In this day and age, countertop materials are more than you can count on your fingers. Every day, you discover a new material that is better than the last. If you’re interested in engineered stone countertop surfaces like quartz kitchen countertops, then you should also know about composite worktops.
What Are Composite Countertops?
Composite is a material that is made by combining different materials with resin and dye to make a rock-solid slab with amazing properties. It is a recycled material that is made by combining pulverized rocks like quartz, broken glass, and other materials and then they are bound together by resin, which is a clear liquid but dries to a rock-hard finish. As for colors, those are pretty much endless.
A good thing about man-made countertop materials is that the color is in your hands. You can get the countertop dyed in any color you want. These are just some of the things that make man-made materials amazing, aside from their strength.
Composite is a material that can be made with leftover scraps, and the result is a material that is not only hard but durable and sustainable as well. This is why composite is an amazing material when it comes to sustainability and recycling because there is no wastage and everything is used to make a material that will last for a long time in the kitchen.
So, if that’s what you’re looking for in a kitchen countertop material, then composite is going to be a great choice.
Are Composite Countertops Durable?
Composite countertops are made out of everything pulverized, but that doesn’t mean that their strength is non-existent. This material is one of the strongest man-made materials out there. Here are some of the things it is resistant to.
No Scratches
Composite is a very hard material so you can use sharp knives and pointy things on the surface easily. They won’t leave any scratches and they won’t ruin the look of the countertops.
Durability is one of the key qualities of composite and this is why it is a wonderful material if you want to go for something that will last long and won’t be a burden on your budget.
No Cracks
Another great thing about composite is that it doesn’t crack easily. You know how some materials can crack, especially from the edges when you bump into them too much. Well, not composite. It is a very strong material, thanks to the combined qualities of the pulverized rocks and stones in it, which makes it super resistant to cracks.
So, you won’t be seeing any hairline cracks or fissures anytime soon and it will look brand new even after a lot of time has passed.
No Stains
Composite is also amazing when it comes to stains. Since it is a material made with resin, you don’t need to seal these bad boys. They can stop water from seeping into the material and causing stains to make their appearance.
Still, it is better if you clean up any spills before things get too watery because you want the countertops to remain in pristine condition. But not sealing these countertops is a wonderful thing and one less task on the maintenance list.
UV Resistant
Another quality of composite is the fact that it is naturally UV resistant. UV rays are very harmful rays that can not only discolor your skin, but they can also lead to a host of other issues like premature aging. But this is the skin you’re talking about.
What do UV rays have to do with composite countertops? Well, UV rays can also cause premature damage to the countertops and there are just a handful of materials out there that can resist UV rays naturally. Well, composite is one of them, making it an amazing countertop option for outdoor kitchens as well.
Potential Downsides Of Composite Countertops
Even though composite countertops mostly have qualities upon qualities, that still doesn’t mean that it is the best out there.
Variable Price
The price of the material can be variable, depending on where you are. Even though composite is generally considered to be a reasonable material, it is not always the case and retailers can charge whatever their hearts desire, so there’s a huge variation in the price point. If you need a countertop material that is not expensive yet durable, install concrete countertops.
Discoloration
Composite does tend to darken and discolor over time. Even though composite countertops are designed to be UV resistant, too much exposure to the sun and usage of harsh chemicals can make the material lose its stark brightness and things can take a murky turn making the material look old and very splotchy.
But this can happen to any material whether you have quartz, composite, or granite countertops Potomac. To avoid discoloration, you need to take care of the surface.
Harsh Chemicals Damage The Surface
Speaking of harsh chemicals, if you want to ruin your perfectly good composite countertops with your own hands, then you can use the harshest of chemicals on the surface. Bleach, acids, and very abrasive chemicals are not for composite worktops and they will disintegrate over time, leading to small and big holes on the surface, very brittle integrity, and just overall disaster in the long run.
Maintaining Composite Countertops
Maintenance is one of the things that people dread the most about kitchen countertop materials. Look at granite, marble, or other natural stones for instance. They’re very popular, no less beautiful than other materials, and they’re also long-lasting. But since they’re natural rocks and stones, they need a lot of maintenance.
Well, composite is one of those materials that will wow you with its low maintenance. You don’t need to spend a lot on specialty cleaners, they don’t need to go through extensive maintenance processes to look good and they’re just overall a breeze to work with.
So, here are some things you can do to clean and maintain composite countertops.
General Cleaning
You can use a simple soap and water solution to clean the surface of the countertops every single day. This is a simple and inexpensive way to get your countertops looking amazing and spotless without spending a lot of money on those store-bought cleaners that don’t get the job done.
For tougher spills or even food crumbs that have dried up, you can use a toothbrush loaded with baking soda and lemon. Rub the toothbrush back and forth on the residue and it will be gone in no time.
Use Cutting Boards
Even though composite is a wonderful heat-resistant material and you don’t need anything to protect it from the high temperature of pots and pans, if you are still apprehensive, then you can use a cutting board to keep things sanitary and clean.
This is not just for dealing with hot foods, but you can also use it to cut meats, fruits, and veggies as well. Everything will accumulate on the cutting board and your countertops will be clean even after a long day of cooking, which is amazing. This will save you a lot of cleaning time in the kitchen.
Conclusion
Composite countertops are relatively new but they are getting popular because of their multiple qualities. So, if you want to get your hands on a new material, then composite is worth a try. You can consult a quartz countertop dealer Rockville to choose from various engineered stones.
