New countertops are one of the most common updates in a new home. It is almost guaranteed that the new homeowner will dislike the previous owner’s counters. Maybe they are in poor condition, look outdated, just not your style, or are impractical for your family. You want to get rid of them, but wonder what are the best kitchen countertops for families? If this is the case, then keep reading.
Families and Kitchen Countertops
Let’s be honest. Families are rough on a house. Not intentionally or maliciously. But, boy are they rough. From the I-only-left-him-alone-for-5-minutes toddler, to the gawky tween that seems to break everything they touch, to the door slamming, “You’ve ruined my life” teen, the family home really takes a beating.
The heart of the family home is the kitchen. So, the kitchen counters better be able to stand up to all the use and unintended abuse of the family. This is not the place for the beautiful, yet fragile, statement countertop.
Additionally, families are busy. Often too busy to spend time keeping counters spotless or to do the required maintenance of sealing. The actual sealing of the counters doesn’t take that much time. But, again, let’s be honest. Very few homes look like the perfect images we see of clutter-free and spotless kitchens. By the time the counters are decluttered, and have had a good cleaning, time’s up. You’re ready to relax, are busy putting out some family fire, or realize you’re five minutes late for the next thing.
The Best Kitchen Countertops for Families
Families need countertops that are practical, durable, and low maintenance. The best kitchen countertops for families meets those needs, and are still beautiful. They don’t sacrifice looks for durability. These three countertop materials are a great choice for the family kitchen.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz, also called engineered stone, is perfect for families. It is heat, scratch, and stain resistant, and does not etch. (Some of the lighter colored quartz countertops may stain, so be sure to research your choices.)  It’s easy to maintain and does not require sealing. With care, such as using trivets and cutting boards, it is practically indestructible. Finally, it does not require any special cleaners, just warm soapy water.
Quartz comes in a wide range of costs, and usually falls on the higher end of the countertop price spectrum. For many, the combination of low maintenance and durability justify the price.
Granite Countertops
For those looking for something more natural, a granite kitchen countertop is the answer. Like quartz, granite is very durable and resistant to heat and scratches. For the most part, it is also stain resistant. However, granite does need to be periodically sealed.
Because granite usually has a speckled appearance, it can be a great choice for families. Sometimes, living with children can feel like living with Charlie Brown’s friend Pigpen. They just seem to generate dirt and crumbs without doing anything. Those speckles in the granite do a great job of hiding all the little crumbs that seem to always be on a counter.
Granite also comes in a pretty wide range of prices. Depending on the grade, granite can be a great economical countertop choice for the kitchen.
