What You Should Know About Non-Porous Countertops
You may hear the terms porous and non-porous a lot when it comes to deciding the best countertop for your home. Before buying a countertop, try to confirm whether the countertop you select for your kitchen or bath is porous or non-porous. First of all, you should know what is meant by porous and non-porous countertops.
Non-porous countertops have sealed surfaces and no pores. They are also resistant to water, air, and other fluids. Porous countertops have micropores on their surface that make them vulnerable to stains. Porous countertops absorb stains and can discolor easily, but they are the best option for commercial kitchens and centers. In this guide, you will know all about non-porous countertops.
Some people love the look of stone but are concerned about the maintenance. While the stone is not porous, it does require sealing to prevent liquids from seeping. For this reason, many people prefer the convenience of quartz or engineered quartz countertops. These types of countertop surfaces are more expensive than other materials but can last for decades. You can buy granite without sealing it, but it may not be as easy to clean as non-porous granite.
Are marble and granite countertops non-porous?
Marble and granite are some of the most popular, elegant, and precious natural stone countertops. However, you may be surprised to know that marble and granite countertops are porous, which means they have tiny pores on their surface. You may also be thinking about which countertops are non-porous and durable. We also share the top non-porous countertops in this article, so make sure to read this guide thoroughly.
Are wood countertops non-porous?
Wood countertops are often a great budget choice. They have their cons. Porous countertop materials can darken over time and stain more easily than non-porous counterparts. Furthermore, polishing will make them look like they are brand new. A polished countertop can be a good option for kitchens because it is easy to maintain and look brand-new.
Pros and cons of non-porous countertops
In this section of the article, you will know the pros and cons of non-porous countertops so that you can have sufficient knowledge about non-porous countertops.
Durability
One of the big pros of non-porous countertops is their durability. Non-porous countertops are more durable and resistant than porous countertops like marble and limestone. Non-porous countertops stop water and other liquid from entering the surface, and this way non-porous countertops can last for a long time.
Maintenance Cost
The maintenance cost of non-porous countertops like marble and concrete is relatively low compared to porous countertops because non-porous countertops need no regular maintenance. Non-porous countertops are more resistant to stains than porous countertops because of their non-porous nature.
Easy to clean
As the surfaces of non-porous countertops have no pores, you can use almost any cleaning product to clean your countertop surface. However, avoid using abrasive tools and acidic liquid to clean the countertop surface.
Expensive
Non-porous countertops can be expensive. A simple solution to this problem is to purchase a quartz countertop. You will be glad you did.
How can you detect which countertop is non-porous?
You can determine whether the countertops are non-porous or not by identifying the type of material. Below we mention top non-porous countertops to make it easy to decide the best for your kitchen/bath.
Non-Porous Countertops
While granite is one of the most popular countertops, it is also more expensive than most nonporous materials. Because porous materials contain pores, they can be stained and darkened. That makes them not the best choice for food preparation. As a bonus, non-porous countertops are more durable and tend to last longer than their porous counterparts. While both types of surfaces can be durable, they are not without their flaws.
Some types of non-porous countertops can also be a little porous. However, some other types of nonporous countertops are not porous at all. Some are made of solid surfaces, while others are plastics. Some of these types are resistant to water and food, so they are ideal for commercial kitchens. A few examples of non-porous countertops include glass, marble, and engineered quartz. Non-porous surfaces are highly durable and are of great value. They are also easy to clean with soap and water-resistant cleaners.
Non-porous countertops are the most preferred choice for most homeowners. There are various non-porous countertops like quartz, soapstone, etc. We discuss some non-porous countertops below.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz is an engineered and non-porous countertop best for the kitchen or bathroom. Unlike granite, quartz is a luxury material and won’t fade or scratch. It requires very little maintenance, but you should avoid using chemicals, scouring pads, or candles as they will etch the surface. Moreover, it’s best to use a hot pad or trivet when using the stove or the oven. To prevent the damage caused by excessive heat, avoid cooking directly on the countertop.
The downside of quartz is that it is not very heat resistant. While it is safe to place a hot pan on top of a quartz countertop, it will leave a mark if left on the surface for a long time. Moreover, you’ll have to purchase expensive tools and materials to install a quartz countertop properly. The cost of a professional installation is much higher than a DIY project. However, you can save money by hiring a professional.
Granite Countertops
There are many different types of nonporous countertops, but granite is the most popular and durable. However, if you want a countertop with less upkeep, consider using something other than granite. There are many pros and cons to using granite countertops, so make sure you decide which one is best for you before purchasing.
While the advantages of granite are many, you should not underestimate the disadvantages of some materials. For example, granite is known for its stain resistance, but it is still prone to scratches. In addition, cleaning acidic foods on a solid surface is easy, so you’ll have to seal your non-porous countertops with a sealer.
Soapstone Countertops
The name “soapstone” hints that it’s of soap, and it isn’t porous. Soapstone countertops can be found in grays or whites and vary in texture and color. They are often used in country kitchens and regarded for their warm and sanitary qualities.
Soapstone isn’t exactly low-maintenance, but its beautiful look is worth the hassle. While the soapstone isn’t as hard to clean as granite, it is prone to scuffs and scratches and requires care. The downside of this stone is that it can be expensive, but it’s a beautiful and long-lasting material that doesn’t require high-maintenance care.
Conclusion
In this article, you have read about non-porous countertops, their durability, properties of non-porous, and different non-porous countertops like quartz, soapstone, etc. If you still want to know more about non-porous countertops, you can consult with countertop experts like Caesarstone.