There are plenty of variables to keep in mind when hunting for a new countertop. When you start the process of choosing what material you want to use, the decisions can get tough.
Many people are drawn to materials like granite, quartz, and marble—they are three of our most popular countertop materials. When consulting with our clients and helping them make choices, we always keep in mind the lifestyle that they lead and what kind of countertop would work best in their home.
The routines and habits of a single man compared to a family of six look nothing alike, so their countertops probably won’t be alike, either. When you have children, there are a lot of factors that you need to take into account when searching for countertop material. It can be hard to know which one is right.
Granite is the top choice for many people because of its elegance. It has a luxurious feel to it, and it will never go out of style. What many don’t know about granite is that it’s pretty much indestructible and extremely easy to clean. Those last two descriptors make granite very handy for big families with young kids.
This article is here to explain why, if you have kids, granite countertops are the way to go.
It’s Durable.
Being that it’s a natural stone, granite is very strong. It doesn’t dent or scratch easily as other countertop materials do, and it stays solid through years of usage. It doesn’t have to be treated with “kid gloves” (pun intended), and it can be handled a little rougher than your average countertop. Even if your counter does retain a few scratches, there are styles of granite that will keep these marks from being obvious, like all black styles or styles that have different colors that allow scratches to blend in.
Children—especially toddlers and preschool-age kids—are not known for their care and gentleness towards household materials, and with granite, that’s okay.
It’s Stain Resistant.
If you have children, you know how common stains are, no matter what area of the house that you’re in. While we can’t help you with the grape juice on the couch, we can assure you that sauce, markers, candy, or whatever else your kids might spill or smear won’t negatively affect your granite countertop. (It also helps if the stain is cleaned up decently quickly after it occurs, but that’s the case with spillage everywhere.)
Stains can be easily removed without leaving permanent damage behind as long as your granite countertop is properly sealed.
With children come stains. That’s just an inevitable fact. But when the stains occur on granite, they don’t have to stick.
It’s Heat Resistant.
Though your children are probably not handling hot things yet, there’s nothing wrong with looking toward the future. A busy teenager setting a flatiron down on the bathroom counter is definitely not unheard of—but with granite, there will be no lasting damage. (Though we don’t recommend making a habit of leaving hair styling appliances left on, it’s bound to slip the mind once in a while. Granite gives you the space for a little forgetfulness.)
When granite comes into direct contact with hot cookware or appliances, it won’t sustain any damage. Though this might not relate directly to small children, it’s definitely helpful for you when you’re trying to feed a cranky, hungry gaggle of kids at the end of the day. You can set that hot pan down anywhere.
It’s Resistant to Bacteria.
Kids encounter enough germs while at school, on the playground, or in the doctor’s office. The last place they need to come in contact with even more germs is at home in the kitchen or the bathroom. The countertop should be a safe space—not a harborer of nasty germs and bacteria. Kids are great germ carriers. Granite is not.
Though granite is a porous substance, proper sealant prevents it from soaking up any germs and bacteria. When you’re cooking, the last thing you should be worrying about is if your countertop is going to contaminate your food.
Counters are one of the highest touch-points in a home. The more germ-resistant they are, the healthier your family will stay.
It’s Stylish.
The last thing that you want is to suddenly feel distasteful of your countertops or feel that the reason you bought them isn’t important anymore. With granite, love is forever. It’s a timeless and classic stone.
Granite countertops have been around for years, and they’re not going anywhere anytime soon. Though they might be convenient and helpful right now, if you’re a family with young children, they won’t lose their handiness once your children are older.
They’re long lasting, which means they’ll retain their beauty and continue to serve you long after your birds have left the nest.