it confused with quartzite. They appear almost identical, but quartz is manmade, while quartzite is natural stone.
So what makes quartz an exceptional kid-friendly countertop option? To start, the material is nonporous, which allows it to resist liquid spills and staining. Quartz also resists scratches and chips even with heavy use, and it’s quite heat resistant too (although you won’t want to set a piping-hot pan directly on a quartz surface).
Another important piece to note is the relatively low cost of quartz countertops compared to other materials like marble and granite. If you’re not thrilled with the idea of investing a substantial amount of money into natural stone countertops that might incur kid-induced damage, quartz’s lower price point can be especially attractive.
Quartzite Countertops
If you love the look of quartz but prefer natural stone over the engineered variety, quartzite countertops are also highly kid-friendly. Of all the types of natural stone on this list, quartzite is the hardest, which makes it extremely durable and able to withstand heavy use.
Quartzite is heat-resistant, crack-resistant, chip-resistant, and stain-resistant. When the material is properly sealed and maintained, it resists almost any form of wear and tear, which means quartzite countertops will provide a luxurious, gorgeous aesthetic no matter what your kids might throw at them.
Countertops With Bullnose Edges
Kids are prone to running into things, especially when they’re little and their heads just reach counter height. Fortunately, there’s a super simple way to help prevent your kids from incurring bruises from colliding with your countertops: opt for bullnose edges.
What exactly are bullnose edges? This kitchen counter style features completely rounded edges rather than sharp lines. Bullnose edges have been used in kitchens and bathrooms for decades to not only create an appealing and unique aesthetic but also to enhance safety.
In the Market for Kid-Friendly Stone Countertops? Visit Wholesale Granite Direct
Whether you’re replacing your existing countertops or installing countertops in a brand new home, it’s time to get in touch with Wholesale Granite Direct. As the largest retail slab yard in the DFW metro, we offer an unmatched selection of natural and engineered stone options that you can fully customize to your preferences. We also provide comprehensive design, fabrication, and installation to ensure your finished project matches your vision precisely. To see how natural stone can transform the look and feel of your home, try out our granite visualizer! Or, to discuss your project and natural stone needs, feel free to give us a call at 817-962-2616 or contact us online.
