The kitchen is the heart of the home. Renovating it is an exciting step where you can add a splash of colour, style and luxury. Whether you are going for a complete transformation or simply looking for some new extra additions, the material you use as a key decision.
Choosing materials for your cabinets and surface tops might seem like an overwhelming task. There are two main ways of looking at it: practicality and your aesthetic vision.
The good news is, you can easily find a material that ticks both of these boxes! So, what materials are out there, and what are the pros/cons of each?
Granite is an excellent material specifically for surface tops. It is tough and durable, meaning that even with the little ones around, the chances of scraping it are very low! Its smoothness also means that it is easy to clean, keeping its initial shine.
The rigid material also has an elegant look, coming in many shades. Its versatility means that it can easily fit in with any style you might be going for. You can choose your best fit from using a service such as Granite Transformations Ipswich who will cater to your kitchen needs and offer you personalised support. Services such as these give you the option to completely transform your kitchen or add in a smaller granite feature.
The versatility of granite means you can easily coordinate it with your other furniture. Or, you might choose a colour which stands out and brightens up the room.
Another great thing about granite is that it’s an eco-friendly, natural material. Granite is a natural type of igneous rock found commonly around the world which has no harmful by-products. The natural stone is extracted directly from the earth and due to its toughness can last for decades, further enhancing its sustainability.
As for the cons, granite is one of the most expensive options in terms of upfront payment. However, in the long-term, it remains one of the most cost-effective materials to use for your kitchen. In recent times, as granite has increased in popularity, it has become much more affordable.
Granite also will add value to your home. Its chic appearance and desirability make it the most popular material for kitchens. The sustainable side of granite is also a huge selling point, making it superior from all angles.
Wood is a classic material which will give your kitchen a more rustic look. There are several different kinds of wood that you can use for your kitchen countertops and cabinets, but usually, solid wood is the best option due to its strength.
You can make your renovation a little more sustainable and eco-friendly by using wood as part of your design, especially reclaimed or recycled timber. But you might overlook plastics. Plastics are causing harm to the planet. There’s no doubt about that. This makes a case for using materials such as perspex. Perspex is recycled, durable and can be polished as shiny as glass. So a polished and clear perspex sheet makes for a great glass alternative as an attractive kitchen or bathroom splashboard.
Oak, timber and pine are particularly sustainable kinds of wood. Sustainable wood means wood that has come from sustainably farmed forests. Deforestation of the Amazon and illegal logging is a significant concern for the future of sustainability. Fortunately, several of the most common types of wood for kitchen materials are ethically sourced and a majority of stores will have these available. The best way to be sure is to look for official certification provided by the FSC.
Selecting wood as the primary material in your kitchen will inevitably give it a timeless look. Depending on which type of wood you go for, the appearance of your kitchen can take on a vintage look or a more modern feel.
You may decide to use different types of wood for different parts of the kitchen. Oak is an excellent choice for surface tops due to its water resistance. Oak is a weighty material and is easily cut into large structures. For achieving more intricate levels of detail such as with cabinets, walnut is a great alternative as it is particularly straightforward to carve.
Wood is also diverse and flexible in terms of its usage. While it is not as durable as perhaps granite, it is still a very resistant material. There are options to effectively maintain the quality of wood, too, such as refinishing. You can learn how to do this yourself, or get a professional in to help out. Options such as these make wood a cost-effective material as there is no need to replace it, even after a long time.
As wood is an abundant material, fixing it is no hassle, and it is undoubtedly one of the least complicated materials to tamper with.
Its low maintenance and classically beautiful appearance make it one of the best materials to use for renovating your kitchen. Wood kitchens have an inviting and warm feel to them, one that truly never goes out of style.
Stainless steel may not sound like the most aesthetic option. But in reality, its stylish and contemporary look is very much in fashion.
Like granite, stainless steel is extremely durable. This is why stainless steel is the standard choice for professional kitchens. So, if you’re a budding chef, maybe this is the option for you! Stainless steel is particularly resistant to corrosion, meaning any chemicals that end up on the surface tops are no match for it.
Stainless steel is also known for being able to sustain high temperatures due to its high chromium content. This is why it is used in high-temperature appliances such as cookers and grills.
The downside is that it isn’t as aesthetically versatile as other materials. Typically coming in silver colour, it is possible to add colour on top, but this is a lengthy process. Stainless steel can also be prone to showing smudges, but this is nothing a little olive oil and a good microfiber cloth can’t fix.
Stainless steel is also 100% recyclable, meaning once it reaches the end of its lifecycle in your kitchen, its journey is still not over! Stainless steel is used for a vast number of uses worldwide, so is repurposed with ease.
It all comes down to your personal taste. Each kitchen material differs in terms of maintenance, but a majority of the time, whatever material you select will transform your kitchen and have excellent durability.
Disclosure: This is a featured post.